1/12 -Naturally frozen bait, during a chill.

If the live shrimp at the bait shop are not already in a "cold water coma." They sure will be by the time you put them in a livewell, and go to use them.

BRRRRRRRRRRR.....is it chilly out there this morning.

The reason I'm saying this is because I'd love to try some Trout fishing on Thursday.
I wanted to try a few spots that I haven't been in a while. Actually, a few "creek" spots.

It isn't as easy to "warm up" a livewell full of expensive live shrimp as it is to cool them off on a hot summer day. In the summer, a frozen water bottle will keep the livewell water cool. But what can you do to keep the water warm in the deep winter?

I'll give you a few thoughts I've had.

I have alloy boat brothern up in Washington that use the pee stream water out of the outboard motor going into a basin at the stern of the boat as a hand wash. A warm water hand wash. All they did is connect the outlet to a hose and run it up to the stern of the boat and into a little aluminum sink. So as they're fishing, with the motor running. Customers can wash fish slime off their hands with warmer water.

I thought that was a pretty slick trick.

But, I'm not worried about my hands, I'm worried about my livewell full of cold induced coma live shrimp. So, I let me outboard run. And then fill-up a small pail of water and dump it in my livewell.

The only problem is, it doesn't feel all that much warmer than the water I'm floating in. Maybe it is a bit warmer. Or maybe I just need to run my outboard longer.

This time of year a long run is from the dock to the end of the jetties. A whopping 2.5 miles. Not all that long for the engine to heat up that much, as 50 degree water is running through it, and metered by the thermostats.

Another idea is a small heater.

I know a fellow aluminum boater out of Mayport, that uses a small heater similar to this.

And at the same time, this could be pointed toward the livewell.

 Just needing to just keep the shrimp from laying over and playing dead is the whole reason for looking into such a thing. Because I'm sure it's not good for them to go from comfortably warm to cold river water with a hook in their head.

Damn, it's expensive caring for live shrimp. The cheapest of the heaters like the one pictured is about $55 bucks, and then the disposable tanks are another $9.00 bucks. They'll last 5 hrs.

Last winter was the "mother of all bad winters" in Jacksonville. And when I did locate some Trout, we used dead shrimp on a float-rig. They ate it, but at the same time they never pulled the float down, either.
That day the water temp up in Fort George on my RayMarine C-120 Sounder was 42 degrees.  DOA Rob and I, were anchored up in 10 foot of water. So ya know it wasn't like it was warmer on the bottom.

Many times if you have a quality sounder with a temp gauge. It can benefit you to check your temp reading, and adjust it. If you can. A water hose pouring over the transducer, and a pool thermometer is all you need to double check if your temp sensor is anywhere in the ball park.

I know many machines I've had read wrong. And at one time when I was always hunting King Mackerel offshore. I actually purchased a seperate temp gauge for my dash. It was a $150 item, but it was calibratable to +/-  a 1/2 of a degree. I had two sounders with temp gauges, plus this designated temp gauge. So I had multiples of the information I wanted. And back then, was well worth the money.  Especially in the spring when hunting King Mac water temps as early as April 1 as close to the beach, as I could find them.

I suppose I'll keep trying with the pee stream water out of the motor. It's sort of "free".  Now there's an invention I haven't seen on those boats like the 34 Everglades at the Miami Boat Show. A thermostatically controlled heated and cooled livewell. Instead you'll find heated seats, with adjustable lumbar support, and a drink holder every twelve inches, and a electric up and down windshield. Ya know...for the real "tough" crowd.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's this weekend:

SATURDAY - NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET.
INLAND WATERS MOSTLY SMOOTH.
Saturday...Mostly clear. Highs in the lower 60s. Lows in the lower 40s.


SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY - WEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2
FEET OR LESS. INLAND WATERS MOSTLY SMOOTH.  Sunday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 60s. Lows in the mid 40s.

70's by Tuesday?


Who wants to go?

One person, weekday only, 2 for 1, is still in effect.

1/11 - Snelling a Jig trailer, a follow-up

Been messing around. During the rain and wind the last few days.
If you missed the last video, scroll down. Then come back here. Because this is a "follow-up".
Yeah, when you know the versatile "snell" connection. Allot can be done. Guys have been snelling wire leaders and treble hooks for light Kingfish rigs for along time, now.

Here's a creation I made out of a big jig.
(the jigs alone have been catching Drum & Reds along the jetties)

1/10 - Snelling a hook w/ Capt Dave

The hook model was cut off, because the Youtube screen doesn't completely fit on here. GO FIGURE, Google owns Youtube, and still can't get it right!

My prefered hook, "turned in eye" VMC - bait  holder #9292 4/0 
VMC is the only hooks in larger sizes that has turned in eyes and is a bait holder 

Here's the link to the VMC catalog:    
http://www.vmchooks.com/consumers/

1/6 - Drummin' the jetties.

Had Greg H. and son Mike aboard again, and this time daughter Danielle. What a great time. And since I was feeling allot better this morning, after a healthy dose of antibotics. (I believe I had a bladder infection from passing a kidney stone, yesterday) I  was fit and my crew was ready to rumble.

No Trout fishing today. Greg and crew were getting the winter Jetty treatment. One day Trout, one day bottom fishing. So around 9am we headed off. The forecast wasn't all that great. The winds were supposed to be 10-15...leaning on the 15 knots from the west. Well, it wasn't very windy at all. And at the big rocks, the direction was N.W. instead. Yep, tiny details make a difference in my world.

So, with a rising tide still, I tried a spot that I've seen some Drum and Reds caught, lately. "Ohhh, that power of observation, is a biggy" spotting what's going on is half the deal, out there. And I know I'm being spied upon, too. But today, NO ONE was around. We had the whole jetty to ourselves. So we went over and anchored up on the area. We weren't there long, and the little drum started chewin'.

My new'ish Drum rule, if I have to clean them is release the small ones into the fish box, and release the big ones back into the water. (hell, my cutting table is only so big.)
So, if they were "keepers", they hit the ice. I believe the little Drum are better eating anyhow. Just like if the limit on Reds was 14-27". I'd be dropping 16-20 inchers in the fish box.

Here ya go...This is a perfect "keeper" size. Actually on the top end of the keepers in my book. With plenty of different size fish out there. Why not let the bigger ones go. Especially if you're like me. Hitting them hard!

It was really weird, but as the tide fell very slowly. The bite dropped to near zero. So, as usual these Drum love to play games. One day it's all about "high water" and two days later it's all about "low water". But that's what keeps it interesting, I guess.

As a ole aquaintance used to say, "In Jax (compared to Miami) you have to stay rigidily flexible." 
Yep, that couldn't be any closer to a fact of life, on the St. Johns river. As soon as you think you know what's going on and get all cocky about it. Momma River and it's inhabitants sense you're getting too good, and that's when Momma River, kicks you back into reality.

















Our only "exotics" today were one small pup Redbass around 16", and a giant for jetty standards Seabass at 14" that Danielle caught.

















The action was good. But we had to work for it a bit. We had one heck of a great time in the last two days.
But at the end of it all. Greg said, "Boy, if I had my choice that float-rig fishing for Trout is what I'd do all the time." Wow...that's something. Because most people from far away all they want is to catch giant Tarpon and Marlin, thinking I have just giant fish penned up here for them. But Greg, wasn't your average guy coming from Colorado to see his kids. He's AVID. When it comes to hunting and fishing. So he appreciated the "hunt" for the trout yesterday, even though we didn't get into any big ones. Maybe next time??

It's all relative. Because I try and use the lightest tackle I can. And I tell people, "sometime ya better watch out for what ya wish for." Mr. Tarpon doesn't care if you're here on vacation and have one day to fish. I'm in my glory right now. And am not even thinking about Summer, July's heat, or snipe hunting for Tarpon. I love Light Tackle Fish Catching!


















C'C'mon....your invited along to see the action aboard the "Jettywolf".
Check out the video clip:

Tell your friends, local reports get no better than at Capt Dave's Reports Blog.

1/5 - Trout fishing in Slick calm waters

Had the Hornecker crew aboard the Jettywolf today. Started out Trout fishing, and stayed with it all day.....thru the discomfort of passing yet "another" Kidney Stone. Just groin discomfort today, and lots of using the lil' blue bucket on the boat. (like every 2 minutes!!!!) And sat thru a bit of cold rain.

Caught lots of Trout, but more than many were just short of keepers. Probably 20+, while keeping 9.
None were really big, just 15-16 inchers.

It was dead slick calm. I probably haven't seen the jetties in January as windless as today in a long, long time. Remeber December 23rd's photos of water busting over the north Jetty like a water fall?
It was the direct opposite.

No day I have out there is ever the same, that's for sure. I've been hearing reports of no trout, to a few keepers, so today's almost constant action at each spot was nice to see. But they weren't everywhere, that's for sure. Two places that I thought for sure would have been a few Reds or a few larger Trout, turned out to zero spots.

It was really hard to concentrate today. My internal discomfort had me hardly picking up a rod. But Greg and his son were great to have aboard, Greg understood. He too has had a Kidney Stone. Great attitude and good fisherman, helped me get thru the day.

I couldn't really concentrate on talking much video or photos, really. But I did get off a bit.












Here's a about all I could do. But it's to show you how nice it was this morning.

Boy, I thought I made it without getting really wet. Until I was done cleaning fish, and my crew left. Then while I was putting the boat on the trailer, here it came. Wind and rain by the buckets. I was soaked, tired and still having to "go" every two minutes.

Thursday, same crew plus a daughter and this time we're bottom fishing.

1/4 - Testing Kodak Play Sport /boat tour

Finally, received my new Kodak Playsport water proof camera. It's actually a video camera. And of course takes "stills" too.

I hope this will be a new and exciting thing for this reports blog. Catches, tutorials, and more.

I figured out that Google Blogger will take videos straight off my computer, but they can't be very long, probably a 1/4 the length of this one. It takes quite a while for me with a wireless internet connection, to post one to youtube.  Looks as if it'll have to do, for now. 

Either way, here's a quick test  of my PlaySport camera and tour of the boat you'll fish aboard.....while at rest in her "nest", at home.

Next up:

-Wednesday 70% rain, two passengers.

-Same folks on Thursday, three passengers.

I'm hoping for some T-routz!

1/1/2011 - Favorite links:

I get allot of e-mails asking for advise. And many of these questions are where to find "stuff".
So, I'm going to lay out here some of my favorite links. Now remember, I'm a complete and utter tackle Junkie.

I can't seem to have enough play toys. It's part of the "life style", I believe. Equipment is an intrical part of success, as is making your rigging, work for you.

So here's some links that you may find useful, or not.

1. Striper Rods, by Shakespeare:   http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59704_100002005_100000000_100002000?hvarAID=shopping_shoppingdotcom  Take a good look at the reviews on these rods. It's a no brainer!
2. Swivels, 3-ways, and more. I take some of these products on this site and "create my own". http://visionhooksandtackle.com/
3. This guy is GREAT! And you cannot buy jigs cheaper and as well made with FAST shipping: http://stores.ebay.com/TCI-Fishing-Lures
4. BULK HOOKS CHEAP...or cheaper. I don't buy a small pack of hooks personally. I buy in bulk and save $$ http://www.captainhookswarehouse.com/index.cfm?&redirected
5. I've posted this site before. Along with money saving coupon codes. Lightning fast delivery. Close-out tackle,.reels, line. http://www.ffo-tackle.com/
6. My favorite bottom rod for river/inlet fishing of all time, Shakespeare Ugly Stik Catfish. So far they ought to rename this rod, Redbass, Drum, Sheepshead, and everything else rod. Works everywhere in our river. Another "no-brainer". http://www.basspro.com/Shakespeare-Ugly-Stik-Catfish-Casting-Rods/product/91862/-1241125
7. The oxygen infuser I've been using for the last 15 years, lots of small bubbles is the key: http://keepalive.net/portable.htm When the river's fresh, the last thing you want to do is recirculate your livewell water. So it's time for a Keep Alive pump.

1/1/2011 - B&M Bait and Tackle New Years Party & Fish Fry!

DID YOU MISS IT? ARE YOU A B&M CUSTOMER? THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE COME ON BY. THE FOOD IS THRU-THE-ROOF!

-gumbo
-mutton snapper chowder
-salads
-smoked venison
-pulled pork
-greens
-punch
-fried squid
-desserts galore















Friend, Allan Batsons 1953 Ford Truck he just finished restoring and making a daily driver....It was Sweet! Brought back memories of my old 1949 Dodge I had as a young man. But I always wanted a Ford like this. That's such a classic look.





















Getting the "fry tent" all set and ready.

Rusty owner of B&M, dropping the first two baskets of fish.












Everyone filing into the boat yard, where the 50' feet of tables covered with good food were.

WARM....(T-shirt and shorts) beautiful weather (except for the non-fishable due east winds) Made for a perfect day in Mayport.

And just think. This is how the rest of the country could look today. Poor them....

All donated by friends and patrons. Each New Years day B&M hosts this party, starting at noon till...? Open to all. I just got home and man I'm stuffed.

Sorry, I didn't see you there. If I did see you there. Good to see ya again. And Happy New Year!

12/31 - I knew it going in....

Had brothers Chris and Rick aboard today. Leaving early, because I knew today would be the day with the heavy duty crowds. And it surely was. Another, holiday..."me, me, me" kinda day. At first, since the tide was high at 5:12 am, I knew by 7:30am that the water would still be high. Connect that with a good 5.0 foot tide. Meant that as we sat "protecting" the spot we were fishing from the onslought of attackers, aka: "people that want to anchor on top of us". As anchoring on the spot was a genuine challenge.

I used every anchor I have in my arsenal. I used the big heavy "man-maker". Then, switched up and anchored in the rocks with my concrete block anchor. Then, to a small grapnel. Back to the heavy "man-maker". All to achieve precision positioning.

It was an anchoring circus, I was in. Getting grabbed by a whirling back eddy. Kicking us out of the zone, then back into the zone.  Back and forth.

But, I knew what was going on, the whole time. It was just that we had to stay in the area. And with a whopping two Toadfish in the first 2 hrs. It looked as if we'd never be in the meat.

But that was just the look of things. No a fact.

But that's what tide fishing is all about. By heading to this spot, first thing. We were really early for the right tide.

We sat through smoking current, too. And that quickly shagged away all the boats that honed in around us, really fast. But I had the "man maker" anchor stuck and stuck good. So we just sat through the period that the tide ripped.

But when the tide got right. We were in the meat so deep it was a waylay session!

Using my newest addition to the tackle arsenal. The rods weren't all that new, but the reels just came out of their boxes, last night. Chris and Rick really put them to the test. 

As we fished just dead jumbo shrimp on the bottom. It was again, Black Drum and Black Drum only. And just a few weeks ago it was Reds, Sheepshead, Whiting, Yellowmouth Trout, and Drum on the same exact spot.

I suspect as the water temps dropped, with the cooler water the other species moved on to happier hunting grounds. But the Black Drum, a typical cold water winter fish, remained. And with reports of allot of small trout. And my own experiences too. I'd just as soon, catch these Drum if I can get on them where I want to get on them.

But let me tell ya......I'm so aching for a good day of trout hunting. No matter what. I need a change! And it's coming soon.

Had plans for doing some trout fishing today. But my livewell of shrimp were comotose, this morning. From the over night chill, spent in my livewell. Since I bought a bunch yesterday. 


The guys easily caught a 3 man limit.
Being 5 per person 14-24" with one of the 5 able to be over 24". And we had 3 over 24" real fast.

 

 I just stood ready with the net. as Chris and Rick double headed (double instant hook-ups) no less than four times. It was drop down, set hook, fight fish to net for both of them.

We boxed around 6 or 7 and released all the rest. As the FWC boat sat in the middle of the channel staring our way, with binoculars. I was gonna get mine out and stare them down, but I didn't have time. I had to get the net, unhook the fish and get some photos.






















I only got in these four photos. Because no sense taking pics when they could drop down and slam another fish.

After having to sit through that haulin' ass current and all the work it took me to stay on our spot, there was no time to waste. The bite was on!

As the tide slowed, we had a boat creeping closer and closer. Driving over and dropping anchor right where I was just casting.

As fast as the bite started, it was over. As soon as the tide starts coming in on the bottom.

It was a wild bite, though. I did start like clock work though. As soon as a light weight sinker would stick. And I knew that.

We didn't fight it. When the tide slacked, and the boat spun, we packed it in. I had at least 60 pounds of fish to clean. So we headed to the dock.

Whewww....what a great 3 days in a row. And the Drum population seems to be as strong every day.
Things go in cycles out there. And from what I can tell, THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE BLACK DRUM.

Wonder what the spring bite of the giants will be like in March/April??

Until then. I gotta  goTrout catchin', now. My float-rig rods have been on vacation. A vacation that they've probably been enjoying. But, I don't like them not getting their excersize.

Next pre-booked:  January 6th will it be warm and sunny? I hope so. It's a rising tide all morning.

12/30 - Why go west?

Had Mark M. and his son aboard. Decided to head west instead of east. In the river today. First stop proved that the Black Drum are everywhere. Even when I'm looking for some other species.

First fish of the day, a nice big Drum. But, that was it frfom stop #1. So we pressed on. I was wanting to find some Yellowmouth Trout or something. Numerous and  smaller for our Jr. Angler.

So westward I headed. Working hard to get on the spots proved that there's some spots that you can fish a big chunk of dead shrimp on the bottom and go biteless.

Back in November, that certainly wouldn't have happened. Between Croakers, Bluefish and the ever present pinfish. Today I was actually wishing for them.

But, I could see it just wasn't going to take place. And as the cold morning air stuck with us. I even noticed a rise in the wind. The forecast was wind from the east. So I was on the look out for it.

In the back of my mind, I knew the jetties were the place to be. But wasn't heading out there, with a Jr. Angler if it was rough and windy.

Turns out, no matter what we did. I couldn't find any small and numerous fish. (7 year old size fish) So eastward we went. And when we arrived at the end of the jetties (inlet) it was warmer and calmer!!!!! Beautiful and slick.

So we slid into a good bottom fishing spot and started working it.

Yep, eastward is where the Jettywolf likes to call home. And that was all she wrote. We were into fish pretty fast......and Drum were on the menu again. Good gawd, this has been a hell of a Drum year.

The only Redfish caught. Eating a dead shrimp on a massive 2-1/2 oz. jig head, on the bottom.

Drum of all sizes.

Turned out, it got much warmer. The fish were chewing. And everyone was happy. It's a great end of 2010, for sure. Good fishing and wonderful weather.

And a bit of world river tour in the morning still yielded a big fat Drum, and a perfect current once arriving at the jetties. So it couldn't have wrked out much better. I believe we kept four, and released four.

12/29 - F-U-N with Shawn & Joe

Well, it was my first day back on the river since the heinous winds and burning cold of last Thursday. Quite a un-wanted vacation over Christmas. I'd just as soon be fishin'.

But today made up for it. Yes, it was down right "nippy" as we departed the dock this morning at 7am. Had Shawn from J-ville and his poppa-in-law Joe for Pa. aboard today. We bottom fished the Jetties (inlet), doing the ole winter time "KISS" fishing. Get anchored up on a good spot and drop down some plain ole dead jumbo dead shrimp. Of course the goal was some Black Drum. But a Sheepshead or Redbass would be nice too. And we caught neither. Just Drum, and a few Seabastards...I mean small seabass.

Hmmmmmm...where is the variety? Just a few weeks ago it was all the variety you could stand. To include MONSTER MAULER sized Reds. That's 3 trips now, with no variety along the rocks.

So as we were anchored, the bite was slow. And a Coast Guard Cutter's wake knocked us off anchor, as we sat perfectly where I wanted to be. Which comes with the territory, I guess. Then, afterwards I played hell trying to re-anchor with my cider block. The tide started to scream, hard.

It was a 4.7 foot falling tide. So it had the right to run hard today.

But we prevailed. "It's not how ya start it's how ya finish". is what a long time customer Dave Cohen taught me, last time he was aboard my boat in early December, after catching that 45 pound Redbass!. So as we had some good laughs, we waited out the fish.

 




















Look at Joe. Does he look as if he's ready to kick this Drums ass one more time?

Didn't notice that look of his until I was sizing the photos.  That may just be the look of Joe having a good time....."we hope so."

He had his "Salt Life" sweatshirt and fishing hat on. So I knew, he was ready.

It was BEAUTIFUL out there today. Light and Variable winds, sunny skies. Slick calm water.

We just needed a faster and more furious bite.
But beggers can't be choosers. Heck, since last week it's been 25 degrees and winds up to 40 MPH. So I was'nt wanting to complain to loudly.





















Shawn, now he looks like a Florida fisherman.
Big Jacket and yeah, he even looks cold.

Smiles? I gotta remember to ask for them. I think I gotta remember to have people, say...."CHEESE".

Good eating size Drum, for sure. I love to blacken these on a white hot, iron skillet. But that's to be done only outside. And by the time I get home and ready for the next day, the last thing I wanna do is go back outside on my porch, and cook up fish.

After fishing dinners for me, are fast and very simple. Hell, I have reports to do, right?




















I'll be honest with ya'. The first three Drum the guys caught were barely 12 inches. Yeah, for some reason the litl' babies were the first responders to our pieces of jumbo juicy shrimp on the bottom. They count, but at the same time, they didn't count. Ya know what I mean...

















Yep, Joe's holding a grudge against this drum. Maybe we should have re-hooked him and let Joe kick his butt again!  But this sure is a nice photo, isn't it? Good looking fish, granite jetty boulders, against a pretty blue sky. Finally, my crappy camera is taking decent photos. Maybe it knows it's going to be replaced tomarrow when the UPS man shows up.

On Light Tackle these fish are a blast. People ask about Sharks, Tarpon, and those super glory fish. But many times they need to watch out for what they wish for. Especially if their largest fish is a 2 pound Bass. This is the kind of fishing, I like and I like to show my customers. I have all summer to play chase for some monster Glory Fish, in the 100 degree heat.

The correct tackle for the species leaning towards the light side makes all fish, relative. A nice Black Drum or large Redbass on light tackle, 45 feet down on the bottom is a fun catch. Just like a 5-6 pound Speckled Trout is on my light, Float-rig tackle.

It's all relative......  















The tide stated to change. So we went float-rig fishing for Trout. So to mix it up alittle.

We got on  a good spot with clean, clear green water and good flooding current. And caught about 6 Trout. And everyone was either 14 or 14-1/2 inches long. Termites in my book. They have to be 15 inches to be keepers.

But at least Shawn and Joe got to do two kinds of fishing today. And the longer we tried, the trout got no longer. So with a fish box full of Black Drum 22-26", we headed in, "to make the donuts", as I say.

I had a great time with Shawn and Joe. Hope to have them back again, someday. Shawn's wifes Christmas cookies with the Hershey Kiss on top, were GREAT. I ate the whole bag!


Next up:  Thursday and Friday.

Then don't forget, B&M bait and tackles - New Years Day Party & fish fry. I'll see ya there.

12/26- COMING SOON.....

I get so many great comments about this blog. Yes, it's not always just fishing reports. But then again when you come here, you aren't reading some fishing reports from back in April of 2008 like many of my competitors.

But, it's not a competition, anyhow. Because, I couldn't care less what other guides are doing. I know what works, for me. And has been working since 1996.  INFORMATION!

Just like my tackle, boat and website. It's all in continual "upgrade". By signing up for these reports, you're part of a data base. You will receive any specials, will receive notices. And have access to this reports blog. And I can track the activities. Wasn't able to do that prior.

"The archives." 

Do not know if any readers utilize this part of Google Blogger. The archives for two full years is located on the right side-bar of this page. I look at it all the time. Especially when looking up a past customers trip, that is now coming back for another. I want to know how and what we did the last time they were out with me.

Well, the newest item that'll be coming very soon will be video clips. Video of your charter. Or at least a clip of your charter, if you don't mind....













IF YOU'RE THIS DIE-HARD, AND HARD-UP, I THINK YOU NEED TO CALL ME, AND HEAD TO FLORIDA (904) 642-9546

Is that giant Redbass kicking light tackle BUTT? I want to capture that! How about the smiles of your son or daughter catching their first saltwater fish? Or coming this summer, those big Spinner & Black Tip Sharks behind the shrimp boats, caught on video. And posted here with "your" report and report photos.

Photo's will still be here. What's a magazine article worth, without photos? Well. that's what I consider this blog to be. An on-line magazine, dedicated to NE Florida fishing.

" Like sands through the hour glass, these are the days of us on the water fishing....."

Plus, now I can throw up a quick impromptu video on a product that you may find interesting or a tackle rigging technique.

I'm so looking forward to providing you as a reader with so much more than you will find anywhere else, and especially anywhere else on another local fishing charter web site.

So stay tuned. It's coming.

Please click on the title of any report here, and enter a comment at the bottom, if it so moves you.  The "template" I'm using only accepts comments if posted on each reports own URL. And then, is only visible when the report's own URL is on screen.

Thanks, and hope 2011 you'll jump on the Jettywolf with me if you haven't already.

--------
Next up: I'm reserved for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Upadate......too cold Tuesday morning for a 7 yr old. Trying Thursday or Friday with the warm up. Still heading out Wednesday with two adults.

12/23 - Oh it be so....

If you didn't see my predictions for today from yesterday. SCROLL DOWN one post.
But heck, ya never know. So you have to try at least. Right?

Yep, my fears of a full blown Noreaster, was present today at the jetties.
The Forecast of 20 knots from the due north was dead-azz on.

Had Dave H. and his buddy and his buddies young son aboard. It was freezin out there. And the wind was all to blame.

Twice we tried heading the the big rocks (inlet jetties). First thing this morning on the super flood FULL MOON rising tide. We went straight to the end. But "my gut" was saying to me, "This ain't gonna be good for anyone." So I backed off and headed down river instead.

But momma Nature had other plans for us. It was a K.O.D. day. And what is a K.O.D day?

Kiss O' Death. Meaning a rising kick butt flood tide, with a good 20 knot wind behind it, and a FULL MOON....ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!

A recipe for what I refer to as; the good ole Global River Tour. Because no matter what, ya' just can't find any where that'll give up a bite of any kind.

So we went and looked at the big rocks one mo' time. And as we motored along the shallow part of the inside of the north rocks, Dave says, "we're not heading all the way out to the end again are we?"
I said, "No way!"

Inside the north was solid spray. The jetties were almost gone. Under water. And unless we had scuba suits, there was no anchoring up behind them.

Here's what we saw..... (along the shallows)


















Niagra Falls, anyone??

Maybe a ride on the "Maid of Mist?"

Needless to say, no place we tried did we recieve anything more than a Pinfish bite. Again...this wasn't my first rodeo. Been here in this same situation before. So I told the guys, let's cut this short. We're not gonna catch a thing, in these conditions.

So we headed back to the dock.

Hope everyone has a good holiday.
I'll be back at it on the 28th and 29th

12/22 - Oh No...say ain't so?

THURSDAY


NORTH WINDS 20 KNOTS...DECREASING TO 15 TO 20 KNOTS (HUH??? What the heck does that mean?) IN THE AFTERNOON. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY.




 
We'll see....and I'll report.
 
(Ken, are ya still going too?)
 

12/20-21 - P-A-I-N

So who was out there today?
First day or winter, it was today (the 21st.) Doesn't seem like the actual weather knows what the calendar is saying huh?

Well, I had an inquiry to go hit it. But they couldn't make it. And it was almost as well they couldn't. I would not have made it myself. Monday around 8pm I started getting pains in my back, then my groin. Then my stomach. Then back to my groin.

KIDNEY STONE!

Yep, I knew it. This isn't my first rodeo. 10 years ago I had an attack of a Kidney Stone while fishing "ALONE" up in Ft. George. And to top it off, I had dropped the boat in at the Sisters creek boat ramp. So that meant while seeing stars, I had to drive back, put the boat on the trailer, then drive over the Dames Point bridge, to head home. I remember distinctly while coming down the Dames Point, I thought  I was gonna faint from the pain. And slowed down and almost pulled over to just die, right there.

Well, this time luckly I was at home. Was gonna go fishing today with my buddy Nick, since I had no charter, on this perfect weekday. But Nick was home bed ridden and sick with the flu. So I was contemplating not going by myself. And I was glad I didn't.

Hell, I couldn't have anyhow. By 8pm last night the pain was so bad I thought I was gonna collapse. And by 5am, 9 hours later,the pain was still there. I evententualy passed out in my Lazyboy and woke up painless at 8am. Only to have it start all over again by 8:30am.  To the doctor I went. I actually was going to blow off an appointment I already had scheduled today, to go fishing. But thank goodness I had an appointment today. It worked out great. I have VA health Care, and let me tell ya' how great those people are. I was treated fast and don't think a private Doctor or private health care would have been as proficiant.

My Doc got me in, and then on to blood and urine tests, and x-rays and then to the pharmacy for antibiotics and pain killers.

And as it turned out I had passed the stone between my house and the VA office because of constantly having "to go".

So...what a day, what a night! I made it.

If you are not a Kidney Stone sufferer. THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS.  If you've had them, you know what it's like. My last one was 10 years ago. And I always have dreaded another attack.

But this time it was worse than the last. Way worse.

But, I asked if anyone went fishing today.
Because it was warm, sunny and "L&V". Light & Variable winds.

Light and Variable, the two words you love to read in the marine weather forecast in the fall, winter and spring, around here.

Being the first full day of winter, it sure was a beautiful day. Wish I was out there whackin some fatties.

I feel right now, as if my guts have been ripped out of me, and put back. And that's probably because of the trama my guts were in for 9 hrs last night, and the infections that always follow.

I guess you could die from a Kidney Stone? But, if you don't, you'll feel as if you are about too, that's for sure.

I won't soon forget this first day of winter of 2010. I'm circling this date in my Florida Sportsman Tide Planner book. (Dave's fishing bible) As a reminder that in another 10 years, when I'm 58 years old, I may go through it all over again. I hope not!

Looks like the weather is UP & DOWN, from here on out. One day may be gorgeous, and then the next two cold and windy.

Either way after last night, and what I went through, has me not caring all that much. Each day of fishing no matter what the weather is like is a real blessing, anyhow.

Being able to fish and take people from all over the globe, to share what I love so much. Watch them experience, what I take for granted.

Last nights agonizing experience. Makes me appreciate it all, more.

Sometimes we need, a good kick in the pants.
I just wish it didn't have to hurt so bad.



-See ya out there on Thursday's, North at 15-20kts.(?)

12/19 - REELY?

Been playing around. Got myself two reels from "yester-year".

One is before the Bass Boys decided that it wasn't okay to be casting a "so-called" heavier reel all day long. And companies like Shimano took the majority of their greatest reels (bait casting...I don't talk spinner!) and put them on a diet. Stripping them down to the least amount of weight they can.

Examples, would be the Curado. And the Citica. Two, low pro reels that are just plain awesome. They have been slimmed to nothing more than a gear box and spool. Compared to the first go'round of Curados and Citicas. You use Citica's when you're float-rig fishing with me...older ones. That have a ton of miles under them. But just keep on working.

My older models,"and as a saltwater fisherman I think they are already light in weight." But the new ones are now really anerexic!  But as usual with shimano's drag system, they're slicker than Tarpon poop, that's for sure.

Here's my two lastest finds:

The Calyx 100A.

The Calyx 200, a wider model, but lacking the one piece alloy frame.
See? The 100 Calyx is smaller and lighter and more Bass caster friendly. Compared to this reel. Vintage late 90's, I believe. But reminiscent of the reels that every river Trout fisherman really wanted, back in the day, and that was these (below: Shimano Bantam 50)....I know I missed the boat. A quiver of these in pristine condition fetch huge prices on the auctions.

So....If you have a 4 pack of these in like new condition, you could sell them and make enough to buy a brand new Curado, that costs $200 plus.

Saw a fella at the boat ramp last summer with a quiver full of Bantam 50's. And I talked to him. He said he was heading out Kingfishing, and those were the reels he uses. Like the Mule team, the old Bantam 50's just kept working, obviously. Huge amount of line capacity, light weight for their day. And faster than some old Penn level-wind, that's for sure.

The smallest Calyx, caught Drum for two days, straight.




















That's my F-U-N. It's not just catching the fish, but the "how" and what on, did I catch them. I'm sure these were intended for just Bass, and the 2 second fight you get out of Bass really isn't a true test of any reel. The bass boys don't care about that. It's all about how they cast and "flip".

For me, I don't care as much about casting as I do cranking! And from 40 feet below, with a nice sized drag puller on the other end. Another important thing in a light tackle saltwater reel or a "low profile" reel is drag pressure and line capacity.

If you read the catalogs, you'll read the hype about allot of reels these days. You see unbelievable drag pressures that small low profile reels claim to produce on a fish.

The most outrageous is the Abu Garcia Revo inshore and Revo Toro reels. They claim upwards of over 20 pounds of drag pressure!

I do not believe it. I'd have to see it...on a scale!

WHY?

Because I own the smallest most high drag pressure reels on the market today, and they are Accurate twin drags. TWIN drags, yes two high tech drags, in a tiny little reel. Not just one quarter sized drag washer, as in most Abu Garcia's.

Like a brakes on your car, the Accurate's spool is the "rotor", and the drag is like the disc brake pads. Exerting the same amount of pressure equally to each side of the reel spool. As the lever drag handle is pushed upward. Absoultely awesome reels.

Oh yes, these little wonders are truly techie. No larger than a Abu Garcia 5500 reel. (You use these to stop big Redbass in deep water on my boat).

These little reels with two drags, the size of the reel side plates produce over 20 pounds of drag pressure on a fish. So I cannot believe that a little single drag low profile like this Abu Garcia Revo can produce 20 pounds as well. It just doesn't compute, in the engineering.
REVO INSHORE (Below)

It's a war out there. And the reel companies are gonna claim as much victory as they can. Low Profile reels are mighty popular. Easily palmed, light weight, powerful gearing, makes all of them "NOT FOR JUST BASS ANYMORE."

I've gone full bore, and most of my reels are now light weight, high speed, low pro's.

I used to be a die hard Abu Garcia 5500 & 6500 owner. The drags sucked back then. They were jerky and although the "round reels" as they are known today, held a ton of line. It was almost useless with such a terrible drag system.

That's why on my boat you'll be using all high speed, high line capacity (for a low-pro) and smooth drag Shimano for our everyday fishing.

High speed these days is 7.1 to 1 gear ratio. So even my Shimano's with 6.2 to 1, is slower. (FYI: that's 6.2 turns of the reel spool for each turn of the reel handle) But especially when Trout fishing with the ole float-rig, gathering line FAST, or gathering slack line laying on the water fast. Really helps when it comes to catching.

Other edges are using Braided line...or as I still call it, "Super braid". Today, people have dropped the word "super".

Wanna know why you felt that Black Drum "sand bag" you so nicely, fourty feet below the boat in a haulin current? As it sucked up your shrimp and slowly moved away?  Because of the line. That's why it was so easy to feel. Mono is OUT, for me. It's only leader material, if that.

Technology. It's unbelievable.

Right now, I'm using a new Laptop computer. The lastest and greatest. Fast as all get out. Packed with features I didn't know existed. Borrowing it from my mother. Because my "desk top computer" of the last twelve years just crapped the bed, two days ago. It was so slow, and had no memory anymore. It was jam packed and finally after much frustration by it's user, ME. I about took a sledge hammer to it.
So it's officially.....DOA.

So, then why did I buy some older reels to play with?  It's still nice to be a little vintage. Even if a vintage reels like the ones I got, are just a mere 6-10 years old.

So the question asks........what are you fishing with?

-Vintage, for the fun of it.
-Vintage,  because your just slow to get on the band wagon? 

Well you can bet, since "your guide", (that's me) is a real gadget guy. I'll have for you, as close to cutting edge as I can get......in multiples of FOUR.

It's all part of the fun. Upgrading, R&D with tackle, deal hunting, and maintaining.

Now, are ya ready to go rip some drag?

Next up: Three person on Thursday. But I maybe out there before that. Ya' know. Doing R&D.

12/17 - A REEL good time!

Before I forget....I posted a awesome web site here before, don't know if anyone paid attention. But FFO sent me another coupon code.

That's "Fishermans Factory Outlet" - it's the distributor for Penn, Abu Garcia, Spiderwire, Berkley, Sevenstand, tackle. And by signing up for their newsletter (like mine) you get special offers, on the already discounted name brand stuff.

I just ordered 1100 yards of super braid 30# line and paid something like $56.00, with the coupon code. Before the $7.95 FedEx shipping. NO WHERE, can ya get brand name line, at 1100 yards for that kinda price!!

And talk about reels.....OH THEY'RE, MY DOWN FALL! I like having lots of reels.

A nice Phlueger low profile reel that's HIGH SPEED, for $48 bucks. I may have to order a few, for  spares.

Check it out, at http://www.ffo-tackle.com/ and if you enter H25%10 in the coupon code area at checkout, you'll save 25% right there.


(If you've had any trouble getting here on the Blog. It was "hacked". Someone decided to hack the address, which I quickly figured out. And fixed it. Sorry for any problems)


Finally......Now, on to today's trip.

Had Adam and Colby aboard today. Two young anglers. And Adam and his dad have fished with me before. Adam is a steady blog reader, too. So he knew what was up. His dad couldn't make it, so his buddy Colby filled the spot.

Oh how this day looked to be "iffy" at best. Over cast, dark, cloudy as all hell, windy, and still out on the water, quite chilly. Completely different than earlier in the week forecasts. But that ain't stoppin the Jettywolf. "Tell Adam to pack his woolies" were going, to catch us some DRUM! I told Adam's Dad on the phone last night.

Well, what does this mean?

Red sky in the morning
mariners take warning!
That's the first thing that confirmed a big "morning wind". So as Adam and Colby piled on the boat, we headed directly to the jetties.

We were in position and got bit right away. DOUBLE-HEADER!

We were doing just fine, but the cool wind blew and the big curreent came as the tide was pushed by the wind. We went from 3 oz. leads to 6 oz. leads for awhile. So the guys ate fried chicken wings, and I had a bag of chips. We swapped a ton of laughs today, also. Besides getting Adams head out of the cooler, as he and Colby too, just had to examine their fish time after time. Inbetween bites.

Adam caught a "sand bagger" Black Drum as we sat waiting for the current to slow while using those 6 oz. leads. Not really feeling  the bottom at all. But while checking his bait, Adam caught a nice fryer size Drum that never even ran, after eating his bait.

We certainly didn't keep all the drum we caught. Letting go the very small and many of the larger ones. Keeping six, I think out of no less than twelve.

I have to remind people that these large keeper type Drum aren't easy to clean and take a long time to do so. Especially, if I have to clean these on the boats cutting board. Today we got a bit lucky, and got to use a real fillet table over at the local marina. But that certainly isn't the "norm". I can do some, but surely can't clean 12-15 of these fish. I don't think people want to pay that cleaning service price, after their trip.

Heck, Trout are one thing....these dudes are another.

Again, the Drum ranged from 10" to 26". All the fish are fun as hell to catch. Because they "sandbag" you. And the bite is so distinct. Not like a "Slam and Run" that so many people are used to with Redfish of this same size.

As the day went on it got beautiful out there. The wind calmed down and the skies cleared. It got warm and the sun actually was shining. We went from all out wintery conditions with some rain even to a completely different day, all in 6 hours. of "catching".

I'm actually feeling a bit wore out on the Drum right now. I'd like to get back to my Trout chasing actually. But with the live shrimp sort of comotomose from the cold spell we just had, it was just as easy to go catch some Drum, with nothing but some dead shrimp.

That's Fall and early Winter for ya'. Lot's to do. From Trout to Reds, Drum and Sheepshead. River, jetties, and creeks. There's fish everywhere, willing to bite. You just have to be where they are and that means working the tides.

Saturday is it...and then comes the  winds again on Sunday.

The forecast for the week has already flip flopped twice since yesterday.This week is looking better.

Tuesday says "Light & Variable", the words I like to read.