12/9 - Everything YOU need, nothing YOU don't.

Had a trip with Bob R. today. Bob's recently new'ish to the local fishing scene. I guess you could say I met Bob at the jetties. It was back when ole D.O.A. Rob and I went out on a damn near perfect day and slayed the Redbass & Trout on Float rigs, ran out of bait, so we switched to D.O.A. shrimp and 52MR MirrOlures and kept on catching them.
This day: http://captdaves.blogspot.com/2008/11/1117-you-could-have-been-hereif-you.html

Bob passed us by and said, "You guys sure are catching them...." or something to that effect.

And I made mention to him, that Rob was a friend and "master type"angler, and I was in the charter biz and if he called or emailed me. I'd make it worth his time to do a charter and show him the ropes one day.

Well, that day was today.

Here's an excerpt of the email I just received from Bob;
"Capt D,
You filled me with such great information today that by the end of the day I was reaching sensory overload........ I realized I forgot to actually thank you for all the great stuff you taught me and the great day. So THANK YOU!"

I think Bob was a bit flabbergasted, yes. But it was just the basics, really. If you're a life long fisherman, and have done some saltwater fishing, I went over what you would have been familiar with. (So I believe) And as I said, it was worth Bob's time for certain and he got his money's worth!!! And he'll learn as he goes with time. And I'm always here for questions, too.

But I did hope to cover some areas that I'm sure a lot of people don't think of. Our emphasis was on Float-rig fishing, basically. While touching on the jetties, tides, structure and no day would be complete without Cappy Dave's strong opinions on fish, boats and tackle. I throw all that in for free....... (we caught some Trout of course, too)

Which leads me to a few suggestions. It's that time of year, and especially this year with the way the economy is. The number of requests I get for gift certificates is a economic flow chart from year to year. In good times I'll get 10-20 requests or inquiries in December. But this year, I've received two inquiry/requests...but no takers.

Gift certificates are a great way to save $$$. You can maybe buy a gift certificate now and save money. Charter prices can vary. You could buy now, because prices could go up later.
Like hotels, they have their "seasonal rates".
And so do I.

A fantastic Christmas gift that doesn't take a lot of thought for the fisherman in your family is the Florida Sportsman Tide Planner book. Believe me, if you're a local 1st Coast fisherman and don't understand, know like the back of your hand, the tides around here. Your fueling up, buying bait, and heading out handicapped still. I see it all the time, when I talk to people at the bait shop.
The FS Tide planner has much more in it than just tides. It explains the whys and hows, and has lots of good reading material, about weather, barometric pressure, solor/lunar tables, records, state size limits and much more. I just went to Strike Zone on Beach Blvd. this evening and bought a new one for 2009. I book all my charters by reviewing it, FIRST.

Plus, I'm quoted on the inside cover, explaining how important the book is too me. I use mine as a log book, even. And save them and look back to other years to find trends, and read notes I've made.

To toot my own sale items....I have """like new""" (4) Shimano Trevalla butterfly jigging rods for sale. And some jigs and terminal tackle, and a case. Perfect for the offshore angler at Christmas.
Mine are way cheaper than in the stores. Let's talk!

Another present for the fisherman could be the Snapper Saver! The innovative dehooking device with built-in fish bladder deflator. I have a link to them on the side bar of this blog. It's a product that goes hand in hand when someone has a Boga-Grip on the boat. It's that type of innovative fishing tool. I have a Boga Grip and a Snapper Saver, myself, so I'm prepared. I love tools.......and speaking of another great fishing tool and possible Christmas present is the "JUS' GRAB IT GLOVE". You may have fished with me or seen me with mine....I will not fish without it, now. It's the product with the motto: No more slime, No more grime, safe fish handling for everyone! Check them out on the side bar of this blog where I have a link to them, also.
Or just watch the "funny-mercial", I did here: http://captdaves.blogspot.com/2008/11/from-1111-out-trying-my-new-stuff.html

I know I have the toughest time with Birthdays and Christmas myself. Because let's see....my mother loves to cook, I have no clue about cooking, and she's very particular. My dad, well his life revolves around riding his motorcycles. I don't ride motorcycles, (I can, I just choose not to anymore) and both of these people, have everything!!! So, I'm left with a blank. And struggle every holiday.

But us fisherman. We never have enough stuff. Especially, if you also own a boat, or multiple boats.

Wanna know what I've always wanted, but it's been just a tad out of my reach. Because I usually want a rod or reel more?



These are 'Jim Buoy' brand Type 1 Personal Floatation Devices.
Life Preservers....probably the most durable, longest lasting, most compact type 1 PFD's made. They're also expensive! Because you buy them once. When I bought my "life-time" Plate Alloy boat over two years ago. I vowed to eventually get 5 of these, at least.
It's a "state of mind" kinda thing. I want everything completely commercial grade, tough as nails. And that also covers all my PFD's too. While hoping to never have to use them. Retailing $58-75.00 each! Versus $20-38 for the cheapo ones made of fabric.

"Completely puncture-proof 100% closed-cell construction Stainless steel or government bronze hardware throughout. Dons easily with less confusion that other type life preservers. Slide-thru belt is in ready at all times. Completely reversible (front to back). Flat surface design requires less stowage space-less tangle. New resilient CJ-16 Foam resists fuel, acid, fungus and is absolutely puncture-proof!"

If you have a smaller boat, and your storage is limited, these maybe the last thing you think of, but those big bulky PFD's that just don't store well are the first thing you think of when they're taking up all the room in your only dry storage space!!

Two maybe three on your boat isn't so bad. But I need a minimum of (5) and could use (6) not counting any child size. So you can see why they are still on my, "Wish List".

----------

Looks like we're in for some crap weather......."oh that means my phone will ring!!!" (a charter biz saying...)

Here's the forecast, and Friday looks to be a possible fish'able day.

THURSDAY SOUTH WINDS 20 KNOTS. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. SHOWERS AND THUNDER STORMS LIKELY.

FRIDAY NORTHWEST WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.

SATURDAY NORTHEAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.

SUNDAY EAST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 5 TO 7 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP. ISOLATED SHOWERS.

See ya out there, FRIDAY

12/6 - What fun!

Had Paula Ray, husband Keith, and son Dominic aboard today. They were visiting Dominic here in J-ville from, New Mexico. And Paula distinctly remembered when she booked her trip that I told her, "the ladies have all the luck."

So since the three of them have never done any fishing, like we do here. I started them out slow, and close. We hit a Yellowmouth Trout spot, first near the boat ramp. I must be a good teacher because they did so damn good. And Paula......"what a hoot" she was when she caught her first ever fish. She was so excited. And she had good reason to be too. Hard hitting yellowmouth trout were just the ticket for her. They fight good, their willing, and there's usually alot of them in one spot. So all three of them got good chances to just do some catching on the float-rig.




















After at least 10 or so yellowmouth we moved on. "Time to kick this up a notch!" So we hit an area where all the monster Speckled Trout I've been catching have come from. But wouldn't ya know it, the tide was dead still there.....but they still caught two Specks, either way. But I wanted bigger fish. So we moved on again.


I pulled up to the jetty rocks, and the incoming tide had just barely started. So it looked like we were in a good position to catch some decent fish. The Sheepshead wouldn't leave our live shrimp alone. They'd nip the tails off our shrimp. Again, that's okay...we ain't fishin' for them damn things. Then Paula hooks a big fish. It comes 1/2 way to the boat and comes loose. Then, she drifts out again, her float dives, and she comes tight on another really good fish. She's excited now!! And it was so much fun watching her do battle. And up pops a super beautiful Redbass. And into the net it goes. Dark copper colored, must be a fish from up river that just came out to the inlet. It had the river look to it. And it was a perfect 27" keeper!

















Talk about one PROUD lady. I believe this photo of her says it all. Looks like she could be right out of the pages of Florida Sportsman Magazine. Complete with the legendary jetty rocks behind her......It just doesn't get any better!

Then, we started nailing some really sweet Specks up to 3+ pounds. And that's when Paula's son Dominic said, " a few hours ago she didn't even want to touch a shrimp, and caught her first fish, now she's a pro....."





































I have to say, the whole crew did so good. We had no catastrophies, no tangles, no lost floats, no lost sinkers, and bearly any lost hooks. Talk about a wonderful day! And many times it can be that way. Just have your mother, aboard. She's good luck!

12/5 - had to use up the shrimp

BIG weather change from yesterday, too today. Fooled some people, that's for sure....

Especially those that went offshore in small boats. I know one. Overcast, wind direction change, and a bit of rain in the late part of the day, and colder.

But for me that's here nor there. Because all I did today was call my friend "RKA"-Nick and get his butt moving this morning with tales of a Speck bite that was through the roof.

I had some shrimp left over from the trip with Jim yesterday. Just enough to go wear them out again.....same area, same time, same Bat channel.

We didn't even leave the boat ramp till about noon. Threw the anchor out and it was "balls to the wall."

I'm a bit tired from fishing Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and I'm going tomarrow too. So I'll be keeping this one kinda brief.

3-4 hours, 25+ Speckled Trout, one Sheepshead. No BS fish at all (Bait Stealers), no Redfish at this spot yet this week, Sheepshead bites of course. No yellowmouths, no Rock blennies, No 3" Seabass, no nothing except for what's so near and dear to me...BIG FAT SPECKS!!!!!!!

They ran from 16" being a small "box fish" , with a handful of throw backs. All the way up to Specks pushing 7 pounds! We had numerous 3-4 pounders, and a 5 pounder.

It was so much fun, Nick can attest to my dancing around the boat being amusing, but without much in the way of having "good technique." I get excited! When I stop getting excited about big Trout, I just better give up fishing huh?

The most fascinating thing about this whole week has been the fact that every single live shrimp sent out to fish through the gauntlet of Trout mattered. No wasted baits. Wasted on B.S. fish. Either they get eaten, or they fall off the hook during a lob along the structure.

Because it's not all that common that just 60 live shrimp can catch 25 big fat specks and a few Sheepshead. They many times get chewed by some unwanted species of rock dweller, while your in hot pursuit after a big fat speck. Many times just between Nick and I, we usually take 8-10 dozen for just the two of us. I'll toss a live shrimp if it doesn't swim right. I'm particular.

The fish over 20" started to come by the numbers...and I started counting.

And releasing. Only after a "attitude" photo or two. Because I was getting excited and Nick had to put up with me, as usual.

It started to get really cold out there. Then came some light rain and we were out of bait pretty much, had our cooler full and heck I was "hungry" for some Troutz. And man, they taste so good an hour or two after they were swimming in the river. "Now dats freesh fish!"

Stay tuned.....I still have a Saturday trip.

12/4 - Just one really pleasant day.

Had Jim Sutton on board today. Jim's the "outdoors editor" of the Times Union newspaper. I've known Jim from way back when he worked for the St. Augustine Record newspaper, and wasn't even in the "outdoors biz".

As I stated yesterday, we had been planning to get together for a long time. And Jim's going to do a article on Float-rig fishing/Trout. And after today he'll have plenty of material.

Because we caught some really beautiful fish, by doing so. (he was pleasantly surprised, too)

The boat ramp parking lot looked like a Saturday in June! There was hardly anywhere to park at 9am when I arrived. Man, this town is getting big. Or is those fuel prices?? I'll go with fuel prices, nice weather and usually crappy weekends, for the work force.

We met around 10am and I headed east. The jetties were a parking lot, too! Looked to me like about every boat was "sheep herding". Ya know there isn't any other fish to fish for, right?
Yeah, that's funny as all hell, ain't it? In many areas of the Gulf of Mexico coast line, those guys over there just wouldn't believe their eyes.

As we rode out the jetties, I told Jim, "there really won't be much incoming tide current, and when it comes it really won't be strong or long in duration, there won't be a single spot left to fish......but don't worry, we'll catch our fair share." He looked at me with a befuddled look....

I said, "I'm just thinking out loud, that's all."

We anchored up away from the masses and went over the technical stuff, took a few photos, and then gave the spot a try. I could tell at this location with no good current we were just practicing. But neither Jim or I needed any practice, so we moved on.

The spot we went was devoid of boats, "just the way I like it!" I said. I maybe in the people business and enjoy "most" people, but I don't want them around me when float fishing. I need my space!

I'm exactly like my grandfather who used to surf fish, ALOT! If he looked up and down the beach and saw a single human being, he'd tell my dad when he was a kid, "don't bother setting up, we're outa here!" Grandpa would have a tough time these days wouldn't he?

Jim and I had such a pleasant afternoon catching one Speck after another and talking float-rig fishing. The fish, the tackle, the vernacular, the why's and how's and trading fishin' stories. It was GREAT!

And I think Jim caught the fattest Trout of the day. I of course had a really big fish shake off the hook right at boat side, but overall these fish were nothing to sneeze at. 17-19-1/2 inchers are prime box fish in my book. And we caught at least 15-20 of them, and Jim's token 'grazer'...a small Sheepshead.














It was a glorious day, sunny, warm and a bright blue sky. We fished about 3 hours and Jim had to meet up with some folks in Mandarin for a story. So we came, he saw, and we did exactly what I had intended for him to experience.....the magic of the float, drifting down the jetty rocks, disappearing, and with a fat Speck attached to his hook, time after time.

Plus, Jim got to take home a cooler full of fresh Specks. What a deal!!

You can look for his article on today's trip on Sunday December 21st in the Outdoors section of the Times Union newspaper.






















A private fishing charter with Capt Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing, would make a really nice Christmas present from Santa!!

12/3 - Just enough time for whackin'

Had Dave A. along with Glen and Gary aboard. Dave and company had just enough time to fish this morning, before having to go to meetings at 1pm. So we agreed to depart ASAP at 7am fish fast and furious, so they could be back at Ponte Vedre in time.

And wouldn't ya know it, the tide was damn near slack as we started to float-rig fish. It happens to me all the time. So I had to hunt up some current and quick. And wouldn't ya know it, as I'm teaching them what to do I catch a real nice Speck. Which is always a good sign.

On this spot they caught about 5 or 6, but not all were keepers. So as the tide died completely, we moved on.




















Okay, by now everyone was in the swing of it. So I headed to the mother-load. And Dave whacks a Speck within seconds of me shutting the engine off! But still the current was exactly right, but it was coming. I pointed out the rip line that heading right at us. And once it was near, I was going to adjust and get ready for the show down.



















Nice fattties were coming to the net real consistently. All Specks, in the 17-19" range. And Dave had plans to take home these fish back to Wisconsin, and he'd have his chance too. A few were hooked and lost, and a few baits were stolen, and one hook was crushed flat........Dang, Jetty Snappers!! Then, (3) "jetty snapper" aka: Sheepshead were caught, one small one and two we kept that went 4-5 pounds. And I wanted a photo of each of them with a fish at least.



















I don't get to take that many photos when I have several guys aboard. But what's a report with no pictures? By the time we had to leave and head back to clean fish the totals had to of been about a dozen or more Specks, and 3 Sheepshead, and only one "rock blennie". I wanted to hit my Redbass spot, but of course some dude was sitting there catching nothing. Yep, there sure is alot of people out there on weekdays, these days....I remember, when in the winter I could count the number of boats at the jetties on one hand on a Wednesday. Can't imagine how nice and vacant the rocks were on a weekday back in 1960.

There was 10 shrimp left in the livewell after the fellas left. Being I hate to waste good bait, I turned around and headed out again. And on my first spot I caught 3 Specks on my first three drifts of the float. Then I moved and caught 3 more, and a Flounder! Six Trout and a Flounder on 10 shrimp. NOT BAD AT ALL.


















I kept two Trout for dinner, and headed in to clean them and went home.

Tomorrow, (Thursday) I'll have Jim Sutton the Times Union newspaper Outdoors Editor on board. We've been trying to get out there for a "show and tell" about Trout and the float fishing for over a year. Last time we fished was years ago, back when Jim wrote for the St. Augustine Record paper. And we threw jigs and shrimp combo meals at the "back then" the over looked St. Augustine inlet rocks. Man, we wacked them that day.



STAY TUNED....

12/1 - a start to finish...BANG!

Had Kirk M. aboard today, for day 2. After yesterday's short attempt, which resulted in two wet butt's, and 10 Specks.

But today was a different day. Cold as all hell and a due west heinous wind blowing 20 knots!
East or west at that speed and intensity isn't good for anyone....

But, as usual when Kirk and I are together we put a good whoopin' on the fish no matter what.
Except today, Kirk was on his own. I really had no MOJO at all today. I couldn't keep up.
Kirk's been stuck in Peru for several months care of the US Navy, and says the place is a toilet.

So he has "pent up" fishing energy.

But mind you, we were on the same boat!

But isn't that the objective? Unlike the "trolling motor guides" that have the best spot on the boat and seem to be fishing harder than their charter. I tried to keep up...but just watched as Kirk waylayed them.

From spot number one, it was back to back Redbass at 24" and super Specks.





































































The wind played hell on us. Mother Nature wasn't giving anything away. I wasn't all that happy with the water clarity or wind direction. And if it wasn't for Kirk being a good angler and a solo charter. Today would have been a nightmare for the rookies.














He caught a ton of Specks and Yellowmouth Trout, releasing the small ones. A decent Flounder, a left over Mangrove Snapper, and a whole bunch of Reds up to 31 inches of drag pulling kick ass, on the float-rig.














I was in full YUKON CORNELIUS attire the whole day. As Kirk went "hood' less" and just made me cold just looking at him. I like the chill of winter, and the fact the when it's cold the fishing is HOT. But you can bet, I'm suited-up like Nanook of the north. Come prepared....cause Jax has winter too, is all I have to say. Because, if you are a healthy individual we're going to give it 100%.















Kirk done filled up a 72 cooler pretty much all by himself with Trout and Reds. And we made a move to a spot where the wind and current combination was like float fishing in the Snake River Canyon of vortexing colossal current. So we sort of had to wait it out. But the 12 dozen shrimp were getting really low.......so I pitched a MirrOLure with no success. And kirk ate some Trail Mix. And then he caught 5 more Specks!! And on the last shrimp in the livewell he watched his float "hop", and then laid the wood to a big Redbass to finish the day.....ON THE LAST DANG SHRIMP! I told him, "ya better buy a lotto ticket brother....."


















This had to be at least number 6 or better Redbass. And let me reiterate..... THE FISHING WAS NOT A CAKE WALK TODAY! (the last cake walk days were before Thanksgiving, of course.)

We went back to the dock and took a few end of day photos, of what Kirk wanted to fillet, which was okay with me.

The totals had to be at least a half dozen Reds, 15 Specks, 15 yellowmouth trout, one Flounder, and one mangrove snapper....and I can't forget about my 4 pound Jack Crevalle, that's still hanging around here. And Kirk's baby Sea turtle that tangled in his line, but was very cooperative with me.



















SOLO Anglers can have an advantage, there is no doubt...one on one LEARNING, CATCHING. With double limits.

11/29 - Short report...with foul weather.

Had Kirk M. a long-time client that's a Navy man who was here, then was shipped to Peru, of all places. He's says the place is a TOILET!!!!

You may remember him from last years reports, we went alot. Because being from N. Dakota "this guy will fish in weather", and we have.....

From gale force 30 degree mornings, to wind and rain. "Here we go again...."

Well, he's back for a few days for meetings and had a trip on the party boat planned for today, and a all day long trip planned for Monday with me.

The party boat trip was cancelled today due to very inclimate weather. So we had it planned that if they called the trip, we'd head out today as well as tomorrow. (Monday)

After some convincing on Kirk's part and him being so very anxious since Peru for the last 4 months has had no good fishing opportunities, we went today.

Instantly, we caught two specks (small ones). Here's Kirk a happy man, that we wetted a line.

One spot, along the jetties where it took 74 feet of anchor line to set the hook in 18 feet of water, against the wind & tide, we caught 10 Specks and kept three of them.

We were out fishing "maybe" two hours if that long?

That's why this is a "short report".

Just before the massive formation of dark clouds came and had us high tailing it to the boat ramp.

Man, the wall of rain was blinding, and the winds blew 3 times as hard on the back side of the clouds. We got drenched. And called it a day.


I'm sure another interesting report will follow for Monday.


So stay tuned.

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

DON'T YOU WANNA CATCH BIG TROUT?

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

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

(yes....back to back catches)

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

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

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

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

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

11/26 - Redemption or revenge?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So I actually left them chewin'.

















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

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

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

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

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

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

It's a METAL thing....

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

Ever see this banner on a charter guides web site?

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

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

FLOAT FREAK FEDERATION.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

"The Waterlogged Cork"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11/21 - No takers.....

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

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

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

Just letting ya'll know.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAMN, that was one Pretty Fish!

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

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

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

So you will have to take my word for it.

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

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

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

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

I did catch one 7 pound Sheepshead also.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good gawd, what a great day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Specks,
Spots,
& Dots.

What else matters?

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