11/28 - It's only, Rock - N - Roll

DON'T YOU WANNA CATCH BIG TROUT?

JEFF WOOD AND HIS DAD AND UNCLE WORE THEM OUT TODAY.

JEFF HAD BACK TO BACK GATOR TROUT 6 & 7 POUNDS!

(yes....back to back catches)

IT WAS ROCK-N-ROLL (aka: rough as a cobb) FISHING, ONLY FOR THE TOUGH.

BUT WORTH IT. NO FEAR, CAPT DAVES'S "JETTY DESIGNED" BOAT, CAN HANDLE IT, IF YOU CAN.

THIS IS HALF OF WHAT THEY CAUGHT, THE REST WERE RELEASED.

BESIDES THE TROUT THEY ALSO HAD A FLOUNDER AND BLACK DRUM.

FISHING WITH THE "FLOAT FREAK" , CAN HAVE YOU CATCHING TROUT JUST LIKE THIS, TOO.

11/26 - Redemption or revenge?

I was out on Monday and had plans to find and connect with a big Speckled Trout. We'll I only caught two Specks all day, so my plan was a bust.

It really sucked. I didn't want Yellowmouths, but caught 3 of them. Didn't want a Sheepshead, but caught two of them. I did want a nice cooker size Black Drum...and on my first cast at the spot where I shouted to a friend next to me, "I'm gonna get a Black Drum here". I did!!

As soon as my bait hit the bottom. And it was monster at, 13 inches. Then, every Black Drum after that looked very much like a Croaker. So I picked up and moved on.

You can get the drift of how my day went.....

And for some reason, only a magic 8-ball might be able to answer why the Specks were absent along the jetties.....yeah absent, after my slaughter just days before. That's the wonderful thing about them Specks. Their like woman, their sensitive, soft, and if you find a group of good looking ones willing to play, you're one happy man! They're pure predators. Not grazers, or nose down root-around'ers looking for just anything to eat. And because the really "good looking ones" in the 24 plus inch range are not always easy to find or catch. That is what keeps me in high pursuit all year long.

You also know it's really winter time when while bouncing the jetty rocks, when you start catching these....

It's a HAKE.
And I only catch them in deep winter.
I've read that they are edible..."yeah and so is a Ladyfish!"

So with a forecast like today's, and again no one willing to go when the weather's perfect. I took off about 11am myself.

Yes, it was just another glorious winter day. Bright blue skies, brisk air, with hardly a breeze. And a good tide.

Day's like today are all I can think about in mid-July as I'm watching John & Joan Doe from Minnesota sweat while just breathing. And slathering on the goopy sun screen on to their day glow legs.

I started off on a spot I figured would be ass to elbows full of Trout. Because of all the tiny ribbonfish that were dancing across the surface, as the birds chased them. But I only caught two.

I may have been a bit early on the tide. So off I went, in search of happier hunting grounds.

If I was a really clever potential charter customer. I'd book the day before most big time Holidays. Every ones either busy or stuck at that "work party", where inevitably the punch bowl gets heavily spiked, the fudge is too sweet and by the time you get home, the couch ends up being where you spend the rest of the day.

That right there is a pearl folks....If only someone would ever ask me, "when is the best time to go fishing, during the Holidays?"

My next locale was a absolute no brainer, for me. I pulled up and commenced to whackin them.

Specks to 21", Sheepshead to 5 pounds, monster-sized Croakers 15 inches, until I remembered I only brought 5 dozen shrimp. And still had a few other spots to scope out before, the BIG WEEKEND HOLIDAY trips.

So I actually left them chewin'.

















I headed east naturally...had to see if those jetty Trout still had "lock-jaw". It was beautiful out there.

It's getting close to that time of year I'll actually venture out offshore to do my annual Seabassin' trip. I only need some December fog, to make that trip complete. Light Tackle Seabassin'. It's not anything fancy. A bag of "cuttlefish" and a few Trout rods. No plans on any Grouper or Snapper.....legal ones, I mean. I'll low ball it, and then I'll never be disappointed, is my theory.

If I go for Seabass, and catch a legal Grouper or Snapper, it's gravy on top of my biscuit!

I remember, not all that long ago when Seabass was one of those no limit fish. I'd grab my ole buddy Joe Caramelli aka: "Brooklyn Joe", (rest his soul) and we'd fill my 186 qt. SSI cooler. Then spend the next day ass deep in a Seabass filleting project, and oh the fish fry we'd have. I guess it's the same thing people do with that 15 Sheepshead limit..."spend hours on top of hours the next day cleaning all of them." These days I'm glad for a 10 per person at 12" limit on Seabass. Maybe this year they'll be alot bigger fish?

The falling tide was about over at the jetties. But I worked a small area and found them Specks willing and able until the tide turned and then I headed in to clean my limit of (5).

I timed this photo. Waiting till that Crowley barge was right behind me. I like to show my friends on aluminum
alloy boats.com , pics like this one.

It's a METAL thing....

11/24 - This BS, just kills me....

Ever see this banner on a charter guides web site?

Well, it really makes me chuckle...
It's part of the marketing genius of
some elitist out there. I'm sure.

I once came up with a certified
Bait-casting instructor....But now
after some thought
an all inclusive certification
would be FFF- certified
instructor of the...

FLOAT FREAK FEDERATION.

Yeah, that's it....the FFF .

Man, I've met alot of FFF members. And they just don't range from Daytona to S. Carolina, where float-rig fishing maybe popular. But rather the Pacific Northwest too. I believe they are the "original Float Freaks".

Here's a PACWEST web site, all about it: http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/resourcecenter/floatfishing.htm

So my next venture is to come up with a FFF banner & certificate of my own. Possible "Float Freaks Federation" members are all over, just like fly flingers.....But do we have the hype, the elitist attitude, does Orvis sell float-rig tackle. I don't think so.

Maybe we need our own corporate support? It's all about $$ isn't it? Marketing, maybe even classes to get certified, of course. And a charter with me as your first ever FFF certified instructor could get you started.

Add in using bait casting tackle (NO SPINNERS ALLOWED) of course. Isn't a bait casting reel harder to learn then a spool that holds really fat line? Casting backlash free float-rigs, is probably (I think so) harder to teach and learn than making a cast with a fly rod. I could be biased, just maybe.....

I'm no Fly Fishing federation guy, but have done my fair share of it in my younger days, but I choose to not use it, anymore.

Float-rig fishing has many of the same attributes as Fly fishing. Accurate drifting, mending the line, presentation, specialty tackle, rods, reels, line, hooks. But usually we let momma nature provide us with the bait, being a sprightly live shrimp. It's called matching the hatch!!

There's probably some people who just can't fly fish. They're all thumbs. Guess what? The same is true for Float-rig fishing....these people will never be "certified" FFF members, I'm sure. But like fly fishing, they're brave enough to give it a shot, at least.


THESE ARE NOT CERTIFIED FLOATS.
And the use of this type of float is not
FLOAT-RIG fishing...1st Rule!


As a fishing guide, who really gets excited about Float-rig fishing. Especially this time of year. I can tell you, the instruction part is the key part of the whole equation. The youngest that has succeeded big time on my boat has been 5 years old! This lil' boy caught his own 30" Redfish. All by himself! And Flounder. Can a 5 year old fly fish??

I like to think he had a great instructor. But he also had "natural talent". But then again, I've had no natural talent folks in front of me too. That's when I earn my FFF certification banner. Because I have patience...to a point, of course.

I chuckle at all the BS that surrounds the fly guys. I only wish someone started the Float Freak Federation 50 years ago. We might have a larger following today....or at least more certifications, classes, instructors, specialty tackle shops, artists, guru's, and corporate support.

Can ya imagine....Capt Dave's "FFF" approved "pro" tackle shop on Beach Blvd. called the......

"The Waterlogged Cork"

For you last minute folks........

MONDAY:
NORTHWEST WINDS 5 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTHWEST 10 KNOTS INTHE AFTERNOON. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.

MONDAY NIGHT:
WEST WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP. ISOLATED SHOWERS.

TUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT:
NORTHWEST WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO3 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.

WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS.SEAS 2 FEET. INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.

THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT:
NORTHWEST WINDS 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2FEET OR LESS. INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.

MONDAY I'LL BE GOING....WITH OR WITHOUT YOU.
ALWAYS CONSULT ME, WHEN ITS THE BEST DAYS TO GO.

11/21 - No takers.....

I recently sent out an announcement to all who are signed up for my rates schedule that I would be giving a discount for bookings of (2) passenger trips for Thanksgiving week, if reserved before the 21st......and there was no takers.

Sign of the times I guess....I suppose no one wanted to save $$. Huh?

As far as next week. As of right now, the best weather date looks to be Monday the 24th.

Just letting ya'll know.

MONDAY: SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. INLAND WATERS MOSTLY SMOOTH.

Monday looks to be the day that is the "stall" in between a change of wind direction.

Most of the time, that's what happens. Just before a change in wind direction, the wind will lay down for a day.

Because here's Tuesday November 25th......(predicted)

TUESDAY: NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.

South westerly winds under 15 knots sure does make for some good conditions on some of my favorite spots.

Scott Lovin, caught this 7 pound "Speck" on a light S. Westerly day in January.

DAMN, that was one Pretty Fish!

11/20 - All ya want and lots to spare...

Hit it solo today, and on my first spot (Kirk's rock) it was all ya wanted. In about 15 drifts of my float I had 12 Trout. It was ridicules. I actually left and only kept the 4 largest, (18-19 inchers).
I was on a hunt for a really BIG Trout.

Went to take a few photo's and the camera batteries were dead.....again. I just bought new rechargeable, charged them, and still the camera wouldn't work. It maybe my charger.

So you will have to take my word for it.

The theme for the day was....."IF YOU WANT SUPER NICE SIZED SPECKLED TROUT, AND LOTS OF THEM. RIGHT NOW IS THE THE TIME TO GO."

Every where I went, I caught beautiful Trout. So many that again, I would move because I was looking for the super stud.

It was cold this morning that's for sure, and the west wind could have been about 5 knots less for my liking. But still a glorious day.

My last try was absolutely insane. About every other drift I had either a Speck between 16-20" or the same size Yellowmouth Trout.

I did catch one 7 pound Sheepshead also.

I really do not know what John Q. Public is actually thinking. Is "JQP" for short, really that devastated by the economy or what? Because every weekend that it's nice, you'd never know it by the looks of the Mayport boat ramp.

Is "JPQ" gonna loose his J-O-B if he goes fishing on a weekday? Or is this town just so out of it....
"It", meaning the fishing loop.

RIGHT NOW, IS THE BEST INSHORE FISHING THIS AREA HAS TO OFFER!

Get it while it's good, is what I say.
Because if a Nuke carrier comes to Mayport, if 2-1000 foot Cruise ships come to Mayport, and if they dredge the river again from the jetties westward, and what's this I hear about re-routing the Intracoastal waterway and remove the Little Jetties? All I can say is this river and our fish, and "us" fisherman will be the ones that suffer. Yeah....it's "Our River" alright...Haha.

A Navy carrier brings huge traffic, cruise ships bring traffic, let alone pollution, dredging brings more current, something we don't need anymore of and more habitat destruction.

You'll be able to find me going "elsewhere"...I'm just a good push away from it anyhow.

Finished up the day with approx. 40 to 50 Trout, and one 7# Sheepshead, BY MYSELF!!!

Good gawd, what a great day.

I swear my new float-rig designed, Biscayne rod has serious MOJO.

11/19 - Newbies on da CORK........

Newbies on the "cork"....but at least they know the deal.
VIDEO LINK:
http://www.lasmag.com/media/details_flash.php?id=79
Louisiana -Anglers Know the Secret too.....
Although they do many things different, it's all the same
technique.

BUT, that's my kinda fishing.
Tie off, bang the structure, hard!!

Here, you'll need heavier weight, better corks, lighter leader, and use
Bait casting reels, No spinners...

Reserve your day with me, and you'll
learn the well refined system, I have come up with.

As Eric in the video says, "no tide no fish".
And they don't even know what "tide" or current, really is.
What did he say...?
They had over a foot and a half of tide?
Here, we need 4 foot of tide, for a good current, for our fish.



ALL
FISH,
ALL
THE
TIME,
ON
THE
"CORK".

Specks,
Spots,
& Dots.

What else matters?

Here's a SLAM, I caught on a sliding poppin cork like they were using. In 2-3 feet of water.

11/17 - You could have been here....If you called.

ABSOLUTELY THE MOST PERECT FALL DAY! Rob Harvey the D.O.A. Masta' and myself fished one spot all day long. (noon till 5pm)

WE WERE SEEING RED! Redfish that is.... don't call me in July and think you'll get action like this.

Approx.

*30-Redfish 18 to 32"

*5-6 big fat Speckled Trout 19"-22"

*2-Sheepshead 3-5 pounds

*4-Yellowmouth Trout

*10- really cooler worthy Mangrove Snappers 12" to 15",

* 1- one Dog Snapper.

Not only the weather.....But the fishing was perfect, until we ran out of bait.
But we just kept catching and switched to, D.O.A. Shrimp & 52MR MirrOlures.
and these photos ain't half of the action we had!






















































































































































































Don't you think it's time to call the Jettywolf?

From 11/11 - out trying my new stuff

RKA Nick (stands for Rathkeltair, Nick's band) and I, out fishing in 20 plus knot east winds. see report: http://captdaves.blogspot.com/2008/11/1111-veterans-day-special.html
I promised some video. So here it is.

11/13 - Kawabunga......FISH!

I hope the 'surfer dudes' on the beach were loving today. Because with it being the full moon, and on top of astronomically strong tides the residual seas from all the wind on Tuesday and Wednesday made for some sportiness at the inlet today.

This one of the "smaller" rollers that crashed the rocks.


But, I can take it. I actually like it.

I could do without the snails pace it took to get out the jetties. Or just go airborne.

Inside the jetty rocks, it was pure mayhem. Monster rollers in the current made for folding white water from just past the Navy base all the way to the tips of the rocks.

Let's put it this way....I tried to anchor inside the North Jetty, all the way up near Huguenot Park. And the current was so bad that I could not get my 14 pound fluke anchor, and 8' of 3/8's chain to grab anything. And when it did for a nano-second the swell ripped it out. I'm also sure as soon as it dug just a little bit, the sand washed away and made it just drag across the bottom again. Being as hard headed as a Catfish, I literally tried to anchor in that area 8 times, before giving up to Mother Natures wrath.

But fear not......I did prevail. Of course, I was alone. No one wants to go out on a sunny warm day in November that's 80 degrees. The warmth and sun, couldn't even tempt RKA-Nick out'a bed early after his late night Wednesday "drumming" gig at Lynch's Irish Pub.

Since the anchor wouldn't hold in 10 feet of water, I tried 4 feet of water along Huguenot Park's portion of the jetty, and low and behold I caught my first Speck of the day. And believe it or not, the anchor pulled and I hauled ass backwards, once again.


I had big plans.

I wanted to really test out my
new
Biscayne
float rig rod
on a hefty fish.

I did well on the small fish from Tuesday's trip in the gale winds, but as RKA-Nick said, "Let's see how it handles a big fish!"

So that was my plan, today.

I ended up making a move since there was no anchoring here. So I went to deeper water, choppier water, and at certain points of the day I bet I could have made about any Land Lover sea-sick.

I pitched and rolled behind the monster breakers as they hit the jetty rocks. 4' Swells turned into 10 footers as they met the shallow jetty tip. And all the way down the rocks, inside and out it was a "soup sandwich".

"Florida Snow".......the white foam that is generated was a foot thick covering the surface around my boat. But I love it! It's the reason I had the BIG METAL boat built. To be a super jetty boat.

On my first cast to the rocks I had a decent Yellowmouth Trout. My second cast I had a perfect 27" Redbass............"Yes, a great test fish for the new Biscayne rod....wish Nick was here to see that perfect Parabolic bend." No way can I pull a hook with this rod, it has the perfect "give".

Third cast was a Mangrove Snapper!

Damn, I was hoping them damn fish would be shagged outa here by now. I guess Global Warming has the Tarpon and Mangroves hanging around a bit longer each year.

James at B&M caught a 25" Snook this week.
He'll show ya the photo on his camera, and ya don't even have to ask him.

But I asked him, to ask those Snook, "are you hanging in brackish water only?"

To this day, I have never caught a Snook.

I've even fished Stuart, Florida on a charter....but of course it was February and our guide said, it was too cold to catch one. I've stood on the docks of our hotel inside Ft. Pierce inlet when there Sail Fishing and watched 25 pound Snook swim by. I've fished at night also and still never caught one! I don't care if it's a 12" Snook, it'll still be a Snook. The other fish I have never caught is a Wahoo.

I have friends that can catch'em. But I never get an invite...Guides don't get invites. Everyone thinks we'll sit on their spot with charters everyday. Not me, unless the Snook and Wahoo live at the jetties!!

I continued fishing. And caught some seriously hefty Yellowmouth Trout, which went in the box.
And to get my 4 -limit, didn't take long at all. So I concentrated on working for some Specks. And I found them. Away from the Yellowmouths, thank goodness. I put a few 16-17 inchers in the box when I hung into another Redbass.

I tried to get a photo of the bend in the rod for Eddie Carmen of Biscayne rods, so I could email him a few photos. But doing all this "solo" while having a fish hooked up, was tough.

















Well Nick, the rod put a whoopin on both of these Reds...But I have not completed the test.
It has such good MOJO, I wondered if I could find me some real big Trout.

So I made another move.

First cast, a nice keeper again, at 16". And as fast I could get back into the same spot, I hooked another. (You ALWAYS want to get a second bait in the exact spot FAST, after catching a decent Trout. Because 90% of the time, it has a partner.)

And man, what a partner it was!! Two Specks in two casts at the exact same spot.

A super spunky, 23 incher!

And I mean Spunky! I thought it was a Redbass.
Pulling drag and running me up and down the side of the boat.

Then, from out of no where here came the Yellowmouths again. So I kept casting away from them, and hooked a pupper Redbass about 18".

And that was it. I had my Redbass at 27". My limit of yellowmouths, my limit of Specks.

Time to head on in.
It was a great day.

I can honestly say, "I do not know how I fished all this time using a towel to grab fish." After having my Jus' Grab It Glove, life is so clean, less slimey, and easy. The funny thing about the product is, you don't know how good it works till you have one on your side all day long while fishing.....I mean catching. If ya don't catch, then it's worthless. That's for sure. http://www.jusgrabitglove.com/

RESERVE NOW for Thanksgiving week!

11/11 - VETERANS DAY SPECIAL

Yeah....like someone took advantage of that. In this City? Full of Military, are ya joking?
Nope, not one single call or inquiry for a DEEPLY DISCOUNTED Veterans day charter special.

And I even posted it on the Florida forum of Take a soldier fishing.com

Oh well, it's their loss. Because even though it was one crappy ass day. RKA-Nick and I went out anyhow.

I just had to try out my new (patent pending) "Jus' Grab It Glove"
(http://www.justgrabitglove.com/)
and it's one of the most useful item on my boat. Yeah everyone, (even Nick at first) scoffs......

But let me tell ya', that there is nothing like having clean hands, warm hands, and a set of pliers right there to take the fish off the hook. No more fussing around.

I absolutely love this product. So much RKA-Nick and I did our own little infomercial on the boat yesterday. I'll of course post it here, when it's all uploaded and done.

We left out at noon. The tide was dead low. The winds were EAST at 20 knots plus, and probably gusting even more.

But then again what does a guy with a brand new rod, that took a year or so to find, design, and have built gonna do? Sit home like a complete dope, and cricket fish in the yard?

Hell no. There ain't no wind that's gonna scare me off the water, especially when I have a brand new Capt. Dave Designed "BISCAYNE" Float Riggers rod, to try out.
(http://www.biscaynerod.com/)

It worked so well, of all the fish caught, I caught every single one, EXCEPT for one.
I told Nick......"Man, this rod here, has MOJO!!!"

No we didn't burn down the house. But we caught some whopper Croakers, yellowmouth trout, and some small anorexic Specks, while spinning around on anchor in the gusting wind and bizarro tide.

I do not know if you're as specific as I am or as anal as I am about tackle.....(ya'll don't tell me much) But I will tell ya......

THIS ROD I HAD BISCAYNE BUILD, IS THE MOST PERFECT FLOAT-RIG FISHING ROD I HAVE EVER USED.

-and just moments ago, Eddie Carmen from Biscayne Rod called me and said, "Hey Dave, did I nail it?" I told him, "buddy you nailed it so good it's unbelievable!!"

And that's what I want from my rod builder, "follow-up!"

I was pitching and lobbin' my float all over and set the hook on fish from 100 feet away.
I worked as hard as I could for a big Redbass to test it on, but it was so hard fishing in the first place. I was happy with what I caught. Had 20 nice fillets for supper, afterwards.

As I said a video is, forth coming.

Two things that have completely made my month already:













Capt Dave's Biscayne Float-rig Rod



Now, ya'll need to reserve twice the charters than you do, or refer. So I can eventually have all my customers using this rod for their daily float-rig fishing trips, with me.

I'm counting on you.

11/10 - NEWEST SPONSOR

http://www.jusgrabitglove.com/

I'm so excited about this product, because it is so useful it's unbelievable!
In my line of work, taking fish off hooks all day, especially them slimey T-routz.

There's nothing like "NOT" having to constantly be reaching for some grimey towel, or having that grimey towel blow out of the boat. Protection for your hands, as well.

You have no idea, how nice the Jus' Grab It Glove works until you wear one all day.

It's a JOY! And it's called the, Jus' Grab It Glove.
















This is such an exciting product. A EZ on and OFF glove, and a set of pliers on a retractor right on a belt. No more can your fishing buddy steal your pliers, and set them down where you can't find them quickly.

Every bit Quality made, and light weight.

You'll be seeing me wearing mine every single day.

No more slimy shorts, because if I don't have a towel handy, "that's what my shorts turn into."

If you grab a fish with the your left hand, and use pliers with your right hand, then you'd want a left hand glove, and so the opposite. If you're a big guy, you'll also want the XL glove over the standard size. You want the glove to go on and off your hand easily.

(I use a XL glove, and am right handed, so I hold a fish with my left hand, and use the pliers with my right)

There's nothing manly about having a slimy towel hanging off your belt, or out of your pocket all day. Not in my opinion, that's for sure.

Please visit their web site at: http://www.justgrabitglove.com/ - where you can see a short video of how it works.

And tell'em Capt Dave, the "float-freak" sent ya. Or stop me and ask to see mine.
I'll be glad to show you how easy it works.

If you fish with me, you may even get the chance to wear one of your own.



-------------------------------------------------
Just received the perfect all around Float-Rigging rod!

You may have read in an earlier post here, where I've been on a quest to find a rod that is 8' fiberglass, with EVA grips, and a heavy reel seat. Well, it just arrived!

I was looking for a particular action, a parabolic type bend to be exact. Perfect for a 2 pound Trout or a 10 pound Redbass, while using a 2 oz. float rig. (which is the best all around weight for where I fish)

It was a struggle at first. I tried a few other rods, but they just didn't work for me.

I'm into mixing a bit of "ole school" with "new school technology". And when it comes to me and float-rig fishing, I want a one piece rod. And the flexibility and durability of fiberglass, with it's slow moderate action would fit the bill.

I love my big Red, Shark, and Tarpon rods that Biscayne rods built for me last year, that kicked butt this summer. Matched up to my 870 Twin Drag Accurate Reels. So I contacted Eddie Carmen, the owner. He said he could build that rod. So again, I gambled and said go ahead and make me one. After a long discussion about blanks/actions, grips/length, eyes, and what I would use them for.

I cannot tell you how happy I am with the rod. And have plans on having more built as time goes on. But just wanted to let ya'll know....an 8 foot, one piece fiberglass rod with EVA grips, trigger real seat and a soft moderate action does exist. I was almost sceptical for awhile....

Biscayne Rods, in Hialeah, Florida is now my Float-rig rod company.
There's also a link on the side bar of this blog for them. I hope you give them a visit.

My rod is their Plug casting KC fiberglass 8 footer (they'll know it as Capt Dave's Trout rod)
It's a "retro" looking rod, reflecting back to when the traditions of Jacksonville's Trout fishing were stronger than ever.
http://www.biscaynerod.com/

If you'd like to know more about this rod and why. Don't hesitate to e-mail me at:
charter@captdaves.com or call 904-642-9546 (eastern time)

11/9 - Testing, one mo' time!

Had good ole Don M. aboard again. After a re-schedule from last weekends wind fest, when he wanted to get his sister who was visiting out on the river. Today he brought Will with him, his girlfriends brother. Will was a an alternate victim....a genuine first timer.

Who probably said to himself, "self, this is like no fishing I've ever done before." I'm sure.

Nope, we ain't going to park it and just drop a bait over the side, that's for sure. Don, says bottom fishing is boring. He enjoys the challenge of float rig fishing, as I do I.

After today, I'm not sure if Will would agree.

So off me go at 7:30am.

I did my best to get on a spot where Will could learn what we were going to do. Lobbing the float along some structure, letting go, mending the line, reeling and lifting the rod when the float goes down......ya' know, all that stuff we learn over the course of the years. Now jammed into one hours time. Don was pacing the deck as I got Will started fishing.

We caught a few small trout. But in no way were we "burning down the house".

I kept hunting for the easiest place for Will to catch some fish. Because instead of light winds, we had some hard west winds that made for some challenging fishing. We worked area after area. And only had one decent Trout in the cooler, that Don caught.

I kept attempting to drop a line out myself. To possibly help with the number of fish in the cooler, but every time I did, some one needed help. From backlashes to tangled lines like I haven't seen in years, to sinkers stuck in the bottom. At one point, I just started cutting......

Spots that should have produced bites, weren't. And I was starting to get really anxious.

I worked different spots, instead of going to the same ole places. Maybe that was the problem.

But everyone else in Jacksonville was sitting on those same ole places. Some spots were a parking lot at a boat show.

We caught some trout, but they were all small. Will was starting to catch on, but needed maybe another month of fishing days to hone his "thumb".

So I just gave up. I went to one of those areas that I frequent all too much. And low and behold the "corks" were going down, finally. Rather steady. And it wasn't Trout. But huge Croakers.

15 inchers! Fourteen inch Croakers have been the large of the large for me lately, when I have got into them. But these mothers, were Brood Stock size fish.

But for some reason, we had some of the worse tangles I have encountered in years, all while these T-rex sized Croak's were chewing. Which meant we lost some time on them.

ACTION. It's all I wanted. And I wanted Will to get the hang of this, while catching fish.

We were in the think of these fish, and the large ones were taking float-rigged live shrimp way better than a dead shrimp on the bottom, because that's what I was fishing.
I only caught smaller Croak's.

It was small Redbass revenge at it's finest. That's what I call it when you're catching monster Croakers on a Float-rig.

They're just like small Reds, but you can't keep the smaller Reds, but you can fill the box full of Croak's. IE: Redbass Revenge!

Will even caught his fare share for a few moments. And then came a few more tangled lines, and like a light switch the current quit and so did the big Croaker bite.

Would I have rather had Reds or Trout, yes of course. But at this point in the day I was happy to get a box of these fish.

So we moved on after the current on this spot quit. And headed back east.

The sustained west wind had stirred up the incoming tide green water into a sandy colored soup on my next spot. The same spot that yesterday yielded some good Trout action.

I wasn't smiling, as I had yesterday as I dropped anchor here. But it was worth a try.

The wind was relentless. And so were the backlashes as it was necessary to lob over to the jetty rocks to get bit. But we caught a few Trout, and one Yellowmouth Trout. With Will catching the largest Trout of the day, a 19 incher.


Guess what rolled up right next to the boat while I was checking the anchor, and pitching a line out myself?

A baby TARPON! Yep, right along the jetty rocks.
65 degree water, must plan on being a resident of N.E. Florida.

But, this isn't the latest I have seen them out there. About 4 years ago, I had 2 guys on the boat and we were fishing along the Navy base. When I had to do a double-take.
I saw two small Tarpon dorsal fins, ya know the thread fin and tips of two tails come up, right down the side of the boat.......Monster Ladyfish, no way! It was January 19th!!!!!

Well, one of the guys had his float go down side ways...and he reeled and set the hook. Out of the water comes flying a 30" Tarpon. He freaked out. Yelling Dave I have one!!
But, ya gotta love those Mini's. That fish did about 3 or 4 back flip jumps in what seemed like 3 seconds. And his light Trout leader popped. But it certainly was one hell of a thrill.

So the next time you're at the jetties, and think that silver scaled flash in the water was just a lost Ladyfish in the winter. Think again!

I think we'd all be amazed right out of our boats, if we could vacate all the water in an instant from the Mayport Boat ramp to the end of the jetties for a weekend. And just walk around and see all we're missing, all the anchors, all the unknown structure, and all the fish, we never knew where there.

That's why I love the place..."now only if we could get rid of those Navy Sea-tractor Tug boats!!"

11/ 8 - Patience testing day.

Saturday started off with Katrina and Damon, that had fished with me before.

But the story really started back on Thursday. When I was out just doing some R&D and the river was mobbed with people. Then, I heard Friday was another mob scene.

And three's a crowd for me, so I wanted nothing to do with the wakes, and "un"peacefulness. So I had a plan to go to Nassau Sound for Whiting. With dreams of big silver Bull Beach Whiting in the cooler by days end.

So in the cold, Katrina, Damon and I made the 18 mile run from the boat ramp up the ICW all the way to the sound. (the ocean is 1/2 the distance, but I had no idea what the conditions would be)

We get 3/4's the way up the ICW and out of the sunny blue skies we go into a dark overcast skies with wind. I go out to some pretty standard areas all the way out the sound to start.

We catch a few 8" anorexic Whiting, one 15 incher, and hook up on something that about spooled Damon. In which I had to pull anchor, and give chase. To only have my small Whiting hook pull after a 10 minute battle.

We hop from spot to spot. Between the sand bars, outside, inside, and then I just plain gave up by 10am. So we stopped by the bridge and float-fished the pilings for a few minutes, without loosing a shrimp.

NASSAU SOUND BITES ME IN THE ASS......ONE MORE TIME!!

I can't begin to tell you how many times this has happened. So much that a friend Capt Randall and I have sort of a saying about it. (And it's not worth repeating)

There was 3 of us up there. And I talked to one fella, he too had a few "micro" Whiting.

So, I make the 18 mile journey all the way back to the St. Johns River, and try and salvage what now has been at least a 1/2 day of ZERO. I only went there, because Saturday's in the "HUB" of the St. Johns is getting to be almost ridicules, and I wanted to try something different.

But nope......ZING, just gallons lost in fuel and hours lost in time.

We get back to the river, and we went from no one around, to boats everywhere. I try a small hidey-hole, and never loose a live shrimp. So eastward we head.

Katrina and Damon are new to the float-rig. Our last trip we bottom fished. So there's a big learning curve. And I have to shorten it as fast as I can. Because we don't have a lot of time.

First decent spot, good current, some decent bites....a few missed fish and lost fish.

Maybe because Katrina had to use the Ladies Room? So we moved on and stop by the boat ramp.

Okay.....I have to do something and fast. So I take them to a spot where they're going to dive head first into the "art" of the float-rig. From a 0 to a 10 in difficulty, this spot is a 9.80!!!!

But in the past has yielded Trout to 9 pounds, and numerous 6's.

On her first drift, Katrina nails a
real nice fish!!

Okay, Targeted Species now in the box!

They catch several small 14-3/4 inch Trout
just the opposite of what I've caught here.

But they have gills, scales and spots. So I'm happy! Then, another keeper. And the current we had just died. And so did all the bites.


Since we were back in blue skies and light winds, and at about our 6 hour mark. I had another plan. Do Not Give Up, especially after the beating I took today in the fuel tank. I will not be beat!

So we went to one more spot. The perfection couldn't have been any better. "Ahhhhh, incoming tide with nice green water." I was so happy to see "clean green water" it was plastering a smile on my face. And here is where we "sort of" made up for the whole day.

Catching some keeper trout, along with border-line keepers, I released. But we had Action!

And as you can see, the water was dead calm too. The wind was light, and the art of float-rig fishing was being learned by all.

A 6 hr. charter turned into a 8-1/2 hour charter, but that didn't matter one bit. And I doubt you'll ever see my boat at Nassau Sound again, unless it's for summer (80 degree water) Tarpon.














We headed in since Damon had a long drive back towards the Tampa area. I cleaned enough fish to fill up a gallon bag full of prime Speck fillets, with one big Whiting.

I want to thank Katrina & Damon, for having patience. My intentions were good, to start off with. And yes, sometimes a day can be like this.


Like sands through the hour glass, these are the days of my life....just not all the time.

11/6 - Can we get back to fishin now?

Can't believe some of the bad attitudes I'm running into after Tuesday's out come....
I say, "get over it". The people have spoken.

But, since November's been suffering a slow down mostly because of winds. My question is; "can we just get back to fishing now?"

So I took advantage of the PERFECT weather on Thursday. And unfortunately in this town it also means, so did everyone else. Unemployment must be high, cause no one was at work.

Which brings me to an observation.

$4.00 a gallon fuel, economic crisis, jobless-ness, business' closing. All this happening in what seems to be a vary short time frame. And absolutely no apparent slow down when it comes to fishing except for Charter Fishing. The ramps packed every weekend. And a Thursday, was a zoo on the river around the "hub".

Four places I went, there was a boat either there already. Or someone just left.
So, if you're a regular "joe" and have a job. I really don't see any so called, slow down.

Jacksonville's breaking ground all over with one strip center and 20 acre shopping centers on every corner. This is one thing, along with car dealers lining the streets, that I was hopeful to see the end of.

Myself, I'd just like to get back to fishing. But again, no one has inquired about the Veterans day 2 passenger trip discount I'm offering...so that must be a "here's yer sign", sign.

The weather could have not been any more perfect on Thursday. The tide's weren't all that great for me, although the falling tide sure did pour for a long time. Low tide Mayport was at 7-7:30am. And at 10am I was still fishing "falling water".

Really wanted to target some big Trout. Target fish was a 5 pound Trout. So I tried a bunch of different places. Which need some further investigation, and did have potential. But the largest of the day was this "almost" 20 incher.

This fish was about 5 inches short of the one I was looking for. And 6 inches longer than most of the trout I caught! Loads of "dinks".

14 inch trout, there was no lack of. And I couldn't find or get into any rally of decent sized fish.
IE: 16 to 20" Trout.

I'm about as sick of hearing;
"So ya getting into the Flounder?" as "are ya getting into the Sheepshead" when January comes.

I don't fish the fads...I stick to what I do, and aim to do it very, very, well. I did hook a flattie that smoked me into a pile of rocks and broke me off. It was probably one of the most classic Flounder bites on a float-rig I've had in a long while. I knew the minute that the Flounder ate my shrimp that I was in trouble. It was big and really strong. And when it took off after I tightened the line, I saw my fate before it happened. The fish went straight for the rock pile.

I did catch my one keeper Redbass on my second drift of my float of the morning. A 24 incher that'll go straight to momma. She likes large baking sized fillets.

But my thought always is;
"what fillets are larger.....?
a 24 inch Red, or a 24" Trout?"
Answer: Always a Trout!

Pinfish are still a problem on the shallow shell bars. If it isn't a Mangrove Snapper, don't worry the Pinfish will take over.

I kept only three Trout that were worthy.
Two Yellowmouth Trout, and caught a few "pup" Reds.

Not a ballistic day while hunting Mr. Gator. Especially having all those people every where. And while doing it on my R&D budget. Because I'm not your average Joe, with a job.




Veterans day discount: for 2 anglers only November 11th. Call or email me to inquire.
Veterans or non-veterans. Just making the offer...because it's a Holiday during the week, rather than a weekend. Weekday fishing, is at least 25% "less crowded" than a weekend.

11/4 - It's about to BLOW!!!!!!

Can't believe I offer a discounted Veterans day trip and no one even asks a question about it.
Guess the WORLD just plain stops when it's election time, huh?
I tell people election years SUCK, and they look at me like I'm nutz. Living in the 9-5 fog surely has some people not knowing what activities effect, small business.

But each year this happens around now to an extent. The fishing is thru the damn roof...and it's:
-either too cold
-too rainy
-too close to Christmas
-too close to Thanksgiving
- it's always too "something" in this town.....Oh remember, some of the best fishing the whole year is when it's really cold. Yeah really cold, and I'm wackin them while you're not.

I could easily deal completely without any of the "holiday season". It's over done, over commercialized, and like national elections just plain over in one day after a giant build up.
Orgasmic, huh?

Winn Dixie just took down the big time holiday of Halloween decor, and in the same day (I witnessed) are slamming us in the face with Christmas crap already!

Like 20 months of Presidential election lies, this is what I'm talking about. But somehow I make it through another year...

By Jan. 1st aren't ya just glad its all over? (we are truely a country of excess)

Oh well, it's been blowing small craft caution or advisories all weekend and week so far.

But there is a rainbow at the end of this weeks wind cycle:

THURSDAY NORTH WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET. INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.

I'll be out with you or without you. And maybe even on Veterans day too.

Thanks for your support, see ya at the dock????? "they say it, why can't I?"

I voted a week ago, so in case it was nice today (which it isn't all that great) I could be ready to fish because I'm sure the river would be nearly ours....and extra vacant.

Oh, the anticipation is killing me...I can't wait to sit in front of the TV all night long, watching more talking heads, till morning. NOT!!!!!!!!