11/19 - DAY ONE, of two.....

Had Brian and Kelly M. aboard the Jettywolf this morning. As I will tomorrow for day two, of their visit. Well, weekends.....what can ya do. I went straight as fast as I could to where I wanted to fish, turned the corner. And bam...there was a boat sitting slap on the spot I usually fish.

Further investigation..."I know these two guys, and one even did a charter with me on a heinous windy day, and this is where we "had" to fish because it was out of the wind."

Just a few minutes earlier and we would have the spot.  But it really didn't matter. The Jettywolf is flexible. We sat just the other side of the creek and caught TROUT, like they were going outa style, boxing twelve, and tossing back several small ones. On float-rigs.  And even picked through a few Blues. And lost a bunch of fish that could have been Sheepshead bites. But Brian and Kelly were just getting used to what we were doing, so it was okay. They quickly figured the float-rig fishing out with my expert coaching.

At one point Kelly was catching nice fat Specks just a rod length off the side of the boat. The fish were thick. I liked that.

As the tide died, we only had a short period of falling tide this morning. We "all" picked up and headed else where. The fellas in the other boat left and so did we. I was gonna go to the jetties, but figured we can do that tomorrow. So we  went about 1200 yards away from spot one anchored up in shallow water and immediately Kelly had a fish on but it came off.   This spot I broke out the spinning gear and my home made, "mega-loud" Clicker Floats.  Fishing real shallow and letting the wind and the current drift the live shrimp around a tight cove and across the front of a small patch of oyster bed.

Again, it was Trout after Trout. REALLY nice fish.  Figure that, the Jettywolf fishing up in a creek!! And everyone was wacking them on almost every drift, on the spinning gear.

I came back here to spot #2, because I wanted them to catch Redbass. But the action was so good it almost didn't matter. A slight adjustment, and while studying the banks contour, I told Brian, get you float to drift that section of the bank. So he re-cast his Clicker Float, let it drift perfectly and I said "RIGHT THERE!". And like clock work, his float went down and he set the hook.

The drag was peeling on the light tackle and here comes the first keeper Redbass! 

Hmmmm, I haven't lost it completely!  I've spent my share of time shallow water fishing in all these creek on two of my "past" 'glass" inshore boats. Only difference now is if I pay a bit more attention, in my 26 footer now...."she floats WAY higher than any Glass boat of her size". Which is why I had her built, she does everything I ask of her.

Then it was Kelly's turn. She got to the right spot, the hooked herself a nice Redbass too!

A good portion of the rising tide was Red after Red, and Trout after Trout!  Kelly even had a whopper trout hooked up that came off the edge of a oyster bed, that she lost at the side of the boat, and that fish went at least 5 pounds!!!!

We finished up the day of this addictive fishing with no less than 30 Trout, boxed our 3 person limit easily. And at least 10 Redbass, keeping two for my mom.  Brain and Kelly weren't keeping fish, so I cleaned them all up and have many a debt to pay to my Momma. And fresh fillets usually helps pay it off.

It was a great day, not even a mile and a half from the boat ramp!


Sunday, I'll mix it up and the three of us will head to the Jetties for some Float-riggin' and bottom fishing.

This is the way to do it. Brian and Kelly came down here for Brian's Birthday (Sunday) and booked two days in a row. By the time they head home, they will have fished the BEST TIME OF THE YEAR, and seen all what the Jettywolf does.

11/18 - the weekend

SATURDAY
EAST WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND WATERS
A MODERATE CHOP. ISOLATED SHOWERS.

SATURDAY NIGHT
EAST WINDS 10 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET. INLAND
WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. ISOLATED SHOWERS.

SUNDAY
NORTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET. INLAND
WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. ISOLATED SHOWERS.

I know today, "Friday" seems to be reminding me of weekends past where it was blowing a gale. B-U-T, at least Sunday's forecast isn't all that bad.

I'll be out Saturday and Sunday with the same crew from the Chicago area, I believe. Yeah EAST, sucks for this Jetty-Jockey. But as the saying goes here in J-ville, Fla.

"you must remain, rigidly flexible!  There isn't a single constant"  That's what makes it interesting, huh?

Check back, reports to follow I'm sure.......

Learning to tell her....."off"

NUMBER 1 METHOD:



NUMBER 2 METHOD


SUPER FUNNY STUFF.....I LAUGH EVERY TIME I WATCH THIS.

TRY THIS WITTY BUT CALM AND NON CONFRONTATIONAL STYLE, WITH YOUR WIFE AND SEE IF IT WORKS OR NOT, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

11/17 - MORE info on new Redfish & Trout regs.

Additional info pertaining to the latest FWC meeting in Key Largo:  (see other posts further down my blog page.)


On its first of two days of meetings in Key Largo, the seven-member Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted on three marine fisheries topics that drew plenty of interest from the angling public, professional fishing guides and commercial fishermen, as well.

"What we are trying to do is be fair in a fishery that is in abundance, and in some cases, way in abundance," said FWC Chairman Kathy Barco. "We are dealing with a success story."

Touting robust stock assessment numbers for spotted seatrout, the FWC voted to make six changes in trout rules, upping the take for recreational and commercial fishing sectors.

Beginning in February, there will no longer be closed seasons for harvest for recreational anglers and anglers in northeast Florida will have a bag limit of six per person instead of five.

The state will be divided into four management zones for trout — instead of three.
Commercial fishermen will have a trip limit of 150 trout caught by hook and line if two licensed fishermen are on board.
They also will be able to sell trout for 30 days following a closed season, not throughout the year as was one proposal considered.

There will be no allowance for using beach seines or haul seines to catch trout commercially nor will there be a 75-fish bycatch allowance.

The choices were praised by groups such as the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida. Recreational anglers were concerned ambiguity in proposals would open the door for future regulation changes that might allow drift gill nets in state waters.


The FWC also voted to double the bag limit for redfish in north Florida from one to two per person per day.

(personally, I was hoping for a change in the keeper sizes, for NE Florida to more like Georgia and have multiple Redfish, just smaller as in 16" to 23". Larger Redfish aren't worth keeping in my book.)

Tiger sharks and three species of hammerhead sharks also received protection from harvest in state waters. The state now prohibits the harvest of 25 species of sharks.

------------------------------------------
-want to read more about Florida's Speckled Sea Trout stocks, and more?

Here's the latest edition of "SEA WATCH" pulished by the CCA (Coastal Conservation Assoc.) in a pdf.
http://www.ccaflorida.org/seawatch/Seawatch_Spring_11.pdf

11/16 - Float-rig building & tips

11/16 - NO SEINE NETS! Thank goodness...

Wow, the ruling came thru via this email from the CCA. 


 CCA FLORIDA COMMENDS FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION'S ACTION TO NOT ALLOW A DIRECTED  SEATROUT NET FISHERY 

     The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed the very controversal proposed seatrout rules during their Wednesday meeting in Key Largo.

The Commission voted to remove the closed months in the recreational sector and extend the commercial fishery while not allowing beach and haul seine nets.

The action taken by the Commissioners keeps good conservation measures on the fishery while providing additional access to the recreational fisherman.

“It was extremely important to keep the by-catch and the beach and haul seine nets out the seatrout fishery” said Don Roberts, CCA Florida Chairman.

"The impact from the regulations that were adopted by the Commissioners will be great for the jobs and economic value associated with the recreational fishery."

Your son or daughter may still be able to catch one of these!!
This smile is "worth" how much. More than $1.90 per pound, I'll tell ya that!


Throughout the process CCA Florida has worked with the Commission and their staff to help develop proposed rules for the Commissioners consideration to help this fishery thrive.  We applaud their efforts in their work with the stakeholders and continued success in managing the state fisheries.

     “We greatly appreciate all the work that the Commissioner’s and their staff have done” said Ted Forsgren, CCA Florida's Executive Director. "It is great for fisheries conservation of seatrout and the recreational fisherman."

Horray!!!!!!

11/12 - Brrrrr....chilly morning Trout.

Had me a "solo" angler today, Jason C. from up in Georgia.  Jason's usually an offshore angler, but this time wanted to dabble in some river fishing.  We left out early, and it was quite chilly. But there wasn't hardly a breeze, so it wasn't all that bad.

I'll take what we had over GALE FORCE winds on a weekend any day! With this being the first Saturday without GALE FORCE winds in the last two weeks. The boats/fisherman were out in force.

My idea was to take advantage of the early morning 9:30am high tide and go hit some shallow areas. Areas that in the GALE FORCE winds, we even caught Trout in past weeks.

(A "gale" as defined by the National weather service is 34–47 knots, or 39–54 miles/hour of sustained surface winds.)

But, it's really unusual that the Trout bite was better when the winds were honking. So bad I couldn't stay anchored in 3 feet of water.....compared to today, and this past Wednesday at high tide. With light to no wind.

Go figure, huh?  Must be a barametric pressure thing....

Between Jason and I we caught Trout. And many were small ones. Little skinny "buck" males.

The nice ones caught were beautiful fish:

As the tide flood tide slowed, we headed straight for the jetties. In search of a Black Drum or over sized Redbass.

I have not seen the end of the jetties for weeks, because of the winds. So I was really excited to get anchored up and fish hard out there. This should be the time when my Drum friends start showing up really good.

Well, Jason and I were in for a BIG suprise. Anchored up perfectly, in a great spot (at least it used to be) we fished "cut ladyfish" on the bottom for a big Redbass, and also fished LIVE shrimp at the edge of the rocks looking for a fat Black Drum.

Of course because of the full moon tide conditions, we had to be patient and wait it out till the brown water at least flushed on through. Hours went by, and we never had as much as a SNIFF!  Yeah, Jason caught a few small Seabass. But right there was a "HERE'S YER SIGN".  When you're not even getting bit by small Sea Biscuits, SOMETHING is w-r-o-n-g!!

I believe that the quick drop in water temps, the extreme winds, and water roughness of the last two weeks has had the jetties all messed up. About every boat that was even near the end of the rocks, left after awhile. We used the power of observation to determine, they were probably having the same action we were. And that was NIL to NONE.

I've experienced this before after weeks of 10 foot seas out at the inlet. So after waiting for the brown water, and fishing really hard for a few hours. We also took off, and headed up river. Back to Float-rig fishing for Trout.

We pulled up on a spot, and right away the Trout had Jason's shrimp jumping across the surface. Trout were jumping out of the water for his shrimp. Then he caught two nice 17 inchers back to back.

But, that quickly ended. It became a "flats boat" parade coming by us, as the sun got low in the sky and the tide became dead low. It must have been a parking lot of boats up in the marsh behind where we were with all these little boats coming by. And as they did.....our bite of Trout stopped as fast as it started.

I've never ever seen a bite of Trout start so good, and end so abruptly, because of boat traffic. The Trout were jumping out of the water, chasing Jason's shrimp on his float-rig. He and I looked at eachother and thought..."we're in the meat!!!"  And then after two nice fish it ended.

So we too packed it in. Jason had a 4 hr. drive home ahead of him.  And I think I may have a new and future "Float Freak". Jason enjoyed the ANGLING aspect of fishing a live shrimp on the float-rig. As most people do. No having to feel a bite, just pay attention to that float, and it'll talk to ya.


NEXT UP, PRE-BOOKED:

Saturday and Sunday with the same husband and wife fishing team from Chicago.

So that means "weekdays" are wide open. And hopefully devoid of heavy winds.
Let's go Float-riggin'.

11/11 - These people are nuts!

The rule makers are out of their minds!!!!!!!!!!

You might want to email to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about the spotted seatrout haul seine netting fishery and the proposed rule amendments. The Commission values public comment about Florida’s fisheries.
We have already seen a decrease in our Sheepshead fishing because of seine netting here, this would impact our local Seatrout fishing.  With the SAMFC arbitrarily closing our offshore fishing for various species, there is now increased fishing pressure on our inshore fisheries, this would be a bad time to allow Seine fishing commercally.

LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE!
The Commission considers the spotted seatrout population in Florida a success story. (REALLY??) Over the past twenty years, the regulations in place helped spotted seatrout rebuild from low population levels to abundant and healthy levels. The most recent spotted seatrout stock assessment showed that the stocks are exceeding the Commission’s seatrout management goal. (REALLY??)Because of this, the Commission is looking into relaxing both commercial and recreational regulations in order to increase fishing opportunities for fishers in Florida.

The proposed regulations could expand the commercial and recreational fishery and therefore will likely increase the number of spotted seatrout harvested in Florida. However, the proposals are made after careful considerations of many aspects of the seatrout fishery, such as projected changes in fishing effort and harvest levels. One aspect considered is that commercial landings of spotted seatrout in Florida are very small relative to the recreational landings. For example, in 2009, the commercial harvest made up only 2% of the entire spotted seatrout harvest in Florida. (BOO-HOO)

Although our scientific data and the models we use in the stock assessment cannot predict fishing behavior, based on calculations by scientists at FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, we believe that the proposed regulations are precautionary and should not harm the overall spotted seatrout population in Florida. In addition, a new spotted seatrout stock assessment is planned for 2014 and if it shows reasons for concern, regulations can be adjusted at that time. (LEAVE IT ALONE.....N.E. Florida doesn't have enough to scoop up with nets)

The proposed regulations will be discussed in a final public hearing at the November Commission meeting. You can see more details about the spotted seatrout recommendations that will be discussed as they are added to the meeting website: http://www.myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/2011/november/16/november-16-17,-2011/.

Again, thank you for your interest in one of Florida’s premier fisheries. Your input is very important to the Commission and has been added to the public testimony we have gathered. If you have any further questions you can either contact Carly Canion by email at carly.canion@myfwc.com or by calling (850)487-0554 (850)487-0554    

This will open NET/SEINE fishing again for Trout. Have ya seen the Sheephead slaughters out of Nassua Sound with seine nets? If not, you'll wanna PUKE, because I have.

I know this alot to read but if you want to learn, it's worth it.


ECONOMIC REPORT SUPPORTS CCA FLORIDA’S OPPOSITION TO ANY INCREASE IN THE COMMERCIAL SEATROUT FISHERY

The long awaited arrival of seatrout to reach its minimum management goal of 35% Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR), due in large measure to the support of the angling public and its voluntary adherence to size and bag limits, is to be celebrated. But it should not be taken as a green light to expand the fishery, additional take must be done with caution in mind. Increasing the commercial take of seatrout with large increases in the number of months of the commercial season, the use of beach and haul seines, the allowance of huge amounts of seatrout take as “by-catch”, and the rest of the amendments being proposed for the commercial fishermen are all simply bad ideas, not only from an economic/jobs perspective but also from a policy perspective.

From an economic/jobs/recreational viewpoint, the better course in the long term would be to expand the allowable season for seatrout - and perhaps expand size and bag limits – for the angling public, rather than allowing increased significant take and sale by commercial fishermen.

CCA Florida has received an economic study that compares the value of the commercial seatrout fishery to the recreational seatrout fishery here in Florida. This study provides substantial evidence using MRFSS, NMFS, and FWC data that shows that CCA’s concerns over a directed commercial fishery on seatrout are valid. The value that the recreational directed fishery brings to Florida is just over $81 million compared to the value of the commercial fishery brings which is less than $300 thousand. The numbers of jobs and economic value associated with recreational seatrout fishing in Florida – from guides, to bait and tackle shops, to hotels, restaurants and gas stations – clearly indicate that promoting more recreational angling for seatrout, and not more commercial take of seatrout, is the wiser course.

Next week, on November 16th in Key Largo, FL the FWC Commissioners will have the opportunity to vote on several proposals that would expand the commercial seatrout fishery. These include, but are not limited to the possibility of adding beach and haul seine nets for a “by-catch” fishery and allowing year around sale of seatrout. CCA believes the FWC Commissioners should take the better course of action and do the right thing for the fish and the economy and keep the seatrout fishery as is. To view the full economic report, please see the attached document from the Gentner Consulting Group.
###

For more information or if you would like to attend the FWC meeting please contact –
Trip Aukeman, Deputy Director Advocacy CCA Florida at (850)559-0060  (850)559-0060 or email taukeman@ccaflorida.org

11/9 - ONLY TROUT FISHING.

NICE DAY, and by the looks of the traffic and boats around, it looked like a Saturday morning!

Guess, day after day of 20kt to gale force winds, makes people not go to work.

Oh, the Mayport Jetties were nasty. The north side of the north rocks were "Kawabunga", with monster waves breaking, and pouring over the rocks.

Had Chris M. aboard, a "Jettywolf" veteran. I quickly said, "damn I'm getting too old to fish the jetties on days like this." So I turned around and we headed for dead calm waters and no wind, instead.

The action was kinda steady, but amazingly enough I had better action on the first spot about two weeks ago when the wind was blowing GALE FORCE, then today.

LOTS of dinker Trout. Had to sort through them, and even the keepers were just 15-16". No big whopper Trout, or "kicker fish", IE: Sheepshead, Drum or Redbass.

But we did have around 20 plus Trout caught on just a few quality spots.

So after Trout fishing and weeding through them to get some in the "box", we tried some bottom fishing at a Croaker hole. Boxed one big one, and the rest were small. Moved on.....

The full moon mid-ebb tide had no current in places I wanted to try Trout fishing again, and plenty where we ended up trying some more bottom fishing. But still didn't find a Redbass or Drum, which is what we were wanting.

I haven't fished my "beloved" Jetties in weeks, because of the high winds and seas.

The Black Drum have to be out there!

And of course the Flounder is all anyone is talking about....But, I want (personally) Monster Trout, cause it's also that time of year. Or should be!!!

Guess, I'll have to give in and get me some damn mud minnows.

Hope I can hit the jetties Saturday. I have one "solo" angler, aboard.

11/7 - FROM THE PAST..."ye ole back when"

Remembering this past week 2009......

(I kinda miss those lit'l Snappa's. But now, they've went away. Either all died, or hauled ass, during the mega-winter freezes of 2010. When water temps locally got down to 42 degrees. Just like any Snook populations we had built-up over the years of warmer winters. The smaller Mangrove Snappers were a real irritant up in the river, but as fall approached and they headed out to sea. We'd catch big one's up to 16" along the jetties rocks, along with a rare but super cool fish called a Black Margate. Also a fish that we built up populations of over the years of warmer winters.  The winter of 2010 is when we had alot of below 32 degree temps. And several absolute bone chilling mornings. I actually recorded 17 degrees at 8am one Feb. morning as me and a buddy headed out to fish from his Kayaks. Wow, we were crazy!! And we only lasted 3 hrs. Hopefully, no more winters like that for a long time.)

 

Saturday, October 31, 2009

10/30 - Is this really two days before November?

Had John G. and Jay aboard today. From Ohio and N.Y. They came down to J-ville for just a bit of messin' around and for a day of fishing. Well, we fished alright. Fished our tails off. Especially float-rigging, looking for some Speckley bastards....that's what I call them Trout when they're making me mad.


We fished and fished, moved around, sat in monster current, you name it. And never got the first Trout bite or Trout to the boat. It wasn't for a lack of trying or working hard. I know I worked hard on my end. I pulled my Achilles tendon behind my heel and it was throbbing with each step I took, and each time I yanked and cranked my giant length of chain and anchor back into the boat.


I swear it was noon or later, and we couldn't even give away a live shrimp to anything more than a Pinfish or tiny Jack. Which, this all started back last Tuesday when I was out with George and Tom, progressively got worse on Wednesday, with Mike and Phil, so it was no shock, that now by Friday, with the due east breeze and up coming full moon, that it may be a bit of a struggle finding quality Trout like species.


So I basically had to just give up. I was at the end of my line, by 1:00pm. So we sat on a spot, using 1 oz. egg sinkers, a real long leader, tiny hooks and light rods and the smallest live shrimp and pitched out behind the boat as it swung back and forth and caught about 20 Mangrove Snappers. With some really decent ones going into the fish box. We boxed 13 good fryers, 2 shy of our boat limit, before they shut off as the tide changed. Along with a Sheepshead and a small Black Drum adolescent Ladyfish.

I didn't want to attempt the jetties this morning, with the east wind and I'm sure, sloppy seas. But now as the tide changed and the wind laid down, I had no choice, but go look at it out there.


So we saved just enough live shrimp to go give a spot a try. We soft peddled our way out there. And once on the spot, it seemed we could easily fish.

With not a whole lot of sea legs, John and Jay could at least lean into the boat as we rolled in the swell, and froth. On the second anchor attempt, I was dead on where I need to be. We pitched out float rigs up to the rocks, and it didn't take long before John was hooked into something really nice.


Turned out to be a good size Redbass, that ran him straight to the bow. After a long day of no big pullers. Just the twitch, twitch of one pound Mangroves under his belt, he was a bit taken by the slam dunk and "see ya" attitude of the jetty junk yard dawg he had hooked up. It looked to be a Red anywhere from 26-30", it was hard to tell as it came near the surface....ONCE! Then, pop the hook let go and we had to quickly chock this one up to a "fishing experience".


Back at it we went. And again, it didn't take long before John was hooked up again. This time the fish went toward the stern, and then under the boat a few times. Coaching as much as I could, we really needed this one, "in the boat!"


After a good slug fest, John guided the Red to my waiting dip net. Unfortunately, depending on how ya look at it, the fish was 28-1/2 inches long. And a real beaut, with loads of spots.




Not a keeper, but a good catch none the less. Jay was ready to pack it in, or was a bit uncomfortable with the seas out there...."it was undetermined".

So we headed back to the dock to clean the Sheepshead and Mangroves.

Because John and Jay's fish had a date with the fryer at Singletons Seafood Shack. With 28 fillets they had almost 4 pounds of cleaned fish. And in my opinion, I'll take them nice small crunchy along the edge's fried fillets of Mangrove Snapper over a Redbass, any day!



So, the higher water falling tide in the morning has been a genuine struggle all week long. It's still so damn warm, and this weekend isn't going to help. Be it the backside of an El Nino year, no hurricanes, no tropical storms, or whatever it was that "didn't" happen this year. I'll take the latter, any day.



Because there's no way I should be out tracking Trout all week in the last days of October and not be able to find them where we fished. Last year at this time sure was a totally different story.

But no matter what, if you're willing to stick with me. We'll put fish in the boat, even if I have to anchor us up in the chop & slop, or take up Mangrove Snapper fishing.

11/5 - More wind.

Damn, what's going on with this wind? This is now weekend #2, with gusts to gale force. Was out on Saturday morning. Had a "two hour kids trip". Had Sean, his wife, his 4 year old son, and his 6 year old daughter. Who looked to be the future angler of the group. From what I saw at the boat ramp, I was the only "charter" out there, today.

We deaparted at 9am. Yeah it was windy, cold and as the tide fell against the N.E. winds the river got good and choppy. The kids caught some Croakers, Seabass, Pinfish, and Piggy Perch at the first spot. But the wind was whipping the boat back and forth really good. So we ran to Atlantic ship yard to get out of the wind, and and there we couldn't get a single bite, with just plain ole dead shrimp on small hooks.......which seemed impossible.  So I moved around quickly, as time is of the essence with these trips. Still nothing. So we finished up the trip driving by the mega-yachts that are sitting along the docks there. The kids jus' made it, before starting to whine.

My biggest worry was for Sunday. Have had it booked with folks from out of town for weeks now. And of course they had one day and one day only to fish.

I watched the NOAA forecast intensely.......and yeah it changed from N.E. 20K for Sunday, back to what it was earlier in the week. Morning rain, and gusts to gale force!  Given the chance, my Sunday clients decided to postpone the trip to a later date.

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING
NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS WITH OCCASIONAL GUSTS TO
GALE FORCE. SEAS 10 TO 15 FEET SUBSIDING TO 9 TO 12 FEET DURING THE
AFTERNOON. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. ISOLATED SHOWERS.

I keep looking ahead for a day during the week that I can go up to the St. Marys river jetties and trout fish. I certainly don't want to go to a new area with any wind over 10 knots. I want a decent day with the only challenge being "fish a new area".

 

11/1 - Gale Force Gusts?.....are back!

I'm almost thinking that today, the wind is worse than when I was out with two folks on Sunday, actually catching Trout.

With not much to do in this weather. I've been checking out Moore Boats. And yes, I'm in love. Not to say I don't love my boat. But the things that you can do with aluminum boats is just so vast. That's why I love them!

Either way, here's another installment of education about aluminum alloy boats. If you have been a frequent visitor to this blog, you know I have a real facination with JET BOATS.

But the problem has always been, they're usually low to the water, having not much freeboard, are not all that large, and if they are they're made to run rivers in Idaho.

And they look it!

My friend Jay who I bought my boat from, found this new company in Maryland that's building large East Coast style hulls. Aluminum of course, adding Jet Drives coupled to none other than, DIESEL ENGINES.


If I was able to do it all over again, this would be the boat for me. A 28 footer like the patrol boat shown below. A single jet, connected to a diesel engine, configured for coastal fishing! No sand bar, no mud bar, would stop me. Plus, a turning ability second to none.

Watch this boat "slip" right into it's "lift" after coming to a real fast stop.

JETS, plus diesel, plus 5086 aluminum..... Holy smokes!

Look at that innovative bow design!

10/30 - GALE FORCE GUSTS!!

I was up at 5am. I turned on the weather radio and the laptop to do a weather check......but did I really have too?  Not really. Being just a mile from the river and close to the open marsh land, I could hear the wind whistling through the trees, inside the house. And then I stepped outside......"holy moses, this is some BIG wind." 

The weather guessers got this right for sure. When giant oaks are blowing around, there is no doubt. This is a windy day.

I had Tom and his girlfriend booked for a week now. I told Tom who had ONE day to fish, "I have a feeling Sunday is gonna be bad." 

As I talked to him on the phone on Saturday afternoon, I said. "I have a plan for us. I've been holding on to a spot jus' for this kind of occasion....astronomically high tide with the New moon, and a gusting gale force N.E. wind. So pack your wind breakers, your gonna need it."

I pulled into the boat ramp at 8am, and right behind me was Tom and Sue........over a 1/2 hour early!!!  Now that's what I'm talkin' about. Ready to go, and dressed for success. The winds brought some cooler air along with it. And that's one thing I'll never complain about.

Tom's fished before, but Sue has never fished or even caught a fish. And what a day to be a "FIRST-TIMER".  We ran down river and like usual, I was putting all my marbles in one sack. This area I was heading too, had to work. We didn't have all that many alternatives. And it was mandatory, Sue had to have FUN, and catch her first fish.

Float-rigging live shrimp, over shallow shell bars, out of the major wind, as the tide rises. This was the plan.

And it worked!!

Tom caught the first Trout a 1/2 inch short of legal. But it was a start.

It wasn't like the action was "wackin & stackin" them, with Instantaneous Gratification. But soon after Sue caught her first ever fish, on her first ever fishing trip!

We worked two areas no deeper than 3 feet, with "pegged" Float-rigs. And started putting all legal Specks in the box, a throw back thin Flounder, and Sue even caught a decent Croaker on her float.

My crew was on a road-trip from S. Florida, heading back home to Nebraska. So the plan was to "fuel-up" on Fresh Fried Trout cooked up at Singletons Seafood Shack, before hitting the road again. And that boring ride west on I-10, with the next stop Tallahassee, then New Orleans, before heading Northward.

The fish box started piling up with Trout, from 15 to 17".  "Better than a sharp stick in the eye", I always say! I was just so glad to see a plan come together, especially in these conditions. We stayed out of the major wind, but still keeping the boat from pulling and dragging the anchor was a chore.

I could not believe we didn't catch the first Redbass! I didn't care if it would be just a 16" pupper. Just wanted Tom to see one at least. I've caught them before on lures in this exact spot. Bait was everywhere, glass minnows, small mullet, birds diving....but no Reds.

The fish went from biting pretty good to an all out shut down at the high point of the tide, with us still trying it wasn't like making a major move to another area made any sense. So we stayed at it for another hour, and then said, "Let's go, and clean up dinner." 

With two limits in the fish box, my crew had the making for a good fish fry at Singletons. The wind never really let off the whole day. And you wouldn't believe the number of boats that were out. I guess with it being a Sunday, the Monday to Friday work force just doesn't care. They're going anyhow.  Kind of like I have too.....but then again, NOT.

As I write this report, it's 7am on Monday morning and it's now raining pretty hard. Surprised I'm not booked with a crew that has just Monday as a day to fish, and I'm not heading out in it.

Guess, I'm catching a break?  hahahahahaha

(Have float-rigs, will travel. Now that I have a newer more powerful truck to pull my boat and not even feel it back behind me. I'll be heading north-ward to fish soon. R&D a completely different area, jus for fun. So stand by for pics and video.) 

What the heck....????

Can some one e-mail me if something is going on during SATURDAY Nov. 5th?

I have a morning charter, "kids trip".

So, I don't have any time availible till, at least 11-12am. I knew when I booked this two hr. charter that I'd get $500 days calling me. It's my luck, a-l-w-a-y-s.

I have had no less than (6) inquiries for THE 5TH of NOVEMBER.
It's like the only date the entire month, anyone wants to go fishing!

I have a feeling I'm lost, or not in touch with reality. Is there something I'm missing??

Right when you think you have the "general public" sort of figured out, you figure out that you really don't know anything.

SIX inquiries in 2 days for the same Saturday. Holy Crap.

____________________________

I'm booked for Sunday October 30th.

Here's the lovely forecast:

TONIGHT AND SUNDAY
NORTHEAST WINDS 20 KNOTS. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET.
INLAND WATERS CHOPPY.

Here's the lovely tide:

 6+ FEET at high tide at: 1:00 pm

Believe I'll try an old Fall Fishing Technique and see if it works.
Mill Cove:  rising tide, hiding out of the wind, clicker-corks and live shrimp, float-rigs and live shrimp.

Add 20 kt. NE wind on top of a 6+ foot tide, I'll be able to go about anywhere up in the cove, there will be so much water!!!!














Last time it was cool, windy and Oct. 30th I had Wayne Smith and family aboard my SeaChaser bay boat "the Hooligan" and we had 100 fish in 6 hrs. Trout, Sheepshead, Drum, Reds, and Flounder. Popping corks and 1/8th oz. jigs along shell bars.
That was back in 2004, though. And Wayne and family were recently back from Lafitte La. where they caught 700+ fish in two days. So they were HIGHLY SKILLED ANGLERS.

10/24 thru 10/27.....where to start?

On Monday the 24th, I had good customer Mike H. his Dad and his bother in-law, John.  It was a beautiful day. A real "bluebird". But with WIND.

I usually mix up some float-rig fishing and bottom bumping with Mike and crew. We started at some seriously good fall Trout spots that used to produce this time of year.

Well, spot #1 was a complete BOMB. Gary hooked a bluefish. But the tide would be high very shortly, so as they float-rigged the window was mighty short.

The next spot is an "ALL TIME FAVORITE", and is one of them spots that has produced really good Trout action for year......except for the last few. But since it's a high tide spot, I try it.

We caught some Trout, but the action wasn't to die for and neither wre the size of the trout. They were okay keepers, but I still had to measure them. Six were small 14 inchers and we left with two in the fish box.

Next spot......"oh how I've wacked and stacked big fat 20-25 inchers here".  But the tide just started to flow and the current wasn't really optimum. But we were here, and passing by, so why not try it.  The guys started working the spot. Mike's float goes down, he has a real rod throbber on and as he's bringing it in, it comes off the hook.

Always a tough break. Bait stealers rule this spot, unless the Trout are thick. And they were eating their fair share of baits. I gave it a try on Johns rod as he ate a sandwich and on my very first drift of the float I nailed a decent 17" Trout.

Three in the B-O-X.

Time to move on. I was talking up the monster Croakers in a certain spot. Telling Mike and crew about the fast action and addictive nature of the 12-16 inch Croak's I've been catching, last week. With Friday the 21st being the hottest day. Seeing that the first Croaker to come to the boat was a 16 INCHER, on the first cast!

Well, I guess I talked it up too much. Oh we caught plenty of Croak's on the spot. But they weren't all that large, and the action was 1/2 as slow. We kept the largest and as we left for the dock I was reminded that some day, some where, I'll fish some place where the fishing is consistant. I was reminded that every day is completely different. No matter how hard I try to make days the same.


Tuesday 10/25

4am on Tuesday the 25th, I was up after almost no sleep. I was up and ready for a long journey extra early so to pick up my dad at 5am and head to North Carolina.  To go get my "new to me" 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins turbo diesel Truck.

I had a 7 hr. ride in front of me, and a 7 hr. ride back. Dad was chief navigator with his GPS in his lap the whole ride.




And now, I can't even feel my boat behind my new truck. The power is out of this world. And we even got 20+ mpg on the way home, and I didn't do much under 85 mph all the way back south. Compared to my old 1995 Ford "gas" F-250 that may have gotten 10-12 mpg, on the highway.  (pulling nothin')





Thursday 10/27

I had Troy and little 4 year old Jake his son, out for one of my 2 hour "KIDS TRIPS" today. We departed at 9 and fished till 11am.
Little Jake caught Croakers, Bank bass, Seabass, and Pinners. And loved every minute of it!

His first Croaker was his very first saltwater fish. We kept a few fish for a fish sandwich that dad would make for him, so he could re-live his big morning out on the river.

My 2 hour kids trips are really popular. So popular, I have a whole family next week with two around 6 years old.
It's a short day for the young ones, to just get a taste of what we do out there. Kids, 4-8 I believe can't do or even if they can do a 6+ hour day, really shouldn't unless Dad is taking 100% care of them, aka: fishing for them.

It's all about attention span, tackle handling and if it's hard for adults to feel the bottom on a falling tide, no 4-9 year old is going to know when they hit the bottom either. Plus my tackle is usually messed up pretty bad, if they even try.

10/23 - For all you bambie hunters out there, hahahahaha

10/22 - Ding, Ding...drop'em!

Today was my last day of "party boating" it this week. Had a crew of four people, again. So I kept it simple. Had Phil P. his friend Rick, his son Ricky, daughter Katrina. Mostly all fresh water experienced.

First thing we headed for the jetties. I really would love to get on some Black Drum again. The tide wasn't right exactly yet. But I got them all going bottom fishing with shrimp. Of course, the fish caught were small Croakers.....they're everywhere!
So I tried fiddler crabs, and then cut Croakers trying to get anything but a Croaker. The wind wasn't nearly as light as I'd have liked it. We bobbed around and then finally the tide started to push. Not really the time of the tide, when I have caught Drum. But I continued trying.














The anchor broke free, so I took that as a "here's yer sign", and we headed up river to a spot where the reds were supossed to be thick. We were early on the tide of course, "everything happens on that last of the falling, huh?" But I tried it. The problem was there were 25 "LBA's" with rods lined up and chunking lead right at us. I did see a trout and a over sized Redbass caught from the bank right in from where I was anchored, I ended up moving out deeper. Along the channel edge. Oh.....LBA stands for Land Based Anglers. So we tried our luck as the tide screamed along. I had crew members sitting, and laying up on the bow, leaving just Phil and I in the stern watching the two lines I had out while the rods were in the rod holders.

Yep....one thing I have definitely learned this week with all my 4 passenger trips. "Baiting and Waiting" for big reds can be really boring for many. The baits just got nibbled by Croakers anyhow, so we picked up and headed to CROAKER CENTRAL, again.

For the 3rd time this week!

ACTION, ACTION,ACTION, is the name of the game when I have "non-die-hard-anglers" aboard. And even, sometimes with die-hards too. Just depends. We pulled up on the spot and of course being a Saturday it was covered up with other boats. Were they slammin the Big Croakers?  NOPE!  But we were going too!

And in a matter of minutes, I had all four crew members up and fishing like mad, setting the hooks on nice sized Croak's, just like yesterday. Of course, yesterday's crew were a bit more versed in fishing, but even so, today we still had some really nice fish.
Boxing about 25 of the largest, we headed back as the tide slowed. I had an hour of fish cleaning to do. And the crew was hungry for a fish fry or something...anything. They traveled light, just drinks. No food....Jus' Fishin'. Phil told me.

Turns out Phil thought we were out for only a 1/2 day, 4 hour charter. I don't know how all that came to be. I do 6 hrs. trips.  If ya want to only fish for four, it's your option.  Phil quickly opted for the 6 hrs. and said, "heck yeah, that's always better let's fish more".  

It was again a cool morning with a beautiful afternoon. There's NOTHING BETTER, than the fall months in N.E. Florida. Clear Blue Skies, and crisp.

And it looks like we're back to normal as I remember it. COOL & COMFORTABLE, by Halloween. Unlike the last couple Halloween's it was 90+ degrees. I hate that.  So it looks like we're back in the swing of things, the way we expect it.
Weather fact: Today in J-ville, we matched an all time low of 39 degrees. Matching a low of 39, back in 1976.

BRING A HOODED SWEATSHIRT. It's a normal fall in J-ville again. And I'm loving it. "No Mo' Sweatin'"

NEXT UP:

Monday and Thursday, pre-booked in advance.

10/21 - Catchin' Mania!

Had a 3 boat, three passengers per boat, wedding party today. I had the groom, the best man and another buddy. And we sure had
F-U-N !

The breeze was up still, this morning. I almost headed to the jetty rocks. But instead opted to hang in the river to see what the rest of the morning would bring. We started around the ICW/River intersection, trying two spots with out much action. So I headed to the Croaker hole. Yesterday, my four guys had so much fun pulling in two coolers full of nice Croaks. So I asked my crew were they into fast action and lots of fish.  The answer was a resounding.......YES!

We pulled up, I dropped the anchor. Told them where to pitch their "drop-shot" rigs and it was "IG" - Instantaneous Gratification.
Game on, the first Croak was a huge one. Right off the bat. From here on the guys were hooked.

They were out for a fun day of fishing. Keeping fish was not important. They had wedding stuff to do after the fishing trip. Unlike yesterday where my guys kept every Croak that hit the deck.

But, for "Good Luck", I dropped that fat Croaker in the fish box. Thinking, this was a fluke. We aren't gonna catch that many this size.

I WAS WRONG!

Every three Croakers, was a big fattie.  And those small dinky Croaks weren't even part of our catch today.

So as we kept slammin' the hook to the fast biting Croak's. The more Capt Dave tossed into the good ole fish box. I told them, "If ya'll don't want these fatties, I'll take 'em".

As we burned threw the first 2 pound tub of fresh dead shrimp, and a handfull of livies. We decided to go and try our hand at catchin' a big monster Redbass. I was really close to a decent spot. So we pulled up, re-rigged and I sent down two chunks of a fresh Mullet caught at the ramp this morning, pinned to 7/0 circle hooks.

The guys asked......."Is this it?" I asked, "what do ya mean?"  "Is this how you fish for big Reds?"  I said, "Yeah, it's bait-n-wait. When that rod doubles over the shape of a horse shoe, FISH-ON!"

The bait-n wait fishing lasted maybe 3o minutes, and they wanted to go back and catch more Croakers. I had a feeling they became addicted. It happens to everyone, even me.  The action can be so fast, and the BIG Croak's can be addictive. Just like big silver beach Whiting. One after another, is hard to beat.

Croakers, the inshore B-liner. That's what B-liners (Vermillion Snapper) offshore can be. They don't have to be huge fish, because the action get's everyone totally addicted. I remember back when I used to bottom fish (hook and line) commercially with a ole buddy of mine. Double heading B-liners was bettter than sex, back then. Especially when each b-liner was a $5.00 bill when sold to the fish house. But even without a bounty on them, they were still plain ole good fun.

That's what fattie Croakers are like in the river....."in my book."

We fished till the last minute. The other two boats were back and off loaded their crews, and we came strolling up to the dock and everyone was gone, already.

That's addiction. The groom had places to be and things to do, and didn't want to quit. Can a Croaker keep a man from getting married? Probably not. But they almost can. Especially the big ones on Light Tackle, bending rods, pulling a little drag.

It was a beautiful day, warmed up real nice, with the winds dieing completely out by 10am.

Have a large group event coming up?

Don't hestitate to have your group out for a day of fishing. I can accomadate 16 people and 3-4 boats, with at least 30-45 days lead time.

NEXT UP:

4 passengers tomarrow, then two or three Monday. Then Tuesday, off to N.C. to pick up my new Dodge 3/4 ton truck with the Cummins Turbo diesel engine. Looking forward to pulling the JETTYWOLF, with serious power ahead of it.  

10/20 - THE "BOX"

Had Milton A. and his 3 brothers today. Been trying to get them out since Tuesday. Coming all the way down from Ohio to just fish had me saying, "we're going on Thursday...it's the only day I have."

So this morning in the dark at the boat ramp at 7am, the wind was howling, and it was really cold. The cold which is VERY welcome by me, was the second day of the year so far that had me even saying...."Damn, that's some cold wind."

I didn't even put the boat in the water as I usually do. I waited for the guys to show first. They hemm & haww'd but when it came down to it, they said lets go fishing. That's why we're here.

The wind was kickin hard, but we were able to fish around various spots. But I had to find big time "ACTION" to satisfy these four guys. They weren't here for "sport fishing". They wanted fish IN THE BOX!

The third spot was the ticket. The Croakers were chewing like PIRANHA.  Big ones, small ones, medium ones. I ran around the boat, taking fish off hooks, asking "is this a keeper", and the answer was yes 99% of the time, and the fish went into the box.

THE REASON THERE'S NO PHOTOS WITH THIS REPORT. I was busy, busy, busy.

We finally went and made a move, attempting to get out of the wind and find other species. And what did we get into?

MORE CROAKERS!

This spot was thicker than the last. The fish box was almost full, with just chunks of block ice in it. The Croaks were obviously addictive. "Which they are..."

The guys caught well over 100. Probably 200, but then again probably over 200 of them, as I think about it.

The "BOX", was runeth over!

We couldn't fish some places because the wind was so bad. So when handed Lemons. Make Lemonade!

And we did. I had a blast with Milton and his 3 brothers, we did alot of laughing today. Which made the day enjoyable, even though the weather was'nt, all that funny.  I believe I have wind burn, not sun burn!

Next up:  Friday - wedding party 3 boats, 3 persons per boat.  Saturday-another 4 person river trip, Monday-probably 2 person river trip.

10/17 - DE-VOID, how??

Had Jerry C. aboard today........I got lucky twice in a week, with TWO solo anglers. I love it. It's a nice break from being a "river party boat".

First thing we did as the last of the falling tide fell. Made a b-line to the jetties, anchored up and looked for DRUM BITES.
There was NO wind, the sky was clear, and it was a beautiful morning.

All we could muster was Croaker bites. But at this exact tide is when we should be getting a few Drum.
So as the tide changed and with no bites other than Croaks, we went float-rig fishing. I had to teach Jerry about each endevour. From bottom fishing to float-rig fishing, to tackle handling. Which took time.

We float-rigged and float-rigged. Yes, I fished hard too... and to quote my own dad which he always says, "Dave if you're not catching, how am I supposed too?"

Dad is right. I have the know how, the experience etc. so if I'm fishing along with you and I don't get bit, there's a "here's yer sign" thang going on.

Well, that's what happened. All I caught was lil' crappy rock blennies!

Well, this was a genuine smack in the face. So with the rising tide still pushing. Jerry and I pulled away from the rocks a bit and got into some good current and we fished live finger mullet behind the boat along the rocks.

Usually a good position to be in, all we had was Bluefish eating our baits, and caught one. Then the rod closest to the rocks bent over......

Jerry reeled in a KEEPER REDBASS!!!!!!
That has to be the first keeper red I've had some one catch in what seems like months. At 26-1/2" it joined a dozen or so barely keeper Croakers that we tossed in the box.

Amazingly, the jetties were just dead. And getting not a single bite while float-rigging along the rocks was totally amazing.
Bazzaro world never seems to amaze me. 

We didn't wast time making long runs. We kept our baits in the water. Out of a 6 hr day, our baits were probably in the water 5-1/2 hrs!

THEN COMES THIS MORNING (Tuesday): 

I was supposed to be back to "party boating". Had 4 guys come down all the way from Ohio. at 6am it was raining hard. The forecast is bad with winds, and we were really supposed to fish Wednesday. But re-scheduled up to today.

Wedenesday's forecast is MALAVENT......gusts to gale force predicted.

Here's why:

See those two storms?
They're gonna "clash", and that's what's going to bring gale force winds on Wednesday.

And up to 20 kts today with on and off rains.

I have Thursday to maybe get these guys out from Ohio, still. Then booked and back to the river/jetties Friday, Saturday, Monday.

10/15 - No love for ""that"" current!

Had Beth V and her mom and boyfriend aboard today. After feeling the really stiff wind as we arrived at the jetties, I discarded all attempts to float-rig fish. And instead we anchored up and used the 10 dozen live shrimp I had brought for bottom bait.
They wanted "KEEPER FISH". Were not interested in any "sporty" stuff.

First problem, and continued the whole day was the current. Out the three of them, they couldn't hold bottom or feel much of a bite. Yes as the tide poured in between the jetty rocks, it was tough. The gusty due North winds I'm sure had alot to do with that.

So we kept bumping up the sinker weight till we were at 6 ounces....any more than that would then put us in the world of "ludicris" bottom fishing. That's so much what the St. Johns River is.  Sure glad I brought the heavier tackle!

After a few Whiting and Yellowmouth, I headed in the river and searched and searched for a place that would allow lighter weights, and just keeper fish opportunities. But the river was a zoo of boats, traffic and passing ships, in and around the Mayport hub.

I'd never see the water push so hard over what remains of the little Jetties. It looked like something from a real river out west, during flood conditions.

We ended up with just more Croakers all small, and I kept thinking about my ole saying...."North-Northeast winds 15+kts + incoming tide = Kiss 'O Death."  And damn if I wasn't right from the get go.

It wasn't anyones fault that my crew was struggling. These were tough conditions. And the number one thing for fresh water fishing people to learn and adpt to very very quickly is, feeling the bottom while fishing our extreme current.

 All we could do is wait it out.....But in the mean-time it meant Dave pulling a 55 pound anchor into the boat WAY too many times. Believe me, I'm feeling it right now.

We ended up back at the jetties and using only a 3 ounce weight all was perfection. The wind laid down, and all was good.
We should have been hammering the Black Drum, or at least getting bit more frequently (in between lots of croakers) but something was off. While only getting a few.

Next up:

Monday..."solo angler"

Then as the winds build,

Tuesday a 4pak.

Wednesday, here comes BIG WIND again.

Friday a wedding party, with 2- boat charter.

10/13 - GOTTA LOVE A 5 DAY NOR'EASTER!!!

Had me a "solo" angler today. Mike S. Over worked, and ready for some fishing action. I was really sceptical about what would happen, since it was days since I've been out because of the latest Nor'easter that passed with lots of rain, huge seas and 25kt winds.

But since we don't get any tropical storms, or even a brushing by hurricane anymore which are usually the "kick in the groin" that this area......I mean river, needs to rocket us into a different season. Sending the dreaded summer water temps, heat, and stagnentcy away while ushering in "genuine fall."

I'll even take another Nor'easter, just as back up if that what it takes to insure that summer is gone for good!

I had a buddy, who was out in the rain, wind and over cast on and off skies, last week just before the really bad winds came, and he had a banner day hiding out, in the shallow creeks. He said, "Dave, it was incredible. The fish were on the serious feed bag!"

So, today I was hoping for the same. But, in the big water of the river. Now that all was clear, with light winds, sunny skies, and flat calm waters.  This trip with Mike was scheduled, then re-scheduled, then re-scheduled again, and then today we finally made it.

Feeling like a "river fishing party boat" most of the time. Today, having just one passionate light tackle angler aboard had me really excited!!

It was the full moon, I'm usually suspect of the wacky tides that the moon produces. I wasn't worried, because I still have the NEW MOON tides at the end of this month to look forward too. THAT'S WHEN THE KILLER CURRENT COMES, VIA 6+++ FOOT TIDES! So, today will be nothing in comparison.

Mike was early. I like that. And I had a live-well filled with very sprightly shrimp. No chasing finger mullet, throwing the cast net, wasting any time....I'm over all that!  Armed with my "float-rig" rods, and a few light casting rods we headed out at first light.

First spot, the current was strong. But gave Mike a really good chance to get the "knack" of fishing the float-rigs for the first time. It's always easier to learn, when the currents moving  good versus hardly moving. We didn't get any bites at first. But as the tide slowed a bit, and I re-anchored on the spot, it was GO-TIME.  Quickly came 12 Speckled Trout up to 19". And in a short time, I was counting a limit of 10 in the fish box.

Of course, I related to Mike that if I was to only catch Speckled Trout on a float the rest of my fishing life, I'd die a happy fisherman...."which ain't gonna happen around here by any stretch of the imagination." I'll have to move to Louisiana to make that life-long dream come true. But as long as we're "Boxing" some fatties here, I'm happy!

Mike was happy too, as he was excited about all the "good fried fish dinners" he'll have.

After "boxing" our limits of Trout, we ran back to the boat ramp for a pit-stop then I looked for a spot to possibly catch a keeper Redbass on the float-rigs. By now the tide was  good and high, the current was slower. We didn't score.

So it was time to anchor up and bottom fish for some Reds or Drum, just as the current started on the bottom of the river. I pulled out the light bottom rods, rigged up with my newest bottom rig. Fresh water fisherman would call it a "drop-shot" rig. Originally, I used it for just Croakers and Drum on a few velcro like bottom in the river, where a hook can't touch the bottom or it gets snagged. But I have found that the rig works all over the place, because it gets your bait off the bottom.

We weren't fishing very long as the first push of ebbing tide started when Mike gets to feel a nice puller......

It's funny how Black Drum are. If you miss them initially, they'll come back! Mike had a rod tip pulled toward the water, actually missing the initial bite. And that happened a few times in the next few hours. And the "bite" returned moments later.













This happened several times. While loosing a few really big fish in the proccess. But it was okay because the fish box was looking pretty good already, with some beautiful Trout.
Gotta love that "tug 'o war" though. And it's always better on the lighter tackle.


















Ya can't catch'em all, that's for sure. Or what would make ya come back next time?? It's FISHIN', not always just catchin'. And as the tide got half way out, is when we started to experience the FULL MOON tide. The current went from manageable on the light rigs, to "where the heck is the bottom??"

Mike was tired after working some crazy shifts at work. So as the afternoon winds picked up we headed back to clean the catch.
Mike left out headed for a nap, with a big bag of fresh Trout and Black Drum fillets.

Thanks to that Nor'easter, which we so badly needed. I believe, we're definately now into the genuine "FALL" fishing season.
The surface water temp was 74 degrees on my machine.

Yes, we caught some Croakers, a few Seabass but while float-rig fishing for the Trout, recieved really not much harrassment from bait stealers. Which was a RELIEF!

I believe it's GO-TIME, folks. It's the JETTYWOLF's time of year. 

Have my trusty float-rigs....will travel!

10/10 - OCTOBER NOR'EASTER

That was a wonderfully B-O-R-I-N-G five days.....

If ya missed it, it's been blowing 25 knots and raining here in J-ville, since last week.

I'm certainly ready to get back at it.

The sun's back out, the wind's backed off, and the A/C is back on in the house.

So, that means we're back to normal around here.

October.....it's supposed to mean. GO-TIME!

LETS GO FISHIN'

10/4 - Where oh, where?

Well, the "guess my location" challenge from my last post wasn't all that hard to guess.......I suppose. The first two commentors and only commentors, got it right, with one a bit more detailed then the other.

To see, CLICK, here.  Go to bottom of report. Chris Coleman nailed it in detail. Tom (last name withheld) backed him up.

I may have to to try this again, and work on a harder "place to guess" via just a simple video shot.

Was out yesterday, with a great crew. Chad and his son Andrew from Illinois. Andrew, 17 was a fisherman. He picked up my Shimano Citica's and had no problem pitchin and flipping the "hard earned" finger Mullet, that took awhile to capture. His Dad and I also worked hard using the Mullet, around rock piles in search of a Flounder or Redbass.............WITHOUT a single bite on them. This is now two times in two weeks that I spent alot of time and effort getting a brimming livewell full of perfect sized Mullet and used them up and down the river, in search of a keeper sized or near keeper size Redbass, in hopes of stumbling into some Flounder. And came out the other side, extremely disappointed.

It's absolutely amazing, how three lines can bump perfect finger Mullet along edges and rocks and never get a single fish! While also fighting the tide/current, as an added bonus to the frustration.

At the bottom of the tide, I gave up. And went and fished fresh steaks of big Mullet on the bottom, with the heavy tackle and Andrew caught ONE of these:

A 25 pound, 39 spot Redbass. But still, back home he's caught larger Catfish! I  wanting him to catch a monster....a 45 pounder. Or at least a bunch of 20's!!!!!

But seeing we caught the fish just as the current slowed, and the N.E. breeze started swing the boat around. We'd have to try later. So I picked up and we hit a few more spots as the wind started to really kick. Back using the finger Mullet again.

Still, the Mullet brought NO bites at all.......I want us to C-A-T-C-H, so we gave up on the Mullet once again and busted out the dead shrimp and pulled into a bit deeper water, on a 6'drop, hard bottom, lime rock ledge, that was really close by. On my 12" Raymarine screen, it looks just like a ledge offshore. I re-anchored and we baited up with shrimp and it was an all out CROAKER-FEST.

Yep, once again. I had to resort to Croaks to break the spell of the St. Johns. Andrew started smiling again. Slam dunking one after another, as we boxed a dozen large enough to keep. I took a live mullet from the well again added a heavier lead, and chucked it out on a circle hook in the 45 feet of water, along the channel edge.

As our flooding current started to really move, it swung the boat off the Croaks so Chad and Andrew had to cast ahead of the boat to continue to hook'em. Nothing but Croaks, no yellowmouths, no Drum, nothing else.

And not a single taker in the deep water on the Mullet.  So I tried a tiny live Croaker on one rod and a Mullet steak on another, and was back up to 8 ounces to hold the bottom as the tide flooded in.

It began to get harder and harder to hit the bottom and catch the Croaks in front of the boat, so we sat waiting on another big Red to eat the circle hooked baits in the deep water........but we never had a bite!

So?

Where were all these big Spawning Redbass?

Is this another year where if ya get 5 in a day you're killing them?  I told the guys, I remember days years ago, when all ya needed was some Mullet, or Pogies, alive or cut to catch 20-40 on a tide.

The current was really flowing  being pushed along, as the 15kt. wind blew from the N.E. So we packed it in and headed for the dock.

(you guess why) I'm going back to Float-rig fishing from now on. It's getting into the season again anyhow. I'm tired of hunting finger Mullet, and tired of sitting in current that takes 8-10 ounces to hit the bottom. My patience as I get older is wearing thinner.
At least when we float-rig fish, people are constantly staying busy, working their float. And it will "GET-BIT".

After today, I guess you can say I was inspired by a phone call I got yesterday. From my winter fishing partner Doc Miller, who summer's in North Carolina. He called me to say he'll be late getting back to Jax this fall, because he had a hip replacement...... "Doc, does that mean you're getting old?"  And even though we did almost more Drum fishing than Trout fishing last year.  Doc Miller is a total Float Freak, like me. Looking forward to the bone chilling cold winter weekdays out with Doc. When no one is around, because it's supposedly...too cold, and to us, it's "jus right".

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BTW, if ya have some kite boarding to do
this is a great rest of the week for it:

SMALL CRAFT EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO WINDS


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

TONIGHT
NORTHEAST WINDS 15 TO 20 KNOTS. SEAS 4 TO 6 FEET.
INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.  SHOWERS.

THURSDAY
NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS. SEAS 5 TO 7 FEET.
INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. SCATTERED SHOWERS.

THURSDAY NIGHT
NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS. SEAS 6 TO
8 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. SCATTERED SHOWERS.

FRIDAY
NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS. SEAS 6 TO 9 FEET.
INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

FRIDAY NIGHT
NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS. SEAS 6 TO 9 FEET.
INLAND WATERS ROUGH. SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SATURDAY
EAST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS WITH OCCASIONAL GUSTS TO
GALE FORCE. SEAS 7 TO 10 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. SCATTERED
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SATURDAY NIGHT
EAST WINDS 20 TO 25 KNOTS WITH OCCASIONAL GUSTS
TO GALE FORCE. SEAS 7 TO 10 FEET. INLAND WATERS CHOPPY. SCATTERED
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SUNDAY
EAST WINDS 25 KNOTS WITH OCCASIONAL GUSTS TO GALE
FORCE. SEAS 7 TO 10 FEET. INLAND WATERS ROUGH. SCATTERED SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS.


WOW

GUESS MY LOCATION...

GUESS MY LOCATION

Let's see how sharp ya'll are. I know alot of you that come here are local fisherman. And right after I hit record on my Kodak Playsport camera today, I came up with the idea that readers can "guess" where I'm at in this short video, I did today.



 just CLICK HERE and up comes just this page, alone. At the bottom of the report is where you can add comments. And where you can add your location guess.I'm looking for a precise locale. If I get one, I'm thinking a prize may also be in order. I just don't know what yet.

--------------------------------
Today, I just went out to enjoy the "COLD" air this morning. And let me tell ya...I was freezing as I rode the river as the sun peeked through at 7am.

But what a beautiful weekend! And another on Monday also.

Or as the National Weather Service says;
MONDAY...ANOTHER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DAY WITH SUNNY SKIES AND MAX TEMPS IN THE UPPER 70S TO NEAR 80 DEGREES. A FEW PUFFY FAIR WEATHER CUMULUS ALONG THE COAST IN THE AFTERNOON.

But, as of Wednesday...."here comes a BIG BLOW."


Took 2 pounds of dead shrimp and went and caught about 40 Croakers, keeping the best dozen. Which happened to be the largest. That's 24 fillets, for a starving fishing guide.

Yeah, I look like I've never missed a meal, I know. And why is that? Because I'm not picky.
I'll clean, fillet, and skin my 12" Croakers and have me a fish fry.

I love my fried fish sandwiches.