GATORS.....who will catch in 2009?

"Gator" Trout make my world go round....So I sit here wondering what 2009 will bring, and who will catch a "Gator".

So let's define. In today's world, I refer to a "Gator" Speckled Trout as a fish 5 pounds and over. Doesn't seem like a big deal or a big fish..."but do you know how many have been lost at the side of my boat, 5 pounds and larger?" "Or how tough it can be to catch them 5 pounds or better?"

WHY? Because they are a different fish than those 15 inchers. They act different, ya might even say they have an attitude. And ya' better not start yankin and crankin on a big Trout, because that's right when you'll loose her. Immediate identification needs to be made, that it's a large trout, especially if we're sitting there wackin the smaller ones and the next fish is the one we're looking for. Yeah you can pull on those lil' ones all you want, rip their lips, let them shake their heads and "palm beach release" those perfect eaters. But don't do it, when all of a sudden the water erupts and you see a head shaking fish on the surface.

I fished long and hard for my first 10 pound class trout, and only caught her after a catching a 3 pounder first, a 5 pounder second, then she bit!

I look back and the 5 pounders are not all that tough to catch for clients. It's the 6, 7, 8, pound Specks that are tough to come by.

But we've had our fair share. Here's a few that are etched into my mind.

Here's a almost 7 pounder that I caught with Kirk M. right after he said, "Dave cast over there, they're right over there!!" What a difference the weather can make, this fish was caught 1/8/08.

Jan. 8th this year was way different!

The next "Gator" of 2008 that sticks in my mind is this one that Jeff caught behind the surf on an early 4/4/08 trip on a slick calm day, it went almost 6 pounds, although it was a long and lean, fish.

This boy qualifies! The next day 4/5/08 it was also beautiful and I can't remember which one was 5 pounds, the Yellowmouth trout or the speck. But both fish and the angler are worth posting!

You may recognize this one from on my home page.....The reason I used it was, "it's a perfect photo", (if I do say so myself). Father and daughter, and a 6 pound May caught Gator Trout.

I'm not sure these folks even know they are on my front and center web page.

I could go on and on with photo's and days that I'll always remember. If I missed you and your Gator Trout, it's because there is so many.

The point is that "this is what I was sitting around thinking about"...yeah, I'm ate up with it.

But do you know that with all the stuff going on in the St. Johns River these days that we still have some really great Trout fishing compared to other places, like areas of Georgia. Yeah, I've recieved e-mails from fellow trout freaks, that a big one for them is a 3 pounder. I won't mention who, or where. But I was surprised. Less population, no shipping, no ports, no navy, and no big Trout??? Hmmm?

We might even have heavier Redbass too? But, big Reds have no secret's. Everyone catches them. Maybe that's the reason "Gator" Speckled Trout, always keep me coming back for more.

They have secrets, and they always keep me guessing. And while were out there, we can catch Redbass too.

Here's to 2009......"this is your Gator jumping", better keep that rod low. Don't wanna let her get off the hook!

1/12 - first real BRRRRRR...day.

Yeah, I missed last Saturday!! No big deal. I know it was 82 degrees, no wind to speak of. But it was Saturday. Not my favorite day of the week if you're a practicing "lone angler". The moon was also 32,ooo miles (or whatever) closer to the Earth, making it one seriously strong full moon on area waters.


So myself and praticing "lone angler" D.O.A. Rob went today, Monday. And we were alone, alright! 0730 hrs, Mayport boat ramp. We were one of three trailers in the parking lot. "WE LOVE THAT." One was two guys that came into B&M bait and tackle in a low, small, lightly horse powered, 16 footer. JB, who works at B&M said, "watch Dave, these guys are going offshore!" And he was right. They walked in, straight to the coolers, grabbed 2-5 pound boxes of cigar minnows and a 5 pound box of squid, checked out and left without saying......BOO.


Well, they must not have a TV, or radio. Because they weren't going offshore today! They did not listen to the Marine Forecast, that's for sure.


Rob and I went to the jetties first. It was really cold. I got up on plane and barely crept along heading east. Huddling up behind the windshield. Rob glad to not be in his "windshieldless" boat.

And before we got past the Carrier basin, who passes us heading back? But two guys in a small, low, 16 footer......the two "offshore bound" guys from B&M. Rob and I just looked at each other, wondering what they were thinking.


I wouldn't go offshore anywhere today. And that boat could have fit inside mine!


Incoming tide, high in an hour or two is what we had. This photo of the tip of the rocks doesn't do it any justice, these were 6 footers rolling. Usually, I run right through the spin cycle slop at the jetty tips, but not with the wind howling like it was. I was already getting wet on the port side as it blew the spray.

We anchored up on the jetty with a new cinder block system, I have been working on. A cheap alternative to expensive "jetty anchors", that do not take up nearly the space in the boat. My new system is the attachment point. And it worked great, holding us tight, on the second try!


Rob and I pitched out some floats, but the high water was pouring through the jetty rock. More like over the jetty rocks, and washing our floats away. Casting them into the wind was a pain, too.


We gave it all a shot. But it certainly didn't look good. Ya know, I can pull up and just get a "feeling" most of the time if this is going to produce any fish at all. And the feeling wasn't a good one. And just then, Rob sets the hook as his float goes down.


A small 12" Yellowmouth Trout.




Look at him! A south Florida boy....freezing in NE Florida!
Or is he on an Arctic expedition, doing a cold fish survey?

Yes, we have our "moments" here too.
No kidding it just was 82 two days ago!!!!!

Not long after the capture of this rare 12" yellowmouth with a hole in it's lip, did we move on to more comfortable waters. Up river we went, thinking..."last of incoming very, very high tide, where have we caught them before?" And Rob came up with a spot. We pulled up and he instantly caught a small Speck. Damn, he was two up on me, already! So we re-adjusted the anchor and I started whacking the small trout on every drift. Which quickly became boring, since they were hungry as hell, but small as hell too. So we moved on again.....
I picked the next spot. A shallow shell bar. Rob drifted his float out, and I went right behind him.

My float went down, I reeled and lifted and set the hook on a good puller. Like a kid on his first ever fish, I immediately went into a song and dance. My rod bowed nicely, the fish stayed deep and I saw it.......GET ME THE NET!!!!

Rob handed me the net and I scooped up dinner, a 20 inch Speck.


Man, we thought we were in the meat now!

Feverishly we worked the area, but like us I think this trout preferred to be a "lone angler" too.

The wind started to really howl inshore now too.

The cold was really getting to my feet, and we talked about "how do people up north stand it?"

Knowing all well that we're a bunch a Nancy's here in Florida. Why not, it was just 80 degrees a few days ago, we have the right to be sissy's.

We tried a few more spots, and never caught a Trout or anything, so we headed in.

I'm supposed to have Carl J. (who we saw out today too) on board Thursday, but Carl made mention that he's available other days too. Meaning, in code language...if its really cold, forget it, we'll reschedule!

Either way you look at it, where would I rather be? Fishing in the cold wind, barely catching anything, but do-able? Or here on some windy concrete river, covered in white stuff.

The photo below to me, is hell on Earth. Look at that place!!



















Why not visit Florida?
It's fish'erific!

1/9 - What's left?

Had a decent night at the JOSFC Swap Night. Decent turn-out, but still different than what I remember from many moons ago......No College football championship on TV. If not, maybe the turn-out would have been truly great.

As usual my instincts were all wrong......I thought most of the jigs I had would have gone fast.
Never sold a one. (Butterfly jigging, offshore) Maybe it's a personal thing.

First to go was the 3-PFD's I had. Type 1 offshore vests.

So what's left?

Worth mentioning is;
4 -Shimano Tekota's 300 levelwinds.
New: $139-$159
My like brand new squeeky clean in boxes, ready for line...$95.00 each.

4- G. Loomis "green water" casting rods, medium action 7'6" (great warrenty)
New: $220 each
Mine: $80.00

**see side bar links under items for sale.

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Just incase you don't keep up with it. The winds been blowing like all hell.

Add in Full Moon tides. So I haven't been in the last few days and the last day I did go was a real bore, out doing some R&D in the river. All the while, my buddy DOA Rob on the same day wore them out in the creek he visits frequently. That's always the way. I do crappy, and he does great in that creek. Then, I go and wack'em at the jetties, and he does crappy in the creek.


We both have failed to figure that one out. Some times he has a slight advantage in a shallow creek.

But then again, there's nothing like having serious comfort when fishing too. We have a good ying & yang thing going. I do the bigger water, he many times hangs in the smaller shallower water. I guess it's all about what kinda Chinese yellow mustard you like, EXCITING, or MELLOW.

Looking to get out there and wackin some fatties.....
But I'm not gonna go fight the wind on a solo day.




-THE JETTIES ARE CALLIN ME, ONLY 3 WEEKS TILL
THE SPECKS CLOSE!

1/8 - Glass, I think NOT!

http://www.rocksaltboats.com/


NOT FIBERGLASS....BIG METAL...PLATE ALLOY... 34 feet of custom 1/4 inch thick plate aluminum alloy, High Speed, battle wagon sportfisher!!!

Yes, a 34' alloy plate "ALUMINUM" Boat. I get all the time, "damn that's the largest aluminum boat I've ever seen" from people when I sit at the dock. Come on out of that cave. There's a big wide open aluminum boat world out there, that's for sure. Visit my sister web site: http://www.aluminumallotboats.com/ - and you'll be amazed, that J-ville Florida is quite a sheltered little spot on the boating map.

***SEE THE DEBUT OF THE ROCKSALT 34 at, Miami International Boat show , Feb 12-16 2009

I may see ya there...

1/7 - SWAP MEET NIGHT

As you have noticed I have "stuff" for sale....or "swap". Thursday night 1/8/09, at 7pm is Swap Night at the JOSFC - Jacksonville Offshore Sport Fishing Club. 4870 Ocean Street aka: Mayport Boat ramp. The club house is that large doublewide modular building with the big porch on the front on the boat ramp grounds.

I will have for sale (or for swap):

4- Shimano Travala Butterfly jigging rods - like new
4- Shimano Tekota 300 levelwind reels - like new
1- Daiwa Butterfly jig case with jigs - new
- boxes of NEW in boxes assorted jigs; Braid, California Squid and more...
- Bags of hooks, line, 1/8th oz. banana head - jetty jigs, selections of floats, Gulp, twister tails, lure skirts....
1 - 8' Shakespeare VHF antenna, with either a Nylon clamp mount or ratchet Stainless steel
1- 12 lb. Bruce style anchor
1- PVC coated Pinfish trap-"Brand new" with marker float
1- "Air" Grease Gun used once.
1- Braid "CHUM chopper" for your boat, permanent mount or suction cup. NEVER used!!
2- SS removable "side mount" rod holders for small boat
3 - Type 1 commercial "offshore vest" Personal Floatation Devices (PFD's)
4- G. Loomis "greenwater series" Inshore 7'6" casting rods - medium action.


Let's talk....


I'm looking for:

-one piece, 8' fiberglass, foam grip, trigger reel seat, medium action rod(s)
-14 lb. Fluke style, Danforth anchor(s)
- 6 foot new "shrimp-size" cast net
-Lengths of galvanized chain
-14" Galvanized or aluminum Trailer rims
- new or slightly used coolers
- Vintage MirrOlure's....I mean 50's thru 70's
- heavy weight, SS or high carbon steel clever


HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE...bring some cashola!!

1/5 - Are they closed already??

I know my last report was about when the Specks (Trout) close during February. But the last two trips seem as if they took on a voluntary closure of their own. And even talked all their friends into it too!

Had Carl J. out on the 5th for a "learning" trip. Carl wanted to add another technique to his repituar. And what a better way of doing so, than going with me. I enjoy teaching folks about Trout & Reds on the Float-rig. Plus, he booked two days. We're going again next week also.

We had the last of a long falling tide and since the jetties have been quite slow we stayed in the river.

It wasn't long after we went through all the in's & out's of float fishing that Carl caught his first of the day....A BIG Croaker, at 15-3/4" long.



It was one fine morning.
A bit foggy, slick calm and so warm.

Seemed almost "too" perfect, to me.

Because we kept fishing and fishing and by no means did we ever get into any kind of riot.

We'd pick a Trout here and there, the larger ones 18-20 inches, a small Redbass, and a few under sized Trout. We made a move, about 150 feet and tried another hump. Carl landed a few Yellowmouths, with one being a 20 incher.




The tide went slack, so we moved on and headed for the jetties. Holy crap, it's a Monday and I couldn't believe all the boats out there.

Somethings changed. Ten years ago, on a Monday at the jetties you'd see maybe one or two other boats. What is it? Every one's so wealthy now they don't have to work, or is the unemployment rate that high?

We tried a few spots out there and never lost a live shrimp on the incoming tide to a game fish species.

Lots of people looked as if they just gave up and were sitting there for their health.

We of course were in high pursuit of a whopper Trout. But since we couldn't buy a bite from even a 12 incher. My hopes for Carl were getting slim. If the "go-to" spot is dead. Then, the confidence level isn't very high.

Is sure seems that since Friday for me, that the jetties sure has fell off. And reports I hear from friends makes me, not the Lone Ranger.

After repeated attempts to try and find Carl's big Trout, we decided to head in and worry about next weeks trip. Carl left out with a decent bag o' fillets. But nothing like what the day "felt like" it should have been.



Just goes to show you, even perfect weather days ain't always so perfect.

1/4 - Get while the gettin's good.

N.E. Florida Speckled Sea Trout harvest closes:
FEB. 1st thru FEB 28th
For 28 days, we can catch and release only.

The wrath of the JettyWolf switches from float-rig, to MirrOlure, or D.O.A. shrimp during his "R&D time" for those lonely 28 days.

So what's this mean to you as a customer?









Nothing really, other than "Mr. or Mrs. Speck" not assuming fish box temperature, or getting aquinted with Mr. Zatarain.





So why not be ahead of the curve??

RESERVE YOUR PRIVATE PERSONAL JANUARY FISHING CHARTER NOW!














-here's LOOKIN' at ya.....

bon'appetit

1/2/09 - Blast from the past.

Had Wayne S. and his grandson Drew on board today. Wayne is one of those dear old customers of mine that had fished with me for years. But schedules changed, and I haven't had him on board for at least 3-4 years, till today. And we had a great time.

Wayne goes to Lafitte La. fishing every year, and since I'd love to live and fish there, or at least do 6 months there, and six months here. "Maybe in my next life." I love hearing about the place and the fishing from someone who fishes there all the time.

But we're here, so I picked Wayne and Drew up at Sisters Creek boat ramp and since the tide was low, we hit a good low tide spot up river. The tide was fading quick. But it was okay. Wayne and Drew are very experienced fisherman. My job was easy today.

While showing them the details of the spot with the float-rig, I set the hook on the days first fat speck at 19 inches. And handed it to Drew, so I could get Wayne's rod ready.

"NOW THAT'S A GOOD SIGN ", I said.

Our current was barely flowing and both Wayne and Drew hung a few large Trout, but they shook off. Then, came a small trout or two, then the days first big one, a nice 21 incher.

Wayne's a Speck lover like me, and certainly doesn't mind catching some BIG Trout, for the box.

As soon as the bite started, it fell off fast as the current completely went slack on us. "Only if we were an hour or two earlier....." But I had no clue what the weather would be like today, since the forecast flipped and flopped from high winds to low winds for today, all week long.

So we agreed to just leave at 8am.

But that's okay. "TIME TO HEAD EAST, NOW."

A old friend at the B&M bait and tackles New Years day BASH yesterday, said to me that I certainly wouldn't be fishing where I wanted today. "Cap, it's gonna be too rough" he said.

Well, that might be, but not for my boat. We went exactly where I wanted to fish, it was rough but we didn't care.

And here's why.

We weren't "on location" for more than a few minutes and Wayne sets the hook on a 4 pound

22-1/2 inch Speck.

The fishing wasn't easy. But I always say, "If your're comfortably numb, you are probably not on top of your game, either."

I like a bit of Chinese yellow mustard in my fishing.

Next came a 5 pound Sheepshead caught by Drew, and a 21 inch Redbass.

A few small Yellowmouth Trout, and a small Speck or two.

And then Wayne caught another fat Speck, that was the same size as his last. 22-1/2 inches.

The bites sort of faded out. So we tried another spot and had another 19 incher, and a few throw backs. Then moved again, to the North Jetty, and had no takers at all.

So back to where the fish were, but by now the tide went slack and we sat there catching just small Yellowmouth trout. So we headed in.

It was a good day, with some really nice big Specks. We just could of had about 10 more to feel really, really good about the day...(at least I would have.)

The box looked pretty good with some serious eaters. We had a really good time hashing over charters from years ago too. Wayne and Drew can come fishing with me anytime! They can cast, pitch, flip and set the hook on a Trout from 100 feet away. I don't get many days like this, where all I do is take fish off the hook after netting them. So it was a pleasure. And Wayne brought along his own "fish cleaner", his name was Drew!

1/1/2009 - Fish Fest!

HEADLINES FROM CAPTDAVES-BLOGSPOT

1/1/2009 - HAPPY NEW YEAR
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Man, the fishing couldn't have been an easier, today.
If you missed it you just plain missed it, and will have to wait till next year.

Because the fish were already caught, cleaned and cooked by the owner's of B&M bait and tackle, along with their crew.














It's a yearly tradition that Rusty does for all his customers. And this single, terrible cook, hungry guy never misses it. It's a great way to ring in the New Year, with friends.

Here's Rusty hard at work on the fish fryer.....Grouper, Snapper, (not store bought.) Hitting the oil after meeting Mr. Zatarain.







The covered dishes folks brought ranged from wild hog, pulled pork BBQ, beans, greens and everything in between. Desserts of all kinds, too.

The parking lot soon became jammed packed. Everyone was welcome. And the boat yard was full of people, with a long table full of food.
























































Thanks to Rusty, Tracy, Patsy, and the crew at B&M, for the gracious New Years Day spread.
Maybe we'll see you there next year.

-------------------------------------

- Everything you need, nothin' you don't!

12/31 - New year's items for sale....

HEADLINES FROM CAPTDAVES-BLOGSPOT

---------------------------------------------------------

You may have noticed the new items I have for sale on the side bar of this blog. Click on link to view details of each.

4- Shimano Tekota 300 Level wind reels: Retail for $139.00 to $159 each.

http://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tekota-levelwind-reels.html

Great reels, Shimano quality. Good "float-rigging" or light bottom fishing reels.

I've used them maybe 3-4 times. Perfect condition. Buy all 4 for $390 or each at $100.

SAVE!!!!!!!!! $$$$

4- Shimano Trevala "casting" Butterfly jigging rods 6'6" two are Med. Heavy, and two are Medium action. Used three times. Like brand new. Super light tackle offshore butterfly jigging rods, (but can also be used for inshore bottom fishing) can handle jigs to 5 -6oz. and sinker the same. Snapper, Grouper, and AJ's don't stand a chance!

Unbelievable rods for river bottom fishing BIG Reds and Sheepshead too. The jigging "ARC" of these rods is a blast, but has the backbone to put a whoop-ass on big fish, believe me!

$75.00 each. $300 for all 4.

Retail for $100.00, everywhere!

Match up with a Tekota 300 and you'll have one great bottom rig for the river and light offshore.

http://shimano.fishing-store.us/shimano-tvc66m-trevala-jigging-casting-rod.html?productid=shimano-tvc66m-trevala-jigging-casting-rod&channelid=FROOG

-Jigging accessories, misc. jigs:

Whole box of 5 oz. Squid shaped jigs, assist hooks, Braid jigs, River2Sea, and others in a Daiwa jig case. Jig Case alone is a $50 item. Priced to sell $100.00

CALL OR E-MAIL ME

FOR INFO AND TO

COME SEE. ALL ITEMS.

-would rather not have to ship.

local purchase is best.

Keeps your costs low.

charter@captdaves.com

904-642-9546

12/29 & 30 - Jetty Trickery!!!!!

DID YOU READ THE 12/28 REPORT?
IF NOT, DO SO, FIRST. BEFORE CONTINUING TO READ THIS REPORT.....AND YOU'LL UNDERSTAND THE TITLE TO THIS REPORT.

Okay, after a day that the fish were on the "feed bag" (Sunday, 12/28) I was so confident about (Monday 12/29's) charter with Peter and Valerie. Because like a good fishing guide I scouted and researched everything that we needed to do, so Peter and Valerie could wack'em and stack'em on Monday.

SO I THOUGHT...

But Momma Nature had other plans for me.

We leave promptly and head straight for the jetties. Perfect incoming tide, I set up, get them going on the float-rig and NADA, ZERO, NOTHING.....not a single bite!!!!!!

"WHAT?? After Sunday's wackage with DOA Rob, we can't even get a bite, now??"
There was something in the breeze, the sky, something! I couldn't put a finger on it, but something felt different. It was my "Spidey Sense" trying to clue me in, I'm sure. And as I say all the time it's just a feeling I get. After all, I know my rocks! And I wasn't alone. DOA Rob came on out to the jetties too, and wasn't catching anything like we did the day before, either.

Great tide, low winds, weekday, it didn't matter. I believed it to be a Barometer thing!
So we continued working the area hard. Still nothing. So I made a move.
And that's when I picked up a rod and along with Peter and Valarie, I worked the rocks.

My dad has on saying when he does go fishing with me, which isn't very often....."If Dave ain't catchin', how am I supposed too?"

And Pop is right! I am your ringer. Hell, I know every trick and niche in the rocks we're fishing. And if I don't get bit, there's a huge problem!

Eventually, I got bit on this spot, and handed the rod over to Valarie and Peter. So they could at least get acclimated to what it feels like to have one hooked up.

And as you can see, one of the Trout was a "stud" and the other was just a good box fish.

It was time to make a big move! A zip code change was in order. By now my senses were telling me to vacate this area, and fast!

I ran up river and went to a super go-to spot.
If we can't get bit here, we can't get bit anywhere!
But it was slow going......








The tide wasn't exactly right. But we waited it out. And here came the "spidey sense" conformation. THE FRONT, that was fore casted!

The wind started blowing about 20 knots, the sky darkened to the west. But as the tide fell, we started catching fish. At first it was Trout, then a Black Drum, and then big Croakers, and then a Sheepshead. Peter and Valarie were really getting the hang of it, and the fish box started looking alot better. The wind was howling as we left out of the spot with a decent box of fish, and the westward sky said it all! I now knew exactly why the jetties had turned off, compared to yesterday. HERE CAME THE WEATHER CHANGE, that was predicted to happen. Which shut down the jetties. As the wind blew from the west, the air temp must have changed 15 degrees. It got down right COLD!

I failed to get any more photos of the day, because I didn't want to pause for one second as they were catching finally. But, I pulled it out. Just as I had on the 24th, when the same thing happened to us, when I had the two Glenn's out with me. We put some good fish in the box!

That's the thing about this season. When the weather comes blowing in, the first place to shut down seems to be the Jetties. The fish are there, I don't think they go anywhere. But the bite shuts down. And since I fished on Sunday with DOA Rob, that's the day they put on the "feed bag", before the front came through. It all was making a lot of sense!!

-------------

12/30

So. what to do on Tuesday the 30th?? I picked up Bob and Jim at Sisters Creek boat ramp at 8am. The tide was already flooding. "Well, let's see if they are still not biting at the jetties."

I have in the past went back the day after and the bite was back on heavy. So on an incoming tide, I didn't have much of a selection at my disposal.

SAME DEAL....we fished and fished, and had no Trout, Reds, or even Sheepshead bites as we float-rigged the rocks. So I picked up my rod, and made a few drifts. BAM!!!!!!!

Right next to the boat I hook up a 22-1/2" Trout! Then, 15 minutes go by and Bob hooks up finally. An exact duplicate Speck at 22-1/2 inches. "So they are here, just like yesterday. But the bite isn't really on..."


Then, Jim hangs a nice Flounder along the rocks. And later I catch a small Yellow
mouth Trout. And that's it! We make a move, back to our first spot, as the tide slows. We have two beautiful Trout and a Flounder, now let's try for our SLAM. We need a Redfish. The guys work and work, no one around us is catching anything. The poppin' cork's are all over the place. I look at all the boats, and laugh when I see a poppin' cork, because a shrimp fished a foot deep isn't going to cut it. Finally, Bob hooks a Red! A good keeper size at 22". WE DID IT! We got a "slam" at the jetties, and it only took 4 hours! The bite here is still obviously off, and really hasn't changed.

I'm looking for a lot more action than this. It's a blue-bird day. Not a cloud in the sky, and slick seas and no wind. But no real change in the fish attitude.

The tide slowed up and I needed a falling tide to go work the river. So as the tide changed we again...
changed Zip Codes.

I ran up river. Stopped at one spot, caught a bluefish and a small Speck. And kept moving.

Then hit the Little Jetties, and caught one 18" Speck there. Looks like each spot is going to throw us one fish. So we moved on again.

Next spot, a few small trout. And then Bob's micro- speckled trout.

I was waiting for the tide to get lower, so I could hit the spot that Peter & Valarie caught their fish on.


We made a move after a few small fish. And went there. The tide was low, but the current was really slow. We caught a few Croakers, but the Specks were absent. We worked the whole area for only a few small Trout and Mangrove snappers. And decided to call it a day and head back to clean our catch.

So there ya have it.

The jetty bite was "balls to the wall" when I was out on the 26th, and the 29th. And then, it died, because of the weather change. It was down right cold as hell this morning, compared to later in the week.

The consistent thing is that it's inconsistent! Yep, that's N.E. Florida in the winter. But, no matter what we caught some fish, everyone had a great time, learned a ton of information. And had more than enough for a healthy fish fry on New Years day.

But ya'll know me. I'm happiest when it's an all out fish fest, float's are disappearing left and right, no one has to work at it very hard.....I guess we all like it like that, huh?


















Here's a few photo's taken by friend and fellow blogger, Ron Brooks of ABOUT.COM.