Stereo typical, March. Some what.

Looks like March is maintaining the stereo-typical pattern.

And from years and years of notes, that pattern is EAST winds.

Anything with east in it....NE, SE, and just plain EAST.

There's two wind directions that are tougher to fish in the Mayport area, for me at least.

Due West, and due East. But I'll take West over East.

If I look back in the archives from March last year, I see the same thing that's going on right now.

The later in the month, the windier it gets.

So, thats where you come in. If the forecast looks good. And you want to go.

Then get with me ASAP!

There's now only 4 more Monday's and Tuesday's left in March, and no one has yet to take advantage of the $50 off for two passengers.

There's (2) transitional times of year in N.E. Florida. First is around Thanksgiving, the slide into winter. And the second is Easter, the slide into summer.

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

I get asked all the time about how to tie the sliding stopper knot when using the float-rig.

Well, here's one version.

You don't have to buy those "knots on the tube" you can tie your own out of a very thin nylon string. Or even use 20# mono, if you're using braided line. Mono, won't last all that long versus the thin nylon string, though.

Here's another one, that's easier to understand and see. I usually just use this one myself.

If you can't find the perfect nylon string to make your own stopper knots.

Check out Du-Bro tackle here:

http://www.shopatron.com/index/101.2.314.1096.0.0.0

I found some spools of this thin string on Ebay once and bought a few spools. To just have.

Some people prefer those tiny rubber bands that are used for kids braces. I've never liked the rubber bands myself. Braided line cuts them real fast.

3/14 - I thought Spring was here....

Had Perry Z. and his two buddies aboard, Stu and Richard.

They came down to the boat ramp and couldn't find me in the FOG.




And as I said to a guy at the boat ramp,
"this is an anomaly, FOG and high winds!"

The fella said, "isn't this par for the course?" I replied, "Well, usually when we have FOG this thick, it's really calm and no wind."

The North East wind was honkin'.
And to make things just a bit more drastic, it was super wet and C-O-L-D, too!

As Perry and the guys walked down the ramp, I said, "Man, ya should have seen the weather earlier this week." And they were a bit shocked because they too listened to the weather and they heard something about 70 something degrees. But they knew it was nicer earlier in the week, too.

Stu was in shorts and windbreaker, and I was so glad I haven't taken my winter wardrobe out of my truck, just yet.

I not only had on a long-sleeved T-shirt, but my Grundens fleece fisherman's jacket, and my Grundens wind stopper fleece pants over my shorts.

I had a feeling this radical weather change wasn't gonna be good for anyone, let alone me and my guys.

So we headed on the rising tide to a spot where as the tide comes up, I've been catching some Reds and Trout for over a week.

We actually can get on the spot, no problem. And as we fish I look ahead of us and there's 4 boats, and then some dude in a little boat pulls right up behind us within casting range and drops his anchor. Boats attract, boats is the rule.

The tides really nice, and we have great current. As I show the guys how to float-rig fish the area. And we get two small sized Specks. No other bites at all, no lost baits, no anything.

We ended up making a move and worked hard to really get something going. Even heading to the jetties and fishing there when it was "all wrong".

Then, I switched to bottom fishing. "Ya' know somethings really wacky when I break out the up and down rods."

After multitudes of spots we finally got into some Yellowmouth Trout, and small Bluefish (THEY'RE HERE, UGH!).

The fog never went away, and the temperature didn't change all that much.

It was just the day of the front. Because as I write this report on Sunday. The weather is beautiful. Sunny, 80 degrees, a light breeze maybe. But a thousand times better than Saturday.

This weeks forecast for my Monday & Tuesday 2 passenger, discount:

MONDAY: SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET OR LESS.INLAND WATERS A LIGHT AFTERNOON CHOP. ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDER STORMS.

TUESDAY: NORTHEAST WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET BUILDING TO3 TO 5 FEET IN THE AFTERNOON. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.

3/12 - SPRING IS HERE....

Spring is here. BUT, just last Monday and Tuesday I sat in the river with the Creke group and the wind was 20kts and it was 30 degrees. Wow, how things change quick this time of year!!

I know the first real day of spring is on the 20th. But today, I saw the evidence.

What a huge difference this full moon has made. Right now, literally daily events will happen out there in the big blue and along the coast, and give zero notice. So you have to be paying attention.
Today, I saw a few small Cobia hanging around those "brown" Ray's that come first before the big Manta's. I tried to catch one, but they were skittish, the Cobia, I mean.

Outside the inlet on the color change, I saw millions of baby Needlefish. Not a huge fan of those Needles. But this years crop is already here.

Monster Bluefish were crashing tiny minnow sized baitfish offshore a few miles. A few came out of the water and they sure looked to be about 2 feet long.

Couldn't find a single Speckled Trout this morning at the jetties (the one area I tried) but I had my limit (4) of yellowmouth Trout in a matter of minutes. Which is a good thing.

Ocean surface temp at 2pm was 63 degrees around the jetties.

And I know this ain't no Trout.....but I still caught it on a float and a live shrimp. The best way I believe.
It's my first sight-casted Tripletail.
Yep, and exotic species for me.

I found them and had about 10 shots at several fish I saw laying on the surface as they do.
Mimicking a piece of driftwood, or weed.

The last one I cleaned was one that a customer caught on a Jig-N-Shrimp combo meal back in Greenfield creek, many years ago.

These fish cost a small fortune in fuel. Because they don't come to you. You have to go to them. Hunting them up.

By the afternoon the South Easterly wind really started to blow. And East winds and a falling tide means wind bucking the current. That right there, can shut down any bite, if your into one or hunting one. I still tried to catch a big Trout, but only found small ones.

So I headed back down river, and into the ICW. Where I caught 10 or so small 16-17" pupper Redbass. For some reason, where I often go is a nursery for them, I guess. While I'm actually hunting the ole folks home, for Brutus T. Redbass. But I did pick up a Flounder, too.

The wind was blowing so steadily and hard I gave up and went back to clean my fish and have a visit from some friends.

But this isn't the same "foul" that usually comes to see me for a cheap and easy meal.



Look, this Egret has green around it's eyes.
Isn't that usually Yellow???
This is a new guy if so.
Maybe a reverse snow bird from S. Florida??






Next up:
Saturday with three people.

3/10 - WEEKDAY.....calm....

You wanna know the difference between last Sunday's ABSOLUTE craziness on the river and today...... "I'm holding a few of them."

















NO, I-95 STYLE TRAFFIC ON THE RIVER!

















JUST CALM, ENJOYABLE FISHING/CATCHING.















YOU CAN CATCH QUALITY TROUT, WHEN THE WATERS CALM.
















EVEN 23" FIVE POUNDERS....I SMELL A FISH FRY!!

AND IT'S 5 POUND TWIN ON ANOTHER CAST!

Yep, it's unbelieveable how the quality of fishing is effected by incessant boat traffic. It's FLORIDA and even though none will admit it, most people don't act much like "real Floridians".

Last Saturday & Sunday was evidence that J-ville fisherman/boat owners act like people in the north on the first sunny, warm day of spring, for some reason. When the gals can put on thier new summer bikini's for the first time. And the 3 feet of snow is just a memory.

Real boating and fishing Floridians, do it all year long. LIKE ME!

And I can tell you simply, the difference between catching on Sunday and today was night and day!

Didn't even leave the boat ramp till noon. Approx. 30 or so Speckled Trout. 2-five pounders back to back! All the yellowmouth Trout I wanted. A 6 pound Sheepshead. And to top it all off, I lost two gigantic fish I couldn't even slow down, before they pulled the hook.

It's AMAZING, the difference when there's no cruiser wakes crashing the shore line constantly, and no boats running circles around me. And then, how nice it is to pull up to a spot that I always fish, and find no one there camping on the spot, catching nothing.

That's why I sent out and announcement on Monday. Here's what I sent everyone in my mailing data base....There's now 7 Monday and Tuesday's left in March. On these days for a 2 passenger trip only, I will discount these 7 weekdays left $50. Advanced reservations/deposit only.

I will actually, TAKE THE HIT TO MY WALLET, just so I can put you on decent fish.

That's why you hire me, right??

I HOPE SO!

Need more info, just call 904-642-9546

Ocean water temp today on flooding tide: 61 degrees.
Full Moon was in full strength, thats for sure.


















The Floatfreak, smells something COOKIN'!!!!!!
(or getting ready too, at least)

3/8 - Completely Futile!

Had Tom W. (my neighbor) on board today. What I thought was a no stress one person trip.
But when we arrived at the bait shop there wasn't any shrimp...sold out from yesterdays crowds. So we waited about an hour and Wade the shrimp man showed up with his truck of "west coast" shrimp. Because he isn't catching any here in his home waters.

Small, weak, and generally very unappealing live shrimp. But hell, that's all there is.
It gets this way around this time of year. Another wonderful event.

Because it was warm, sunny and a weekend, the hordes of people on the water was literally a joke. Wake making cruisers were going up and down the intra-coastal waterway like tractor-trailers on I-95. Which was where we started first.

And I love it when you travel the distance and get to a spot where you've been fishing all week long (Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday) and there's a boat sitting on the spot, that really burns my butt!! Wasted time and fuel.

Tom caught a few small Trout, but the constant wakes are just a big giant sign, "YOU WILL NOT CATCH QUALITY FISH HERE."

So we beat feet outa there. But the river was no better. The HUB as I call it, where the river and ICW meet all the way to the end of the jetties was a froth of wakes and boats everywhere.

I was just about to run north for an hour just to get away from all the people. There is peace on a weekend, in certain places.....It's Nirvana, but one heck of a boat ride away. I have seen this place with my own two eyes! But Tom talked me out it.

Then there was the full moon falling tide. So strong on a few of my spots I couldn't get my anchor to hold no matter how many times I tried. And these were the same places I fished on Thursday and had so many Trout it was ridicules. Now, I couldn't even anchor because of the current.

But, we did find a spot or two where the molesting boat wakes, and current were bearable.

And we caught a few Trout. Mostly small ones, boxing a few 16-17 inchers. I even caught a few decent Trout on a plug. The first time I ever tossed this lure. And I was impressed in it's versatility.

Those little treble hooks really gang hooked this fish really good.

We had to actually sit and wait for the current to slow down as the boat planed in the current at a spot where I just tie off. Only after maneuvering around several boats just to get to the spot. It was if the area I wanted to go to was being blocked off from making an entrance. I'm just not used to this kind of BS. And it was worth butting our way in through the lines of some "Croaka" fisherman to have Tom catch a 27 inch Redfish in that high speed current on the float rig and small hook.


At one point we tried fishing a commercial dock, and by the time I turned around after anchoring, there was a human standing on this dock even, casting in our direction!
Holy Crap, there's no escape!!!

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE. (that's what the "borg" used to say to Capt. Picard on the new Star Trek, remember that?)

We packed up and went back to the boat ramp to clean our catch, and go home.

I guess this was a wake-up call, that I need to fish another county on weekends.
Okay.....more gas means, more cost. If you want to catch fish, and I want you to catch fish.

WEATHER or NOT.

SUNDAY SOUTH WINDS 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET OR LESS. INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. AREAS OF DENSE MORNING FOG WITH VISIBILITY 1NM OR LESS NEAR THE COAST. (fog means "good" in my book)

MONDAY SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTH 5 TO10 KNOTS IN THE AFTERNOON. SEAS 2 FEET OR LESS. INLAND WATERS MOSTLY SMOOTH.

TUESDAY SOUTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET OR LESS. INLAND WATERS MOSTLY SMOOTH.

WEDNESDAY SOUTH WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET OR LESS. INLANDWATERS A LIGHT CHOP.

THURSDAY SOUTHEAST WINDS 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET OR LESS. INLANDWATERS A LIGHT CHOP.

NO MORE THAN 10 KNOTS OF WIND ALMOST ALL WEEK???

AND YOU'RE NOT FISHING? YA GOTTA BE KIDDING. I WILL BE. SO LET'S GO!

I'll be hunting a box of these, are you coming?

For everyone

"spooked" by

the baitcasting

reel, because it might

backlash because

your thumb wasn't

on the spool.

This is for you!

3/6 - Not a re-run

Had Tim A. aboard again for a second trip. So we left out about the same time as we did yesterday. And I figured it would be best to go to the same spot we started at yesterday and fill the box with some Trout right away. Maybe, just like yesterday get just shy of a limit or two of Trout, and then move on to hunt bigger ones.

It was a beautiful morning, warm and sunny. And right away we started catching yellowmouth Trout and Specks. Most of the Specks were smaller than yesterday, but the yellowmouth were ferocious, and good size. The tide would be low around 11am, but here we were, and it was 8am.

We had a few hours till the tide got really low, when the Trout should really be chewin.

As we sat anchored, the sun got HOT, and man did it seem like it was going to be one fantastic day, weather wise. Warm, slick calm and no wind.

But that was going to change.....

So with some fish in the box we moved on. In hunt for a larger Redfish for the cooler, and some larger Specks. But, as the morning wore on, the wind picked up. And that warm sunny feeling went away.

We worked the jetties for a few minutes at two spots. And I just wasn't getting a good feeling in my gut about either one. The wakes at the first spot were incessant, and there was no current at the second spot. And everywhere else I wanted to fish was covered up with boats.

The air, the breeze, the water, it all was colder out there anyhow. I've had my fair share of cold this week. "I was out on Monday and Tuesday!!!" I just couldn't take more cold. Someday the jetties will warm up and spring will sprout warmer water temps.

So back to the river we went. And that's when the wind started blowing BIG TIME. The jackets stayed on, the hoods went up, and Tim and I were both wondering, "where the hell is that 80 degrees??"

I told Tim, "that forecast is for the west side of J-ville, in a Walmart parking lot!"

We ended up working our way up river and as the tide slacked went what seemed like hours without a bite. The wind was "bucking" the tide, everywhere we went. Which is not a good thing.

We finished up on one spot that the wind was so strong, it overpowered the incoming tide so we were pushed forward on anchor, constantly. Never laying in the current. Talk about a hassle, as the bow swung all over the place.

But we did pull a few pup reds, 4-5 small Trout, and one good keeper out of this spot.

We didn't limit out on Speckled Trout, and almost limited on Yellowmouth. And overall struggled after the wind came up.

Certainly not a re-run of yesterday's waylay of Trout along with some pup Reds. And Tim said he had enough fish after yesterday so whatever we had in the box was mine to keep.

Which was nice of him. Because I have no fish in the fridge, and sure needed some.

It was one heck of a week. From two days in the burning cold wind with 4 guys each trip, to milder temps with one guy for two days.

Everyone had a blast, and learned alot I'm sure.

Let's see what this week brings. So far March has had no lack of interesting weather, and fishing conditions.

But if things are right.....the Trout are certainly out there.

3/5 - AWESOME!

Wouldn't ya know it.....someone does pay attention to the weather report, and then takes advantage of a BEAUTIFUL DAY.

And that man is Tim A. visiting his mother here in J-ville from the Tampa area.

He called me as I sat thinking about going whackin' a few fatties myself today.

I'm more than eager to press the custom "float-rig" rods I had built into service. I wanna wear them out. On Trout and Reds, of course.

So I met Tim at the boat ramp at 0700 hrs. And we made a B-line to a hot spot which DOA Rob and myself were discussing just the day before. Because it's all about the falling tide. Rob whacked the Trout on the DOA shrimp there to the tune of "dozens", so I know they won't turn their noses up at a lively shrimp on the float.

And 2 minutes after the anchor line came tight Tim was on his first Trout. It was I.G. (instantaneous gratification) all the way!

And here's where we boxed almost a limit of 5 Speckled Trout each at 15-18" , and 14"-18" Weakfish.

We stopped short of our limit just in case we caught a few monsters later. Because we still had 5 more hours of fishing to do! And we still had a whole bunch of throw backs. Talk about a Trout RIOT!

I was so busy I didn't take that many photos, plus I couldn't because of the areas we hit.(confidential) But, the day was fish everywhere we went except for maybe two spots that were strictly experimental try-outs.

Then, we went and actually tried to catch a Redfish for the cooler. I've been getting alot of "pup" size Reds. And Tim and I caught just that, a bunch of puppers Reds.

No matter where we went, the Reds were all the same size. I guess I'll have to go to the rocks at the jetties to get us a big Red. (I hope)

Because Tim called me when I got home and wants to book me again tomarrow. (Friday)

In between catching the Reds, we caught more and more Trout. They were everywhere!!

And we had so much fun just pulling on fish after fish every almost spot we went too.

We stayed inshore, because even when we were in the river the wind did pick up a bit and there was still a chill in the air. So I could just imagine what it was like at the jetties.

So we ended up easily with our Speck limit, and seven yellowmouth. Released a dozen pup Reds.

And I'm guessing we caught at least 40 Trout total.

We caught fish the entire incoming tide, and by the time the tide got high, that's when things faded at the slack. Tim learned alot and was really fun to have aboard.

Like I said, we'll be trying it all over again tomarrow. So stay tuned.....

3/2 & 3 - What a challenge.

Well, Speckled Trout season opened on March 1st, and if you are a frequent visitor here, you know I was chomping on the bit to go out and box me some, and have a weeks worth of meals.

March 1st as you may or may not know was absolutely HEINOUS!! (rain & gale force plus winds)

As usual I predicted it. Just scroll down and you'll read in past reports where I said that the first week of March will be almost non-fishable. And I was RIGHT! (as usual)

But, I booked the 2nd and 3rd. So missing the opportunity to go catch and "box" myself some on March 1st, wasn't as painful.

I AM DIE HARD. I LIVE AND BREATH BIG TROUT! You can't even imagine the anxiety I felt on Sunday (reopening of Trout) when the wind gusted 40 MPH and it rained.

So, here I go with the Creke family, (4 individuals) here from Illinois. We were going to fish two days, the 2nd and 3rd.

The tide was really not even close to perfect. High tides around noon. "Oh, man. This is tough, because I've been catching all my decent fish at the low tide, because the water's been so dang cold", I told Allen.

So on Monday we left the dock at 12:30pm, so to catch the falling tide. The guys ended up with one small Redfish and 10 Trout to 20 inches, as the tide fell, but the wind blew like all hell from the WNW in the river. The temperature wasn't all that pleasant either. But I've fished in worse.

The light heartiness of this group of guys made it a fun day for even me....the family competition was going strong while Dad/Grandpa caught the largest Trout.

I listened to the radio right on the boat so everyone could hear the report for our second day on Tuesday, and it really didn't sound that bad.

Wind was switching to the North at 15 knots, and a morning low of 30?? Yeah, it's not what any one around here would call Chamber of Commerce weather. But these were tough Illinoisans.

So with just a few keeper Trout in the fish box, and a high tide advancing another hour on Tuesday, we decided it would be best to leave at 7am, for our second trip.

I arrived at the boat ramp and the sun had not rose just yet. The cold wind burned my face as I pulled the boat off the trailer, so much that after I tied the boat to the dock and pulled the trailer out of the water. I decided to sit in the truck till the guys arrived...I'm usually in the boat pre-rigging all the rigs with new leaders and hooks and double checking my live shrimp's condition in the livewell. But sitting in my warm truck was such a better idea. But very unlike "me".

Fifteen minutes later the guys pulled in and I walked up to their vehicle and I think Mark asked, "So Dave, what do ya think?" I replied and said, "This may be ludicrous fishing....and it reminds me of the Friday before Super Bowl Sunday, when the Super Bowl was actually held here in J-ville, damn was that one cold day with two guys from Montauk N.Y."

Most people have no clue about how the 2005 Super Bowl held here, was supposed to be such a boom for this town, and for people like me in the fishing business. But, the only problem is that the Super Bowl is now in February......and what is February? Very Cold! Needless to say, it was far from a "Boom" for charter fisherman.

So in the cold I eased down the river with the Creke group in the howling north wind that just plain burned, and everyone took cover.

Tuesday was the kind of day that my live shrimp just laid over. A novice would think the whole tankful of Shrimp were dead...No, they aren't dead, just frozen!

I had one spot in mind that could be fished with four float rigs drifting behind the boat, with the wind to our backs, and I was hoping some fish would be there, we just needed a good incoming tide current.

The guys were all now Float-rig fishing experts. They all knew the drill. So I settled in on my spot. The current went from slow to faster as the tide came up, which is just about when the fish bit. A small flurry of action started with Dad/Grandpa AGAIN catching a nice 20 inch Trout. Then, a few Trout, and then 3-4 small Redfish.

From out of no where came a gust of wind that never went away. The wind speed doubled and we all swore the temp dropped and had to be 30 degrees. It was actually hard to concentrate on the fishing. Gloves were mandatory, hoods and hats, or forget about it!

And Mark (not pictured) was lacking both, no hood and no hat! Holy smokes, I don't know how he was taking it. If I clicked my heels and closed my eyes I could have been in Illinois, for all I know!

We were doing just a half day anyhow, and the consensus was "we caught some, have enough for lunch, I think we can go."





I have to say, these were two of the most challenging days I have had in a long while.

Besides the weather/tides, was also fishing four guys in high winds.


It's not as easy as having just one person on one side of the boat and another on the other side.


But it all worked out, and there was slim to no mishaps or bad tangles, bird nested reels or anything. The Creke Family were fun to have aboard.

2/26 - SAVE MAYPORT

I just don't get it.

Jacksonville's city leaders want to be unemployed next election, I guess.



















http://www.savemayportvillage.net/

2/24 - JUST 4 MORE DAYS....

Had the pleasure of having Chris, Chris and Mike on board today, from Virginia.

It was C-O-L-D.

It was W-I-N-D-Y.

But that didn't stop this crew.

We left out at 7:30am, because I wanted to get on out there before the wind was too strong. The forecast was for 15 knots out of the North East. So we should get a lot of fishing under our belts before it really started blowing in the afternoon.

The tide was high at 8:30 so I went straight to the best high water winter spot I have. And the action was really slow. But I have learned not to give up quickly, because as the current changes things happen.....but not today.

The guys caught a few Trout, and a few small "pup" Redfish, after working the area really thoroughly.

So we moved on, as soon as the tide turned.

I headed to a great spot, not far away.

And here's where we found the "nest".

A nest of Trout that had me releasing each one saying, "I'll be back, on March 1st, in 4 days!"

Ya know, you can do a lot of reading about how larger trout don't hang with smaller Trout, the old birds of a feather, flock together theory. Well, obviously that doesn't count when the water's 55 degrees. Because the guys caught trout from skinny 14 incher's to fat 20" fish.

I anchored up on my standard position and the guys began drifting their floats off behind the boat. And hooking fish anywhere from 75 to over 100 feet behind us.

And what is the standard rule for this situation? I can answer that....."if you make a move to get closer to them, the fish in turn, move usually further away" ....it's a viscous cycle of cat and mouse.

So I usually stay put. But they were hooking a trout about every other drift through the area way behind the boat, and loosing some. So after awhile, I pulled anchor and as "silently" as I could, drifted back closer and let the anchor over the side. And instantly one of the Chris' hung into another trout. Looks like the Cat won this move.

As the tide got lower and lower, I told the guys "see that...the rule of thumb on this spot is when the water comes out of the marsh grass, it's game on."

And more and more Trout, a pup Redfish or two and even a flounder came off the spot, and now they didn't have to drift their floats so far back, either.

It looks all nice and cozy in these photo's. But we had a wind break where we were. And believe me it would have felt like a different day indeed, if the sun wasn't out with a practically cloudless sky.

I don't mind the cold or the wind, when there's a bright sky and lots of Florida sunshine. It can make a big difference.

Oh, each time the guys hooked a 20 inch Trout, I reminded them that I'll be out here Sunday, March 1st when the Speckled trout re-opens for harvest....and I'll be celebrating with a fish fry.

Two days ago, I just ran out of the fillets I stock piled in December and January. I eat fish at least one way or another about 4 times a week. I don't usually keep Redfish, or Sheepshead for myself.

So that leaves Trout, Flounder, Black Drum and Whiting for my table. Because they are my favorites.

My $50 (for two anglers only) discount for Sunday March 1st (Trout reopening) is still available.

The weather looks to be warm, and departure is around 11:00am. No need for "crack o' dawn" pulling away from the dock.

I'll be out breaking in my new Biscayne float-rig designed rods. Half the fun is using top quality tackle, while hunting big fatties.

2/22 - FISHING WITH DAVE.....

HERE'S A NICE REPORT POSTED I FOUND THAT WAS WRITTEN BY A CUSTOMER OF MINE, DAVE A.

- HE IS A DIE HARD ANGLER AND HIM AND HIS BUDDIES WERE A JOY TO HAVE ABOARD BACK IN DECEMBER.

HE SAID HE RAN A BLOG TOO....(I guess he forgot to send me "his" report) BECAUSE I JUST FOUND HIS REPORT WHILE SURFING.

HERE'S A "VIEW" OF THE MIGHTY MAYPORT JETTIES FROM A MINNESOTA FISHERMAN EYES.


Link: http://davidjanderson.blogspot.com/2008/12/morning-with-capt-dave.html


"I wanna ICE fish baby, I wanna ICE fish baby, I wanna ICE fish baby, I wanna ICE fish baby" ......he's got some funny fishing tunes going, so turn on your speakers.

2/21 - I had to try it....

Went and tried some bottom fishing at the jetties with Bob R. When I say bottom fishing, I mean "trying to target" some Black Drum. We tried it in two locations, at the best of the falling tide.

But we left early enough to run around the rocks a bit and do some float-rig fishing, while we waited for the current to be good for bottom fishing.

And it certainly wasn't like the Trout fishing was on fire either, out there. The water sure was cold. 54-58 degrees during the entire day. I never left the "rocks".

KEY TEMP will be when we get back to 60 plus degrees. It'll make all the difference.

We tried bottom fishing on the inside of the south rocks out in 45 feet of water. We ran 4 lines, each baited with dead shrimp and cut clam pieces.

Should have been a real "happy meal" for any fish. But we only caught small Seabass, a Hake and a Toadfish. Kinda the bottom of the proverbial "bottom fishing barrel", this time of year.

I told Bob, "when you're catching these, it's as if they're telling you....WE'RE IT."

It was one hell of a nice day out there though. A lot better than raking leaves or something at home.

We were set up perfectly. Good current, and on a good spot. So much that for some reason the inside of the south jetty was covered up with boats. And at one point had a "family affair boat" park so close to us we could have spit in it. I don't know why.....the north inside was wide open. We weren't catching anything decent. So we broke loose from the flotilla and moved over to the North Jetty.

Same deal there though, we were set up great. But only caught another "here's yer sign" fish, one of those clear nosed spiny backed skates.

It just wasn't happening out there. And of course, I was second guessing myself. Thinking, "should we have gone in the river instead, of being out here?"
But the theme was to check out the bottom fishing out here, cause we wanted Jetty Black Drum. They were the targeted species.

This soon got ridicules. We couldn't give away not one of our four bottom fishing combo meals to anything. So we changed back to float-rig fishing for Trout, and spent the rest of the afternoon in the warm sun, working really hard to catch just a few Trout and one Flounder till almost dark thirty.

We really have some warming up to do out at the jetties. So it looks like the next few times I go it won't be out there, but rather the river, creeks or ICW. Where I had good action at least, on last Monday's trip with Steve T.

I probably won't be able to not go "myself" till March 1st. But from the sounds of the weather forecast and high winds coming up this week. It just may not be till March 1st. Because no matter what, I'll be out that day.

My $50 discounted trip for two passengers is still wide open for March firsts re-opening of Speckled trout. If you want to "save" I'm giving this as an opportunity. March 1st is a Sunday.

2/17 - Opening Day!

2- passengers max. 6 hours of fishing.....Trout fishing that is. MARCH 1st Sunday or March 2nd Monday, as a back up weather day. ADVANCED RESERVATIONS ONLY, (days in advance)


...huntin' those waskily gators,
we always catch other species too.




Discount$50 I know times are tuff, you don't have to tell me! But don't deprive yourself from the basics...and that's FISHIN'.


Reservations: http://www.captdaves.com/Policy%20Page.html
** with submission that policies were read & $100 advanced deposit via Google Check out.

SAVE $ and book your trip for the re-opening of Speckled Trout.

From March on out, is the start of some serious fishing. BIG Sheepshead, Black Drum... Boxing some speckled fatties, having some fish fries.

(Hopefully) By then you'll be fishing with brand new 8' Biscayne float rig trout rods, squeeky clean, smooth as butta Shimano Citica low-pro reels with fresh Suffix 30# Performance Braid.
(waiting on the rods) A mix of ole school, with high tech.

It's taken awhile to get what I wanted, but the perfectly matched tackle for what I do, has been achieved. From a 20 pound Redbass to a 2 pound Trout. and everything in between.

E-mail me: charter@captdaves.com ASAP, to let me know your interested in the Trout reopening discount. Then, head straight to my polices/reservation page.













The Dave K. family from last year on March 2nd. We didn't Trout fish, but we had big Sheepshead, and Black Drum on a 1/2 day falling tide. It was a great morning!















Here's an oldie but a goodie from early March
in my old boat. What a day this was.
All Jetty -Trout!!



(note: all trip balances are cash. Dollar bills only, no checks)

2/16 - weather guessers were right.

I don't know how it was on a Walmart parking lot on the west side. Which is the usual forecast you get from the TV weather guessers. But NOAA's Marine Forecast was right about today, as I listened at 5am this morning, while I drank my coffee and ate my PB&J.

I distinctly remember the lump in my gut I used to get at 5am, when I listened to forecasts like today's when I used to do offshore charter's. I guess, I either smartened up, got older or too hungry. Because you just can't do offshore charters in a mid size center console boat around here, 12 months a year. As a full-time occupation. Like you can do inshore charters. (If you want to call it a full-time occupation.)

"Morning calm'ish 10-15 kts, cold and as the afternoon comes, expect 20-25 knot winds from the NW switching NE. " -A para-phrased forecast of what I heard on the radio this morning.

Had Steve T. from Reno, Nevada aboard the Jettywolf today. Thought I was supposed to have two passengers, but it ended up just being Steve.

We went float-rig fishing. Steve and I were open for anything. And yes, it was what I'd call cold as hell this morning. But we headed straight down river to a usually great Trout spot, during "other months". And yes, we still caught some Specks. Till the Pinfish ran us out of there!!

Hit a few more spots for a few more Specks and one Yellowmouth Trout. Then, I got this great idea. Run to the Dames Point bridge, and catch those Yellowmouth that I've caught there, in the past.

We had it perfect. Up under the bridge so we were out of the line of fire so we didn't get hit by the bridge workers throwing nuts and bolts off the scaffolding 200' above us. A perfect anchor position. Perfect current....but no bites!

By now the wind had doubled, it was still very cold and clear as a bell.

So we worked our way back east. Picked a Flounder up on one spot, after going out to look at the jetties. We got as far as the Navy Base and I could see it looked nasty. So we hit a high tide incoming spot for hopefully some more Specks a Red or a Black Drum.

We'll we caught more Specks up to 20 inches, and I think Steve lost a small Redbass.
Our largest Specks came from the intracoastal, not the river.

I told Steve, this is about a stereo typical February day. But from where he came from he said it was perfect. He has snow and real cold weather in the mountains of Nevada.

We had a good time chatting and just hopping from spot to spot.

My aching hurt foot, was doing much better than it was this past weekend, I was glad for that.
But by the time I got in my truck and heading home. I was sure glad to sit down.

I thought we did pretty good considering the wind and cold, today. But I still cannot wait till March 1st.

I just hope it's not cold windy and raining. I remember a few years back that the first week of March was unfishable due to weather like that. And just the week before I was at Nassau Sound ripping 4 pounders on MirrOlures.....oh the heart ache, I felt. Knowing where they were, but couldn't get to them, "comfortably".

By the time the weather straightened out, and I went to go get them, and they weren't there any longer. A perfect fisherman's Murphy's law....

2/13 - No Vacation this year....

Not that I ever really go on any vacations. But I usually refer to any day or two away from home a vacation in this charter biz.

Well, a few days ago I hurt my foot somehow. I have not a clue how. It was aching so bad, I couldn't step on any part of my foor except my heel.

Then, I got up on my roof and did some maintenance, then the next day went Kayaking with DOA Rob, and then I stepped in a rut and twisted the same foot, while carrying a yak to the truck. Yeah, that hurt!

Now, this morning I awoke to a swollen foot that was throbbing, all night long. So I called Pop's and said I don't think I can walk the 3-5 miles that we usually do at the Miami International boat show, for 12 hrs. We were supposed to be leaving for at 4am on Saturday, as we have so many times in the past on this same weekend. So he cancelled our hotel reservations in South Beach.

No seeing the debut of the 1/4" solid plate alloy "RockSalt 34" that friend Jay was showing in Miami. No, meeting the guys from Biscayne rods, that are building (3) more of my specialty float-rigging rods, as I write this. (for you my customers)

And no heading out of J-ville to see a different land/sea scape. And what a great way to spend not only my Birthday, but also this beautiful weather we're having, huh?

Like I say, I'm focused. I have to be able to fish on Monday the 16th, since I actually have a pre-booked, pre-paid, February charter. Can ya believe that?

To quote Mark Melnyk from World Fishing Network web site,
"So what else do you expect from Miami - 2 words - LIVIN' LARGE. This is the biggest exposition dedicated to boating I have ever been witness to... and the who's who, of the boating and fishing world is here."


I'll let ya in on a lil' secret, "it's a wee bit bigger than the J-ville boat show, hahahaha..."

2/10 - Guana "salty" Lake, 1st Yak trip

DOA Rob, is a big time kayaker. Armed with a 1/4 oz. dusty gray colored DOA Shrimp lure, his whippy fishing wands, and tiny spinning reels loaded with micro Power Pro super braid line. He's a student of Mark Nichols, inventor of the DOA. But has never even met Mark, or seen him "live" doing one of his famous fishing seminars.

But I have, numerous times. And Mark Nichols, "live" is not to be missed.

I gave Rob his nick-name. Because he's deadly with the DOA shrimp. Around here, it's Rob against BIG TROUT. Be it in his boat or his Hobie Kayak, you don't want to bet against him.

Our common interest is the love of catching and pursuing big Trout. And since half the time Rob's in his yak, I've been wanting to give it a try myself. Most kayaks look like they could easily be mid-evil lower back torture devices, to me. Then, you still have to paddle, cast, and get in and out of them. The "so-called" seats they have usually are nothing more than two "pads" a few straps, hooked into the yak. And I see smaller wiry guys, like Rob having a clear advantage when it comes to "NO" back support provided with these seats.

My problem has always been, that in my past life I have dug too many 3000 foot ditches by hand, pulled on too many sewer auger machines inside man holes, and lifted way to many heavy objects incorrectly. MY LOWER BACK NEEDS SUPPORT, if I'm going to paddle around all day long, and fish too.

So Rob got his hands on a 14' flat bottomed Kayak, that was a tandem model. He pulled out the second seat, and through a bit or research and development found that his old pedestal boat seat, which has a high back and is very comfortable, fit on top of the remaining plastic low back seat in this kayak. I was over at his house, and sat in it, and said...."Now this is perfect!"

Loads of leg room, stable, with a high stiff backed seat, a bit of extra height .

Rob says, "I think we have a yak for Dave!"

So for my very first adventure we planned on hitting Guana Lake on a nice windless, sunny warm day. And had high hopes of a possible trophy sized Trout, that the salty lake is famous for.

And that day was today.

Armed with a truck load of "stuff", a bucket full of live shrimp for each yak we deployed off the beach into the lake. The big yak was perfect for me. Comfortable, stable and roomy. Prior to planning our trip we put in 3 pole holders. But all I needed was one. For my float-rig rod.

The fishing has been tough to say the least in the big St. Johns river lately, due to it being February and having multiple below freezing nights down to the 20's....so our hopes weren't high that we'd catch anything in Guana Lake, with it's shallow depths, and very cold water. But the kayaking challenge was very low. And a really good place for me to have my first experience.

As a matter of fact, the experience would have been really good if I even lost a live shrimp to fish lips. I can say I never received even a "nibble". Rob, did though. His float went down once with what was a genuine fish, but it wasn't a good hook set and whatever it was, came off.

I had a really good set up going, so I thought.

My rod was right in front of me in a holder. So I could

drift my float out, and back paddle against the wind,

(since we forgot my anchor) and I could move around coaxing my float to different locations. Guana Lake had no current, just a light breeze.

I was really surprised to learn there is no structure out away from the dam. I constantly poked my paddle into the bottom, since it's very shallow, no more than 2-4 feet where we were.

And never felt or saw any hard bottom. It was either sand, or just dark black mud. But directly on the tidal side, what's referred to as the "saltwater side" or "ICW side", of the dam. There's all the oysterbeds you'd ever want. Maybe way back in the lake closer to the six mile boat ramp, maybe there's structure back in further? I don't know.

That's what makes the lake intriguing. We all know the place is loaded with Reds, Flounder, Trout, Drum, Croaker, Crabs, Aligators and much more. All with no "hard bottom" areas for the fish to feed and hide around??

I worked around as far as I dared to paddle, and Rob went back and anchored in front of the dam, where the only water flow is. And is usually packed with people when the fish are congregated there. When the dam's flowing either in or out of the lake it can be a fish fest. Most everyone has heard the stories of hundreds of Flounder being yanked from right in front of the dam, and then there's the Reds, and the Trout events, and shrimping, the crabbing. All because that's where the fresh "salt water" comes in and out and creates "flow", from the ICW side.

But, there's not a stitch of structure out there in front of the dam, or anywhere else for that matter that I saw. Just dips, and pot holes in the bottom.

Okay, now that I have a feel for the yak, it's time to try a creek with current and structure? And I told Rob we're going to either tote or tow two yaks to an area totally non-accessible to them any other way. To a creek with oysterbeds 20 feet tall rising out of the water like buildings. A area where you don't see anyone all day, there's no wakes, no jon-boats, no tugs, no one! And I'll use my boat as our "mother-ship" platform and jumping off point.

I will catch a big fish from a yak before this is all over.

More fishing info can be had about Guana Lake at this web site: http://guanalakefishing.com/

2/09 - Short report

Well, Nick & I went and hit it today. Poor Nick was seriously under the weather with some stomach thing going on that has plagued him for weeks on and off. And he really shouldn't have gone out with me for just R&D. But I guess it's better than sit on his butt at home. A bit of vitamin "D", may have helped him.

So we went to the jetties. I wasn't expecting alot.

We could hardly give away a shrimp at first. I knew it would probably be another day of "release fishing", due to catching Trout and probably not much else. (Trout are closed in Feb) Not much was going on, because boats were moving about, crowding around The Early Times boat as they were Ring-tail Porgie fishing, and were the only ones actually catching something.

So we kept moving on. And finally found some eager Trout, and caught a few. So we casted away from them, and then caught nothing at all! While working some rocks along a bank, hoping for a Sheepshead or pup Redbass.

Our next spot, both of our floats were side by side heading out behind the boat. Nick's float went down, and he says, "Oh it's just a stupid fish." And he pulled "what ever" toward the boat.

Then, "what ever" woke up...and his drag on his mini Calcutta reel started to spin.

I said, "I'd sure like a stupid fish like that!!"

That's when we knew it was a Redbass.

The fish was a 29-1/2 incher.
But wasn't the Red we all know and love in the spring or fall. The fish gave up easily.

Next spot, now the tide had died out, and I caught another Trout. The banks were really showing again. So we packed it in and headed back.





Tuesday: I'm heading to Guana Lake for my first Kayak fishing trip with buddy D.O.A. Rob. He has a large roomy yak, he's gonna let me try out.

Yeah, I'm taking my float rod and a bucket of live shrimp. So this ought to be fun, if not very enlightening. I need to see how the other half lives.

The other half that sits on the water in a pointy plastic bucket.

Hopefully photo's of fish will be had afterwards.

And I hope I remain DRY.