4/15 - Pay the Goverment Day.

Let me just tell ya. I pushed and pushed and pushed a little bit more, and then a buddy out in Texas took the reign's and pulled the trigger.

And up popped; http://www.aluminumalloyboats.com/ see, we were all talking about our aluminum boats on another web site. A web site full of south Florida "Cuban penis extender owners". Ya' know........"God created South Florida on the 5th day, and as he swept his hands over what soon sprouted up as Miami, he also created the world in which all boats are judged, manufactured and used."

NOT!!!!!!!!

So since we are a "cocky" bunch of diehards from all over the world. We weren't much liked by the pointy, no fishing room, look at me, 6-outboard crowd on this other web site. But we peaked interest. A lot of interest. From practical people, who enjoyed using their boats instead of having to polish them, or get the bird shit stains out of the egg shell.

I've had the link to my second home up on the side bar since day one of the grand opening of Aluminumalloyboats.com (AAB.com for short when discussing...) Don't know if anyone ever looks at that stuff. I'm in the dark, about what readers actually look at here.

But thanks to a guy by the nickname Welder the site has had a Million unique visitors in just a few months. Welder and I dig this stuff. And he made me a Moderator for the forum. Kinda like a look-out for spammers, and code enforcement, I guess you could say. But the job is more honorary, than anything. Because our members are quality folks.

From all over the world! Brisbane Australia, to Maine, to Alaska. Manufactures/builders, owners, want to be owners, charter captains, cruisers, you name it.....all for the love of our practical, easy maintenance, customizable, fuel efficient, aluminum boats that we refer to as Alloy Boats. Because they are far from that beat old thin, and tinny Jon-boat your grandpa had leaning against the tree in the back yard.

Wanted to share with you how the "other half" lives. And show ya'll some photo's of Peter known as the Spoiled One, launching his customized 30 footer that took 2 years to build. Peter's in Alaska. Notice, besides the snow covered ground, the snow covered mountains in the background?? The wood planked boat ramp, and the second truck with the tow strap, just in case there was a "slick spot" on the ramp. These are not even the "ahh" inspiring photo's. Peter and many other Alaskans have posted photos of alloy boats at work in the Arctic, hunting, crabbing, shrimping and yes.......catching Big Fish. If I had room here, I'd show ya photo's of Alloy Boats in Australia, and fellow southerners (Texas to Florida) enjoying the ease of maintenance, ease of ownership their Alloy boats give.

So when you see me at the boat ramp. And think to yourself; "This dude is some kind of wacko with that big metal boat, no one owns them..."

Just remember, I know a whole lot more than you do about these boats, their history, what kind of people own them, and really... "I think you might just be the wacko for not owning one too!"

Here's a photo of the USCG Mayport, Fleet in the St. Johns River. Using the same material in all their boats, as is used to build mine.

Watch out Terrorists, I mean weekenders!

4/13 - Screwed by the weather again

One mo' time...just for good time sake. Screwed again!

Was supposed to fish today....other than the light rain this morning, it's not all that terrible.

Forecast was for 15-20 knot west winds on Sunday, as of 8pm last night.
When I had to make the call to my charter clients, with a yes or no, go.

Now, at 3pm it's sunny and not all that windy.
04/13 - 2:48 pm SSW 6.0 kts. gusts 9.9 kts.

Instead here's an example of what it really was this morning:
04/13 - 9:30 am NNW 8.0 kt. gusts 13.0 kts
04/13 - 9:24 am NW 7.0 kts gusts 9.9 kts
04/13 - 8:48 am W 5.1 kts gust 7.0 kts




"Momma's... don't let yer babies to grow to be, charter guides........"

4/12 - For the birds....only.

Saturday's....gotta love 'em and hate 'em. Well compared to Friday, at least.
Worked my butt off, that's for sure. Had two half day trips. One at 7am and another at 12:30pm.

First off, I went and 'baited-up' after Friday's successful trip, because if I got my shrimp and ice the day before I wouldn't even have to go to the Bait Shop, Saturday morning. And deal with the possible crowds in the very limited parking lot of B&M bait and tackle......12 dozen new live shrimp, and a basket of ice. I was ready, for whatever Saturday threw my way. I thought.

Then I got home, checked the weather report for Saturday, and whewwww...the only preparation for what I read was MENTAL preparation. It's all mental-prep, when on Friday I had no wind, two good fisherman, and bountiful beautiful trout, and then a Saturday with winds projected to be over 20 knots, a boat load of kids in the morning, and then an afternoon mystery corporate charter, in over 20 knot winds.

Let's start with 7am Saturday. Had Eric Pipkorn from Georgia aboard. The game plan was a 1/2 day with himself, his wife, and two 5 & 6 year old's. That turned into, himself, the two 5 & 6 year old's, No wife, and a 11 year old, instead. Thank goodness the 4th member wasn't another 5 year old. But rather a quiet boy from Atlantic beach who never said a single word to anyone on board in 4 hours. He was able to float-rig fish, along with Eric. While the two younger kids, just played or threw-up over the side of the boat.

We were at the jetties, and did catch a few fish as the breeze got stronger and stronger. And the water rougher and rougher. Started out with some Jacks, and Bluefish. Then, Eric caught the first Spanish Mackerel of the year on my boat (on the float-rig), a healthy 26 inch fish! Not bad for the first one of the season.

Honestly, I was rethinking my child/adult policy as we went along. Thinking, I may want to go with one adult for each child under 10 must be present, and no more than 4 passengers, max.

It kept getting windier, and rougher and one of the boys wasn't fairing to well. I think I was the only one who cared.....Maybe no one else aboard has ever been seasick before??

(You can see him in the corner of
this photo with his head slumped
over the side.)

The trip was supposed to be all about the kids, and really should have been just a "2 hour kids trips", where we ride around awhile sight seeing and maybe do a few minutes of fishing. Because the day was deteriorating FAST!

We left the jetties and tried a few other areas, with no success. Pretty much because of the wind direction and strength. And the bite was about over, as the front moved in I guess. As soon as I can't get anchored up with my heavy chain, 14 pound Danforth style anchor, the wind is certainly a major factor in our day, then. The youngsters were getting really bored/and or rammy as my mom used to call it. And the older boy (the cousin) just put up with them, and lost interest in fishing too. So we eventually headed back to the ramp. Where I cleaned up that Spanish Mack for Eric, and it yielded some nice baking fillets.

Next up; a three boat, three passenger each, company charter. Arranged by a friend. The wind was at it's all time fury at this point. I think we could have caught just as many fish while tied off the the dock....is what I was thinking. But I had 3 really nice folks, two women and one guy.
As they loaded on the boat, I said. "were gonna go see if we can do anything, and I mean anything, in this wind." And I took off to the jetties!!

Yes, I was at least gonna go for the GUSTO! So as we got out there, we took a lot of spray over the side of the boat, as I gave her hell. (at least the ride would be an adventure, they could talk about back at the hotel) I looked around and it was all out mayhem....the SW 20 knot, gusting to 25 knot winds had us with no where to go.....except, the north jam of the jetties. Where the beach meets the jetties on the very north corner. I ran down the outside of the rocks all the way to the beach into 10' of water. There was a swell coming in. But if I could stay anchored. We may have a chance at a Jack, Bluefish, or whatever is swimming the beach....POMPANO?? Yeah in my dreams.....

I pitched the anchor, and we held. But the wind was whipping the boat all over. I cast out 3 float-rig rods to see where they would go...certainly not down along the rocks. But rather blown out into the Atlantic, with the SW wind.

We ended up with a few Bluefish, and Jacks as predicted, and one 16" Whiting. What a stud!
I kept having to cast their lines for them against the wind up to the jetty rocks, 3 at a time and in a NY minute their float rods would have massive belly in the line, and they'd miss one fish after another. NO GOOD. NOT FUN! But certainly worth a try on a day with lighter winds, I learned. Probably a good place to try for more jumbo Whiting, in the future....so I put that tidbit of info under my hat and we got the hell out of there.

They asked if the ride back in was gonna be like the ride out. "OH YEAH", I responded. Thinking to myself....probably a lot worse! Or more fun, depending on who you are. And that was ME.
With the incoming tide pushing against the SW gale gusts. I ran around the North tip of the jetty, flew through the air and barreled down the center of the channel. AHHHH, BIG METAL!

I actually took it a bit easy, for the sake of my passengers. But really wanted to see my BIG METAL shine. If I was by myself, I could have really smashed my way in the jetties. Because it was a soup sandwich. Seas from all directions with a frosting of wakes and froth tearing up the middle of the channel. I loved it. Water sprayed everywhere, the wind would just pick it up and send it airborne ...and I did all I could to not give here all out, hell. That's why "we" own boats like this. They don't creak and crack, they just go through whatever is in front of it.

Then there was the part of the river from the ferry slip, to the little jetties. Boats everywhere, bogging, bow up into the heinous winds and chop. I just slid the tabs down a bit and blew right on by them. Yeah, this was a Disney World ride, not in Orlando, but rather Mayport!

We slid in behind the Lil' Jetties and anchored up and caught a few more Bluefish, and a few small Speckled Trout, before it was time to head back to the dock.

But probably the best part of this charter was when the fella on my boat told me he's a real shutterbug, and just loves taking photos of different places and things. So on the way back to the dock he got a treat. We were slowly cruising just outside all the shrimp boats in Mayport when a big sail boat passed us heading inshore. They were tacking with the wind, and the whole sailboat was leaned completely over on it's side, and then they went for the tack. The crew turned into the wind, and the sails came snapping around, leaning the boat over on it's opposite side. This fella (Ron, I think) took a series of photo's straight out of Sailing Quarterly Magazine. Really cool stuff!

When we got back to the dock. I was mentally drained. And a bit physically drained too. It was almost 5pm, 12 hours from when my day started this morning. Twelve hours of no wind is tough enough, but twelve hours of hard fishing, wind blowing, two different groups, rammy kids, and rough seas. Hell, I feel I earned every nickel I made today....the hardest way.

It's good I had these trips, because as I write this report on Sunday morning with the cool winds and rain outside right now. I was supposed to be fishing in this too! But instead I cancelled today's charter with a husband and wife team, visiting Jacksonville. I told them last night, "Ya'll are not gonna have any fun.....I can about guarantee that!" So hopefully, my honesty will pay off with a re-booking with them again, another time.

4/11 - He said it was gonna be good!

Dale Houck....
Recently a new Jacksonville resident, Fisherman, boat owner, BLOG reader.


Booked a trip several weeks ago. But as time neared, the wind was blowing. But Dale said "don't worry it's gonna be beautiful." I replied, "hey, I'm always prepared for big wind...just in case."

At the dock this morning Dale and buddy Marcus were early, and ready. We left out at sunrise.

I had big plans, since Dale's whole purpose of the trip was to learn how to "float-rig" fish. He was interested in the how's and why of catching the Speckley rascals....Trout. So I had plans to take him and Marcus to a spot that's a big fish spot, but has never been a serious quantity spot.

First few bites on their drifting shrimp along the jetty rocks were Jacks and Bluefish, fun, but not what we came for. But no fear, Marcus lifts and set the hook on a drag pulling fish. And it's a 5 pound Speckled Trout.

This fish set in motion a nice run on big fat Trout. The rock that the fish were behind, was revealed.

Just get your float to drift that lively river cricket (shrimp) near that rock and your float goes down.

Yep, that's the magic of float-rig fishing the jetties. When it goes down, like a bullet. Mark that rock!
That's where they'll be.

The current of course when we arrived was sort of too fast, but I timed it just right, because not long after, the tides push would slow down, and when it did the Trout started chewing.

As we continued, Dale's reason for reserving his trip, "mastering the art of Float-rigging" was right on target. And Marcus...he was doing just fine, too. It's an addictive type of fishing, for the angler that wants to stay active, learn the currents, and not be tying on rigs all day from bottom snags. To me, it's "MY" way of fishing. There's only one fish I haven't caught on it that frequents our waters from time to time and that's a Snook. We don't have lots of Snook here in the Jacksonville area, but they are around. I know where they are, too. But just don't get there much.

The fog was thick this morning, and would come and go. So cloaked under the dense fog, we sat undisturbed as this was a Friday that just might as well be a Saturday morning.


We ended up with 7 trout from this spot and 3 were 5 pounders. And man, they were sweet. This area has produced even larger Trout. I have seen them up to 8-9 pounds. In the winter. I haven't caught any. But I know they frequent the area.

Not every Jetty rock is the same. Some spot just hold fish better. Some are Redfish spots, some are Sheepshead spots, and some are Trout spots. And it's all too do the window the tide gives you.

Show up on the right spot, but on the wrong tide, it's like anywhere inshore. It doesn't mean the fish will be there. People always ask me for "spots" as if there's a magic rock where anyone with no skills can catch big Trout. And with as much tact and diplomacy, I try to explain the whole process, if I can. But there was no having to explain this to Dale or Marcus. They found the rock, I just supplied the tide and means.

We fished until the falling tide completely died, so it was time to move on. So since Dale was wanting to learn, we tried a little Jig & Shrimp fishing. Looking to get Marcus a big fat Redbass on some serious light tackle. But we never caught one.

Then we float-rigged the same area, and still didn't catch one. I knew they were in the area, I just saw two caught on a float-rig on another boat. But for some reason, we just couldn't connect.

So we moved on and tried another area. It was so covered up with boats that it was tough fishing.

Instead we just caught a Jack or two. The Jacks are getting bigger, the Bluefish are also larger, and the Bluefish aren't as ravenous as they were a few weeks ago. I don't mind Jacks in the 5 pound class or larger, they give folks a good pull. But those little 1/4 pounders are just plain bait eaters.

The fillets today were great. Purty, purty, Trout fillets, for all kinds of dishes. And Dale even let me have 2 big ones for supper.

Thanks Dale, I cleaned up the boat when I got home and then blackened those chunky fillets, add a big scoop of potato salad, and a tall glass of sweet tea, I was in GATOR TROUT HEAVEN!

Tomorrow (4/12) I have a double header, one charter in the morning and another in the afternoon. Then comes Sunday's (4/13) two passenger trip and a big time weather change. It was 80 something today and the weathers supposed to turn COLD??? I just put away all my fleece for the year, last week!!

Here's all of the photos I took today on my "Recent catch pages" :

http://www.captdaves.com/Catch5.htm

4/10 - Giving you the info!

New addition, and a kind of cool one I think.

I consistently get folks looking at my web site and then call me go fishing the next or same day and don't realize, that the wind is HOWLING a gale.

Soooooo.....I installed a giant weather screen right in front of the viewers.
Check it out on my "home page" www.captdaves.com

There's also weather links on this web page too: http://www.captdaves.com/jetties_page.htm
Plus a cool site called Fish Weather listed in my "links" along the side bar here on the BLOG.

And because I'm always thinking about my beloved BLOG readers. I also installed the same weather screen at the very bottom of this BLOG...."scroll down" now and you'll see it.

That's Mayport. Yep, who gives a toads butt about the airport, Craig field, somewhere over on the west side of town. I'm not fishing there!!

Working hard to provide you with as much information as I possibly can, is what I strive for.

Even though my past "POLL" showed hardly any BLOG readers are people looking for the finest in River/Inlet charter fishing aboard the BIG METAL boat. But, hey who's to say ya'll may not refer a friend, relative, or client to me. Right?

That's why this BLOG is here. NO other local charter service in N.E. Florida provides YOU with as much local info as I do on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.

Thanks for visiting and I'm always glad to bump into you all when I'm out and about.

Remember, scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page to see Mayport Weather. (the wind and direction, and barometer is the most important thing.)

4/9 - Found some ole notes

Went and gassed up the boat this afternoon, and forgot all about the notes I had in a pad, where I track my fuel usage/engine hours. As I pumped my measly 38 something gallons in the boat for the $115, I handed the attendant. I looked at my fuel book and saw some interesting tid-bits.

I found these notes intriguing because they were from last spring and early summer, but last year.

Here's a few for comparison:

1st Jack Cravalle of 2007 on 3/23 at 5 pounds.
1st Jack Cravalle of 2008 on 4/4 at 1/2 pound.

3/26/2007 the ICW water temp was 71 at mid day falling tide in ICW/Little jetties area.

3/27/2007, we caught the years first Pompano.
This year I still haven't caught my 1st jetty pompano yet.

By 3/31/2007 we had (2) Pompano that day, at 2.5 and 4.5 pounds on the Boga-grip.

Saw first Manatee in my stomping grounds on 4/10/2007
As a matter of fact, on Sunday 4/6/2008 I saw a Manatee off the Navy Base in deeper water on the surface heading EAST.

4/13/2007 - caught First Ladyfish of the year.

4/24/2007 - seals went bad in my trailer hubs.....Get those fixed!

4/26/2007 - The Redbass were Ballistic inside the north Jetty on Jig-N-Shrimp combo meals.

4/27/2007 - Gas was $2.93 a gallon.

4/28/2007 - had (10) Specks 18-23" with (5) over 20" in one spot, by myself, then went home.
Salinity where I was fishing was 22 Part Per thousands.

4/30/2007 - had (3) under 20" Trout, and (6) - 5 plus pounders!

5/3/2007 - Pogies starting to show on beach, but very scattered.

5/3 to 5/11/2007 - Really bad winds, up to gale force for a week, straight!

5/18/2007 - starting to catch perfect sized Black Drum on my Trout spots.

5/21/2007 - Perfect day! Loads of nice Trout, ending the day with a 6+ pounder at the least likely spot.

5/22 to 5/26/2007 - 15-20 knots of wind ever day.

5/26/2007 - went out on last day of big wind solo and caught (8) Trout (limits), (12) Black Drum (Limits), (1) Flounder......on Float-rig and Jig-n-shrimp. ya should been there!

5/29/2007 - Fuel back over $3.00 again....someone farted.

5/30/2007 - 15 knot winds from the east, but still had a great day, no current to speak of but had loads of Trout and Drum, and Trout to over 5 pounds.

6/5/2007 - another great day, good amounts of Trout and Drum, in 20 knot west winds.

6/6/2007 - all the super bad BlackTip Sharks flying through the air upon hook-up at the jetties. Dead Pogie, heavy tackle and hold on!

6/10/2007 - Fuel back under $3.00 a gallon, now.....fart dissipated.

6/15/2007 - Good day....loads of trout limits, (5) drum, (1) Flounder and (6) Reds.

6/21/2007 - Big Front passed with lots of rain and wind and completely shut down where I was catching the Trout, Drum and Reds. Just (1) 30" Red, (2) Trout, (3) flounder...ut oh!! (2) Mangrove Snappa's. My Favorite.....NOT!

So, ya wanna learn more about fishing the local waters? Then I suggest you make yourself a nice little note book. And sketch in the High and Low points as you go fishing. I didn't write every thing for every day, but it sure is neat to look back.

But after looking at last years notes, I can see things are a bit slower on the "git-go" so far this spring, for me.

Not every year is the same. As a guy I knew used to say, (especially when he became very frustrated with his fishing) "I guess you have to remain Rigidly Flexible, huh?"

4/9 - WINDY....gale force week?

Well, when the wind blows I always have something to do here. So I been adding some really nice features to the boat.

I'm not going to get all into what I've been doing. But I added a thing or two that I've been wanting on the boat for a long time.

And, I'm re-vamping some tackle. Here's where YOU make out. I do this from time to time. And if I was Joe Fisherman out there, I'd be ready to pounce on these. I can set ya up, if you're looking to start out with all you need for river, coastal, or offshore fishing.

FOR SALE:

(4) - G. Loomis, BBR-966C (casting) GL2 8 foot, 1 piece, 25-45# line, 3-10 oz. class rods. Cork handle, tripper grip all fugi reel seat & guides. THINK MONSTER REDFISH. Also Tarpon, Shark, Grouper, AJ. Used, but in fine condition All (4) - 87.50 a piece at $350.00. One at a time - $100 each. Merlot color. These rods were designed for Salmon fishing in Alaska! Can whip a 100 pound fish. Graphite blend for superior action and durability.

(4) - G. Loomis BBR-904C (casting) GL2 7' 6", 1 piece, 12-25# line, 1-6 oz. class rods. Same as above, except a lighter version. Same pricing, also. Awesome river rods. Can and have done it all.....you may have used these if you've fished with me.

(www.gloomis.com)

Life time warranty, via G. Loomis, or expediter service where you pay shipping and get brand new rod, no questions asked!

(3) - Okuma IM8 - 7'6" heavy casting rods. Yes, Okuma's......their best! "Guide Select" series rods. Split cork handle, light and sensitive. BIG FISH RODS! Bottomfish, Tarpon, Shark, Grouper, Snapper. Fugi Alconite guides! Fugi reel seat. 1-5 oz class rods. NEW!!!! $80.00 each. $75 each for all (3) taken at one time. Okuma's "over the counter" no questions asked warrenty!! (www.okuma.com)

NO reels, so don't bother asking. Everyone does.....

I'm re-vamping. And you can make out. All rods subject to bid. There is "wiggle room". But we're talking the Loomis rods new are $180 each, and the Okuma's are $110.00 each at the stores. And the warranty's are some of the best in the biz. That's why I bought them.

If you are interested contact me via email at: charter@captdaves.com or phone 904-642-9546.

4/6 - was suppose to be 2 days!

What do I always say, "when I have multiple days booked, it seems like I never get them all out because of what?.......The Weather". Yep, had Bob Hartman and his buddy Bill aboard today, on Sunday. We meticulously planned to fish on Monday & Tuesday. Just so we didn't have to be out on a weekend. But on Friday I looked at the weather for Monday and Tuesday. And didn't like what I saw. I'm very sick by now of fishing in high winds. And that's what the problem was.
So I quickly called Bob and said, "let's spin the weather wheel of fortune and see if Sunday will do. At least the winds won't be bad. That's what Monday and Tuesday looks like, for sure."

So Bob agreed and drove down from Hilton Head Sunday morning. Yes.....Hilton Head S.C. We met at 9am and departed. Heading EAST, of course. The seas were rolling in from the S.E. but the Yellowmouth Trout were on fire, once we found them. But Bob's "inner-ear" was less than happy with the sea state. So he's be sea sick, wobbly, and then fish some more. Then seas sick and wobbly, and then continue fishing. He did this for hours. I had to give the man credit. He didn't give up! He was bound and determined to fish. Even where I wanted too.

Then we moved as the tide got just right for big Redfish. But Bill caught a 6 pound Sheepshead instead......and more Yellowmouth Trout. We caught enough of them fish, I wanted Bob on a big jetty Dog. But the circumstances, seas, whatever was making it hard to get one, if one was even in there.

Now, fully accomplished "float-rig fisherman", broke in by the Jettywolf, while pitchin' and rolling around in my BIG METAL, it was evident. Bob need some relief. So we moved on to more tranquil waters.

But, by now the new moon falling tide was a screamin'.....but with some persistence we still caught a few small Speckled Trout. Even I was being challenged pretty hard to find a decent spot where the tide wasn't haulin ass. But never fear. Time heals all everything, and I made move or two till I found the perfect spot. And even then had to adjust us a few times to get it perfect.

But when I did. Here came some really decent Specks. Bill caught one while the engine was running, while we were drifting tight on the anchor line, 2 feet off the side of the boat. THAT'S WHEN YOU KNOW THE FISH ARE HERE.


Bob was being a bit out done by Bill. He was catching Specks. Then all of a sudden Bob's float goes down and the drag takes off. The fish makes a long long burning run down the rock covered bank. I said to Bob, "Here's that Redfish you were supposed to get at the end of the jetties!"

But as time went by, and by, and by.....Bob wasn't making no head way with the fish. Turns out his drag was so loose, even after I tightened it for him a bit that the fish took off 1/2 the spool of line on his 6500 Abu Garcia Ambassador reel! Bob was the "king of finesse", I guess.


As the fish got closer and closer, I feared it was not a Big Redfish, but rather a YELLOW SUBMARINE! aka: Jack Cravalle. If so it's the first larger one of the year. Two or three trips ago we caught a few small ones.

Bob brought the fish boat side and yes, it was a decent sized Jack. And Bob was thrilled, and a bit wore out from all the reeling. The Jack weighed in at 8 pounds. So folks, where 's the Spanish Mackerel, and the Ladyfish? Have even seen one of them yet. I better not talk too soon, huh? Because before long, they'll be eating all my shrimp in the live well.

We continued to fish, looking for more Trout. But I had dinner at Momma's house waiting (it's a
Sunday thing) and we only caught another small Jack. So we headed in. Because I had a lot of fish cleaning to do, also.

Overall a decent day. Dispite the rain, no sun, lots of clouds, Bob's sea-sickness, and serious river current, it all worked out in the end. Bob and Bill had a good day, and lots of fillets to take back home, and some good stories to tell.

Next up for me is Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Let's see how Mother Nature treats me on that line up of days. I'm ready for no wind, lots of sun and slower current. C'C'mon......?

4/4 - 24 hrs can be the world!

Had two of my favorite guys on board today. Mike Hurt and his Dad, Gary. Been taking these two guys fishin for years, and I always enjoy seeing them, because we always have a good time no matter "what".

Well, "the what" today was a major change in weather from 24 hrs prior, when Nick and myself fished the same areas.

Problem was.....the wind. Didn't start out all that bad this morning at 8am as I headed to the jetties. And then anchored in what was a soup sandwich (Minestrone between rye bread). The southside of the south jetty. It was rock & roll. Nothing that "MY BIG METAL" can't handle, but as we feed the Bluefish live shrimp on the float-rigs bouncing and swashin' around. Mike was starting to feel the call of his breakfast, doing a re-run the opposite way! So I packed up and moved to calmer waters. Although Mike did have a big run of a large fish on the float-rig. But his leader broke. Might have been chafed from prior Bluefish attacks.

Bluefish love the soup.

The nastier and choppier the water, the more the ocean Piranhas, like it.

You can't tell in the photo, that the swell was 4 feet, but you can surely see the nervous surface condition.

Okay, back to the calm water area inside the jetties. Well, by now the wind had built up and was a good 15-20 knot sustained from the southwest, and by the time the tide started to flow. I couldn't stay anchored to save my life!

Between the tide and the wind, it had the boat jerking back and forth pulling the 13 pound Fluke style anchor loose. So I did what us jetty fisherman never do....go to a 7-1 scope on the anchor line. Yes, to anchor in 20 feet I paid out approximately 150 feet of anchor line! And we stuck, like a granite boulder to the bottom then. This was a personal record. I never have had to put out that much anchor line to hold in the depth of water in my life. So you can surely tell, that the conditions were far from perfect.

The Bluefish were still present, but we did bag a few Trout as the tide started to ebb. But as the New moon strength and wind got behind the water, the current was way too fast. So it was time to move on, and drag up all that dang anchor line.

We moved over a an area out of the wind, sort of and found a few small Jacks, Blues again, a Sheepshead, and another Trout, 16" and mighty skinny but it was a Trout. Mike and I both lost a good fish, probably another sheepshead.


As the tide slowed on this spot I made another
move to an area that's so hard bottomed that again, it was a miracle the anchor stuck.

Right in the Lion's Den of wind. Knowing full well, that there probably wasn't any Trout there. But the decent sized Blues were there and Mike and Gary hooked one after another for hours it seemed. And probably 20 hooks worth. They were either eating the hooks off, or chewing on them as we flipped them into the boat.

We ended that day there, and headed back to clean fish. And I was surprised. There was enough for a small fish fry dinner.

I really hoped for a better day. But the weather beat us. Mike comes to Jax to see his folks a few times a year, and always calls me well in advance, is always on time, and likes the float-rig fishing too. That's why I look forward to his day. And so wanted a better one, weather and fishing wise.

So it looks like the rest of this weekend is gonna be windy, although they say Sunday is going to be 10 knots from the N.E. And we know that really means 15 knots or better probably.

I have Monday and Tuesday booked with the same two guys, and man it doesn't look good right now:

MONDAY - NORTHEAST WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP. SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.

TUESDAY - NORTHEAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY.


So every time I have multiple days in a row, momma nature doesn't want to cooperate. And people still want to trade me j-o-b-s. Yeah right!


OH, BY THE WAY....ask anyone who's been with me. And they'll tell you how safe they feel. In the same boat the US Coast Guard uses. This is one tough boat!

4/3 - Had to GO!

Yesterday (Wednesday 4/2), what was it like, 83 degrees, sunny and no wind? And I was supposed to have Jake O. aboard, who's a single passenger charter customer. But Jake called me at 0600 hrs in the morning as I was loading rods in the boat and said he couldn't make it. His 'sugar' was low, and he was really weak. Holy sunburn Batnan, did we both miss a perfect day. A really perfect day. We don't get them enough to throw them away. So I was really disappointed.

I ended up doing neglected yard work, and planting some bushes I rescued from my dad's house. Then went to the "club house" aka: the Mayport China Buffet, for dinner with buddy Nick.....where of course I planned an attack on the TROUT & REDS. And Nick was happy to go along, of course. So this morning we took off out to the jetties.

Not the same as yesterday's weather by no means. Hazy, overcast, but warm then dreary, dark, and cloudy with fog in the afternoon. Here comes the next "front".

I told Nick, we should have run offshore again. Because the ocean was slick calm.

But quickly the offshore butter fly jigging pangs went away as I set the hook on a nice Redfish on my "meat-mover" float-rig rod I use for fishing really deep swift water. If you're a Float-rigging tackle enthusiast, you'll soon learn one rod and reel doesn't do it all, well. Especially if you're a jetty fisherman, like me. The deep swifter water
has fish too.

I'll keep this short and sweet since I have a charter tomorrow with Mike H. a regular from Minnesota and his dad.

But we had 8 Speckled Trout to 20", and 5 Yellowmouth Trout, and 4 Redfish, from 17" to 30". And this years 1st Jack Crevalle of the season, a little 12 incher. And some Bluefish. Last years first Jack was 5 pounds on March 23rd. I've been waiting on them, sort of with some contempt. Along with the Ladyfish and Mangrove Snappers, that'll soon be here too. All fish I could live without, of course.

We took loads of photo's, so I'll let them just tell the story. Take notice of how gloomy it looked out there. Now envision how nice it was yesterday...Either way, I just had to go fishing!

4/1 - A beautiful morning, no April fools.

After a weekend of big winds and dreary skies, this morning at 7:30am proved to be a good decision made, to get Steve Titus and his 6 year old son Reese out for a half days trip.

I was really surprised how many people I saw out today. Monday's are usually pretty vacant, but That's over.....cause it's now April!

The residual of what the wind did against the start of a new moon week had the falling tide inside the jetties rocks quite sporty to say the least. So we stayed close and I taught Steve and Reese what we were gonna do.

As the tide lowered, the better the fishing got. Even though I thought it was kinda slow, I had to remind myself of what it probably looked and felt like out here this weekend in the gale force gusts.

In between spots we took a ride out the jetties and to the ocean. It was sporty. Big rolling seas from what seemed from the S.E. Reese was yipping all the way as he sat in the stern with his dad.

I saw a few intrepid folks head in from offshore, loaded to the hilt with big offshore rods. I guess these people don't listen to the Weather radio or look at the Internet weather sites. I'm never amazed.

Reese caught a dozen Trout or more and two sheepshead. The sheeps weren't massive, and the trout were mixed, up to 19 inches. He got proficient at saying "Get the net!".

The water temps up, but no signs of Jacks or Spanish Mackerel yet. But in two weeks or so, I bet we'll start seeing them. I hear the dreaded Mangrove Snapper's are on their way too. Those shrimp eating machines are worse than small Bluefish to me. I know how to get away from Blues. But there's no getting away from Mangrove Snappers if you are a Trout fisherman. The 4" eating machines could fall off the face of the earth and I'd never miss them.

I have tomorrow booked along with Friday this week. And with the seas it doesn't look like I'll get offshore to do any jig fishing again.

So I'll wait for that perfect day again.
Next week I'm reserved for several days with one group.

And I think this Saturday is the Redfish spots tourney? Man, that's a good day to get outa Dodge and head offshore. That's one tournament that's grown too large for my participation likes. So I'll probably stay home.

If I had to count the days that I'd rather stay home than be on the water because of tournaments, I bet it's up into the bakers dozen mark by now.

Like I said before, crowds are not my forte.



Click this link to see the rest
of today's photos on my recent catch pages:http://www.captdaves.com/Catch7.htm

3/30 & 31 - It's over....with a BLOW!

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT

TONIGHT: NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS...WITH BRIEF GUSTS TO GALE FORCE POSSIBLE. SEAS 5 TO 7 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY.SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.

MONDAY: NORTHEAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS BECOMING EAST IN THE AFTERNOON. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. SCATTERED SHOWERS.

MONDAY NIGHT: SOUTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.

March, is blowing away. And I've rescheduled both today (Sunday) and Monday's charters.
Will I be able to get Tuesday & Wednesday's clients out? I hope so.

Between yesterday and today (Sunday), it's almost hard to believe that this is the same planet, huh? Saturday, no wind, sunny, clear skies, and 80 degrees. By Sunday morning; cold, gale force winds, overcast and dreary.

I found it really funny while out fishing both Friday and Saturday, that all my buddies I ran into out on the river asked, "so.....you been catchin' them?" And my response was, "well considering this is the first day I've been out, that it hasn't been blowing a gale. I guess not!"

The average weekend fisherman, probably doesn't keep up with every detail of the weather that I do, surely out of "survival instinct". I also reminded these same guys that just last week (Easter week, Spring break week....etc) It was blowing just about every single day, besides last Saturday. And of course, I had no reservations for Saturday.

If you are new here, or just found these daily single sided conversations. You may not realize I'm what some friends have called a micro-manager. I think that's a bit overboard. I just call it, easily obsessed.

Like Float-rig fishing, my new obsession has lots of detail and technique, a lot of fine-tune-ability, and parts and pieces. And besides being completely new to me. Which has a lot to do with the excitement.......I am just dieing to get out and do it.

I'm talking about vertical jigging!! Call it butterfly jigging or free style jigging, or whatever. It's my newest quest. I just can't wait till the next flat calm day, so I can get offshore over a reef and jig my arms off, again. I experimented last Wednesday. While attempting to multi-task my butt off; helping friend Nick who was also a sea sick offshore rookie, work on learning my GPS, finding a reef or two to actually catch some fish, and of course run the boat, and then try out my new sea anchor for drift fishing.

As you may recall, I never had a bite that I knew about while jigging to my best ability. But then again, I'm not sure if I want someone on the other side of the boat bombing cut pieces of Boston Mackerel to the bottom while I'm working for that one aggresive fish on the reef that might hit my metal jig.

Since today was pretty crappy outside, I've spent the whole day doing research. But not yet found anyone say Yeah or Neah, on sharing the boat with stinky bait going over the side.

On the Shimano videos they say, "Leave the bait at home", and that leads me to believe three things. #1 - You'll never catch a fish on a jig if you have bait on the boat. Kinda like a Fly Fisherman taking his spinning rod and some live bait with him on a so-called Fly fishing trip. Or #2 - that bait on the bottom or drifting around will not help that aggressive fish eat a jig, instead. Or #3 - taking just your jig rods and tackle bag full or expensive jigs, hooks and leaders, at least makes you feel like, "this was all worth it" somehow.

Either way, I'm hooked and will succeed.
I always do!

I'm really looking forward to a Kingfish, Cuda, Spanish Mackerel or Bonita, more than a Snapper or Grouper. Because I think Pelagic species are naturally the first fish in which to "cut my jigging teeth" on.

It's been a long time since I've been excited about going offshore for anything. And if it wasn't for getting interested in the whole jig concept, I'd probably never have the want to go offshore ever. I've happily worked and played in the river and at the inlet now exclusively for many, many years. And never gave one minutes thought to going out there again. It's not that I'm bored....it's all about mastering a technique that probably doesn't catch a ton of fish, especially here on our Party Grounds (local reefs within 8-25 miles). This isn't Key West by no means. I'm reminded of that almost daily, 12 months a year. So the challenge is....what the challenge is......No changing that.

And as far as offshore chartering this summer? The jury's still out on that. We'll see. And if so, it'll be via this Captains discretion.

If you've got an offshore jiggin' story, or have found a trick or two while doing the butterfly jigging offshore of the First Coast and don't mind sharing, (as I do each day). Send me an e-mail.

I always enjoy hearing from Blog readers. I have found out over the years, there's alot of you out there. So we might as well, network a little.

And hopefully the next time ya'll see jig photos, it'll be one of my new jigs hanging out of a fishes mouth.

3/28 & 29 - Busy, Busy, Busy!

Well will I get out all my charters, I have reserved? That's my thoughts right now. I got Friday and Saturday done, and with good success. But as usual when I have booking day after day, I'm rescheduling or cancelling at least a few due to the weather. So Sunday and Monday will be those days.

3/28 - I had regulars Don Hudson and his father-in-law Ralph out to the jetties. The forecast was south wind 5-10 knots. But it wasn't. More like 10-15 knots with mucho residual Southeast swell. We tried doing some Float-rig fishing for Trout first thing, but my gut was telling me it wasn't gonna happen for us. So we packed it up and headed in the river and did some bottom fishing. The action was slow, but did manage 2 big Whiting, a large Seabass, and a 5 pound Black Drum. We kept working the cut clam strips and shrimp combo meals wanting either more Drum, a Sheepshead or Redfish. But it never happened.

But I wasn't out of tricks. Ralph and Don are Float-riggers, so we headed back to a certain area and pitched our floats out with live shrimp and were in an absolute waylay of Yellowmouth Trout. To quote Ralph, a soft spoken man, "I'm all for action!"

And we had action. So much that I never took any photos, because I didn't have any time too.

Plus, we were being "stalked" by another fishing guide too. But that's another story.

The yellowmouths weren't huge, just normal size. There was just so many! We easily boxed out limit of 12 fish, and released just as many. Sometimes it just doesn't matter how big the fish are, it's just so much fun catching them. And Ralph and Don had a good time.

3/29 - The Mayport boat ramp was an absolute ZOO from 0600 hrs. till whenever...we didn't stick around long enough to see the rest. There were so many boats, so many trucks, and so many people everywhere!

It looked like the opening day of boating season, up north somewhere. And gas was FREE, bait was FREE and the fish were jumping in boats! It's funny, I'm in the people business I know. But crowds make me very nervous and anxious.....I hate them! Because many times my j-o-b gets alot harder with a lot of boats around. But thank goodness most of the masses were heading offshore, so it seemed.

Right on time, Martin Combs and his mother Joan and son Bradly came down to the ramp, and we quickly left. We went float-rig fishing and caught plenty of yellowmouth Trout, but many were small, so we didn't keep them. But they were quickly getting acquainted with the ways and means of what I do. So we left that spot and headed to where I hoped to find some Speckled Trout. And Joan was the first to hook up a really nice one.

Then after that it was pretty much.......GAME ON!

More Trout, 18-20" and some small ones too. Then Sheepshead, then a Bluefish, then more Trout. Just where, and just what my GUT FEELING, told me. We sat in one spot for a long time, having a ball. And Bradly even hooked a Sea Turtle. Not all that uncommon, they like shrimp too. So we unhooked it, no worse for the wear.

As the tide slowed, we moved to the end of the

jetties and tried some quick jigging for Redfish,

but never had a bite. Then moved again and tried for some more Yellowmouth trout, but the current wasn't correct for that either. We had a really slow incoming tide this weekend, less than 4 feet. So it was the falling tide or nothing for us Float freaks.

The weather was so perfect, that the tide conditions almost didn't matter. Martin, Joan and Bradly went home with a big bag of fillets, stories to tell, and I saw myself in 14 year old Bradly. He was a fisherman! So I referred to him as a "mini-me" .

It seems so long ago, when I was just like him. Ate up with catching fish. learning, casting, and everything else that comes with becoming an accomplished angler. And I'm lucky to be able to take a young man like him and remember back when I was just like him.

See the rest of todays catch pics on my "recent catches" pages:

http://www.captdaves.com/Catch8.htm

3/26 - 3 - Fold Trip...R&D on a beautiful day

Okay, I'll admit. I'm always excited by new tackle and techniques. So I'm sort of fascinated by a system that's all the rage. You can call it Butterfly jigging, or Free style jigging. Actually it's nothing new as I discussed before. But I have never done it. It's nothing more than vertical jigging with long thin shaped heavy jigs. Letting them go straight to the bottom and then jig them, so you basically "walk the dog" with them as you reel them to the surface.

Here's a link with video's that will explain it: http://www.spanishflytv.com/theater/sponsors-butterfly-jigs-1.php

So not expecting to catch anything in March with 65 degree water at Montgomery's reef, I still wanted to head out and try my new jigs and technique. While there, I had to learn how to use my RayMarine C-120 Chartplotter/GPS/Sounder, I use it every day in the river. But in the year and a half I've owned my boat and the electronics, I have yet used the GPS/Plotter to head offshore, find a reef area, and go from spot to spot. You may say, "so whats...the big deal." But let me tell ya, the more dollars you spend on electronics, the more you need to learn to get the most out of them. And going from one waypoint to another is something I haven't yet done. No need to do that when your in the river all the time.

And then there's the third thing I wanted to play with, and it's my parachute size sea anchor that I picked up at Strike Zone, at their side walk sale last week. Where I paid literally pennies on the dollar for it. And actually went there, hoping to see one for sale. Because this summer when I go offshore, there won't be any trolling. Spending big dollars on fuel driving around. I'll be slow drift fishing instead, and wanted a parachute type sea anchor to slow me down during high current or wind conditions.

So Nick Watson and I got to Montgomery's reef, in the residual from yesterday's small craft caution conditions. The swell this morning was big and close, but not a huge deal. First spot was all small Triggerfish and small Red Snappers at first using cut Boston Mackerel for bait. Nick did most of the bait fishing as I practiced with my jig rod and technique.

I had to keep my cool as Nick was working on the fish and I had my eyes on figuring out all my Chart plotter/sounder/ GPS had to offer. Nothing like learning with no instruction manual, I left that at home! And cussing every time I hear Nick set the hook on another fish, even though the first spot didn't produce any keepers.

We didn't anchor, that would have just been more work, so we just drift fished. And as Nick said on the way out..."We may need the luck of the Irish" Being lucky and Irish, he ended up with a 21" Gag Grouper.

Nicks the drummer for the Celtic Rock Band, RATHKELTAIR, and originator of the now 2nd annual Jacksonville Irish Music Festival at the fair grounds down town April 26th. Here's the link to his band http://www.rathkeltair.com/ and the festival http://www.jaxirishfest.com/ I hope to See you there, if you're tired of what you hear on the radio these days.
I figured a lot that I didn't know about my RayMarine electronics pretty quickly. Learned I probably wasn't gonna catch any Snapper or Grouper like Capt Jose Wejebe in Key West on my economy versions of the butterfly jig. So we moved on to another reef area that I always fished with success back in my offshore days.

So after a quick 5 mile run in now almost slick calm seas, I ran over a big ledge on the way to a spot I had punched in to the GPS. I quickly stopped, spun around and went to take a look.

"Ahhhh, this has to be the south breaks", I told Nick. Every since going to GPS latitude and longitude, I have no real waypoints. I never converted all my 1000 offshore fishing spots over from LORAN numbers. So we were kinda flying by the seat of my pants today. But this 10' relief lime rock ledge had to be my old Snapper spot. I baited up and played "catch up". And they were home. I got slammed on my first drop. And caught the first legal Red Snapper.

It's been a long, long time since I had caught a Snapper, let alone a legal over 20 incher. It wasn't much over 20 inches, but I didn't care. We had a Snapper in the fish box!

We end up fishing this spot for hours, and I even
got to mark the whole length of the ledge on my GPS. My own spots, on my own plotter! I believe this is the same area I fished for years. And have pulled a thousand pounds of Snapper off of years ago. So I was excited.


Nick and I caught a bunch of small Seabass, 3- Sharks, and probably 10 Snapper off these set of ledges, and caught 5 keepers. Which we could keep 2 each, for supper.

We finished up the day, that had us drifting really fast all the time due to the ground swell and breeze, using my big parachute sea-anchor, which I was dieing to try. And it worked like a dream slowing our drift, which led to easier catching, of more Snapper.

I can't even remember when my last offshore trip was. It should be memorable, but isn't. I vowed to not mix inshore and offshore trips while doing charters. It's too much work doing one day offshore, and then the next in the river. Especially when I have day after day reserved.

But this summer I may do some mixed trips, for King Mackerel, Cuda's, and whatever bites. As long as I have my electronics mastered, working flawlessly and can remember what button to push to do what!

I never caught anything on my jig rod and nock-off butterfly jigs. But I think when summer gets here, I'll get my chance then.

Snapper dinner tomorrow, and then time to get ready for Friday through Monday charters. Good reports came from the Trout chasers today, even though I heard the current was very weak. Yep, don't expect any incoming tide current this weekend. Check your tide books...after the full moon is over, comes really weak tides. Believe me, all it's gonna do is make my job harder this weekend.

3/24 - Your Weather Manager

Had a trip booked back on last Thursday with Dave K. Who wanted to fish in gale force winds? Not me. So we rescheduled for today. Well, an incoming tide against a 20+ knot N.W. wind, and "small craft advisory", made for an early morning decision, to bag it one mo' time!

Luckily for me, Dave comes to J-ville each month and we rain checked his trip to a date in April, that he'll get back with me on. But at the same time, I'm getting really full for the month of April already. This could get interesting.

So, what will this week bring? The long range forecast (right now) looks doable. I hope so, because it's a busy week. I have reserved Friday straight through to next Monday. A 4 day run. And what happens when I have trips day after day? That's right....."the winds blow hard".

It was exactly like this last year. So already, I have made a note for 2009, starting the week of 15th of March to expect; "winds from hell".

On another note, if you missed Strike Zones side walk sale on Friday & Saturday you surely missed one of their best. Dave, is the king of the tent sale. And under dark clouds on Saturday, in front of the store their were deals for literally pennies on the dollar.

I even bumped into two BLOG readers there. Always nice to meet the folks that frequent my ramblings, that go on here.

Myself and a buddy were in all out bargain heaven. I had plans of looking for some heavy metal jigs, because I want to try the offshore vertical jigging this year. Ya' know, "butterfly jigging", or as some refer to it as "free style jigging".

I've watched all of Jose Wejebe's - Spanish Fly video's, Shimano video's, and Youtube video's. Trying to learn the system. Of course Shimano wants you to buy all their stuff, from $60.00 pliers to $16.00 jigs without any hooks!! It's sounds like a lot of hype, but I know many fisherman that say it's for real, and it works. The key is drifting over a reef, covering the water column above it, and provoking "reaction strikes" from aggressive fish. Be it a Snapper, Cuda, AJ, or a Cobia???

The key word for me, that I quickly picked up on was DRIFT. "Hmm, turn engine off, and drift. Saving fuel, not trolling, and vertical jigging around a reef?? I'm in!"

Being that I have a light boat for it's size, (that is also very fuel efficient.) But, I can drift faster than some 10,000 pound 26' fiberglass hulk. So I was thinking about hunting up a big sea anchor, something like a Para-tech sea brake, for those windy days. Then as I walked up to Strike Zone, and started looking around I spotted a giant 84" super high quality sea anchor. Originally, $160, marked down to $80, then side walks sale priced down to $40. I grabbed that thing and held on to it like a frisky 10 pound Speckled Trout!

Then, of course I found all the jig's I'd ever need and leader material too. One stop for all my new summer time jigging needs. Remember, I'm just trying this out for fun. If I can catch me a Cuda, or a Kingfish, or a big Spanish Mackerel I'll be happy.

So I'm all ready for calm seas, or windy seas. And in the year and six months I've owned my big metal boat, with the giant 12" Raymarine display unit, GPS and plotter I have not yet entered a waypoint for offshore and utilized the GPS to get me there. Hey, I've been die hard inshore for a long time.

I used to fish offshore 12 months a year, years ago. So I suppose I better get crackin' and dust off the ole LORAN/GPS book, and start punching in some areas offshore, huh?

What's killing me right now is that the big TROUTZ are out there, and I can't get to them. And if I can, I haven't been able to properly fish for them.

I have only one pack of Trout left in my freezer!

3/21 - I can't get away from it!

Left out at 11am on Friday, I guess a lot of people had off work because it looked like a Saturday out there. I thought it was, I had to ask Jack Neal, my charter what day it was. I usually work by "dates" rather than days of the week.

The reason for the late departure with Jack Neal, his son Bruce and daughter Alexandria? It was the full moon, forecast was for EAST winds over 15 knots, and an incoming tide. It had me a little spooked. Plus, I think they appreciated the fact they didn't have to get up at the crack o' dawn.
I wanted a falling tide. But even at 11am we were about at slack water when we left.

Come to find out that the East winds were holding the tide up in the river, and if we did leave at the crack o' dawn, the wind was a lot less. Per my buddy Jeff S. who fished the jetties for Sheepshead (of course) and told me that it wasn't all that bad out there, until 11am or so when he packed it in.

So as we left, I went left out of the boat ramp, rather than right towards the jetties. The wind was strong enough that Float-rig fishing was pretty much out of the question, as it's been all week long.

On spot #2 after the tide finally started to fall, we picked up one Sheepshead. "Targeted species" in the boat! The lines were going one way, the boat was laying another, and the current was going another. As the EAST wind whipped around. Unfortunately, it was a spot where we were also waked every 5 minutes too. We fed our bottom lines back to an under water ledge covered with an sunken oyster bar. And this was the only decent fish we pulled out of there.













Presentation, even when bottom fishing is important I told them. And we were barely doing that. The same spot can be float-rig fished, but the wind kept us from attempting that, too.

I think the group (from the Chesapeake bay area) thought that it was going to be a all out fish fest. And it might have been, if I could have fished the jetties and the wind was absent! And quickly were ready to bag the day, just a few hours into the trip. We just started to get some good current at this time. I said, "C'mon, let's give it a chance!"

So I made a move down towards the Dames Point bridge....the "wind tunnel". I dropped anchor and saw a bunch of what was probably Croakers piled up on the bottom. The tide wasn't even close top low yet. And I explained that on a full moon, 90% of the time we'll get bit by a big Red or Drum, when the tide is really low. Although the East wind was really pushing against the tide, which and was the monkey wrench thrown in to the equation. (the same monkey wrench I've had on every trip this week.)

We were getting bit by the Croakers, and if I was alone on this spot I would have just sat through the tide the best I could and worked all three rods, keeping bait on them till I hopefully a good fish....the same thing we did on this trip ( photo of 4 guys) the first week of April a few years ago on a very similar day. When we caught this 45 pound Redfish, and a few Black Drum.

It was all about
"WAITING".

Although we didn't have 20 knot east winds this day. We did have to wait out the full moon falling tide.

We were anchored up and all was fine, and we just had to work the low water, but Jack said they'd had enough and were ready to go.....
Alexandria said, "you get to go home early today." But if she knew me better she would know, I don't give up so easily.

So we packed it up, called it a half day and I took off towards the boat ramp against the 20 knot east wind, falling tide white capping and choppy river "seas"...blasting along in water that has my METAL really shining, in it's element. No turning away or slowing down in the super slop, just straight into the soup sandwich. Damn, I love it when it's that rough!

Next up: Monday, a rescheduled trip that we were supposed to go on back on Thursday. Forecast is for N.E. 15 knots of wind. I'll take N.E. over due East, any day.

I'm really aching to do some Float-rig fishing. Since I've gone a whole week with out being able to do it.......properly.