Wednesday, March 23, 2011

3/23 - An "I.G." half day...

Ya'll know me..."I'll take some I.G. - "instantaneous gratification" over just about anything. Doesn't matter, big or small. I just love A-C-T-I-O-N.

Had Tom & Brendon D. aboard today. They bought  my charter at the charity silent auction for Hope Therapy. Which are friends of the family. Hope Therapy does horse therapy for kids. Kids with Autism etc. Down in Middleburg.

So we picked today to head on out.  Departing at 8:30am to catch the first of the flood tide at the jetties. And like I said, It didn't take long before Brandon was hooked up with nice "keeper size", Redbass.




















Ya know, I just don't seem to get all that many "keepers". They're either way too big, or they're just pups.  (Redfish size limit: 18-27") So I was really happy to see the first slam dunk of the day be a nice keeper for the fish box.  We had some Trout, but not all that many. Maybe 4 total. The water was dirty as all hell and had that sandy color to it. Not really, super Trout water.

Actually Brendon caught the first Trout and it was short of keeper status. But then we did get one for the box. But the Redbass were chewing at the first of the rising tide. And my crew got some serious runs out of the big Reds.



















By noon the wind from the west started really blowing, so we packed it in. It all worked out perfect for a 1/2 day trip.
I love it when a plan comes together on a gorgeous day, with two good fisherman.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

3/21 - Bugs vs. Big Seas, the whole story.

Had the "Rogers Three" aboard the Jettywolf today. After seeing that "Small Craft Exercise Caution" for Sunday's forecast, which was our originally reserved day. No more fishing (4) passengers in high wind conditions. Because on Sunday it would have been four guys rather than three. So, Monday's forecast was SE 10 knots......"oh yeah?"

Well, as we departed the dock, the river was slick as glass. But the plan was Jetty Fishing! That's where the slick as glass ended.
As we approached the end of the rocks, it was evident as all hell that the"back door front" that came thru on Sunday afternoon packed quite a wallop, in conjunction with the remaining "super moon" conditions.

I hit the end of the rocks and if the swells weren't folding over 8 footers....."I don't like Trout fishing!!!!!"  It was a free Disney World ride thru the cauldron of hell. The  Mayport Jetties newest attraction! And when we made it around the corner, the slop on the ocean side was one of those, "I'M SURE GLAD I'M IN A ROUGH WATER PACIFIC NORTHWEST ALLOY BOAT, WITH HIGH SIDES AND A CLOSED TRANSOM!" 

I anchored up, but didn't end up in the right spot. My gut, and the current was telling me that I'd have to get perfectly parallel to the jetty rocks. And it was way to sporty to attempt that. If so, there would have been NO room for error. So we headed back into the rocks. And that even had me heading south, then east and away, way around the buoy to get back in between the jetties.

I guess that's why the Mayport Forecast even though the wind had died, still said, "Small Craft conditions still apply".

But the next spot I looked at had not enough current to float-rig fish three guys, and the seas were busting thru the jetties and would just push our floats out to the channel. So, after what seemed an endless amount of time looking around. I headed over to the Navy Base.

We no sooner anchored up and some "wanna-be" up on the bank is yelling at us. "YOU HAVE TO STAY 380 FEET OFF THE BANK!!!!!"  Holy Crap, the Navy is playing these games again. Really....380 feet? I forgot my range finder today, and 380 feet puts me in the channel, I believe. Not a great place to float-rig fish for Reds and Trout, and make a LIVING! I wanted to give that ass-wipe the finger, but then 3 more showed up in cars. I must be a threat from hell.

I GUESS THE CITIZENS OF JACKSONVILLE ARE NOW LIBYAN TERRORISTS. Since that's our newest war, over oil.
That's really funny. Because on Friday I sat on the same spot for 3 hours. Guess, I wasn't considered a terrorist, then.

When you think about it.  Isn't it funny how they come up with 380 feet? And doesn't that river belong to all citizens of this town, let alone this country? What burns my ass more than anything is I didn't go into business for myself, to be told what to do every single day. If I wanted to be told what to do by others constantly, I could have stayed at my old job. So, no matter what ya do. There is zero freedom.......EVER!  And if the Navy thinks we're a threat while fishing along the bank. It just tells me, how badly they are lacking in true security.

I carry a mandated TWICS card. A Transportation workers Identification Card. Which means, I've been finger printed about 4 times and background screened at least as many. And I'm mandated to "pay" for this out of my pocket as part of a Homeland Security Tax. And what's the purpose?? What is this buying me?? All brewed up by some fat cat politician. And I'm still a potential threat to the United States Navy???  Give me a damn break. There's people working and walking on that base that are more potential threats everyday, than us local tax paying fisherman, trying to make a living, I'm sure.

In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, you can go over to a well-head pumping explosive natural gas out of the ground, tie off to it and fish all day long. And no one cares! And it's an everyday ritual by many. But because we over run with military here. Every year we loose more and more places along "OUR" river to fish, and for myself to make a honest living. If you fish the river I'm sure you've seen the banks of Blount Island become a security zone. And been run off, one day to watch the rules change the next. I've had M-16's pointed at us and I and even had the Coasties run up on us with .50 cal's while fishing private docks, over the years. And told to get out. With no explanations, just "do as I say", by another "pee-on".

Wonder if city hall knows how good this is for tourism? The state of Florida cried like babies about the oils spill in the Gulf of Mexico, as if it happened right off it's beaches. And about how state's tourism (aka: Tax dollars) were being effected. Well, this could be considered J-ville's own little oil spill...In my opinion.

So the guys and I ended up in a creek, with the rising tide pouring in so hard we could have run a water ski'er out the back of the boat, while getting chewed up by the bugs so bad we couldn't stand still. So I said, "we need to get the hell outa here!"
And I told them about all the people who constantly tell me, how they want my job. "Really...they think this is some kind of glory ride", I told them.

So back to the jetties we headed. I'll take, hold on with one hand and fish with the other in these seas, over the frenzy of flying teeth any day. And as the tide rose, the water calmed down.  But then, I had another problem. It was rough enough I couldn't anchor when we got to the jetties, where I wanted. And before I could say ""boo"", a guy I took last year on a charter shows up and gets right into the spot I was heading too next.

A big lesson I learned last year. Do not ever take some local, with their own boat. Because when you do, it just comes back to bite you. All they'll ever do is fish the spots you took them too, over and over and over. While I'm out there trying to make a living!

But, the move to sit thru the seas versus the bugs and the screaming tide was worth it. The guys caught some specks, loads of small pup reds, and some throwback smaller trout. The action was pretty good. But then again the conditions weren't all that perfect for first timers out there, either. But my crew didn't do anything but fish thier butts off, and stayed with it. As they bobbed from one side of the deck to the other. With not a single complaint. I was impressed.

I would have done some video of the seas, or pictures at least of what it looked like while driving thru it. But, I obviously had my hands full.
















The day ended with at least ten Reds from puppers at 16" that were the most, up to 28 inches. And ten Speckled Trout. No super-duper sized Trout, though. It was very warm and sunny. And I'm glad we went on Monday.

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

BTW...
I talked to a fella at the boat ramp yesterday, who had a barge sitting up on dry land with a crane on it. Figuring, I'd come back to the boat ramp on Wednesday and see them tearing the docks apart or something like that, without notice. I asked him, "What  ya doing?" And to my astonishment, he said the City is going to "EXPAND" the Mayport Boat Ramp docks, and "L" off  the old ramp towards Morningstar Marina, and over at the New Ramps, they're going to "L" off the docks towards to the Pilot Dock.

Because the city has the $$ to spend, so use it or loose it next year. He said they came to the realization, that this ramp is really busy on weekends. And compared to Sisters Creek Boat ramp, there's not enough dock space to pull up too.

So he told me, "Look for this to be done in the next 4 months." He said he was just doing core samples for the pile driving folks. 

I was blown away!!

Mayport, getting an improvement??  I thought the new parking lot lights were just a security measure. Must be all the attention the place gets during the ever growing JOSFC El Cheapo Sheepshead Tournament in February, huh? Getting to be larger or as large of participation as the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament. (So I was told by the Tournament Director)

Can  ya believe it????

Sunday, March 20, 2011

3/20 - HUH????

SMALL CRAFT EXERCISE CAUTION
TODAY:  EAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.  ISOLATED SHOWERS.


HUH?

Had (4) guys booked for today. Yeah......four.  But it's 8:25 right now and I see no wind at my house which is just one mile from Chico-pit bay.

(this is the boat I really need 1/2 the time......)
Yeah, we re-scheduled till Monday:

MONDAY:  SOUTHEAST WINDS 10 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.

No way I can fish four in 20 knots........if indeed it did happen. But I don't see it.

I bet Monday will be 20 knots!!!!!!!
Ya still want my J-O-B?

Saturday, March 19, 2011

3/18 - THE SUPER MOON!

Mother Nature is one hell of a mysterious thing, that's for sure.

Now, I don't get to go out every charter and do exactly what "I'd" want to do. Sometimes I have to do what my folks can do. I get kids, I get little kids. I get a packed boat with 4 passengers that never fished before. So each day, is a challenge. I don't pick the days we go, either. And if I did we'd never leave the dock when it's "Small Craft Advisories", either. But if I did pick the days, and if I could pick my crew. I'd pick today. And I'd pick Kyle, Ben and Brandon. The three guys I had aboard, today.

Well, as a life long angler, I know everything out there reaches it's tipping point. For the good, and for the bad. And I had a feeling this FULL MOON, was gonna be a good thing. And today, it was! The Trout fishing has to kick off good some day in March and the full moon, should be when.

A week ago, I fished the same exact spots we fished today, with either no bites, fished bad conditions, or just had a few small trout to show for a all day try.

The tide was 6 feet at high tide......2 feet over normal. And high was at 9:04am. So we actually departed for the first time so far this year with the running lights on, in the dark. TIME was of the essence.

Fished a total of just three spots and had 18 Trout to 19", a mix of Specks and Yellowmouths. And 10 Redbass from 16" to 29".

The fish box looking good after only the first hour or so on the first spot:























We had a great time today. Despite the "SUPER MOON". Ya' know you can always count on me to be very in tune with the moons, because there's hardly a New or Full moon that someone doesn't call to fish on.

Super Moon is a term used to describe how large or how close the moon is to Earth and on Saturday, March 19, 2011, the full moon is going to be the larger than usual. The moon sometimes gets closer to Earth than at other times, this causes the moon to appear much larger.


There is a conspiracy theory brewing in that the Super Moons are related to the massive earthquakes and tsunamis. This however has not been proven. The moon is however shown to cause increased tides on a full moon because of gravitational pull.

The full moon on March 19, 2011 will be the closest it has been to Earth since 1992. When the Moon is closest to Earth it is said to be at its perigee. When it is at the farthest distance from Earth it is at its apogee.

The effects of a Super moon can be subtle providing more light and a slightly larger size. Still, it would be worth a look outside tonight to see the Super moon. The next time there is a Supermoon will be on November 14, 2016.

I don't care if it's the super Moon or what. I'm just glad to see my Speckly friends chewin'. And I hope to continue boxing them from here on out...or till it's 105 degrees in the shade come July.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Brookings Oregon?

Failed to hear a thing about the Tsunami hitting the US. But here's footage.  And take notice that the Pacific plate alloy boat with the walk-around cabin seen twice (just like mine, but with cabin) looks to be okay.

Living in my Trout hunting bubble here in J-ville, all I caught a glimpse of was footage from Japan. Wow, that's something.

One person died.

3/14 - The search for "spring" continues..........

Had Tom and 9 yr. old Madison aboard today.  It sure was cold this morning, that's for sure. But turned out to be a beautiful day.
Keeping things real simple we bottom fished at the jetties. And since there wasn't hardly any incoming tide, the ebbing current flowed and flowed for what seemed to be long after low tide. Which was a good thing.

We fished 3 spots, and each one was pretty uneventful. Sure, I wanted to catch some small fish for Jr. Angler Madison. But also wanted to hang something decent for dad, Tom.

One spot, was a L-O-N-G shot. Out past the green can on the south. Because that's where I've caught 10 pound "spawning Sheepshead" like this: (and monster spring time Black Drum)






























This time of year "SUPPOSEDLY" you should be able to fish the edges and ledges out away from the jetty rocks and catch fish like this. (my memories are haunting me!)
I have a 12" RayMarine sounder screen, that can read a shrimps butt at 3000 feet. I like utilizing it. Most people probably don't even realize how much structure there is away from the actual jetty rocks. Structure that fish get on. And this time of year "SUPPOSEDLY" the monster Sheepshead get on it. Especially, during the spawn. And so do the "out-sized" Black Drum and big Reds.

But.......it's not spring yet. Because, these fish are no where to be found out there as of yet.

Madison reeled up some Whiting, on one spot. And Seabass on another. Some 12" Seabass, that we're "not" allowed to keep any longer.

















I'll keep trying these deep water structure areas, off the highly beaten path, in hopes that some day the fish will do their thing out there as they have done for all my years fishing out there.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Memories of consistancy?

I have quite a good memory. But of course it's highly selective. My parents always wanted to know why I couldn't remember my school studies when it came test day. And my answer simply was, "it had nothing to do with fishing..."

I sat at the Jetties on a perfect tide Saturday, in a great spot, float-rig fishing, from 6' down to 26", using live shrimp, of course. Without a single Trout bite. But at the same time, (just as an example) in 2006 on the north Jetty by March 6th the Trout bite was out of this world. But then again so were the lil' scourge Bluefish, when the water was clear.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind, that the last two winters have delt the Trout fishing around here a substantial blow. The fishing for them is almost day and night compared to years ago this far into the year, at the inlet.

Yeah, I've heard some stories....as in "Bob caught a 29 incher at the little Jetties along with 30 others."  My concern is the jetties, because that's where I fish most. And where they should be right now. And how bout them Yellowmouth Trout? Gone, and absent since the new rule of a 100 pounds per person? Guess they're really scared now. They better be! Cuz, I'm out to catch'em, and I'm not stopping at just a few.

Then, I stumbled upon a video my buddy Nick made of us fishing the river in March with live shrimp, on the bottom. Watch it, and listen in between Nicks subtle camera handling skills:

This was March 6th 2008. And I can tell you, I have fished that exact spot 3 times in the last two months. And have caught nothing. It's even more mentally painful to have a video record of what early March is SUPPOSED to be like, around here.

D-E-A-D or live shrimp on the bottom, it really doesn't matter, at the very start of the falling tide. The Reds were monsters for being anchored in only 12 foot of water. Then, came this Black Drum.

The problem is; "MY MEMORY HAUNTS ME."

I can go anywhere in the St. Johns River from the jetties, south to below the Mathews bridge and point with my finger, and tell you what I caught there, and what tide it was on.

I joke around with my customers that charter fishing is like being an actor in a Hollywood movie,  "you're only as good as your last film", but in the fishing biz, the "spot" is only as good as the "last time we caught targeted species, there".

If the fishing, (due to the south Atlantic weather, I guess) was more consistent. I'd be allot more comfortable these days. I hear about consistency. I read about places that have it. And for me it's like the pot at the end of the rainbow.

There's a saying about N.E. Florida, "You have to be rigidily flexible, around here...." Coined by a guy who grew up fishing around S. Miami in the 60's & 70's. And the Navy dropped him off here in J-ville, like so many others. But I'd bet, he couldn't duplicate those same childhood fishing memories in today's Miami, either. But he swears it's way more consistent then it is here.

But for me, I rely on my detailed memory. And when it comes to rigid flexibility, well that's up to the crew, tides and weather, I have on the day choosen.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

3/9 - kite fishing for tailing Sheepshead in the flooded Marsh grass?

SYNOPSIS  - "SMALL CRAFT EXERCISE CAUTION"
 A HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE OVER THE ATLANTIC SEABOARD WILL SHIFT EAST TODAY AS A COLD FRONT APPROACHES FROM THE WEST. THE COLD FRONT WILL SWEEP ACROSS THE AREA ON THURSDAY WITH HIGH PRESSURE BUILDING OVER THE AREA BEHIND THE FRONT THROUGH SATURDAY. THE HIGH WILL SHIFT JUST SOUTH OF THE AREA ON SUNDAY.


NO KIDDING!!!!!!!!
I DON'T EVEN WANT TO CUT MY LEAVES AND WEEDS BECAUSE OF ALL THE DUST THAT'LL BE FLYING.

INCASE YA LIVE IN A BUBBLE, "IT'S WINDY OUT THERE!"



Damn weekends!!!!!!!!!!

SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY - WEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTHWEST LATE IN THE AFTERNOONS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. INLAND WATERS MOSTLY SMOOTH.


Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The JETTYWOLF's new chum chopper

As a plate alloy boat owner, I've always liked what I saw down in Austrialia and New Zealand. Of course plate alloy welded boats are works of art down there. And there's every concievable size and dimension. Those builders/fabricators are so innovative, also.

I saw a chum chopper built into the swim platform of many a alloy boats down there. And after much diliberation, and planning I said, "this was the summer that I'll have to get one made.

For ten years I had a Dennis Braid (an Aussie big game angler and tackle manufacture, out of California) Chum-Mate made of plastic on the stern of my ole MayCraft 23 CC. I don't know how I went so many summers without one and now I don't have too.

I made this video for my fellow aluminumalloyboats.com brothern. My second life, is a member of this "like minded clan" of  world wide alloy boat builders, owners and anglers. And I can discuss alloy boats with friends across the globe.

I'll post the video here, to show you how easy it is to customize an alloy boat. (and I have other additions in the works) If it isn't about making my boat functional, it's not worth doing. FUNCTION IS BEAUTY, in my mind.  Always has been, always will be.

Pogies are free, and old left over bait is freezable.  From Redbass, to Tarpon. Chumming is easy with the right tool.

Enjoy.... Chum chopper 101

What a March, so far

The trees are blooming. Pollen is covering everything. The grass and weeds in my yard need to be cut. People are already talking about the Cobia and Tripletail down south, heading this way.

And the Jettywolf, cannot get a "BREAK".

Since March 1st, I've sat attempting to get it done in 25 knot N.E. winds, 20 SW winds,  New Moon screaming tides.

So sick of it all Sunday, I had Kenneth H. and his buddy Derrick. We literally fished 45 minutes, and I said, "fellas, lets pack it up and try again a few weeks from now." 

Then, on Monday I had a 4 person trip. The winds were LIGHT at NE 15 knots, all day. But my crew was frozen because it felt like 30 degrees out at the jetties at 8am, and maybe 40 later in the afternoon in the river. And talk about a struggle. Not only did I have to try and satisfy 4 people. But the gamefish took the day off.  We fished deep, shallow, and inbetween and only had undesireables. Starting with a 2-1/2 foot Eel!!

Even float-rig fished. But that didn't change anything.

Water temps are hovering in the 60 degree range now. And I look forward to getting better days.
--------------------------------------------------

Heading the the weld shop this morning. Having a customization done to my boat. All in preparation for this summer and $4.00 plus a gallon fuel prices......as if $3.50 isn't bad enough!

Been planning this for about two years. Having an Austrialian style "chum chopper",  or as they call it a "Burley Bucket" welded into my stern platform.

No summer trolling. Won't be affordable.

So with my Burley Bucket, I'll be able to drift and chum or anchor up and chum. And not burn as much fuel.

Had a plastic "Braid Chum-mate" on the stern of my old boat for 10 years. And have always wanted a welded in one on my Alloy boat....Because I can! 

Permanant, and larger than what I had before. Just like they have in Austrialia. Those folks down yonder are real innovators in "practicality".  Unlike here in the U.S. where it seems to be all about...."look at me and my pretty boat." Rather than truely functional fishing machines.

I'll post a photo when complete.

Weather this week isa crap shoot, anyhow.....

TUESDAY: EAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.

TONIGHT: EAST WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND
WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.

WEDNESDAY: SOUTHEAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET.
INLAND WATERS CHOPPY.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT:  SOUTH WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET.
INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. SCATTERED SHOWERS. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS
AFTER MIDNIGHT.

THURSDAY:  WEST WINDS 20 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET SUBSIDING
TO 2 TO 3 FEET IN THE AFTERNOON. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. NUMEROUS
SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS IN THE MORNING.

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

BTW...here's a story of, "ONLY IN AMERICA".
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/02/16/eveningnews/main20032336.shtml

Who's really the criminals?
 answer:  the U.S. Government!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

3/2 - REAL MARCH'S ARRIVAL

Let's start this report with this........


Had Tom B. and crew aboard today. As I dropped the boat in the water I shot  the quick footage you see in the video.
And thought to myself, "Ut Oh...this ain't gonna be good for anyone."

I was about a gnat's butt away from calling Tom and saying, "I fished in this yesterday,we may not be able to fish in this today."
But last night the Marine Forecast was for up to 15 knots out of the NE, so I figured what the hell....lets go!

We could Trout fish one spot. It was this or NOTHIN'. And compared to yesterday when out with Doc Miller, th tide today was going to be even worse, meaning STRONGER. And yep, it was.  (because of the new moon on the 4th.)

It constantly seems I'm battling the tides/current doesn't it?  Because I am. Constantly battling New and Full moons, and 5-6 foot tides.  (someday I'm gonna be a Gulf Coast Fisherman....someday.)

We did as good as Mother Nature would allow us. We couldn't have done any better if we were fishing with hand granades, today.
The winds just pushed us to the limit.......and WE CONQUERED. By boxing some TROUTZ!

















Next up: Sunday and Monday. Sure hope the winds back off.

3/1 - Trout go into the b-o-x.

Out with buddy Doc Miller on his 22' Bay Boat. One spot all day hiding from monster wind gusts. It's now time to box them speckley bastards, after the annual February closure of Speckled Sea Trout.

Doc and I would rather Trout fish than do any other fishing. Not all were whoppers, but just plain good fish.(and sure did fry up nice a few hours later)

And when the conditions made for a tough drift of the slip "float-rigs", I tossed a jig. And we got allot of laughs out of the name of the colored plastic bait I was using, on a 3/8ths oz. jig head. In  the smoking tide.

Really tired of bottom fishing, so this is making for a nice break. (once again)

Had a blast today, while getting blasted by the hienous winds.

Here's a short video:

 

Monday, February 28, 2011

2/27 - Soup, but not many fish and chips

Finally, had two experienced anglers aboard, Bob and Dan. Down here working from Pa. where they did what seemed to be plenty of freshwater fishing.

I eventually ended up where we can comfortably bottom fish, all day long with a falling tide.....eventually, because we slowly made our way through the thickest fog of the year, to get there.

The forecast was: LIGHT & VARIABLE WINDS. My favorite two words in  the winter months.



The Drum bite was almost non-existent where I like to fish, which is also where I can "KEEP" my expensive anchors. Catching one 7 pounder.

We caught some small Redbass, loads of small Seabass, too many "winter" Stingrays. And actually had about 10 keeper Whiting to add to the fish box. And a few of these "brown shrimp boat" Whiting  were really huge, considering what time of year it is.

We had a good time, while fishing hard as hell. Keeping baits on the bottom versus running around in  the "soup" trying to find something else somewhere.

Can't wait for  those Jetties to turn around and get HOT, once again.

Friday, February 25, 2011

2/24 - One L-O-N-G day.


Started the day off  really getting a clue that if Mayport ever gets a giant Nuclear Aircraft Carrier. I'm really in trouble! The public has a short memory. So, I'll fill you fisherman in.

I left B&M bait and tackle. I pulled out onto A1A north, and the Navy traffic was so thick that 30 minutes later I hadn't even got to the light at A1A  & Wonderwood rd. When I did get to the light I sat through 5 green lights because I couldn't cross Wonderwood. The traffic on the otherside was NOT moving. And the cross traffic coming down off the Wonderwood bridge, heading to Mayport rd to go into the bases Main Gate was about at a dead stop.

I called my customer Joan and told her, "Be aware, your adventure is just starting!" She said, that traffic was at a stand still at Mayport rd. and the turn at A1A north. On the otherside of B&M.

It was around, 6:30am.

I finally arrived at the Mayport Boat Ramp at 7:30am. The "commercial gate, gate 5" to the back of the base moved one vehicle length every couple minutes.

THIS IS WHAT IT WAS LIKE  MANY MORNINGS WHEN WE HAD A CARRIER IN MAYPORT. For all of you that don't go to Mayport on a weekday.

This area cannot handle the traffic of a nuclear carrier and support personel, or whatever the hell was going on today! The entire length of A1A north from at least Wonderwood rd. to "gate 5", would actually need two more lanes! Two more lanes built atop the marsh?

I'm not holding my breath! Other's have said to me, "They'll make the Navy their own road." Really?
I don't think so. The city doesn't care about Mayport.

What I'd have to do is "just MOVE."  There's no way for me to conduct my business and sit in over an hours worth of traffic each morning, to go a couple miles.  I just won't do that.

I dropped the boat in the water. And Joan and her 10 year old son showed up about 30 minutes later.
We were now over an hour behind schedule.

We got out in the river, and there wasn't a ripple of current. The tide was slack and was eventually going to start rising.......someday. I need current, not with just everyone. But especially with kids.
It just makes fishing easier.

The boy got seasick at the jetties. So we ran back up into the river.  Then, back to the jetties. We were catching nothing but stingrays and small seabass. The boy didn't even want to reel in any of our bites. He was d-o-n-e!

We finally got on a spot in deep water, that was calm and all he wanted to do is go back. So, after a few hours, our day was done. Some kids, just aren't going to be fisherman. Patience, especially in the month of February is mandatory. And we all know most 10 year olds and under don't have patience.

So I dropped my crew off back at the dock. And went back out myself. The target species was Black Drum, with or without a crew. I was already wore out from moving around, pulling anchor sp many times, and dealing with trying to catch something,  or sit anchored where there's no chance of any bites with a 10 year old whining.

The jetties were sloppy on the outside, and only calm about 3/4's the way inside. And by now there was some rising tide.

And even I had to use patience, and move around as the tide moved, till I found them. While salvaging the day. The  difference is with me it doesn't have to be calm.  The Jettywolf was designed to anchor in the roughest water. And I don't mind anchoring in it.

She loves the slop.

Here's the video (it's long...get your sea-legs on)



Looking forward to when the big, big Black Drum show up. I'll put down the float-rigs when the super studs show up at the jetties. My largest ever weighed in at 90 pounds. (the two pics below)
























If you have "the salt" in ya' to patiently fish for a really big Black Drum, like the ones above ya better get on the phone right now and give me a call, and book the right day.

I prefer certain "tides" for these fish and it's jetty fishing only. And it should start sometime late March thru April. It's not "party boat fishing", because not everyone on board is going to get a chance at a monster. So bring one friend, and either one of you may battle one of these.

If not, I'll be on the hunt for the Speckled Trout.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

2/22 - Cabin Fever in Florida?

Wheww...just finished a 3 day run. Starting on Saturday the 19th at 10:30am. Then finishing up on Monday the 21st at 3pm. 

And it of course had to be warm and sunny too boot. Floridians with cabin fever? Yep, the river was a parking lot.

It's funny, because I actually enjoy cold days with some wind because no one will be around. And especially weekdays....Monday thru Thursday's.

Coupled with a crowded river, sunny days, and warm temps, we had the FULL MOON. Which was going to do no one any favors.

To quote Jerry, one of the four Sailor's I picked up off of the number 5 ship right after it pulled into Mayport; "I thought the St. Johns River was going to be this slow, lazy, water, with easy fishing." 



Well, Jerry and the crew got to see the river at it's finest. Current galore, boats on every single spot, and because of the full moon. Not many bites!

This continued all the way through Monday afternoon. But by Monday I gave up on the bottom fishing for Sheepshead and Drum and we went float-rig fishing.We caught a few Trout, and I mean "A FEW".  By Monday afternoon the wind was honking. So we gave some fiddler crabs a try here and there. But my GUT was telling me, it was all wrong.

I want to thank my crew members the last three days for having patience and perseverance.  Believe me, it's not usually this tough.

Next up: Thursday with a Mom and a ten year old, then Sunday. And then a few 4 passenger trips in March pre-booked.

No...ya won't see me out next Saturday during the El Cheapo Sheepshead Tournament. I just switched a charter from that Saturday the 26th to the Sunday afterwards.

There's no way to conduct a charter with all that going on at the boat ramp and jetties. I may go down and help slicing those armor clad critters up, for the fish fry.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

2/17 - Winter casualty

Really....It's bad folks!

"If you fished offshore from North Carolina to the Florida Keys this past week and caught any black sea bass, you were fortunate. But don't plan on doing it again. The South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC) has done it again - this time closing, effective February 12, the black sea bass season until June 1 of this year. This applies to Federal waters from 3 to 200 miles offshore."

Read the rest here: http://saltfishing.about.com/b/2011/02/14/black-sea-bass-season-closes-in-the-south-atlantic.htm

I only wish we caught them this size. So maybe with all this "management" we'll catch them this size.
(this guys hawkin his lures, of course. But if you want Seabass this size.....GO NORTH!




Tuesday, February 15, 2011

2/15 - Couldn't stand it any longer.....

After this weekend, I just couldn't stand it any longer. "I had to go run a float-rig behind the boat, and catch a TROUT!"

So, I grabbed fellow Float-Freak, Doc Miller and we took off around 8:30am. Today was the first day of some actual  T-I-D-E! Then, by Friday LOOK OUT. The full moon really kicks in.

Although the forecast was heinous by the afternoon with 20 knot ENE winds. Doc was up for it and so was I. We tried a creek at first. Just to prove to ourselves that "we ain't creek fisherman." Actually it was a creek that buddy DOA Rob frequents and has loads of Trout catches from his Hobie Kayak. But for some reason I can go in there and never get a single bite on a live shrimp....go figure. I don't stay where I'm not welcome very long. So after we tried one more spot before we hit the river. Again, not a sniff.

So we hit the "HUB"...already covered up with at least six boats. Believe it or not, there was room for us. Two float-riggers amongst six Sheepsheaders.  Yep, we were no threat to cleaning out the last of the snaggle-tooths. We wanted to catch a Trout. And I caught one decent Yellowmouth Trout. And that was it.

It's so funny, that in the last ten times to the HUB, when I do catch a yellowmouth it's ONE yellowmouth and that's it. Not two, just one! So today was no different, and much acceptable. Although unbelieveable!

So we worked our way up river. Since the lift on yellowmouth at 4 per person to 100 pounds per person! Yeah...a bit rediculas, but I'll take it. The fish have been quite illusive. They need to be. Because once I find the nest, they're gonna take a beatin'. So we hit a Yellowmouth Trout spot.

Instead we caught 3 Specks. Not whoppers, but a few could have been keepers. And even lost a few hook-ups.

Eventually the tide died, so it was time to head on. The wind now was gusting, it was really cold and the white caps in the river were made for the Jettywolf.  She loves the S-L-O-P!


We hit a bunch of pilings that any other month of the year are a Sheepshead, Flounder, Trout, and Redbass magnet. So we tried it. Possibly a few stolen baits by the Sheeps, and then we caught a few Specks. The wind was whipping so bad the spot was almost impossible to anchor on, let alone fish. But heck we boated a few more.  We moved on to the last spot.

There wasn't allot of Trout, but they sure were nice fatties. We caught three total on the last spot of the day, I got two - 18 inchers and Doc banged a nice 20 incher.

Here's the ones worth photographing:




























































Yes, it's been awhile. Yes, we couldn't keep any till 3/1. Yes, it was a crappy windy day to attempt a Trout "R&D Day" but I was almost afraid I had lost it.

Ya know, lost the where and how to catch some fattie Troutz. And that tell-tale throb, throb on the end of my long Trout rod. I love that feeling.

Can't wait till March 1st!!

Monday, February 14, 2011

While the rest of us, go broke...

While the rest of us go broke, shoving our pay checks into our fuel tanks to just get to work each day.
Unveiled at the MIAMI BOAT SHOW this year is the largest, horse power outboard motor ever developed.







557 Horse power!

-wouldn't be surprised to see the goverment put these fuel suckers on the back of Navy and Coastie boats!

Friday, February 11, 2011

2/11- Sheepshead 1st timers

Had  Ed Blue and sons Seth & Conner aboard today. It was cold and a bit breezy again. And the sun came out as we finished up. So back at the dock it was sunny and warm!  I don't care how cold it is, I just like to see bright sun. Just makes ya feel better inside.

Ed had a big day back on November 27th with 3 of his buddies out at the jetties. They caught the hell out of them "during the best month of the year".  Link to Ed's last report -  11/27/2010

And before that with the boys, they float fished for Reds and Trout and even hooked a late summer Tarpon that day along the Jetty rocks.

Now it's February. A whole different note. Time to slow it down and Sheepshead fish. Didn't go to the Jetties today because of the breeze. So we never caught any Black Drum. First time Sheepsheadin' can be a challenge, for sure.  But give it a month or two more. I like the spring bite, myself. During the spawn.















Last April, was a big Sheepshead month for me, with several successful trips at the jetties. I'm sure it'll be like that again. The fish are so bunched up now, and so are the boats. We were alone for about 2 hrs. Then, here they came.... No wiggle room in a 26' boat. I'd like100 feet around me to fish, not 5 feet!!!!

It would be nice to be able to fish an area, with no intruders. Believe me,  it's not an attitude. It's  Heredity: "the passing of traits to offspring" (from its parent or ancestors).  My Grandfather wouldn't surf fish if he saw another human on the beach north of south of his chosen spot. But that was also back in 1950. I guess I'm like him since his name was Dave too.

I just need to hold my breath till it's time to get back on the float-rigs again. Huh?

Here's a short video from today I did:

Thursday, February 10, 2011

2/9 - The illusive jetty Drum

Had Mike M. aboard today. Mike is a regular customer, and took advantage of the offer  I made way back months ago.  Single person, weekday only, and get 2 for 1, with up front deposits. (expires March 31st)

So we headed out and I had visions of Black Drum dancing in my head. 24 to 26 inchers, at least.....

Lots of  surveying going on at the Little Jetties, and even today there was some big boat that looked like it was "core sampling" the bottom behind the Little Jetties. Ya' know, they are supposedly taking all those rocks out of there and making that the ICW/River channel.

Today was one tough day. Mike and I worked way to hard for what we caught. I told Mike, the funny thing is you can't catch a fish without getting bit first. And actually getting "bit" was the problem. From the rocks along Whiteshell to the end of the jetties. We worked it all. In pursuit of the same Black Drum I've been wackin and stackin. (IE: 2/5 - 1/30 etc.)

The only thing I could see was that the incoming tide was just 3.2 feet, and the falling tide in the afternoon was a 3.5 foot, according to my tide planner book.  And the trend goes right thru this weekend also. Anything less than 4 feet or better is a really weak tide. And is most noticable at the jetties.

Or it just might be that, Mike's second "weekday trip" later on, will have to be much better.
"HARD EARNED...." was the motto of the day. Here's a video clip:

Monday, February 7, 2011

2/6 - Cooper's Birthday

Had the McGee family aboard today....well, come to find out only part of this huge family. To include just the youngest members still at home. Dad Mark, Mom  Tammy. Cooper  turning nine today. Along with sister Tara.

I knew that just because it was Super Bowl Sunday didn't mean that the river would be empty. Which Tammy reminded me of on the phone the day before. I hadn't a clue. If it's a "ball" related sport I couldn't care less. Except for Golf. I enjoy that. Because it's Man versus Nature.

We got a early start. Because it was a "weekend". I was a bit hyped-up after yesterday's solo Black Drum catch. And the weather today, couldn't be any worse. Actually it was allot better. No 20 kt winds, fog, or rain. But it was overcast 99% of the day.

Don't know what the deal was. But there wasn't any current. And that was a problem, all day long.  When I have Jr. anglers aboard. I want to keep things as absolutely simple as possible. I want flowing current preferably behind the boat. Rods in the rod holders, and bait sitting out behind the boat. Get a bite? Pick up rod and feel, then set hook.

Didn't get much of that! Out of a 6 hours, I had about an hour and a half of it all day. And to prove my point. That was the ONLY time we caught a fish.  I don't care what other people do, or how well the kids can sling a bobber in the local pond. But current, behind the boat,  rods in the rod holders is how I like it when little busy hands, are on board.

With the lack of current, having to cast allot, a majorly bird-nested reel, and no bites. In the exact area where I caught 6 Black Drum yesterday, had me pulling my hair out.

And if I pick up the "man-maker" 22 pound anchor with the 25 pounds of chain more than let's say 5 times in one day. Right there, it's a "HERE'S YER SIGN", kind of day.

No sooner did I move and get into some steady current when 1/2 of Jacksonville arrived on the 1/8th mile strip of the river I call the "hub".  While small jigs, and a fiddler pitched up along the submerged rocks was catching some Sheepshead. It's nothing my two kids onboard could do.  So once in some  current, the first bait down caught the first Sheeps, for our Birthday boy.
















But the "master plan?" To get a large Drum. Hopefully in the 10 pound category. And hopefully more than just one. Cooper had a time reeling in the 3-4 pound Sheepshead. And I wanted him to really get some angling experience, with a good large fish.

I could see, our planned 1/2 day charter just wasn't going to make that happen. We sat on a decent spot till the little current we had stopped with only the one Sheepshead in the box. Yeah, we had a few dinky Seabass and even a Toadfish. And again, "what are toadfish?" They're your tattle-tale fish that says, "I'm on the bottom of the food chain...go fish somewhere else!" So after a restroom break, I tried more clam baits on a spot or two hoping for just one more Sheepshead, as we eat a few sandwiches.

Clams. My experience has told me that clams, although a messy and delicate bait, that they are great Sheepshead baits, for the kids. The fish just suck them up! No feeling a bite. When the rod tip bobs, pick up the rod, feel the Sheeps move off, and set the hook. Usually, the fish will swallow the hook, they suck the Clam in so fast.  But you need a spot where the current is steady, and the fish are willing. We obviously had neither!

I was fed up. Our 1/2 day was here and gone and had just one Sheepshead in the box. Many guides I'm sure would have said, "Oh well....guess that's it?" and head to the dock. Collected the days pay check and went home to watch the Superbowl.

But, look at Cooper's face. How can ya say, "that's it,  to a kid like that?" We were all nine years old at one time. So, I made a run away from the 40 boats that were stacked up at the HUB since our arrival. Which is just too much pressure, too much noise, and too many fiddler crabs in the water.

We headed to the Jetties. 

It was SLICK DEAD CALM out at the inlet. I anchored up and instantly had good flowing current behind the boat. There was another boat a good distance away catching Drum atop the rocks. So, this was our redemption spot, I hoped.

The anchor line came tight, I baited up with my usual Drum bait of just dead shrimp and lobbed out to lines off the stern. We had CURRENT!! Running behind the boat!!

Oh my goodness, we may have a good chance at catching "targeted species".

One of the rods bobbed. I picked it up and felt the sand-bagging bite of a Black Drum. Set the hook and headed the rod to Cooper. It was a good battle for him. 

Most people not in the "know" think Drum are like a Redbass. They hit and run, bending the rod over and pulling the drag from the reel spool. Not usually. The bite is light. And they'll just hang on the hook. It's the difference between being a "grazer" type fish and a all out "predator" type fish. Drum, and especially Sheepshead are "grazers".

Cooper lead the fish to the net and we finally had a targeted species in the boat!






























But not long after the current completely died, and the boat swung right out of the zone. The fish were biting. And now they weren't. So I tried to reposition, but that didn't work. I was willing to do whatever, except for loosing a $150 worth of anchor, chain and rode. I could easily see, that if we wanted current again where we sat, we'd have to sit out here till at least 5 or 6pm....but it was only 2:30.

Everyone was getting tired, especially Tara. Who was snug as a bug in a rug, up on the bow in her blanket.











All the last ditch efforts were made, while Dad Mark got a bite and it was a StingRay. Holy Moses, I haven't seen one of them since late October. Oh, the voodoo of the river is chasing us. So with our hard earned fish, we headed back to the dock.

A tough day is nothing but amplified for me, when I have Jr. Anglers aboard. I know they need constant action, and like adults want big fish. And I work as hard as I can trying to put together a  plan with the limited angling skills.

I was hoping for a nice 1/2 day like last Sunday with the "two Hubers". But it surely was different. And we even had a 4.0' tide both ways today.

Another four passenger trip coming up again, on Friday.
(crossed fingers)

Saturday, February 5, 2011

2/5 - Solo Drummin'

I go solo. And guess what happens...?

Every Black Drum is at or over 24".

(limit: One per your limit of five, can be over 24 inches)

So that means I go home with my one Drum.

It's happened allot when Trout fishing too. Mainly in the spring. Where all the Trout are 20 inches plus. And out of your five that you can keep. Only one can be over 20 inches.

So I guess...

-If you want to catch more fish
-If you want to catch big fish
-If you want to catch smaller fish

You have to just go fishing more often.

Yep, that's what I do.

Fog - Wind - Drizzling Rain - Zero sun today was "Chamber of Commerce for sure." Hahahahah.....NOT!

But it can be that way in the winter. It's pay back for those beautiful windless, warm, and sunburn winter days.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Why not on the Redbass Tourney circuit?

Been exploring these particular boats for a few months now. And since long ago when I posted a video of a Alloy boat running a Idaho river full of rocks and Beaver dams. I actually received more requests to show that footage. Everyone loved it.

So I figured I'd post this particular "could be serious" inshore fishing boat. The engine is a Merc 200HP powerhead, hooked up to a jet.

Let's see...who could really get to all the SKINNY WATER REDS, during a NE Florida Redbass tournament?



If I could have it all, you may not just see the "Jettywolf" at the jetties, but the "Mudwolf" flying thru the creeks, to sight cast those oh so "wiley" Redbass.

Wonder how this thang would handle oysterbeds?  Do you get ticketed for running over marsh grass by the Florida water-nazi's?

Gotta love ALLOY.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

FINALLY....Video of Jan 28th with "BOAT CAM"

THE "BOAT-CAM"...IN ACTION.

This is what YOU can be doing this winter. This video is a great example of what still can be had on a breezy cold winter day in Jax. Fla.

C'C'mon down! Get some snow relief.

NO ONE ELSE will provide you with the information I do, to select your personal fishing guide. NO ONE!!!!


Enjoy, all my hours of editing labor: