4/15 - TAX DAY

Had Tom & Larry D. aboard the Jettywolf today...and going in I knew from the forecast that it was gonna be a challenge. SE-15 knots against a building Full Moon falling tide. Makes the Mayport jetties angry, with the wind bucking the strong current. In turn, the seas build and make for a roller coaster day. So I briefed the guys the night before on the phone.

But as we deaprted at 8am, we would still have an hour or so of rising tide. So I taught the guys how to Float-rig fish, and how to lob with a baitcasting reel. As I told them, I wish a "spinner reel" was never invented because that handicap of a reel is not what I use, and not proper for any type of Fishing, I do.  So with wind and no curren,t we had to pitch to the rocks.

Again, no Trout or Yellowmouths, where I've been catching them each April for the last twenty years!!!! And I'm getting really tired of the inconsistency. We burned bait like match sticks, and then Tom hooks the years FIRST Jack Crevalle. I swore it was a Pompano when I saw it in the water. Yeah....this same spot "used to" produce Pompano too, every single APRIL.


Area's to fish close to the dock are getting scarce since along the Navy Base for a mile or more is off limits. You can count on NO LONG BOAT RIDES, when with me. Because I like lines in the water.

I seen big Spanish Macs along the rocks on Wedsnesday, and now we catch a Jack. In my mind, spring is over and summer is here. We caught nothing else on the float-rigs, so we moved on.

Next we anchored up to bottom fish. The rolling seas were pushing the boat ahead on the anchor. But we were okay and staying anchored, because of my 25 pound grapnel and 12 feet of heavy chain. 99% of the boats I see at the jetties are ill equiped when it comes to their anchor and chain. When I wanna stick like glue, I drop over the "man-maker anchor". Because just lifting it in the boat isn't for boys.

We came there for large Redbass, and that's what we got!  A DOUBLE-HEADER!  For the lingo impaired, that means two on at once.

All the while in the rolling seas we get waked by the every faithful Navy Ship and Sea Tractor tug boat barreling out the jetties. The wake hit us at over the height of my boats bow. Tom got his fish to the boat first. My anchor was yanked from the bottom, and we were heading straight into the rocks "thank you again, USN". I started the engine and as Larry was way over worked by his fish, I swung out and let the anchor grab the bottom again.




Larry was really struggling with his fish. The way the rod was bowed and the drag zipping out. I thought he caught a 50 pound Black Drum. But as the fish came close to the surface it was spinning. It was a Redbass, not a Black Drum. The Red was foul hooked. For the lingo impaired, that means the fish isn't hooked in the mouth.

The Redbass was hooked in the gill plate!

Larry was whopped. And this was the largest fish he's ever caught. Tom's Red was 28-1/2" and Larry's was 33 inches.

All this was going on as I was multi-tasking my ass off. Keeping the boat in position, after getting slammed by huge wakes, working the boat,  netting fish, and taking pictures. All I needed was the phone to ring.

The seas got where it was really not the place to continue to fish, so we moved inshore of the jetty tip. But caught Zip. So back out we went, and headed over to the south Jetty. It was calmer. We anchored up on the Sea Bass hole for hell. One after another as fast as you could sit a bait on the bottom. Some were 12" and I was wondering, "am I allowed to keep Seabass inshore in state waters??"
Because at this time we hadn't' put a fish in the fish box, yet.
Then came a Sheepshead, but the spot was incessant Seabass.....so again,  we moved on.

The next spot was basically currentless, and only a Whiting came over the side of the boat. So we packed it in, after fishing MORE than just the day's tide.

Either way, it wasn't easy fishing today. But these two guys sure learned allot. And never got sea sick either. Which was really good.

No Fishing for me Saturday......yet another day not worth being out there at the jetties, besides a tournament going on:

SMALL CRAFT EXERCISE CAUTION

SATURDAY - SOUTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE MORNING...THEN ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE
AFTERNOON.

4/13 - Catching a "fish fry".

I changed the spark plugs in the Honda, changed the lower unit lube, raised my fish cleaning table on the boat. And the forecast was for a perfect day. So I went out "solo" for some messing around.

First thing. I went down the beach a little bit, and saw Pogie schools. This wasn't the first time this year. I saw them a few weeks ago just south of the south jetty. With birds diving on them...."but I was on a Trout hunt." So I didn't care.

Today, they were from the Navy base beach half way down Hanna park, muddin' up the bottom real good. So it was a "no brainer" spotting them in the 12-15 feet of water.

About ten days ago I got on the big Whiting really good on a falling tide in between the jetties. Myself and the Gross Crew caught 20 really fast. But before I tried that I wanted the tide to slow down  a bit first. So I tried some drifts off the beach. The Whiting were all small and really hard to hook for some reason compared to inside the jetties where they'll inhale a bait. So after about an hour of releasing most of them I hit the rocks.

On the way back to the jetties, I ran over my first Tripletail floating along in a jellyball line up. The "TT" dove to the bottom as I approached of course, not to be found again.

Back at the jetties, the current out in 45 feet was screaming. Along the rocks, boats were butt deep in over sized Redbass. I certainly wasn't into catching them. But I did manage a dozen Whiting and a "pup" Black Drum, for the fish box. Before the tide went slack and started to turn.

I later float-rig fished for 6 Trout, with only two keepers to 17" on a spot that was so hard to get properly anchored on, because  the breeze switched out of the ESE. I also caught three Redbass. Boxing a 26"one and letting go a 21" and a 23".












The bluefish on one spot were so bad that they ate the damn sinker off my float-rig. And as I was reeling my float back to the boat it was attacked by a monster Spanish Mackerel.

Damn, each year is so different. Right now, ought to be Yellowmouth Trout heaven, along with monster Specks at the jetties stacked up. But they certainly cannot compete with all the "TEETH"  out there. Personally, I always hope for a spring that's bluefish free. But I guess I'll have to move to La. to get that. There's also allot of those nasty looking "clear-nosed" spiney backed Rays on the bottom. And flocks of those bat or cow-nosed rays swinging down the rocks.

This area always has an abundance of junkfish, from pinners inshore to rays at the jetties. If we had as many "game fish" we'd really be doing something!! Allot of MY time and effort is put in just fishing the right tide, and attempting to avoid all the junkers. To get at the game species, or other "eater species" at least.

I might have to explore the river for my trout friends, already. Usually, I don't have to do that till at least May.
Here's a short video, to include a endangered Wood Stork at the dock, that had a Rapala top water plug hanging from it's neck and bill. And during my fish cleaning process, it took over the dock. I watched this bird kick the crap out of two Pelicans, and I mean it sent those Pelicans away "HURTING".

Never knew the Wood Stork to be so aggresive and MEAN! Hell, I try evenly distribute  my fish scrapes , as I give back after a days fishing. But this bird didn't want no parts of "sharing with fellow dock buzzards".

Next up for me, is Friday:

FRIDAY:  SOUTHEAST WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP. ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON.

Unfortunately, that SE breeze maybe about 10 knots TOO strong, out of that direction. For my liking, we'll have to see.

NO, I'm not fishing the Redfish Spots tournament (too many people, for me)  I'll be at Gander Mountain at 10am for their parking lot even, doing a seminar on "float-rig, how-to."



FYI to local N.E. Florida fisherman:

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION PUTS REDFISH BAG LIMIT RULE ON HOLD TO OBTAIN UPDATED STOCK ASSESSMENT. FINAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IN NOVEMBER


The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) placed the proposed redfish rule amendments on hold until their November Commission meeting. CCA Florida is opposed to the increase in bag limit and urged the FWC to wait until they received the most updated assessment on redfish which is due later this year.

“Florida’s redfish fishery is so valuable and important that a few more months to insure that the data and assumptions are correct and understood is certainly warranted,” said Ted Forsgren, CCA Florida Executive Director. “We greatly appreciated the Commission’s decision to get the most updated info before taking final action,” said Don Roberts, CCA Florida Chairman.

FWC Commissioners Ken Wright, Dick Corbett and Ron Bergeron led the move to defer to get the latest assessment. Commissioners Brian Yablonski and Kathy Barco were satisfied with the existing data and wanted the vote to be taken then. Chairman Rodney Barreto forged a compromise motion that holds the proposed redfish rule in its current state until the November meeting. At that time the bag limit rule will be voted up or down. Additional hearings are not anticipated.

More than 25 years ago redfish stocks on both coasts were at dangerously low escapement levels. CCA Florida led the charge of conservation minded recreational anglers in the successful campaign for strict regulations on recreational fisherman and no commercial sale. The redfish “gamefish” rule was approved in 1988 and created significant increases in population abundance. “That was the beginning of the great redfish fishery that we now enjoy,” said Forsgren.

For more than 20 years, recreational anglers and statewide groups have monitored and protected the redfish stocks. CCA Florida and others have focused on creating a high quality fishery, one with high abundance and lots of fish to catch and release, and the opportunity to keep one to eat. The Commission has recognized that desire by setting the redfish management goal at 40 percent Escapement Rate, similar to the high protection goal set for snook.

The great success of the program has drawn much attention and greater fishing pressure on redfish. “The FWC’s own data shows that escapement rates have been steadily declining over the last 20 years,” said Forsgren. “At the same time fishing effort has steadily and dramatically increased. On the west coast annual directed trips for redfish have gone from just under a half million trips to two million trips and east coast has gone from a quarter million to two million trips annually.”

All of the major statewide recreational fishing groups are united in their support of the 40 percent goal and the desire to keep the current one fish bag limit. The groups include CCA Florida, Florida Guides Association, International Game Fish Association, Florida Wildlife Federation, Florida Chapter of the Federation of Fly Fishers and many local fishing clubs.

“We greatly appreciate the Commissioners decision to act positively on our request for a deferral,” said Don Roberts. “We thank them for the time they have spent to manage this great Florida gamefish”.

4/12 - Windy, Rainy day project

Here's what I want:

Here's what I had, (too low) of a fillet table.



















So...was gonna head out this morning and see if I could catch a box load of Whiting on the falling tide, and then some T-routz on the incoming tide. But it was way too windy (west 15 and gusty) then came the on and off rain. So I'll try again later.

I took what you see the bird standing on and raised it so I don't have to bend over, while cleaning fish. (All until I can get a "ALUMINUM" set up like the photo at the top) which belongs to my friend Peter in Melbourne, Austalia.

The Aussies have the coolest stuff. I'm getting closer though. I got my Chum Chopper like the Aussies have (aka down under: a Burly Bucket) And eventually I'll get a custom made aluminum (for J-ville, Florida that is....) Fillet table.
 

Before it becomes 95 degrees..."it's around the corner."

Before it becomes 95 degrees by 9am in the morning. I want to take just a minute to reminisce. It's never cold, if you dress properly.

I love it. Maybe because there's no one else around...

4/9 - Early Morning Bite

Had Joseph A. aboard today for some "solo" teaching/educating. Joseph is highly interested in learn about the fishing here and how to do it. So, with the last of the falling tide early this morning. I knew this would be our best chance at catching him something rather "studly".

And yes, we had some good ole I.G. - aka: instantaneous gratification!  We weren't anchored up and on the spot a few minutes before the first big bite came.  Fresh dead shrimp, with a twist of arrow squid strip and that's all she wrote.

A ten pound really dark Black Drum.
Jus' what the doctor ordered. Joseph is a doctor.
But I was the jetty doctor this morning and that Drum is just what I wanted for him.

We had some other bites, obviously Whiting. But only boxed one big one. Those clear-nosed Rays of course are signaling that it's just about summer time, and we had about two TOO many. Then Joseph lays the wood to a bigger fish. And although his excitement for fishing outweighs his experience. He was of course a fast learner and worked a "biggun" to the boat.

  
He said something about the "rod breaking" from a big fish. I told him, "Heck, it's an Ugly Stik, you'll have to try harder than that to break an Ugly Stik"

And right about then a 33 inch Redbass popped up from 55 feet below.



















The tide was still running and as long as it was, we still had chances at some BIG fish. We were on a really tight time line. Because this falling tide wasn't going to run all that long, before it would be all over, and time to go do something else. So we worked it till our 3 oz. sinkers wouldn't even push from underneath the boat. And before the tide quit. Joe nailed another good eater size Black Drum.




















After this fish the bite was about over. So we pulled anchor and headed up river. I showed Joe, some  of the usual fishing areas in the river. And we ended up at White Shell rocks, just as the tide started to flood up that way.

Time to get out the float-rigs and give them a try. So with live shrimp we drifted the floats down the rocks. Joe nails his first ever Speckled Trout, then a bluefish. So I give it a try too. I nail a few Trout. He gets a few more. But unfortunately all the trout were 14-1/2 inches.

He now has the hang of the float rigs. So we head back to the jetties were there wasn't a stitch of current yesterday. Today, we have plenty of current, there just wasn't any fish there!!

But Joseph now has the hang of it for next time around. So back to the dock for some EZ fish cleaning with my new Havalon Baracuta fillet knife....That's now about 22 fish on a single blade, and it's still deadly sharp.

VIDEO REVIEW: Havalon knife

Replaceable blades. Razor sharp, thin stainless steel. This knife will change the way you clean your catch.
http://www.havalon.com/
A superior quality product for the die-hard angler who wants the sharpest blades possible.



Time to forget about all these....Because Life just got allot easier!

4/8 - OH, the inconsistency!!

TWENTY FOUR HOURS LATER. FROM YESTERDAY'S ONSLAUGHT OF PURE WHOOPASS. I had Malcolm and Barry aboard for some what I thought  "super" float-rig fishing action.

Well, let me tell ya. It was just the opposite. (Please read yesterday's report, 4/7. Before continuing)









Okay, I assume you followed directions.
Well the only difference I can see between yesterday and today's fishing in general was;
THE TIDE.

4/7 - rising tide in the "am".  Tide height:  3.8 feet. High tide at 12:44pm Mayport.

4/8 - rising tide in the "am".  Tide height:  3.5 feet. High tide at 1:24pm Mayport.

Add in a possible pressure difference and what do you have?   NO CURRENT.  What's the ole rule of thumb I go by?  "If you don't have at least 4 feet of water movement, you have no current at all.

Well, toss that out of the window for yesterday. But today, it was apparent enough to choke on.

But, the Jettywolf doesn't give up all that easily. We fished and fished. No real Trout bites at all. So I took Barry's line and tossed it out deep. And he caught a few small Yellowmouth Trout, and a Bluefish. Yeah, we could barely buy even a Bluefish bite.

But the pattern if any was unclear. Because there was no pattern! Nothing to pick up on. Then, Barry was feeling sea-sick. So I took over on his rod. Fishing hard  along with Malcolm. Catching a small Speck at first. Then, came a few Sheepshead for Malcolm.

Then another Yellowmouth. But no Speckled Trout that were so ravinous yesterday in absolutely No Tide at all!

So we kept on. Getting a few bites here and there. Malcolm worked as hard as I was. And the story goes like this; IF I'M NOT CATCHING THEM. HOUSTON? WE HAVE A PROBLEM. 

Then, Malcolm caught this  whopper Sheepshead. That pulled really hard and I thought it was a big Redbass. Hoped it was a monster Trout. But no,it was a 7 pound 7-striped jetty snapper.

We made a few moves, and then came a decent Speckled Trout, and a pup sized Red. In between a few Bluefish.

The problem was the lack of bites and burned  into even my "short term" memory was just 24 hours ago. When the Trout, and Reds were chewing like mad.

But heck, that's fishing right?

Either way we had a nice lil' box of fish to included 3-4 Yellowmouths, a big fat speck, and two sheepshead that I cleaned. So the guys could head over to Singletons Seafood Shack and get them cooked up for a late lunch.

Okay....I have a one person trip tomarrow on Saturday. The rising tide won't be till at least 10am. So we'll be catching a 4.1 foot falling tide early in the morning. So "bottom fishing" here we come!

Momma said there will be days like this.

4/7 - whoopin them, with our Ugly Stiks

Had everything that could go wrong, actually go wrong, with a booked charter for today.  (instead we're heading out Friday, now)
So Doc Miller and I headed out. And like I told him, "It's all about T-ROUTZ! Don't  care about anything else!"

Doc is heading back to the mountains later this week. So my "fellow trout fishing float freak" won't be around, till next fall again. So he needed a last hurrah. Head out with a B-A-N-G.

AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE DID.

We tossed our float-rigs up to the rocks with live shrimp pinned on the hooks and for the next hour and a half it was nothing but Shooting Trout in a Rain Barrel!! 






















We boxed our limit in what seemed like minutes, tossed a good handful back that were not making the grade, and just kept on going till  we had our fill, and the bite slowed down. It was one of those EPIC mornings. Not a soul around, no wind at all, a bit cool, and the water was like swimming pool. We could actually see the Trout in the water a boat length away.






















OH.....then there was those damn Brutus T. Redbass. That got in the way. Yep... See, to a die hard Trout angler, Redbass put up too much of a fight. That 10 minutes that you take messing around with a 30 plus inch Red, you could in all reality put 3 more Trout in the boat. "If ya get bit." And even though we had our limit plus all we wanted after that. Trout is what we live for. Not Reds. Heck, I watch Louisiana Sportsman TV, and the guides over there say the exact same thing when they hang a monster mauler on super light tackle. WHY? Because down deep, they're Trout anglers, too.


















But, actually. Today was the first time I've had multiples of "keeper" slot sized Redfish, also. We got our limit of two Reds easily. In between the 10-15 other ones, from 16" to 32". The keepers were my kind of Reds too. Perfect, 20 something inchers. Good eater types.

Then, as out of no where we had 5 boats near us. But by then, we were about done on this spot. So we made a move. Doc caught a Sheepshead on the ole Float-rig. But really at this point in the tide we could have gone home. But, like a crazed fish nut that I am, I talked him into hitting a big time Redbass hole......"Jus for the fun of it." Since the Trout bite was over. Why not take advantage of more line rippers????












So we picked up anchor for only the second time all day and made the move. And I was dead on, right. MO'  REDS!  And toss in a Ring-tailed Porgie for good luck and some large for around here, this early in the spring, Bluefish. Yeah, the bluefish are real "rip yer shorts, and steal yer hook size."  I'd just as soon catch a Jack......or a cold. But heck, they're out there so we  better get used to their mass invasion.


















It was one hell of a great day to send Doc back to the mountains with.  And till next fall he'll have to live vicariously through these blog posts, if he wants to see what the trout are doing.





























































We came back to the dock, and did a VIDEO on cleaning the fish with my new HAVALON knife. The one I've been raving about.
Well let me tell you..."Do you think a fillet knife can change your life, as a fisherman?"

THIS ONE CAN, AND WILL!!


http://www.havalon.com/


It can change the way you clean fish 100%. It can change your life, really fast if you slip and cut your hand off too! It's deadly sharp. Hell, this is a knife that has S.S. surgical razor sharp replaceable blades!!  As I used it, we videoed my very first time. And I hope it comes out okay and you can see how good this thing works.

So, stay tuned for the video coming soon.

I've reccomended rods, reels, boats, line, all before. But at the same time people get what they get and use what they use. But this Havalon Fillet knife will be like gold to me in my charter business, now. It changes the way I feel about fish cleaning. I'm really amazed it took this long to come to market,  and for me to get one.

I love rough water........but!!

I love rough water, especially in my alloy plate boat. But believe I'd need a "Depends" undergarment, especially going BACKWARDS.

Yer, aluminum boat FYI, for the month:

LINE SALE: "FFO"

FISHERMANS FACTORY OUTLET - LINE SALE, TAKE OFF 25%

http://www.ffo-tackle.com/detail.cfm?PassProdId=4840

I JUST DID!! 

1100 YARDS OF 20# "SUPER BRAID LINE" FOR $54.00 AND NO HAVING TO SIT IN TRAFFIC!!

""""click here for promo""""

BARACUTA KNIFE

Got my Havalon "surgical blade" fillet knife today. It's wickedly sharp!!!!  Allot sharper than any fillet knife I have ever seen. It feels good in the hand, "super light weight" with a really nice grip.

As soon as I can, I'll be doing a fish filleting review via VIDEO.

Is this a JETTY wolf??

I'll also be bringing it with me to Gander Mountain for show and tell on April 16th, during their Parking Lot Event.

Although, they don't sell them. I believe I can sneak it in to my seminar, about Float-rig fishing.

I hope this is the end of my constant knife sharpening chores. But then again, if all I ever had to clean was big fat Speckled Trout, I'm sure my knives wouldn't be constantly needing sharpening.

But those dang Sheepshead scales and bones are fine bladed fillet knife blade ruiners.

Now, if my blade gets dull, just switch it out to a brand new surgically sharpened blade! And proceed...

Blade changing: http://www.havalon.com/howtoreblvi.html



SAME DEAL FOR FILLET KNIVES:

4/4 - The Tanner boys

I cannot believe what I just did.

I went to load up todays photos of Greg, and his two son's Duncan and Will's catches from today and hit the wrong button and erased the pictures. And of course I can't find a single way to get them back!!

Where do they go, is the big question.
The camera software doesn't have a recycle bin. It has a "restore data base" but it doesn't seem to work.

Duncan is 6, I believe and Will is 9.....don't quote me on that.  I've been taking these guys fishing normally in July for years. But this time the Tanner boys are on Amelia Island for "spring break".

Here's Will from when he was just a "little kid" with a gator Trout from years ago. He's 3 years older now.  























We headed to the jetties, the tide was rising and not much was going on besides a few Seabass and Bluefish. But as the tide started to fall, came two Sheepshead. And I threw a float rig  up into the jetties and the floatwent down. I handed it to Greg and he reeled up a GATOR TROUT.

Oh it was sweet!
A nice 5 pounder.
That's the photo I didn't want to loose. The guys with a big honking Speckled Trout.

With the south wind howling and then the tide falling, it was gonna get nothing but nastier out there. Will wasn't feeling all that good. So we called it a 1/2 day and I cleaned up just 3 fish and it made for a nice bag of fillets.....especially Trout fillets!!!!!

Oh well, this was a first to loose photos like this. IT WILL BE THE LAST.

I'm gonna call Greg and see if he can send me his copies. Heck, I gotta have a completed report....it's a routine. I can't break my routine!



GOT THEM:

Okay, I got the pics!

BIG TROUT!
(needed a close up...)



















More Sheeps.

I got Duncan to hold his Sheeps like an ole Pro. "the eye socket method"


WOW...glad we went yesterday (4/4) The big weather came thru here this morning with some severe winds. The jetties must have got pretty nasty after we left. Because the boats we saw out there were all in the river after I dropped off the Tanner boys at Sisters Creek boat ramp. 

Today's forecast - 4/5:

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY FOR WINDS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON...TORNADO WATCH 102 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EDT THIS MORNING

SOUTH WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS BECOMING NORTHWEST 20 TO 25 KNOTS IN THE LATE MORNING AND AFTERNOON. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND WATERS ROUGH. SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE MORNING...THEN SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON.

Navy Base.....B.S.

Jacksonville's very own "black eye."

I see NO SIGNS.....do you?

-Blount Island - miles of shoreline
-Mayport -Miles of shoreline

Taking food, straight out of my mouth.




d. Unfunded Mandates Act. This regulation does not impose an enforceable duty among the private sector and, therefore, is not a Federal private sector mandate and is not subject to the requirements of Section 202 or 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (Pub. L. 104-4, 109 Stat. 48, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.). We have also found under Section 203 of the Act that small governments will not be significantly or uniquely affected by this rule. What does this mean....any Lawyers out there?



List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 334

Danger zones, Navigation (water), Restricted areas, Waterways.Show citation box

For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Corps amends 33 CFR part 334 as follows:

PART 334—DANGER ZONE AND RESTRICTED AREA REGULATIONS

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1. The authority citation for part 334 continues to read as follows:

Authority:

Back to Top

40 Stat. 266 (33 U.S.C. 1) and 40 Stat. 892 (33 U.S.C. 3).Show citation box

2. Revise § 334.500 to read as follows:

§ 334.500 St. Johns River, Atlantic Ocean, Sherman Creek; restricted areas and danger zone, Naval Station Mayport, Florida.


(a) The areas. (1) The St. Johns River restricted area and the Atlantic Ocean restricted area described in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section, respectively, are contiguous but each area is described separately for clarification. Show citation box

(2) St. Johns River restricted area. This restricted area shall encompass all navigable waters of the United States, as defined at 33 CFR 329, within the area bounded by a line connecting the following coordinates: Commencing from the shoreline at latitude30°23′52.97″ N, longitude 081°25′36.51″ W; thence to latitude 30°23′56.71″ N, longitude 081°25′36.51″ W; then the line meanders irregularly, follow the shoreline at a distance of 380 feet seaward from the mean high water line to a point at latitude 30°23′54.20″ N, longitude 081°24′14.11″ W, thence proceed directly to latitude 30°23′46.33″ N, longitude 081°24′03.73″ W, then the line meanders irregularly, follow the shoreline at a distance of 380 feet seaward from the mean high water line to a point at latitude 30°23′53.08″ N, longitude 081°23′34.00″ W, thence follow the arc of a circle with a radius of 466 feet, centered at latitude 30°23′48.52″ N, longitude 081°23′33.30″ W, to a point on the jetty at latitude 30°23′50.06″ N, longitude 081°23′28.26″ W.Show citation box

(3) Atlantic Ocean restricted area. From the last point identified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, latitude 30°23′50.06″ N, longitude 081°23′28.26″ W, proceed to a point at latitude 30°23′49.12″ N, longitude 81°23′28.10″ W, then the line meanders irregularly, follow the shoreline at a distance of 380 feet seaward from the mean high water line to a point at latitude 30°22′54.37″ N, longitude 081°23′44.09″ W, thence proceed directly to shore to terminate at latitude 30°22′54.46″ N, longitude 081°23′48.44″ W.Show citation box

(4) Sherman Creek restricted area. This restricted area shall encompass all navigable waters of the United States, as defined at 33 CFR part 329, to include Sherman Creek, its tributaries and associated tidal marshes located within the NAVSTA Mayport area boundaries described in this section. The restricted area is completely encircled by roadways and is bordered on the south by Wonderwood Expressway, on the west by SR A1A, on the north by Perimeter Road, and on the east by Mayport Road.Show citation box

(5) Danger zone. The danger zone shall encompass all navigable waters of the United States, as defined at 33 CFR part 329, within the area bounded by a line connecting the following coordinates: Commencing from the shoreline at latitude 30°24′00.31″ N, longitude 081°25′06.02″ W; thence to latitude 30°24′11.16″ N, longitude 081°25′03.90″ W; thence to latitude 30°24′00.62″ N, longitude 081°24′10.13″ W; thence to a point on the shoreline riprap at latitude 30°23′41.26″ N, longitude 081°24′08.82″ W.Show citation box

(b) The regulations—(1) St. Johns River restricted area. All persons, vessels, or other craft are prohibited from entering, transiting, drifting, dredging, or anchoring within the area described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section without the permission of the Commanding Officer, NAVSTA Mayport or his/her authorized representative. This restriction will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Warning signs notifying individuals of the restricted area boundary and prohibiting entry into the area will be posted at 500-foot intervals along the property boundary.Show citation box

(2) Atlantic Ocean restricted area. All persons, vessels, or other craft are prohibited from entering, transiting, drifting, dredging, or anchoring within the area described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section without the permission of the Commanding Officer, NAVSTA Mayport or his/her authorized representative. This restriction will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Warning signs notifying individuals of the restricted area boundary and prohibiting entry into the area will be posted at 500-foot intervals along the property boundary.


(3) Sherman Creek restricted area. All persons, vessels, or other craft are prohibited from entering, transiting, drifting, dredging, or anchoring within the area described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section without the permission of the Commanding Officer, NAVSTA Mayport or his/her authorized representative. This restriction will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Warning signs notifying individuals of the restricted area boundary and prohibiting entry into the area will be posted at 500-foot intervals along the property boundary where practicable (e.g., not in the wetlands). In addition, a floating Small Craft Intrusion Barrier will be placed across Sherman Creek just east of the A1A bridge and another will be placed across tributaries to Sherman Creek just north of the Wonderwood Expressway.Show citation box

(4) Danger zone. During periods of munitions movement at wharves Bravo and Charlie, no person or vessel shall be allowed to remain within the 1,250-foot Explosive Safety Quantity-Distance arcs generated by the activity. NAVSTA Mayport will not announce or publish notification prior to enforcing this regulation due to the unacceptable security threat posed by advance public notice of military munitions movements.Show citation box

(c) Enforcement. The regulations in this section shall be enforced by the Commanding Officer, NAVSTA Mayport and/or such persons or agencies as he/she may designate. Military vessels will patrol the areas identified in this section 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Any person or vessel encroaching within the areas identified in this section will be asked to immediately leave the area. Failure to do so will result in the forceful removal of the person or vessel from the area in question.Show citation box

Dated: April 7, 2010.
Approved.
Michael G. Ensch,
Chief, Operations, Directorate of Civil Works.

4/2 - Parking Lot Event??

Whewwwww....was the jetties a parking lot today. We had boats pull up along side us and anchor, boats pull up right behind us where we were tossing out behind the boat, boats parked in front of us. And this was only when we were bottom fishing along the north Jetty.

Oh, that's why I love my "float-rig" fishing so much. Most of the time we can be tucked away and fishing on our own piece of water. And that's how we started the day. Float-rig fishing.  But that sure was slow.....

I had Ryan and Mike aboard, and they were drifting float rigs out with the current behind the boat to a point of rocks. Nothing was happening. I knew fish were back there. And as I told the guys on the way out this morning, "I am your ringer...." So I picked up my rod and made a few drifts. A Redfish, a Trout, and a Sheepshead later. It was real evident fish were back there.  Sometimes it be that way. But it's understandable. The fish weren't carpeting the bottom by now means, weren't suicidal either. And if it's all new to you, it can take awhile to get into the groove. I don't expect everyone to be an expert at what we're doing. But I will show you that fish are there.

I believe Ryan caught a few "shorts" that didn't measure 15". And then we made a move. Mike still had to connect. And at the next drop of the anchor he did. And it was a real nice fattie.

I told Mike I chopped the top of his head off taking the photo, so I took another just to get a better shot.

It didn't take long, for the current to die on the spot, with the west wind pushing. So we stayed at it a while longer, without another keeper. Only "shorts".  Damn, one thing is for sure. In consistency sure is running rampid, out there. Things change over night at the jetties.

Just like the arrival of the scourgy Bluefish.One day there isn't a one. Then the next day, they're everywhere. Up in the rocks we never had a Bluefish bite. But as the boat swung out deep, I could literally see huge clouds of Bluefish schools on my sounder in 20 feet. Make a cast with the float rig out to them,  and yep. It's a confirmed Bluefish school......the float disapears, and ya' got one hooked up, instantly!

As the tide started to fall we made our way  inside the rocks. Time to bottom fish. And as it turned out, time for some I.G. - instantaneous gratification. Ryan drops a dead shrimp down, and gets instantly hooked up on a whopper Red.

 
We had a few mess ups and tangles, and had a double header of Reds too. And the second one fell out of the net, as I dipped up Mike's Red, right as the tide was perfect.

We boxed a Whiting and a Black Drum, but the boats surrounding us  had it where I certainly couldn't get any wiggle room. We were limited to where we could even cast, everyone was so damn close. Weekends are such a "me, me, me" time out there. That not many people have any shame. They have to park  on top of you. And at the same time, we sat in a non-vortex of current. Which is a fancy way of saying the opposite of what I really wanted. But I wasn't about to move. With so many other boats thinking this is the only spot to fish.

We saw a boat behind us a good ways haul in a giant Black Drum......probably 50 pounds(?) I'm still waiting for one. They sure ain't thick like they used to be years ago. When were ever you looked, someone was hooked up to one. It's definately their time of year.

Mike was ready to go, so pulled my anchor thru the maze of boats and we headed back to "make the donuts".
Here's the keepers we had. Actually a perfect amount for a decent fish fry for Ryan and Mike.

Turned out to be a really nice day on the water.
COOL and almost a bit too cool for me this morning. Ryan and Mike were two really good guys, we all had fun.

So, next up is Monday with the Tanner clan, Greg, Duncan and Wesley. Usually my 4th of July week folks. But, they're trying it during spring break this year too. (It's at least cooler than during July!)  Hope the winds stay low and Monday should be back to work for everyone else. So less boats, and more wiggle room.  

Parking Lot event: APRIL 16

Gander Mountain, up near the Jax Airport will be having a Parking Lot Event on April 16th. Sales, Manufactures reps. and free seminars. I have been invited to speak on the topic of my choice..."and ya know what that is, Float-rigging!" So if you're not fishing the Redfish Spots Tournament. And really don't want to be out on the water with 450 other boats. (That's a big reason I volunteered to go to Gander Mountain) I'll be up there and scheduled to do a free seminar at 10am 

Ya'll can probably figure, that I can do an hours standing on my head about Float-rig fishing. And if you've been to any other free seminars I've done before you are guaranteed to learn a new trick or two.

I also sent out one of my announcements about the event. To all my Blog readers. 

I'm now looking forward to doing a Video Review on that razor sharp surgical steel fillet knife I ordered. So with Spring, things start shaking. I have a good start on days booked up for April. But still if you want to get the best "TIDES" reserve your personal private charter well in advance.

3/29 - One less chore.....

I don't mind cleaning charter clients fish for them. As I do it on a "gratuity basis" after each charter day is complete. I know there's local guides out there that don't. I'm not sending my clients to grandma's condo where they could be staying with a cooler full of dead fish.

Even though I do have a rule of thumb when it comes to these nasty knife ruiners (Sheepshead) of only 3 per boat, that I'll clean, without fish cleaning "mutiny", and complaints.

But, then again that's why I love Trout...They're EZ to clean!"  

There's allot of  things I'd rather do than sharpen knives. I seem to do allot of sharpening. And it's one of those things that have lots of variables.
-The right stone
-The right angle
-The right blade
-Wet stone
-Or Oil stone

You can if ya want spend a good amount of money, if your gonna do it right and twice as much money, if you want to do it FAST.

With that said, The #1 selling products in the world are convienence products. It's what makes the whole world go round.  Yeah, I'm not always into haw fast and cheap can I get a job done. But when it comes to Knife Sharpening...I"M YER HUCKLEBERRY! IF YOU HAVE A QUICK AND CHEAP WAY.

So, in my endless search to get away from grinding down my Dexter-Russell Carbon steel fillet knife to even a thinner blade, day after day. I found this:

http://www.havalon.com/ - I'd check them out,  if you're anything like I am. I did my due diligence, and researched them as much as I could on the world wide web. And liked what I saw.














After watching a TV show on what's the "worlds sharpest" on the science channel. I learned allot. And these blades fall into the catagory, but are not a a Japenese Samuri swords either. But then again, I'm not chopping fish in half, either. So a company that makes surgical blades for scalples, that is venturing out into other blade needy worlds, I thought was innovative.

So far.....

PROS:  Surgical sharpness right off the bat. A new blade can be changed on handle in seconds. Light weight. EZ cleaning. Non-corrosive.

CONS: The fillet knife is only 5 inches. But they "are" looking into making a longer blade. Is it really as flexible as needed to skin a Yellowmouth Trout? How is such a thin blade, when it comes to popping through some bones?

Well, I'll answer that for you, when I get mine. I'll do a video review and possibly even fillet a fish for ya "LIVE", on the video.

SO STAY TUNED READERS. I'LL BE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO "not" SHARPENING MY KNIFE EVERY OTHER DAY.

3/28 - Weather Opposite?.....that's unusual

Had Doug Gross,  and family aboard today. The forecast....well I even listed it in yesterday's report.  It didn't sound all that great. "Over-cast, rain, and NW winds 10-15 knots." Well, we had the over cast skies, we didn't get the rain, and the wind never blew 10-15 knots from the NW. It was actually pretty damn calm out there. I told my crew, "Wow, this was a weather guessers forecast, the other way for once." 

We headed straight for the end of the jetties. We were the second boat there. I went to go get on the hot spot, but was fooled by the light NE breeze we had, and no current. And I didn't want to sit with the boat spinning for the next 2 hours. So I moved up and anchored, and at the same time relinquished the spot to the guy that was there before us, as the current started running, an hour or so later. Huge mistake!!!!!!

I would never have guessed that one guy in a small boat would sit on the same exact spot for 6 solid hours...or that he even knew any better.

It was one of those "you would had to have been there kinda things." I can't explain the details. So at first we sat in some really nice current without anyone getting even a 3" Seabass.

(OH.....BTW. The nasty, scummy, scourge of the river finally, have arrived. Forgot to mention it yesterday. SMALL BLUEFISH!  You may not mind them, but I do.  Because I'm a Trout Angler at heart. I shouldn't have to say a word more.)


So we made a move back, and the guys still didn't get anything. Every fish at the jetties was stacked up in a 100 foot circle in one spot. And since I leave the "coneheading" of others to a select group, we stayed put and I told the guys, "PULL UP...and let me cast back for ya."  And that's all it took. And in no time, FISH-ON!!

EVERY SINGLE REDBASS WAS WELL OVER 27 INCHES.....AGAIN!!!!

One after another, 28", 29", 31"....I don't know exactly how many we caught. But after awhile, we all kinda agreed that it would be cool to try for something else, for the fish box. Since we didn't get a Drum, or a Sheepshead. But we did get a few really nice Whiting.

So I pulled anchor and tried a shallower spot for awhile.......ZIP. The Whiting were loving that deeper swifter water. So we went back towards the end of the jetties and sat there till we had around 20 Whiting, which were chewin pretty good. And the tide slowed. And that's when the Whiting bite shut down.

They weren't beach silver Whiting, but rather regular ole "boat" Whiting. And the neat thing about catching a mess of these was no long ride all the way to Nassau Sound, either. But right there next to where we caught all the Reds.

So since the tide dropped off, and now the air temp dropped with it. We headed back so I could make 40 Whiting fillets, and they could have a fish fry later.

Not a bad day at all. But next time I'm anchoring a 'pup tent' and not leaving the hole, either!