11/10 - E-P-I-C D-A-Y, aboard the Jettywolf

EPIC, defined as: surpassing the ordinary. Especially in size or scale. Impressivness.

Yes, like sands through the hours glass, these are the days, I have waited for all year. This is the way the fishing in N.E. Florida can be this time of year.  This is why "weekdays" can be so good. This is the reason I offered single passenger, weekday discounts. I watch the weather, the tides. I'm tracking these fish (Speckled Trout). And when I call you, be ready!. Again, it's all about commitment, and timing.

Chris, took advantage. And he knew, I was dead serious when I said, "The time is NOW, too book your single passenger multi- weekday charters". 

It was all too evident on Tuesday that the weekends weather had a big effect on the Trout and river. The water was stirred up, and sandy looking. And there was allot of wind still in the morning hours. So, it seemed to me, that it was worth a try again, on Wednesday. So I called up Chris. "Ya need to tighten up....we need to go tommarrow!" I said, jokingly. But he knew what I meant.

The action was really good, the Trout were super nice size, the "pup" Redfish were chewin, and the float's were steadily going down. With no wind, cool and another beautiful, crisp fall morning in Jacksonville!

Chris was killin me......he was consistantly catching Trout 19-3/4 inches to 20 inches. So as I boxed the largest, and let go the smaller ones. He was filling his limit of the most "select" Trout. I did score a 23 incher. But he whoopin' the ole Pro.

That's okay....it was his day!

UT OH....Say hello to my "parabolic-action" 7'6" Sheakespeare Ugly Stik float-rig rod, Mr. Redbass!






























At 31" and cool water frisky, this Red was a handful.

Large fat Trout, mix in some Reds, add a Sheepshead, and a Flounder, and you have yourself a JETTY, S-L-A-M.

At one point we made a move because the current died where we were. And we switched up a light sinker and a long leader and "tight-lined" along the rocks. It was every single cast that we either hooked a Redfish, or a Trout. Every single cast!!!!! The current was perfect for fishing real light weight. I found yet another "nest" of fish.

Although allot of the Trout and Reds were smaller, we didn't care. We had our limits in the box. But as we finished up all the shrimp in the livewell, we hooked up right down to the very last live shrimp in the well. Totalling at least 30 Trout to 23 inches and 20 Redfish, one Sheephead, and a token Flounder. Along with a few small Bluefish.

What a great day aboard the Jettywolf!

It's time for YOU to call me, (not email.....CALL) consult with me about the tides, sign up for the weekday special, or bring yourself and a buddy. Fall doesn't last forever. Before you know it, it'll be March and the winds will be blowing, and then July again when the heat is back.

Do yourself a favor...fish when they're chewin!

Click here: for latest Mayport weather

(looks like Monday the 13th -15th is gonna be nice...) 

11/9 - Another great fall day, at the big rocks.

Had Jim, Chris and his son Ryan with me today. We departed promptly at 7am. Yep, now that it's "light" at seven, seemed like a great time to start the day.

Cool...I wouldn't have called it cold. But that crisp fall air felt refreshing as we slow peddled our way east, to fish the inlet jetty rocks. I love it out there this time of year. There's always something going on.

The real reason for the early departure, was to catch the rising tide. I had Speckled Trout plans. But did Mother Nature have them in the cards for us? Well, I'm not a dreamer. I'm a realist. And I know my Trout friends!

We just got over a week of seriously strong tides, coupled with intense winds since this past Friday. So, all I could hope for is getting into some Trout. Not like I did on November first, I wasn't expecting a slaughter. Remember....realist!  And if you recall reading my report, it was all out perfection Nov. 1st.

We arrived on the first spot and the NW breeze was kicking my butt. Making for difficult precision anchoring with my light anchor. Which is the preferred one, for this situation. When float-rig fishing with people who may not have done that kind of fishing before. I believe it's absolutely imperative to have the boat exactly where we need it.  No fudging, exactly where we need it!  And after quite a bit of trial and error, we got set up right where I wanted to be.

I showed the guys the in's and out's of float-rig fishing. And it wasn't 5 minutes afterwards when Ryan says, "I got something!"  And too the boat came the mornings first "keeper" Speckled Trout. Into the fish box it went, and we were lured into thinking, "here comes the waylay...??." As hard as the guys fished, no one was getting any Trout let alone any bites. "Huh? was this Trout some kind of lone wolf out there?"

So I pulled anchor and made an adjustment. Moving to another spot just a few yards away. Working hard, all that we got was one "pup" Redfish.

Obviously, the weekend weather DID have an effect on the Trout. Which I knew going in. So I wasn't totally broken hearted. No fishing guide worth his or her salt comes out for a day without "back-up plans". So we quickly changed up our rods and rigs and went bottom fishing.

We moved and anchored up in deep water, around 40 feet. The tide was real high. The flood tide was a 5.5' on the tide chart. The water was ocean green, but the current was almost nothing. I told the guys, we're gonna try for my next favorite fish, the Black Drum. I love a "pup" Drum, around 15-20 inches are perfect eaters. So the guys fished the bottom with live and dead.

Well, at our last spot there wasn't a single one. But here on this spot the Bluefish were rampid. For the next hour or more, I ran back and forth, re-baiting and taking one Blue after another off the hooks. The guys had fun, especially after no Trout. But, I could just tell, other fish would come.

Chris set his rod in the holder and walked to the bow to the food cooler. So while he did that I grabbed his rod, pinned on a live shrimp, pitched it out, and no sooner it hit the bottom, I felt Bump, Bump!
I set the hook and called  for Ryan. I gave him the rod and he fought what??? A Black Drum. The perfect eating size. "I told ya Black Drum were down there..."  I said.

Here he is with his Trout and Drum.

It wasn't long after the Drum, that things became interesting. We picked up some small Speckled Trout, more Bluefish, Grunts, Seabass, and Jim hooked exactly what I was hoping for. A drag screamer! He set the hook as both of us were watching his rod tip. I could see it, he could feel it. The bump, bump, and then a sand bagging. He laid the wood to the fish and it took off. Dumping his reel spool, all he could do is hang on.

ELEPHANTS EAT PEANUTS, is the motto for when a big Redbass eats a small shrimp. If it's there, they'll eat it. Jim fights the fish and it is some where out there over the rocks and through the woods...and then his leader goes POP!

I had to work with the guys and teach them the bite of what a decent size fish will feel like. Because the Bluefish, Seabass, Grunts, are not big fish. And they don't bite the same as a larger "Game" fish.

The tide would come and go, the boat would swing in the breeze. And we all stayed at it. About 20 Bluefish later, comes another small Speckled Trout, more "pup" Redfish. And a few lost fish.

Last week, or even two weeks ago. When I was bottom fishing with live shrimp. There was no Sheepshead on live shrimp, and none on the Float-rig either. But today was one of those "here's your sign" kinda days.
The water temp on my bottom machine was a cool 66-68 degrees. And over the course of  this past weekend I guess we passed right through the low 70's. So what was caught next...SHEEPSHEAD.

Then some more Blues, a Yellowmouth Trout, Whiting, another small Speckled Trout, then another Sheepshead.






















More Blues, a small pup Redfish, and then another Sheepshead.....

The guys had a blast. And as a matter of fact the "boat limit" of three Sheepshead were easily caught, on live shrimp. Or what I really mean by that is; I will clean three Sheepshead. They are a pain to clean, especially compared to Trout. So right there, you can see my "master plan". That's why I'm a Trout fisherman. Good eating, EZ to clean.

Jim had a long drive back to the Tampa area. So we packed it in and headed back to the dock. I had plenty of fish to clean, after pulling up to the dock. Jim took off, and  while I was cleaning the fish and feeding the Pelicans.  Ryan told me, "Thanks, I had a really good time. I want to do this again!"

Well, Chris and Ryan have lived in J-ville for 8 years and this was their first time inshore fishing the St. Johns in Jacksonville. And now the family's moving to Chicago. So, they may not be able to do exactly this again anytime soon. It maybe Great Lakes fishing instead.

DON'T be a 8 year Jacksonville resident and not fish the river that runs straight through the middle your city. I know many people forget J-ville's motto....

"The river city, by the sea." 

It's all here. And now is the time to experience it!  Be it one of my River Cruises on the Jettywolf, or a day of great fishing. Experience it!
Thanks, Jim, Chris and Ryan.

10/8 - what are ya waiting for?

I believe fellow N.E. Florida "blogger" Ron Brooks has about said it best when he wrote his article...

Catching Seatrout in Cold Water   (I'd change that to: perfect water, is right now)

-Sometimes Cold Water Conditions are the Best Time to Catch Seatrout

Ron, goes on to say...

"Did you decide to put away the fishing tackle when the first freeze came through? Are you one of the many people who think that cold water makes fishing impossible? Or, are you one of the anglers who know where to find and catch fish in cold water?"

(I'd say, so you think inshore fishing is best when the sweat rolls down your back by 8am in July, August, and September...Huh? Well my friends. That's incorrect. But try telling that to the folks coming down here from Washahegan Wisconsin where it's already hot. Just so they sweat a bit more.)

I have friends on aluminumalloyboats.com, that are from Alaska to Rhode Island and in between.  And right now they're packing it in, till spring. They are winterizing their motors, getting the boat covers on, and cleaning up tackle, to be put away. While here I am in Jacksonville, Florida "CHOMPING" at the bit to get you and myself out there for some cool weather fish catching. In my mind, real fishing started Nov. 1!

Ron states a FACT:

"This is the time that the largest trout can be caught. "Gators" of ten pounds or more are not uncommon from cold water holes. "


I do know of some deeper water haunts. And yep, I caught my first ten pound Speckled Trout in late April.
















(** Notice the sheatshirt)
And the water temp then and the water temp right now is about the same...instead it was in transition to warmer, where as now water temps are in transition to cooler. Like me, the Trout have been waiting for right now too!

I probably don't need to remind you that tracking large Trout, is really only for the dedicated N.E. Florida angler. Most people on a weekend are happy lucking into a few, here and there, in this area. As specialized as hunting big Flounder is. But in my opinion, allot more inter-active. From top water plugs, MirrOlure twitch baits to live mud minnows on a jig head. Trout eat it all. And as a sure bet for a really big Flounder is, a large live Mullet. Trout will NOT turn their noses up at a well presented  frisky cool water, LIVE shrimp.

Here's a direct link to my vast photo album. Yep, over 400 pictures. Take notice that it's either long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, or jackets that are being worn in many of the photos with the best Trout (not all, but allot of them)....and  other species too: Capt Dave's Photo Album

Like a few November's ago with Rick's 5 lb. and Kathy 7 lb. Trout. (yeah, I was in a creek!)

That same link is also on the right side bar of this blog and has been for a very long time, incase you never looked that way.

There's an ole saying, "if ya want to catch more (Or Big) fish, ya have to go fishing more often."

And the other one I like, which Capt Frank Moore in Louisiana always says. Which I find funny; "If YOU catch what's biting, then you're doing just fine."


Here's the rest of Ron's article on cold water Trout: http://saltfishing.about.com/od/seatrout/a/aa060620a.htm

10/5 - REPEATING...1/2 price charters. (last time)

It was one heck of a long hot summer. And right now is my favorite time of the year. It's cool, water temps are right, and my fish are chewin....Trout, Reds, Black Drum, on light tackle.

If you've been around here (my Blog) for awhile. You know I toss out specials for blog readers from time to time. But this time I believe, is better! You may have recieved the email I sent you about this.

If you are willing to commit. I am too. That's the deal.

If you have days during the next few months that are weekdays and you as a single fisherman are open for fun & learning on those days. I have an offer for you.

Three choices:

#1 - Reserve (4) charters, with deposits for all four. And each charter day is 1/2 price.
(review my rates page: http://www.fish-jacksonville-fishing.com/ )

#2 - Reserve (2) charters with deposits for both. And get $100 off each trip.

#3 - Reserve (1) charter with deposit. And get $50 off that trip.

We will talk about your days, once you reserve which choice you've made. I watch the weather like a Hawk. I know the best tides. Be ready for that phone call from me. Be ready to fish!

Deposits: $100 via my reservations page: http://www.captdaves.com/Reservation.html with cash balance.

Holiday weeks will not apply. Professional fish cleaning provided, on a gratuity basis. Charters are 6 hrs. Inlet and river fishing. All tackle, bait, ice, coolers, licensing, supplied. Departing: 4870 Ocean St. Atlantic beach, Fl Mayport Boat ramp. The winner is YOU. Makes a great GIFT!

-Single fisherman only. No groups.
-Can fish weekdays.
-Have the desire to learn.
-Have the desire to fish "one on one" with a veteran guide
-Have the desire to save $$, as prices for everything "fishing" sky rocket.
-Build a relationship.
-Get in on those "EPIC" weekday bites, when no one is around!
(Click here, to see proof.....)

Here's an example of this week coming up. And why "weekdays and flexibility"  is where it's at!
So far the weekend Nov. 5, 6, 7 has been windy as all hell. "SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON"

But look at this week coming up:
TONIGHT: 11/6 NORTH WINDS 20 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET BUILDING TO 3 TO 5 FEET AFTER MIDNIGHT. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY.

SUNDAY: 11/7 NORTH WINDS 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY.

SUNDAY NIGHT: NORTH WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.



MONDAY: 11/8  NORTHWEST WINDS 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET. INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.

TUESDAY: 11/9   NORTHWEST WINDS 10 KNOTS BECOMING NORTH 5 KNOTS LATE IN THE AFTERNOON. SEAS 2 FEET OR LESS. INLAND WATERS MOSTLY SMOOTH.

WEDNESDAY: 11/10  NORTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 FEET OR LESS. INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.

Instantly, if you were PRE-reserved for 2, 4, or even just one day.  I'd suggest, Monday thru Weds. right now. Because the best winds and weather again....is during the week!!!!That's why, my blog readers program, may interest you!

-Recieve your daily report here after each day, as usual.
-Recieve down-loadable photos as usual.
-Recieve inside knowledge of the best tackle deals.
-Truely learn about N.E. Florida Tides!
-Your fish for dinner.
-Cheaper than "ever" buying a boat.
-Cheaper than those expensive "boat clubs", and then you still need to find fish!
-Step-on...then...step-off the 26' Jettywolf, at days end.

Fall, Winter & Spring is prime time for coastal fishing in Jacksonville, Florida.

Offer ends: 3/31/2010

















This is the last time I am going to mention this offer. No more email alerts about this deal. No more posts on this reports blog, on the topic.

11/2 - The bait smells rotten...as usual.

Let's see....I get every possible publication calling me wanting me to run ads in everything from, Golf Course Guides, Place mats, etc. To giving away free trips on the PBS auction (Channel 7 Public Broad Casting). Then there's the web people, who say I need to be #1 on all the search engines. And it's so funny, because they usually find me on Google. Where on many search terms, I'm #1, already!

I love the calls from Elementary schools, wanting me to give free fishing trips away on a silent auction. And I purposely have NO kids!

The only time I've ever done such a thing is when it's "sportsman" based:. IE: Hunters or Fisherman. I refuse to donate anything to people who do not support the Outdoors, and especially the fishing community.

Then, there's the Nigerian scammers. Right now I'm on my 15th year of charter fishing in Jacksonville, Florida as my full-time, 12 month a year, 7 day a week J-O-B. Yes, it's how I make 100% of my income. Never been a retired Lawyer, I'm not a Fireman, working 3-4 days a week, and the rest of the time I'm making my boat and hobby payments.

Here's the latest scammer email I received:

Hello,

My name is Eng John Paradis I want to know if there is any availability for 7 persons which are coming to spend our vacation trip with your company.The will be spend 10day .also the need Full Day (8hrs dayly)species such as trout, red fish and sharks can be caught inshore. If there is availability , kindly let me know about the quotes and accommodation availability as well.
They are looking forward to arrival on 10th June of 2011,
Departure date:20th June of 2011 . We want you to arrange this packages for them.
(1)Transportation to and from airport  (2)Lodging  (3)Full Day offshore Fishing,Fishing Guides and 2 boat running for full day each.(8hrs full day)  (4)Total Packages
Mode Of Payment ;Visa ,Master. We want to have there Boat charter for fishing with your company.you can write me at.....


Regards
Eng John Paradis
 
First off, isn't "Eng" supposed to be "Esq." for Esquire????  Not "Eng." 

 
This dumb bunny must think we all fell off the Magombo tree, last night.
 
NO ONE!!!! Books trips over a year ahead, period!
 
At least not anymore. I'm sure back in the hay day of Florida, someone might have. Hell, I can't get people to book trips who live in Jacksonville, Florida to reserve two weeks to 30 days ahead, anymore. And I do not provide lodging, or transportation, either.
 
I can't get booked; 4 weekdays with a local fisherman, at 1/2 price! So I'm going to believe I have tourists from a far off land, wanting to fish 10 days in a row???? 
 
Plus, I don't care if your a TV land Angler; like Bill Dance, Flip Pallot, Roland Martin, Hank Parker, Jose Wejebe, Mark Sosin, Blair Wiggins, or even this non -TV land Captain......Cappy Dave Sipler. No one is going to even ask for 10 days straight of fishing!
 
Only exception to that would be; "YES, I'd fish 10 days straight in Southern Louisiana, if cash flow, time, and transportation was not impeding me." A few days in Lake Pontchartrain, then a few days in Venice, then a few days over at Lake Calcasiau. Now, that's what I'd call a fishing vacation for the die hard, wannabe, Gulf Coast, Trout Tracker.

11/1 - Follow-up.....on being a betting man.

Yesterday's post was about if I was a betting man, I'd bet that Nov. 1st was gonna be a great day.

AND IT WAS!

(I hope everyone that visit's my blog, knows that each day follows the next most of the time. So if you fail to scroll down......you'll usually be left behind. Kinda like potato chips, you can eat just one.)

Things today went in a precession. First thing was the "POS" digital camera I have. Which happens to be a replacement for the same camera 3 camera's ago! Guess, I have to give up and get a new one.

You'll notice that the photos are all washed out looking. That's adobe photoshop corrections to photos that were so damn dark, you couldn't see any detail at all.....so bare with me.

First fish of the day was a pupper Redbass. Second fish of the day came on a bottom line I had out, while float-rig fishing. I had the float go down, at the same time that my bottom line took off bending that rod double. During the last of the falling tide. It was a BIG Pompano! Two or three pounds. And I lost it as it got wrapped up in my float rig line. Fishing two rods is great fun, getting bites on both is great fun. Loosing a big Pompano, is not great fun. And the spot I was fishing is personally famous for jetty Pompano. This had to be the 6th or 7th one caught here....usually I get them on the float-rig!

Remember, when I offered what no one else offers? And that was the chance to get a single passenger, weekday charter at 1/2 off? Ya remember that post here? Remember when I said, "this gets you out for some of those "EPIC" weekday, with no one around?"

KEEP READING!

Well, after the pupper Redbass, and loosing the nice Pompano I continued on. Tossing out a bottom line. Whole working the float-rig with a live shrimp. The bottom line with a dead shrimp caught Whiting. And then came the first Trout of the day.  So far so good....."everythings going as planned".

Not a whopper by no means. But a keeper. So I kept fishing the first spot I dropped anchor. And then I caught a Spiney Boxfish. Always a cute fish to admire. And admire "how the heck does this guy fight this current?"















This was a "here's your sign", fish. The current went from smoking fast to damn near nothing in a matter of minutes. So I picked up the anchor and made a move.

Actually, during the tide change I like to go try places that I may not have fished in a long, long time. Or try a spot I've had my eye on. Just to get the feel of it, when the tide isn't screaming. And that's what I did. And of course, I had no success. But that's okay. I wasn't planning on catching much during the slack of the tide anyhow. But I had a damn good feeling that when the tide changes....."it's gonna be a Barn Burner!" 

No one was around. There was a few boats at the tip of the north jetty as usual, and few trolling motorists fishing for Sheepshead. And that was it. A PICTURE PERFECT MONDAY. Exactly 5 days before the new moon. And what's the ole rule of thumb? Ya mean you didn't know, there was a rule?

The rule is 3-5 days before the moon and 3-5 days after the moon. Is when YOU want to be out there on the hunt. The hunt for what?  All of them. But especially TROUT!

Why?

The tide, my friends. As I said in yesterday's post. TODAY, was the day you'd want to fish. The tide was a perfection 4.4 feet between low and high. According to the Florida Sportsman Tide planner, I faithfully use daily. Not too strong, and certainly not too weak. Just right! 

I arrived at my next locale, and the tide was just starting to push. And the bites started slowly. And ended up being a Redbass Blast! From pupper sizers (15-17") to Reds in the too big catagory (28-30"). The big ones in my book take too long to catch. I could possibly catch 3 Trout in the time it takes to get one of these to the boat! I know charters love them. But I'm not here to catch big Reds, I'm here to catch big Trout.
So I worked through the litl' puppers, and the string stretchers, of which several I couldn't even stop.

















It took 10-12 Reds, small ones and large ones before I finally caught one perfect for the fish box. And if I have my druthers, perfect for the fish box when it comes to Redbass for me is, 18-22".

But then again, "who cares", because I was also getting some seriously nice Specks in the mix.

Then, finally came that perfect Redbass for the fish box.

The Reds finally stopped biting behind the boat, so I started pitching to a spot up ahead of the boat, and that's where the Speckled Trout fest began. Three times, I was reeling in a fat Speck and had other specks chasing it to the boat. THEY WERE THAT THICK!  As you can see, I knew something was wrong with this "POS" camera. In between the last Redbass, and the Trout clinic, I stopped and messed with it a bit. I'm a bit anal, so I just had to try and get the damned thing to work right.

I only kept the fattest ones, except the first one I caught. Which was the smallest. Easily boxing my measily limit of (5). And it feels like I'm back in the saddle again......Finally. After this summer and last winter, I can't even begin to tell you what glory I was in. But then again, all ya have to do is read the posts from January till now to realize how Trout starved I have been. It really did feel as if I wasn't going to see my Speck friends there for a while. This is what makes Dave tick. Float-rigging the jetties and whacking fattie Specks.

I got kinda lucky too. I had two fish that were around 20 inches. (limits are: one fish "over" 20 inches of your five) One was just barely 20" and another was dead on. So they both meet Mr. Coleman cooler.

I caught at least 10-15 Redbass, largest 30 inches. And played and played with the Specks catching at least 20 of them. Lost that one Pompano, which was a really nice fish. And caught a few Whiting, also. Along with the Spiney Boxfish. I had only two little Seabass, and only two rock blennies....to round out the trash list. I know I had allot of Sheepshead bites. But it really isn't time yet, to catch many of them on the float-rig. The water was 74 degrees basically, on my temp gauge....2 degrees down from last Thursday, which seemed like allot.

Are you sure you don't want to be added to my weekday roster? Single passenger, weekdays (no holiday weeks) at half price. You will be asked to commit to four charter days though, to get in on the deal.

Yep, there's two things that make for successful days, like today. Commitment & Timing. If you're retired and love fishing and love catching, but want to learn and learn allot. This could be the best "Groupon like" deal you'll ever be offered.

I'm looking for that local person, that wants to fish those perfect days, during the week. And the offer ends, March 30th. I cannot offer anything like this past then. So, jump on the Jettywolf, while the fish are chewin'. 










When I was heading in today. I took this photo of a really bad ass shrimp boat. This is a boat right out of Glouster Mass. And the movie "The Perfect Storm". Quite possibly a Northern Long-liner boat converted into a shrimp boat. The red, really made it stand out.

As of now here's the up coming weather:
THURSDAY: NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.

THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY:  NORTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS. SEAS 5 TO 7 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY.

Good luck this weekend......couple those winds with the tides we'll be having associated with the new moon, (Saturday 6.2') and you'll need it.

I have Tuesday (11/9), as the tide backs off, pre-scheduled.

At least it will be COOLER.......

10/31 - Goodbye to another warm, October

If I was a betting man, (I am only with fishing) I'd be fishing on November 1st.

WHY?

Thanks to my trusty Florida Sportsman Fishing Tide Planner, Nov. 1 is the only day for the next seven, that the tide will be "manageable".

Meaning; under 5, and then 5.5, and then 6.0, and then 6.2 FEET, by Saturday the 6th.

That's at least 2.2 feet over normal....and normal is around 4.0 between high tide and low tide.

I'm not a fan of radical tides. I'm not a fan of the St. Johns River current they produce. I'm not a fan of how hard it is to fish productively, during those periods. This time of year.

And if there's SE, NE, or East winds. It's like putting a hat on a cat, then.

There's those who live for the flooding of the Intra-Coastal waterway in October. Sight-casting to "tailing Redfish", while wade fishing the flooded marsh. Sounds all well and good, but the one time I tried to take a client to do that, and he showed up in leather shoes. After telling him to bring or wear old sneakers. So, getting out of the boat and wading around isn't one of those things that my customers seem to yearn for.

Supposedly, the perfect wading for tailing reds in the marsh grass is a high tide of 5.3 feet. That's the perfect water height, and has the Redfish tails sticking out of the water, while rooting for fiddler crabs and such. The Fly flingers go nuts over this, stuff.

Personally, it's okay. But I don't have to, stalk them, cast to them, have them eat, and set the hook while seeing the whole deal to enjoy catching a fish.

Now, I would love to wade fish in Laguna Madre, Texas. For 10 pound Speckled Trout with my trusty bait casting rod and a Corky Fatboy! Not that I'll ever see the fish, but yeah, when the stealth produces trophy's like that.
I'm your huckleberry! 

The 5.3 to 5.5 high tide puts the water depth where you want to start looking. About below your knee caps. Here's my buddy and ole fishing partner Skipper B. With a sight casted red, from a pool of water flooded over the banks of the ICW.















That's the ICW in the background, and see how the water's pushed over the bank and flooded the marsh. And there's Mr. Red. Poking around like a wild hog in the hard bottom and low scrub grass.

POLARIZED GLASSES......yeah that's another thing I could never get any customer to wear either. There's two thing I DO NOT fish without. First, is Polarized sun glasses, and second, is my Jus' Grab It Glove.

Well, here it is. That same fish. I followed it around, stalked it, cast to it, watched it eat my shrimp. And then had to make the long walk over to Skipper, so he could take the photo.

So, that's one thing you can do when the entire river and ICW is flooded with these super high tides. But I guess I'll just stay in my boat and see how I do this week, if I go with or without YOU.

Always wade with a buddy just in case you go straight up to your waist in muck. You'll need someone to rescue you. And wear crappy ole sneakers, and polarized sun glasses. Will ya'.

10/30 - Reminiscing of Fla./Ga. games gone by, & some video introduction:

I remember the days when the Fla./Georgia football weekend used to be a big time for me. Meaning, I was  busy taking people fishing before and after the big game. Well, like many things these days, that has seemed to go by the way side. Having the Super Bowl in Jax Feb. of 2005 was a bust, so I shouldn't be all that surprised, huh?
I also remember the days when it was actually cold!

For several years, I fished with Wayne Smith and his son and brother-in-law before the game. On Oct. 27th of 2000, it was damn near gale force winds and 40 degrees, in the morning.  I was heading for Ft. George. It was a seriously high and rising tide because the water was being pushed by the wind.

That was a huge mistake. But, I quickly re-grouped and we ended up in the far back side of Mill Cove during the high water. Fishing in my 22' Bay boat at the time, we anchored over a submerged shell bank near a creek mouth. Using popping corks and 1/8th ounce jigs with live shrimp, the guys "popped" their way close to 100 fish in 6 hrs. Releasing more than they kept. From Sheepshead, to Flounder, Trout, Reds, Drum. The spot was on fire!

Another cold pre-Fla./ Ga. game with the same crew we caught so many Flounder it was ridicules. I brought 5 dozen live mullet, and half way through our day we had to run and pick up 4 more dozen that I had conveniently delivered to the dock. We arrived back on the spot, and finished putting a limit for the boat in the fish box.

    





















That's "Traveling through the last decade", but you have to remember our last decade was pretty damn good. The world has changed completely since then. For me, those were the "good ole days". And I scared I will never see them again. No matter what some blow-hard politician, will promise you on TV. I'm sick and tired of politicians. And isn't funny how they just piss you off before asking for your vote? Not a single one of them is going to change this country. But each one thinks he or she is the answer.

On a good note, I found some Bob McNally video's. And he happens to be talking "my kind of game". And that's the Float Game. I've never been a ball sports watcher. And if I do watch ball sports, it's usually Golf. One person, against Mother Nature, and the course designer.

Bob years ago used to be the Jacksonville newspaper "outdoors editor". Then, came Joe Julavits and now Jim Sutton. I guess he still lives around here. But he's off doing other things now. As a successful outdoor writer. Looks like a dock in NE Florida up river to me in the video's. And "float-rig" fishing is on his mind, because see how he's dressed? Yep, the coolest and coldest weather is the best inshore fishing of the year in Jacksonville....(always look at the details!)

Here he is talking "Float-rig fishing":

More DIY videos at 5min.com

More DIY videos at 5min.com

Now, of course this entire rig can be "taken up a notch". There's some small tricks that can make it work even better. That's the tricks, I will show you, if you book a fishing charter.

I look at Float-rig fishing, like fly fishing a Trout stream. Or fly fishing for us die hard, "bait users". It's not a hard way to fish, especially when everything is perfect. But that's not always the case. It's a visual game, a pay attention game.

And on the Jettywolf, you'll always have the best seats.

10/29 - IT'S 100% ALUMINUM. Monthly dose of alloy.

LOOKING FAST SITTING STILL......the Gaudet 36 CC.
http://www.gaudetboats.com/ - Sorrento, La.

10/28 - TROUT TRACKIN'

I had an idea when Chris and I talked about heading out for a, "weekday solo angler" adventure. "Let's do nothing but float-rig, and let's go no where but the jetties, period!" I said.
So today, the Jettywolf was backing away from the dock at sun-up, turning eastward, going 2.5 miles, anchoring up and floating live river crickets behind the boat, along the massive structure, all in a matter of minutes.

That's the way the Jettywolf and I like it. And so does Chris. He especially liked the fact that we were targeting Trout. And that was it. Any thing else would be nothing but gravy over the biscuit, as far as we were concerned.

And targeted species didn't take long at all.......surprisingly. Being that I had about gave up on my beloved float-rig rods. Mostly because I don't get to pick the days that I go. Lately, I've sat pulling my hair out over smoking full moon 6+foot tides, while fishing a 20 knot east wind. So today was one of those weekdays that I was watching on the marine forecast sites and as fore casted. It proved to be a real winner of a day.

Oh, back to that targeted species, TROUT. It didn't take long as I was saying. Chris nailed a 16 incher pretty much right away.

















In between his favorite fish species "the 4 inch Seabass" that infest the jetties right now, he pulled a fast one on me. And being that I caught only one mini-Seabass, compared to his six.  I was rewarded with a termite Trout of 14 inches.

We kept trying, but it seemed like the two Trout that swam by us, is the only two that were there to catch, so we moved on. The next spot is a great spot, although challenging as all hell to fish, for the new comer. Even if the tide and wind are perfect. But Chris did great. He has the float-rigging down pat. "He's had the best teacher.....that's why!"

No sooner are we on the spot and he nails a Redbass. Not a stud. But the "pup sizers", are still fun to catch.















Pushing my patience, then he lands a small Flounder two seconds after the Redbass. I know, I'm a super giving individual, and fishing for me isn't a "me, me, me" kinda thing. So I happily net his litl' flattie for him.

He's got himself an "inshore slam" already, and we haven't been out here all that long. That's when you as a fishing guide know, "today's gonna be a good day." Me, being able to pick the day has it's benefits for people who go on my boat. I watch the weather trends. I check the forecast as many as 3-4 times a day.  And so far, today was perfection.

Well, this is a hot little spot, so we hang there for awhile longer. No Trout, though. But instead we have a different kind of excitement. In the way of a good ole barn yard ass kicking contest. Chris' float disappears, he sets the hook, and out from the rocks blasts a really big fish. Not down along the rocks, but away from the rocks....under the boat.....down deep.....taking Chris' rod and horseshoeing it over like he hasn't felt in a while. I'm thinking Jack Crevalle and a big one. The fish goes down and stays down in 30 plus feet of water, on the other side of the boat of which Chris is fighting it.

Finally, after a deep water tug of war, here it comes.... "is it a big Jack?"  Nope, it's a big Redbass full of so much spit and vinegar. Chris' wrist was aching after the fight.

     




















A 30 inch, 11 pound Red in 30 foot of water, and this fish used every inch of it. That's why a long, slow action rod in float-rig fishing is so important. The small wire hook was solidly in the roof of the Reds mouth, and came out perfect, not bent, twisted or anything.

The tide got low and the current slowed down to a crawl, so we moved on trying a few not so common spots, that have produced in the past one time or another. And we got nothing. So we hung out and just waited a bit. Then, it was time to hit some good proven spots all over again as the tide poured in the river.

Now remember, at this point not that it's a competition or anything. But I've caught one 14" Trout, and one 12" Ladyfish so far. I guess I was doing too much coaching, and not enough concentrating. Because usually the shoe is on the other foot for people that want to go toe to toe with me. I catch my fair share. But again, it wasn't all about me.

So we go to our spot, anchor up and start working the rising tide. My float goes down and I'm hooked up to a drag pulling, head shaker..... "yep, it's a BIG Trout!"

It's what we were looking for all day. A big fish. Not a monster, but at 4 pounds nothing to sneeze at this year, so far. So...I think I'm back in the saddle again. But not so fast. Because Chris sets the hook, his Ugly Stik bends and throbs. Ut Oh..."does he have a bigger Trout, than mine?"






















Nope! I had him by 3 inches. But his Trout was also a sweet heart. Are we in "the meat?"  Is it too much to ask for a 10 fish limit today? Seeing that we've had no rain to speak of, not a single tropical storm, one hell of a cold winter, then a cooker of a summer. Are these Trout schooling around the rocks now?

Well, the bite on Trout at this spot was short lived. We pulled two fatties Trout out of there and nothing else was on the horizon. So we moved on, once again.

The answers to those questions are as follows, in my mind. Today is near weather perfect, except for being way too hot. Water temp on my machine was 76 degrees. My prediction still is Thanksgiving, or around there before the Speckled Trout will be the way I like them..... "THICK" at the Mayport Jetties. But as far as I'm concerned, I'll take whatever Trout she'll give me.  Till all hell breaks loose when we get some COLD, not cool, but COLD weather, and maybe some actual rain.

We head to our last stop, we're getting low on live shrimp. Too low. But probably perfectly low considering Chris has a college class he has to be at by 5:30pm. If we had endless shrimp in the livewell we probably would have been out there till dark.

Last spot and the last 10 shrimp. I hook a decent fish....yeah, I'm up to three now! A decent keeper, heading straight into the fish box, for sure.


















Now we're down to almost no shrimp left, and Oh no, Dave hooks another fattie.....but it gets off on the side of the boat. Damn!! Oh well, there was no catching up to Chris today. So we pack it in and go back and clean our catch.

Just another fine solo angler fishing trip, where we fish like ole buds. Quality through the whole day. And not one single hitch......other than we could have used another 4 dozen or so live shrimp. But then again, Chris would have missed his class. And what would the world be like with another non college educated Trout fisherman, out there at the Jetties? It would be okay. Because he got a fishing education instead aboard the Jettywolf, with me.
And I'm more fun!