Memorial day holiday, last year: "T.S. BERYL"
NOT ACCUSTOM TO THIS KIND OF WEATHER EVENT, YOU SAY MR. WEATHER REPORTER????
YA GOT THAT STRAIGHT. AND ALSO THE RAINS WE HAD MAY 2ND THRU MAY 7TH 2013!
THE RIVER HASN'T BEEN THE SAME SINCE AND IT'S BEEN 3 WEEKS.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA DAILY FISHING REPORTS FOR: WWW.CAPTDAVES.COM - CALL: 904-642-9546
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
5/24 - New feature:
PIC 'O THE WEEK:
Now you can understand how todays trip went.
Bye,bye, $40 worth of PowerPro!!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
5/23 - a week of boredom......
Wow, can I tell everyone burned their wick in April. I was so busy. But I guess that was the "cabin fever crowd".
Soon another Holiday will pass and in Jax that means; "People will think I'm standing at the dock at parade rest". The smartphone generation will call, and then I'll have to say. "I need a deposit", and then their noses will get all out joint, because I got straight to conducting business. They have no idea on my end. I'll need FUEL again. And no I don't have a fuel tank at home. During the summer, I have a much lower making dollars ratio. Because each day I'll drop that whopping $100 bill in the tank and thet gets me to and from and up and down the river maybe twice.
Heck, $100 is only like 26 gallons! Add in a holiday and they raise the fuel costs on the street. And those gas stations are such fun to get in and out of, anyhow.
So, if ya wanna go, and ya call me with less than 24 hrs notice. Don't get your nose outa joint when I ask for a $100 deposit straight away. The words "yes", means ya want to actually go. The words, "well let me think about it", has me onto doing something else....
Rates are clearly published on my website. So there's no mystery. There should be not even hardly a question mark, if you look and see all I have there for you to read. Then call.
If this sounds like a rant, and I use the words YOU....I don't mean, YOU. I mean "everyone out there".
And yeah, so what if it is a rant. Am I not allowed?
I have been watching so many YouTube video reviews on Cameras that my laptop is actually tired. The guys with a in yer face, tell it like it is review, of a thang-a- ma-jig brand camera is the guys that get so many hits that they earn a monthly salary from the ads on their YouTube channels, they are so popular!!
So this is kiddy stuff. Me describing late notice 8:30pm calls for the next morning at 6:30am. C'C'mon...I'm allowed right. Who's BLOG is this anyways?
There's a "front coming". But that's okay. If I get any traffic I'll be huntin & sniff'in for them down river as I always do this time of year. I decided, I'm sticking around where I know best.
Weekend weather synopsis:
Soon another Holiday will pass and in Jax that means; "People will think I'm standing at the dock at parade rest". The smartphone generation will call, and then I'll have to say. "I need a deposit", and then their noses will get all out joint, because I got straight to conducting business. They have no idea on my end. I'll need FUEL again. And no I don't have a fuel tank at home. During the summer, I have a much lower making dollars ratio. Because each day I'll drop that whopping $100 bill in the tank and thet gets me to and from and up and down the river maybe twice.
Heck, $100 is only like 26 gallons! Add in a holiday and they raise the fuel costs on the street. And those gas stations are such fun to get in and out of, anyhow.
So, if ya wanna go, and ya call me with less than 24 hrs notice. Don't get your nose outa joint when I ask for a $100 deposit straight away. The words "yes", means ya want to actually go. The words, "well let me think about it", has me onto doing something else....
Rates are clearly published on my website. So there's no mystery. There should be not even hardly a question mark, if you look and see all I have there for you to read. Then call.
If this sounds like a rant, and I use the words YOU....I don't mean, YOU. I mean "everyone out there".
And yeah, so what if it is a rant. Am I not allowed?
I have been watching so many YouTube video reviews on Cameras that my laptop is actually tired. The guys with a in yer face, tell it like it is review, of a thang-a- ma-jig brand camera is the guys that get so many hits that they earn a monthly salary from the ads on their YouTube channels, they are so popular!!
So this is kiddy stuff. Me describing late notice 8:30pm calls for the next morning at 6:30am. C'C'mon...I'm allowed right. Who's BLOG is this anyways?
There's a "front coming". But that's okay. If I get any traffic I'll be huntin & sniff'in for them down river as I always do this time of year. I decided, I'm sticking around where I know best.
Weekend weather synopsis:
HIGH PRESSURE WEST OF THE AREA WILL SHIFT SOUTH TONIGHT. A WEAK
COLD FRONT WILL CROSS THE REGION FRIDAY. FOLLOWING THIS
BOUNDARY...HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD TO THE NORTH. THE PRESSURE
GRADIENT WILL STRENGTHEN ACROSS THE WATERS FRIDAY NIGHT INTO
SATURDAY AS THE HIGH BUILDS IN...WITH SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY
CONDITIONS POSSIBLE. THE HIGH WILL BUILD NORTHEAST OF THE REGION
SUNDAY INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK...LEADING TO A PROLONGED PERIOD OF
ONSHORE FLOW...AND AN ENHANCED RISK FOR RIP CURRENTS.
Monday, May 20, 2013
5/18-5/19 - Rough days
Not rough, as in getting beat up from wind or heavy waves. Just rough trying to catch a bunch of decent fish in the thing, we call a "river".
I have not tasted any salt in the water, except when at the jetties. I'm putting the salinity gauge back on the boat, again. Just to act scientific. Not that my "tongue" lies to me....But, I like to offer you all facts, instead of just vague observations.
That's why you come here right? To see if I'm doing anything different than you are?
After each days adventure of trying to find any fish around here, since the big rains. In my head I usually come up with what I call "Blog Report Titles". Ya know, something that quickly explains each days pursuit of what makes Dave and his crew members happy.
On 5/19 - With Dale C. and his two sons. I came up with the title:
"Long boat rides and Teflon hooks"
Seeing that my largest expense right now is GASOLINE! Yeah, can't use my motto of "no long boat rides", now.
Because #1- I gotta get out the H.I.B. Defined as the jetties to the ICW. There's just not enough water, and every spot has a Humans-In-Boats, on it. Guess that's why I love deep winter so much, only the tuff fish in Grundens rather than board shorts. So we've been travelling.
Then, a theme of the day was lost fish, by Dales son's. I keep asking them if they were switching out my wicked sharp Matzuo hooks with hooks that were teflon coated? They'd hook up, they'd make a few turns of the reel handle and then fish would come off. After numerous times, it starts to not a be a joke, I start to get concerned...but I don't believe they were as fluid as they needed to be, and didn't keep a bend in the rods.
We worked really hard to get some Specks (some shorts and keepers), but also found Yellowmouths. And on the first spot it was all the 12" Yellers you'd ever want.
The water was dark brown, and still dirty looking. But at a super structure spot, one of the son's nailed this fish.
The best Trout of the day: 19-1/2 inches
Yeah, look at that structure!!!! And besides a Mangrove Snapper or two. That was the ONLY fish that came from such a sweet spot:
Took this pic with my satellite. Hooked up to my Apple Iphone 5, in conjunction with NASA, and the FWC, St. Johns River research group, River Keeper and STOP dredging our river inc. Because that's what we needed it seemed, to find a bite!
They ended up with a bag of fillets. But thank goodness I have a fillet knife that's damn near dangerous.
Yep, down yonder is where I've been each day. (hence the long boat rides) And have come to the realization that finding some small 3-4" Finger Mullet just may never happen. I keep looking. But "bait" is damn near absent from down river. Now at the jetties, there's all the bait anyone could ever want. But there's no one around to eat it. Bait fish: Mullet and Pogies, sure are safe at our inlet!! Ya wonder, how could that be. But, "it be alright!"
I'll explain, in the second half of this two day report.....
Next day:
May 19th. 3 good guys. Trying something different. Because I was supposed to have a full boat, and have 4 guys. But only three showed.
Title we came up with: "Long Boat Ride, for JACK!"
Went to jetties with 8 rods for bottom fishing. Four lights, and four heavy's. I was prepared! Left the live shrimp and float-rig rods, out today.
Shouldn't have done that! (I'll get to that later)
All the Pogies you'd ever want outside the north rocks and along the rocks. Falling tide, and a VERY stiff S.E. wind blowing. The end of the jetties had me down to an idle unless we wanted to take a bath with the wind blowing the large swells into our face. Inside the jetty rocks, was just plain NASTY!
Outside the jetties there was a decent swell. But getting Pogies on my first of the year Banana cast of my 8' Pogie net was sufficient. I caught all my livewell could handle.
We then anchored in the only calm water there was on the outside of the north rocks toward the tip. I pitched out some pogies, and even had my 3 guys "dabbing" pog's straight down to the base of the rocks. A few hours went by with out a decent bite at all. And the swell was making one crew member a bit seasick. We had a few bluefish chop and shred some of the baits, when I chucked them out behind the boat on to the sand. But that was it.
AGAIN...this is where bait fish feel safe I guess. Because besides a Dolphin (aka: "Flipper") or the occasional Shark. There's no one around to eat them. It's amazing how it is here...any where else, predators would flock to eat all that EZ bait. Schools and schools of pogies, Mullet swimming down the rocks, large mullet (12" types) and you'd think, "This is where every Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, and Jumbo Redbass would be, right?" You'd be correct, if this was elsewhere in the world!
So, we left.
With Pogies in the bait well, I ran 12 miles. Down past the Dames Point bridge and fished areas that in the heat of July & August I personally have filmed video's of myself catching 20 pound Reds, on cut Mullet. Plus, the effects of the wind would be a whole lot less down yonder.
We get there. And No bites. I even had the guys using dead shrimp on the bottom as we soaked live pogies out the back of the boat. Never lost a bait!
Worked our way around, fishing where ever I could grab some decent current and anywhere I marked some kind of life on the bottom. Never caught a fish!
Totally disgusted.....I came up with a RULE, until this river straightens out, which who knows when that will be? If you are a two person charter (optimal) or even a 4 person charter (a crowded charter), we are float-rig fishing with live shrimp. PERIOD!!! I will not waste valuable time getting baits that don't get eaten, like pogies! I will not waste time looking to catch non-exsistant finger mullet in the river. We're going with what produces bites, lost fish, caught fish, small fish, big fish....any fish!
We finally ended up in a creek near the river. A spot I have never fished pogies on the bottom before. A place that's not even a "summer spot", but rather a cold water spot in deep winter. And there is where we had our only taker the whole day......A Jack Crevalle!
We soon packed it in and went back to the boat ramp, after this...
Our Pogies got chopped in half by a few Inshore saltwater Piranha's, and that was it.
(Bluefish)
HEADING NORTH FOR AWHILE. GOTTA GET IN DIFFERENT WATER. IF I'M DOING 20 MILE TREKS ANYHOW. MIGHT AS WELL GO 20 MILES ROUND TRIP IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION.
I have not tasted any salt in the water, except when at the jetties. I'm putting the salinity gauge back on the boat, again. Just to act scientific. Not that my "tongue" lies to me....But, I like to offer you all facts, instead of just vague observations.
That's why you come here right? To see if I'm doing anything different than you are?
After each days adventure of trying to find any fish around here, since the big rains. In my head I usually come up with what I call "Blog Report Titles". Ya know, something that quickly explains each days pursuit of what makes Dave and his crew members happy.
On 5/19 - With Dale C. and his two sons. I came up with the title:
"Long boat rides and Teflon hooks"
Seeing that my largest expense right now is GASOLINE! Yeah, can't use my motto of "no long boat rides", now.
Because #1- I gotta get out the H.I.B. Defined as the jetties to the ICW. There's just not enough water, and every spot has a Humans-In-Boats, on it. Guess that's why I love deep winter so much, only the tuff fish in Grundens rather than board shorts. So we've been travelling.
Then, a theme of the day was lost fish, by Dales son's. I keep asking them if they were switching out my wicked sharp Matzuo hooks with hooks that were teflon coated? They'd hook up, they'd make a few turns of the reel handle and then fish would come off. After numerous times, it starts to not a be a joke, I start to get concerned...but I don't believe they were as fluid as they needed to be, and didn't keep a bend in the rods.
We worked really hard to get some Specks (some shorts and keepers), but also found Yellowmouths. And on the first spot it was all the 12" Yellers you'd ever want.
The water was dark brown, and still dirty looking. But at a super structure spot, one of the son's nailed this fish.
The best Trout of the day: 19-1/2 inches
Yeah, look at that structure!!!! And besides a Mangrove Snapper or two. That was the ONLY fish that came from such a sweet spot:
They ended up with a bag of fillets. But thank goodness I have a fillet knife that's damn near dangerous.
Yep, down yonder is where I've been each day. (hence the long boat rides) And have come to the realization that finding some small 3-4" Finger Mullet just may never happen. I keep looking. But "bait" is damn near absent from down river. Now at the jetties, there's all the bait anyone could ever want. But there's no one around to eat it. Bait fish: Mullet and Pogies, sure are safe at our inlet!! Ya wonder, how could that be. But, "it be alright!"
I'll explain, in the second half of this two day report.....
Next day:
May 19th. 3 good guys. Trying something different. Because I was supposed to have a full boat, and have 4 guys. But only three showed.
Title we came up with: "Long Boat Ride, for JACK!"
Went to jetties with 8 rods for bottom fishing. Four lights, and four heavy's. I was prepared! Left the live shrimp and float-rig rods, out today.
Shouldn't have done that! (I'll get to that later)
All the Pogies you'd ever want outside the north rocks and along the rocks. Falling tide, and a VERY stiff S.E. wind blowing. The end of the jetties had me down to an idle unless we wanted to take a bath with the wind blowing the large swells into our face. Inside the jetty rocks, was just plain NASTY!
Outside the jetties there was a decent swell. But getting Pogies on my first of the year Banana cast of my 8' Pogie net was sufficient. I caught all my livewell could handle.
We then anchored in the only calm water there was on the outside of the north rocks toward the tip. I pitched out some pogies, and even had my 3 guys "dabbing" pog's straight down to the base of the rocks. A few hours went by with out a decent bite at all. And the swell was making one crew member a bit seasick. We had a few bluefish chop and shred some of the baits, when I chucked them out behind the boat on to the sand. But that was it.
AGAIN...this is where bait fish feel safe I guess. Because besides a Dolphin (aka: "Flipper") or the occasional Shark. There's no one around to eat them. It's amazing how it is here...any where else, predators would flock to eat all that EZ bait. Schools and schools of pogies, Mullet swimming down the rocks, large mullet (12" types) and you'd think, "This is where every Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, and Jumbo Redbass would be, right?" You'd be correct, if this was elsewhere in the world!
So, we left.
With Pogies in the bait well, I ran 12 miles. Down past the Dames Point bridge and fished areas that in the heat of July & August I personally have filmed video's of myself catching 20 pound Reds, on cut Mullet. Plus, the effects of the wind would be a whole lot less down yonder.
We get there. And No bites. I even had the guys using dead shrimp on the bottom as we soaked live pogies out the back of the boat. Never lost a bait!
Worked our way around, fishing where ever I could grab some decent current and anywhere I marked some kind of life on the bottom. Never caught a fish!
Totally disgusted.....I came up with a RULE, until this river straightens out, which who knows when that will be? If you are a two person charter (optimal) or even a 4 person charter (a crowded charter), we are float-rig fishing with live shrimp. PERIOD!!! I will not waste valuable time getting baits that don't get eaten, like pogies! I will not waste time looking to catch non-exsistant finger mullet in the river. We're going with what produces bites, lost fish, caught fish, small fish, big fish....any fish!
We finally ended up in a creek near the river. A spot I have never fished pogies on the bottom before. A place that's not even a "summer spot", but rather a cold water spot in deep winter. And there is where we had our only taker the whole day......A Jack Crevalle!
We soon packed it in and went back to the boat ramp, after this...
Our Pogies got chopped in half by a few Inshore saltwater Piranha's, and that was it.
(Bluefish)
HEADING NORTH FOR AWHILE. GOTTA GET IN DIFFERENT WATER. IF I'M DOING 20 MILE TREKS ANYHOW. MIGHT AS WELL GO 20 MILES ROUND TRIP IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
5/15 - Thinking about additions:
W-O-W, have ya ever looked at the prices of some of these New Electric trolling motors out there?
$1,200.00 for a electric bow mount trolling motor? Trolling motors with GPS, positioning?
I believe the last trolling motor I purchased was $300. Which tells ya how long ago that was.
That's $1200, for the Troller, then Batteries $200 each, and of course a on-board charger at least $300. Then, if you want accessories it's another $300-$400 bucks on top of that.
You could almost get a 10 HP 4-stroke Kicker motor for the same money.
I could just do this instead......
It's a "kicker motor" bracket. 1/2" alloy plate welded to the swim platform on a Pacific boat like mine.
Add a 10 HP 4-stroker, and I'm in the club!
The economy "trolling club"
$1,200.00 for a electric bow mount trolling motor? Trolling motors with GPS, positioning?
I believe the last trolling motor I purchased was $300. Which tells ya how long ago that was.
That's $1200, for the Troller, then Batteries $200 each, and of course a on-board charger at least $300. Then, if you want accessories it's another $300-$400 bucks on top of that.
You could almost get a 10 HP 4-stroke Kicker motor for the same money.
I could just do this instead......
It's a "kicker motor" bracket. 1/2" alloy plate welded to the swim platform on a Pacific boat like mine.
Add a 10 HP 4-stroker, and I'm in the club!
The economy "trolling club"
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
5/13 - Long Haul......"Search"
Had Paul and Ann Marie on board the Jettywolf from Las Vegas. Paul did everything right. He checked blog posts, and my Youtube video's. And booked his trip well ahead of time. Got to the boat ramp on a few minutes before departure time. So everything on land, went very well.
Now, Monday was a "COLD" front, that blew in over night. And when they (the weather guessers) said Cold Front, I didn't think they actually meant REALLY cold air. But yeah, that's what it meant!
As we flew down the river at 7am. I was really cold, in just a T-shirt. Personally, I'm liking this spring/summer so far as the weather goes. Since, we're kinda setting records for "LOWS", in the last few months. By now, it's usually 90+ degrees. So that means sweating by 8am.
But that storm (week of rain and high winds at the beginning of the month) has taken it's toll on the river. Just like last summer when we had Tropical storm Buryl and Debby. Right after and for what seemed like weeks after. Finding consistent action was like asking the fish gods for a miracle.
We searched and searched today. Putting alot of miles under the Jettywolf. So much that I actually lost time, and when we packed it in to head back to the dock, it was 6pm!!!!!!!
"We left the dock at 7am!!!"
And for all our efforts. I could not find the nest of Trout. A good majority of the day we fished a rising tide. And the most fish were caught on the falling tide. So right there was a major hurdle.
We float-rigged live shrimp 99% of the time. Yes, my crew caught Ladyfish, Jacks, and Trout, and loads of small ones. (under 15 inches)
AnnMarie laid the Ugly Stik to a 28" Redfish, and we knew that she'd catch the largest fish of the day. It's a "gender" thing! The last couple I had aboard, the fella's wife caught the most and the largest.
But, for me, it was a struggle on a personal level. I went to all the places the big trout should be. Places I don't even have to normally fish. And all we could find out of a "ALL DAY VENTURE" was 5 keeper Trout. That's not good.
The reason, we were out so long was probably because we were having such a good time. But at the same time, I take very difficult Trout tracking "personal". I'm a machine when pursuing my Trout friends. I do not want to be defeated. But, the way it looks. I better get used to it till things straighten out again.
JUST LIKE LAST SUMMER. The nice thing about my blog posts is I can go back and see and review when things were the same as it is now. And right after the two storms last summer it was exactly the same as RIGHT NOW!
Then came a point when all hell broke loose. And I started catching Gator Trout and lots of Trout in between.
So, that's what I'm standing by for.
Now, Monday was a "COLD" front, that blew in over night. And when they (the weather guessers) said Cold Front, I didn't think they actually meant REALLY cold air. But yeah, that's what it meant!
As we flew down the river at 7am. I was really cold, in just a T-shirt. Personally, I'm liking this spring/summer so far as the weather goes. Since, we're kinda setting records for "LOWS", in the last few months. By now, it's usually 90+ degrees. So that means sweating by 8am.
But that storm (week of rain and high winds at the beginning of the month) has taken it's toll on the river. Just like last summer when we had Tropical storm Buryl and Debby. Right after and for what seemed like weeks after. Finding consistent action was like asking the fish gods for a miracle.
We searched and searched today. Putting alot of miles under the Jettywolf. So much that I actually lost time, and when we packed it in to head back to the dock, it was 6pm!!!!!!!
"We left the dock at 7am!!!"
And for all our efforts. I could not find the nest of Trout. A good majority of the day we fished a rising tide. And the most fish were caught on the falling tide. So right there was a major hurdle.
We float-rigged live shrimp 99% of the time. Yes, my crew caught Ladyfish, Jacks, and Trout, and loads of small ones. (under 15 inches)
AnnMarie laid the Ugly Stik to a 28" Redfish, and we knew that she'd catch the largest fish of the day. It's a "gender" thing! The last couple I had aboard, the fella's wife caught the most and the largest.
But, for me, it was a struggle on a personal level. I went to all the places the big trout should be. Places I don't even have to normally fish. And all we could find out of a "ALL DAY VENTURE" was 5 keeper Trout. That's not good.
The reason, we were out so long was probably because we were having such a good time. But at the same time, I take very difficult Trout tracking "personal". I'm a machine when pursuing my Trout friends. I do not want to be defeated. But, the way it looks. I better get used to it till things straighten out again.
JUST LIKE LAST SUMMER. The nice thing about my blog posts is I can go back and see and review when things were the same as it is now. And right after the two storms last summer it was exactly the same as RIGHT NOW!
Then came a point when all hell broke loose. And I started catching Gator Trout and lots of Trout in between.
So, that's what I'm standing by for.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
5/9 & 5/10 - Stayed Eastward
5/10 - Had some kids on the boat with dad on Friday. We tried to duplicate the float-rig Redbass I caught the day before. But it proved difficult. So we spent the rest of the day in the river, float-rig fishing and bottom fishing and caught lots of Ladyfish and Jacks of all sizes. This young boy Larry Jr. was a great kid. And was very inquisitive, and a great bait caster. All at the prime age of 11 years old. "To tell ya the truth, he and I could have gone by ourselves and would have had a great time." I saw myself in him, even if no one else did. It's a real rarity these days to get a young boy like him on the boat.
His dad said he hopes to bring him back on his Birthday in late October.
It was his sisters birthday trip, this time.
She became an official "fish kisser".
NEXT UP:
Mom's day on Sunday if the weather's right. And Monday with hopefully with just 2 Adults.
REMEMBER:
Do not wait till the last minute for any HOLIDAY charters. Memorial day is coming and so is July 4th. BOOK NOW!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
5/8 - Makes me feel better.....
After the screwing we had yesterday by the weather guessers. Looks like we should have gone today, instead!
BEAUTIFUL.
This is the only thing that makes me feel much better after yesterdays weather and fishing:
BEAUTIFUL.
This is the only thing that makes me feel much better after yesterdays weather and fishing:
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
5/7 - Great Crew...Really Bad Forecast
Had Jason and Robin on board today from Bozeman, Montana. Talk about Landscape and probably Culture shock!
The forecast for the day was SUN, HIGH UV RAYS, WARM, 10 KNOTS OF WESTERLY WIND.
REALLY????
Where was that at????
We headed out early this morning at 7am. Rising tide. First thing I did, was taste the water at the boat ramp. Since this was my first day out since the storm.
I tasted NO salt.
So we headed down river. Robin caught two small Trout and a Bluefish at spot one. Spot two we didn't get bit. And on spot three....(we were doing the world tour already)....more Bluefish. Spot four, nothing. Spot five, wind was heinous!! And just wasn't working. Spot six, completely fed up already with the weather, it was a hide away from the wind spot. And there is where Robin caught the first keeper Trout.
But on this spot I quickly noticed a huge change. Last time I fished here NO Mangrove Snappers. Now?
Jason and Robin's shrimp were equally and relentlessly murdered constantly. And as I tried my luck, so was mine.
Time to shinny-up those "stopper knots" and get the live shrimp higher and away from the bottom. It didn't work. But I did catch a decent 17 incher.
The Mangrove's sent us packing. So we moved, but not far. And by now it was raining. The same ole story. When there's "weather", the game fish quit and here comes the bait snatchers. Personally, I was sick and tired of it already. Sick and tired of leaving the dock with no predictable weather or known action. Or let me say, I know what the deal is. So there's no mystery. But that's this time of year, that's for sure.
Has me already longing for deep winter days along the jetty rocks, again. At least I know what we're in for then.
And now add in the Mangrove Snappers, OMG!
We fished our way back, and Robin and Jason and I caught a few more small trout, a few Ladyfish, and a mini 1/8th pound Jack Crevalle....Whoa! Variety!
So our day ended with two keeper Trout in the box out of 8 dozen live shrimp. YOU do the math.
Jason was actually "schooled" by his low key, and secretly intense wife. And she was great to have along. Because if it was just jason and I, we would have quit from boredom. But Robin kept a pace.
We had fun, but the weather guessers were so wrong, and that's what really pissed me off. I was so looking forward to a kick butt day after cancellations and reschedules because of the forced weeks vacation I had.....Loosing too much $$, because of it.
No video, No photos. Too busy working to put a fish in the cooler.
The forecast for the day was SUN, HIGH UV RAYS, WARM, 10 KNOTS OF WESTERLY WIND.
REALLY????
Where was that at????
We headed out early this morning at 7am. Rising tide. First thing I did, was taste the water at the boat ramp. Since this was my first day out since the storm.
I tasted NO salt.
So we headed down river. Robin caught two small Trout and a Bluefish at spot one. Spot two we didn't get bit. And on spot three....(we were doing the world tour already)....more Bluefish. Spot four, nothing. Spot five, wind was heinous!! And just wasn't working. Spot six, completely fed up already with the weather, it was a hide away from the wind spot. And there is where Robin caught the first keeper Trout.
But on this spot I quickly noticed a huge change. Last time I fished here NO Mangrove Snappers. Now?
Jason and Robin's shrimp were equally and relentlessly murdered constantly. And as I tried my luck, so was mine.
Time to shinny-up those "stopper knots" and get the live shrimp higher and away from the bottom. It didn't work. But I did catch a decent 17 incher.
The Mangrove's sent us packing. So we moved, but not far. And by now it was raining. The same ole story. When there's "weather", the game fish quit and here comes the bait snatchers. Personally, I was sick and tired of it already. Sick and tired of leaving the dock with no predictable weather or known action. Or let me say, I know what the deal is. So there's no mystery. But that's this time of year, that's for sure.
Has me already longing for deep winter days along the jetty rocks, again. At least I know what we're in for then.
And now add in the Mangrove Snappers, OMG!
We fished our way back, and Robin and Jason and I caught a few more small trout, a few Ladyfish, and a mini 1/8th pound Jack Crevalle....Whoa! Variety!
So our day ended with two keeper Trout in the box out of 8 dozen live shrimp. YOU do the math.
Jason was actually "schooled" by his low key, and secretly intense wife. And she was great to have along. Because if it was just jason and I, we would have quit from boredom. But Robin kept a pace.
We had fun, but the weather guessers were so wrong, and that's what really pissed me off. I was so looking forward to a kick butt day after cancellations and reschedules because of the forced weeks vacation I had.....Loosing too much $$, because of it.
No video, No photos. Too busy working to put a fish in the cooler.
Monday, May 6, 2013
5/6 - The HD Croaker float...."its time"
TECH-TIP:
Welcome again to the Wolf Den for a Tech-Tip. It's time to build a few more HD Croaker Floats for summer.
Here's how I do it:
.051 heavy SS lure wire - Obtained on Ebay always from seller:
(edgara1106salguero on Ebay)
4" Pear Floats - In bulks can be obtained at:
www.floatsunlimited.com - Comal
A few beads, and a heavy swivel to be used as weight to get float to stand straight up.
A vice is handy.
A live 3-4" Croaker, or a large Mullet and you're ready.
This is just "ONE" way of rigging a float for the job. SURE, there's loads of other options. I just like these, because I've used them for Croaker fishing to chunking baits to 100 pound Blacktip sharks, behind a shrimp boat over the nets. Emphasis is on "H.D."
(disregard "time stamp" on video. I was using a brand new Sports-Vue 360 HD, and had not cleared the un-wanted menu items just yet)
Welcome again to the Wolf Den for a Tech-Tip. It's time to build a few more HD Croaker Floats for summer.
Here's how I do it:
.051 heavy SS lure wire - Obtained on Ebay always from seller:
(edgara1106salguero on Ebay)
4" Pear Floats - In bulks can be obtained at:
www.floatsunlimited.com - Comal
A few beads, and a heavy swivel to be used as weight to get float to stand straight up.
A vice is handy.
A live 3-4" Croaker, or a large Mullet and you're ready.
This is just "ONE" way of rigging a float for the job. SURE, there's loads of other options. I just like these, because I've used them for Croaker fishing to chunking baits to 100 pound Blacktip sharks, behind a shrimp boat over the nets. Emphasis is on "H.D."
(disregard "time stamp" on video. I was using a brand new Sports-Vue 360 HD, and had not cleared the un-wanted menu items just yet)
Sunday, May 5, 2013
5/5 - ABSOLUTE POLICY
Well, my Sunday charter didn't want to go. They called last night and in the midst of serious down pours. They don't know the weather as well as "their Guide does". I told them, "I was still on. I have faith it's over on Sunday according to all forecasts." But they didn't want to go.
And as it turned out....I was correct. We could have gone today, on Sunday 5/5!!
So....Here's the new policy:
NO charters will be cancelled or rescheduled because of weather, until the morning of. So, unless notified by Capt Dave, via telephone call. Be prepared to stay with plans and show up at the boat ramp, 15 minutes prior to departure time. And no matter what, come prepared with proper attire, because you will be in the great outdoors.
And as it turned out....I was correct. We could have gone today, on Sunday 5/5!!
So....Here's the new policy:
NO charters will be cancelled or rescheduled because of weather, until the morning of. So, unless notified by Capt Dave, via telephone call. Be prepared to stay with plans and show up at the boat ramp, 15 minutes prior to departure time. And no matter what, come prepared with proper attire, because you will be in the great outdoors.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
4/30 - EATZ FLATZ BOATZ FOR LUNCH!
Just never understood why we don't see these around here. #1 it's ALUMINUM, #2 it eats mud for dinner. And we have no lack of m-u-d around here. That's my buzz word usually for creek fishing,
aka: "been fishing back in Mud Valley Creek?" Is usually how I call it. Call it like ya see it, I always say. I'd love to have one with even a "single" on the stern. Even if I'm not on the bayou.
Damn, Not Great!
"Rest of week Marine Forecast Link"
aka: "been fishing back in Mud Valley Creek?" Is usually how I call it. Call it like ya see it, I always say. I'd love to have one with even a "single" on the stern. Even if I'm not on the bayou.
Damn, Not Great!
"Rest of week Marine Forecast Link"
Monday, April 29, 2013
4/28 - part deux: Spring T'routz in 20 kts!
Had a early morning "2 hour kids trip", with the Wong family with special guest Grandpa visiting from California. And had a hard time even giving a fresh shrimp away for the kids bottom fishing in the wicked pissah of a "fool" moon flooding tide at the jetties.
They caught a few small Whiting, and tiny Yellermouths, and that was it!
Afterwards, my afternoon ended up being open. So I gambled and went on a "speckley bastard" hunt.
Whoa the dinks were ferocious. Fourteen inchers galore. I did manage my measly limit of 6, but lost a BIG Trout on the first spot, in the first 5 minutes of fishing. I did scrape a limit together of 15-17 inchers. Had a bout with the spring/summer scourge fish species, Jacks, Ladyfish and Blues.
And then the ride back to the dock on the last of the falling tide buckin' a due East 20 Knot Wind.
That's the reason YOU will not be fishing in a flat bottom or a small skiff. I just hammered through it at 4800 RPM's. Not great fun, with no load and hardly any fuel weight. But I made it in one piece.
"CLICK SUBSCRIBE"
- if you'd like to receive email notification of new uploads of mine.
They caught a few small Whiting, and tiny Yellermouths, and that was it!
Afterwards, my afternoon ended up being open. So I gambled and went on a "speckley bastard" hunt.
Whoa the dinks were ferocious. Fourteen inchers galore. I did manage my measly limit of 6, but lost a BIG Trout on the first spot, in the first 5 minutes of fishing. I did scrape a limit together of 15-17 inchers. Had a bout with the spring/summer scourge fish species, Jacks, Ladyfish and Blues.
And then the ride back to the dock on the last of the falling tide buckin' a due East 20 Knot Wind.
That's the reason YOU will not be fishing in a flat bottom or a small skiff. I just hammered through it at 4800 RPM's. Not great fun, with no load and hardly any fuel weight. But I made it in one piece.
"CLICK SUBSCRIBE"
- if you'd like to receive email notification of new uploads of mine.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
4/22 - TECH-TIP.....blustery day project
Blustery day project:
EZ...riggin. "The Dropper-Loop". Not just for party boats. But a great rig for all bottom fishing.
Keep bait off bottom, away from stingers, perfect Croaker, Whiting, Drum, Redbass Rig.
EZ...riggin. "The Dropper-Loop". Not just for party boats. But a great rig for all bottom fishing.
Keep bait off bottom, away from stingers, perfect Croaker, Whiting, Drum, Redbass Rig.
4/22 - Full blow......B-L-O-W O-U-T!
Now, this a something...a full blown Nor-Easter in the last of April.
keep in mind: 1 knot = 1.15077945 miles per hour
Wind speeds to 30+ knots!!!!
keep in mind: 1 knot = 1.15077945 miles per hour
Ya wanna know the super duper BRIGHT SIDE of this blow-out? |
Hopefully these little bastards will be blown around and scattered. So we can get back to "real" fishing, rather than feeding them .20 cent live shrimp.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
My WICKEDLY sharp hooks that are lean
Sharp hooks are absolutely essential. But, they can come at a high price, too!
Well, as I tell many people. I am a professional tackle shopper. I always look for the best value.
The hooks I use spark a lot of attention, on my boat by my charter customers. From my float-rig hooks to my bottom fishing hooks. I use ONE brand, and I use only ONE style of hook.
Because these hook are not expensive, they are not at ever tackle shop, and many times people are spending way too much for their hooks. I give you this info.
I refer to it as staying, LEAN. Less tackle, less consumption, a good product that can do it all. I have confidence in, and have proved their worth. All at a great price!
Thinking lean, can , also be "mean"....especially when it comes to the Matzuo Sickle Bend "turned in eye" hooks. That I have been using for years. Mean, as in you have confidence, and more cashola in your pocket afterwards. Because, you won't have to even think about what hook to use. You'll have plenty and know they work.
So...what hook am I talking about?
Here it is, being tested. BIG TIME!
- watch this video! These hooks can catch monster fish.
MATZUO...many have never heard of them.
But I can...HANG THESE HOOKS ON MY FINGER PRINT!
The super benefit of these style hooks with the "turned in eye", is these are made to be SNELLED.
Snelling is the STRONGEST connection you can make. If you do not know how to snell a hook easily.
PRACTICE, and watch this Video: http://youtu.be/sj0QY8mXDVw
Much of what I'm talking about here has been already covered. "Were YOU paying attention?"
The only place I find a very good selection of these hooks is here on Cabelas.
I just ordered more hooks for this summer. And I found these non-sickle bends on sale. I like the "sickle bends", but heck for float-rig fishing these will also work great:
Non-sickle, but same hook on SALE - "LINK"
You asked (if you fished with me over the last few years) so here it is. All laid out for you.
A great reason to be a Capt Dave's Blog reader!
Well, as I tell many people. I am a professional tackle shopper. I always look for the best value.
The hooks I use spark a lot of attention, on my boat by my charter customers. From my float-rig hooks to my bottom fishing hooks. I use ONE brand, and I use only ONE style of hook.
Because these hook are not expensive, they are not at ever tackle shop, and many times people are spending way too much for their hooks. I give you this info.
I refer to it as staying, LEAN. Less tackle, less consumption, a good product that can do it all. I have confidence in, and have proved their worth. All at a great price!
Thinking lean, can , also be "mean"....especially when it comes to the Matzuo Sickle Bend "turned in eye" hooks. That I have been using for years. Mean, as in you have confidence, and more cashola in your pocket afterwards. Because, you won't have to even think about what hook to use. You'll have plenty and know they work.
So...what hook am I talking about?
Here it is, being tested. BIG TIME!
- watch this video! These hooks can catch monster fish.
MATZUO...many have never heard of them.
But I can...HANG THESE HOOKS ON MY FINGER PRINT!
The super benefit of these style hooks with the "turned in eye", is these are made to be SNELLED.
Snelling is the STRONGEST connection you can make. If you do not know how to snell a hook easily.
PRACTICE, and watch this Video: http://youtu.be/sj0QY8mXDVw
Much of what I'm talking about here has been already covered. "Were YOU paying attention?"
The only place I find a very good selection of these hooks is here on Cabelas.
I just ordered more hooks for this summer. And I found these non-sickle bends on sale. I like the "sickle bends", but heck for float-rig fishing these will also work great:
Non-sickle, but same hook on SALE - "LINK"
You asked (if you fished with me over the last few years) so here it is. All laid out for you.
A great reason to be a Capt Dave's Blog reader!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Spring Week of: "After Tax day"
Had great weather....until the weekend. Saturday brought rain, cold, and 20 kt. winds. Not a great combo. BIG front came in.
But prior, it was sweet!
Lots of action.
Here's the highlights....
FROM: FAT SEABASS TO SPANISH MACS,
TROUT, DRUM, BLUES, JACKS, "GATOR" TROUT, REDS AND SHEEPSHEAD.
"Green-head" river Seabass
Good "eater" Drum
5 pound Gator Trout
Sheepshead on the Float-rig
From: 4/19 - Knight Charter
But prior, it was sweet!
Lots of action.
Here's the highlights....
FROM: FAT SEABASS TO SPANISH MACS,
TROUT, DRUM, BLUES, JACKS, "GATOR" TROUT, REDS AND SHEEPSHEAD.
"Green-head" river Seabass
Good "eater" Drum
5 pound Gator Trout
Sheepshead on the Float-rig
From: 4/19 - Knight Charter
Sunday, April 14, 2013
4/14 - Doc went North.....
I sat Thursday morning listening to the NOAA weather radio while waiting for my customers to arrive.
And last Thursday in 2012, that day it was a high of 91 degrees!
Radical difference between what Ray, little 9 year old Mathew, and myself felt while struggling to catch any decent fish.......THE WHOLE DAY!!!
We started at the jetties. It was a bit sloppy. I had Mathew drift a float with a live shrimp behind the boat and 10 feet off the stern. His float..."bobbed". Hit by either a Bluefish or a small Spanish Mackerel. He reels in and YEP, the shrimp was clipped like it was cut with scissors.
2nd try - same
3rd try - same
4th try - same
They don't have to eat alot of my expensive live shrimp for me to get the message;
It's over as far as float-rig fishing shrimp at the inlet. If there was a Trout out there. You'll never catch it, anyhow.
That's when my "winter" Trout fishing buddy, Doc Miller heads North. Oh, he was actually out here on Wednesday. Back to N.C. and he won't pick up a rod and reel again till fall. Or when the frost starts in the mountains of North Carolina. Then, he'll quietly slip back into J-ville put the boat in the water and rig up his float fishing rods once again.
So what's the morale of this story?
You guessed it......Dave's favorite part of the year is over. Just like it is for Doc.
In the last few trips it's been like an invasion of an alien race, in that river. Mother Nature is so outa whack it's incredible.
I say this every single year; "Someone needs to find a lucrative market use for a 6-12" Bluefish. Put a price on their heads. And then, it would be as if they never existed. It would be worth bringing back inshore gill nets just to see these fish extinguished from our waters."
(actually....UN wanted)
Sounds harsh I know. But, I absolutely hate them. With every bone in my body!
Yesterday. I had a great crew...Rich, Kerry, Scott, local folks. No Kids. I made the effort to run 12-14 miles on way from the boat ramp away from the Mayport area. Just with hope, that I may...just may get far enough away from the Bluefish to actually catch some quality Trout.
NO DICE! The bluefish ate our live shrimp, and Matrix shads off our jigs from the first spot to the last spot, and when there's all these teeth around the Speckled Sea Trout aren't coming out to play either. We caught a few trout. But it was a struggle. And we even saw Spanish Mackerel jumping out of the water in the river, 14 miles from the inlet, also.
Now, I'm booked: April 17-18-19-20....(a good thing after Tax day)
By Sunday the 21st, "pour me in a Dixie cup, I'm already looking forward to next November!"
And last Thursday in 2012, that day it was a high of 91 degrees!
Radical difference between what Ray, little 9 year old Mathew, and myself felt while struggling to catch any decent fish.......THE WHOLE DAY!!!
We started at the jetties. It was a bit sloppy. I had Mathew drift a float with a live shrimp behind the boat and 10 feet off the stern. His float..."bobbed". Hit by either a Bluefish or a small Spanish Mackerel. He reels in and YEP, the shrimp was clipped like it was cut with scissors.
2nd try - same
3rd try - same
4th try - same
They don't have to eat alot of my expensive live shrimp for me to get the message;
It's over as far as float-rig fishing shrimp at the inlet. If there was a Trout out there. You'll never catch it, anyhow.
That's when my "winter" Trout fishing buddy, Doc Miller heads North. Oh, he was actually out here on Wednesday. Back to N.C. and he won't pick up a rod and reel again till fall. Or when the frost starts in the mountains of North Carolina. Then, he'll quietly slip back into J-ville put the boat in the water and rig up his float fishing rods once again.
So what's the morale of this story?
You guessed it......Dave's favorite part of the year is over. Just like it is for Doc.
In the last few trips it's been like an invasion of an alien race, in that river. Mother Nature is so outa whack it's incredible.
I say this every single year; "Someone needs to find a lucrative market use for a 6-12" Bluefish. Put a price on their heads. And then, it would be as if they never existed. It would be worth bringing back inshore gill nets just to see these fish extinguished from our waters."
(actually....UN wanted)
Sounds harsh I know. But, I absolutely hate them. With every bone in my body!
Yesterday. I had a great crew...Rich, Kerry, Scott, local folks. No Kids. I made the effort to run 12-14 miles on way from the boat ramp away from the Mayport area. Just with hope, that I may...just may get far enough away from the Bluefish to actually catch some quality Trout.
NO DICE! The bluefish ate our live shrimp, and Matrix shads off our jigs from the first spot to the last spot, and when there's all these teeth around the Speckled Sea Trout aren't coming out to play either. We caught a few trout. But it was a struggle. And we even saw Spanish Mackerel jumping out of the water in the river, 14 miles from the inlet, also.
Now, I'm booked: April 17-18-19-20....(a good thing after Tax day)
By Sunday the 21st, "pour me in a Dixie cup, I'm already looking forward to next November!"
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
4/10 - KNIVES & FISH CLEANING
Yep, knives and fish cleaning go hand in hand...and like anything else you can take it to the limit or just go 1/2 way.
I can't afford to go 1/2 way. That's why I've been doing some studying up on fish cleaning, buying a fantastic sharpener, watching fish cleaning video's from experts, and getting better knives.
I did a video on the Worksharp belt knife sharpener. http://youtu.be/59u2M6JZTdk
At that time I took and old beat up Rapala knife and sharpened it with the Worksharp belt sharpener.
(say that 10 times fast!)
Then, I went out and did a weeks fishing. I had a trip where we filled the cooler slap full of Whiting and then filled the cracks left with Yellowmouth Trout. Then, I cleaned a Sheepshead and a Black Drum, and then did a whole bunch more Whiting.
I figured I cleaned 100+ fish, total. On that "re-honed-re-sharpened" old Rapala knife. And in the mean time I watch some Youtube video's on how the fish market experts clean fish. Under fantastic conditions I might add. Running water, good light, no bird attacks, no kids jumping around. Unlike how and when I clean fish!
I learned from a Youtuber that a skinning blade is an awesome fish cleaning tool rather than a think fillet knife. So I bought two 5" Forschner skinners. And used his fish cleaning techniques. Awesome!
Here's a follow-up video:
Check out this link to Capt Vince's Youtube channel and let a master show ya a thing or two.
Using a skinning blade. http://www.youtube.com/user/CaptainVincentRusso
Consider the passing on Capt Vince's Youtube channel about fish cleaning, a new TECH-TIP.
I learned alot. I think you will too.
I can't afford to go 1/2 way. That's why I've been doing some studying up on fish cleaning, buying a fantastic sharpener, watching fish cleaning video's from experts, and getting better knives.
I did a video on the Worksharp belt knife sharpener. http://youtu.be/59u2M6JZTdk
At that time I took and old beat up Rapala knife and sharpened it with the Worksharp belt sharpener.
(say that 10 times fast!)
Then, I went out and did a weeks fishing. I had a trip where we filled the cooler slap full of Whiting and then filled the cracks left with Yellowmouth Trout. Then, I cleaned a Sheepshead and a Black Drum, and then did a whole bunch more Whiting.
I figured I cleaned 100+ fish, total. On that "re-honed-re-sharpened" old Rapala knife. And in the mean time I watch some Youtube video's on how the fish market experts clean fish. Under fantastic conditions I might add. Running water, good light, no bird attacks, no kids jumping around. Unlike how and when I clean fish!
I learned from a Youtuber that a skinning blade is an awesome fish cleaning tool rather than a think fillet knife. So I bought two 5" Forschner skinners. And used his fish cleaning techniques. Awesome!
Here's a follow-up video:
Check out this link to Capt Vince's Youtube channel and let a master show ya a thing or two.
Using a skinning blade. http://www.youtube.com/user/CaptainVincentRusso
Consider the passing on Capt Vince's Youtube channel about fish cleaning, a new TECH-TIP.
I learned alot. I think you will too.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
4/9 - This past weekend...
Wheww, was this past weekend brutal. To start, I had "kids" aboard again. Along with dad and Grandpa. Super nice folks and well behaved kids. The wind was HOWLING, of course. And there was no re-scheduling this time. Because this was already a re-scheduled trip from Feb. because it was too cold for the kids. Said Grandma'.
One Sheepshead and MUCHO Croakers, while hiding from the nasty 25 kt gusting winds.
The four person trips are a real bear. Then, add in young kids, then add in 25 knot gusting winds. But, I made it through all the "spring breaks", I guess. The next "group affairs" I'm sure will come over July 4th. And then, we'll contend with the heat instead.
I know it's mandatory to fill my capacity sometimes. But yesterday I had a call...."Hi, I've talked to people who've fished with you, watch your Youtube video's and would like to book a day. I have 5-6 people......."
"Whoaaaaa!! Let's stop right there", I said. "That's already 2-3 person past what I do and what's a quality day."
And at the same time, this person thought I did offshore charters. Which leads me to believe nothing about what he told me. No Youtube video's are offshore, and no one who has been with me on my boat in the last 5 years has been offshore.
I told him, personally I'd find a 40' boat with a mate with that many people. So not to be "shoe-horned in" a small boat with 6 people. But hell, what do I know......?
Okay, back to this past weekend. And my observations, of such. Sunday I had a very late notice booking. AGAIN, 4 teen-agers and grandpa. NOTHING was working out other than catching BAIT.
We hit a Croaker spot and loaded the livewell full of perfect bait sized Croak's. I had plans to get the hell outa Dodge City. "You know, the HUB. The area where all the boat traffic is. Where the Coasties are on the rampage and stopping people just minding their own damn business driving up the river. Away from the ghetto cruisers in constant crossing mode from ICW south to ICW north......You know?"
Yeah, that place I went is called 'past the Dames Point bridge'. Ahhhh, no traffic, no coasties, no ghetto cruisers. But for us, fishing the High Tide on a NEW MOON. No current either!!!
Fished live mini Croakers along two rock piles without a sniff. While pitching jigs and matrix shads every now and then, if we could. Because the GNATS were chewing us to pieces! There was zero wind. We could hardly fish.
I should have just went straight to the jetties with this crew. Three teen-agers and grandpa'. But we did manage a few Trout and blues on the Matrix shads, before giving up on the deal with fishing baby live Croakers, because the gnats were so bad everywhere we went.
After heading back eastward. Every 60 seconds the three teen-agers were tangled, stuck, snaggled, back-lashed, or breaking something, or wrestling on the bow. It wasn't what I'd hoped for, let me tell ya!
So that's what I did last weekend.
Is "spring break over yet"??
Looking to get back to a few adults and some actual light tackle sport fishing.
One Sheepshead and MUCHO Croakers, while hiding from the nasty 25 kt gusting winds.
The four person trips are a real bear. Then, add in young kids, then add in 25 knot gusting winds. But, I made it through all the "spring breaks", I guess. The next "group affairs" I'm sure will come over July 4th. And then, we'll contend with the heat instead.
I know it's mandatory to fill my capacity sometimes. But yesterday I had a call...."Hi, I've talked to people who've fished with you, watch your Youtube video's and would like to book a day. I have 5-6 people......."
"Whoaaaaa!! Let's stop right there", I said. "That's already 2-3 person past what I do and what's a quality day."
And at the same time, this person thought I did offshore charters. Which leads me to believe nothing about what he told me. No Youtube video's are offshore, and no one who has been with me on my boat in the last 5 years has been offshore.
I told him, personally I'd find a 40' boat with a mate with that many people. So not to be "shoe-horned in" a small boat with 6 people. But hell, what do I know......?
Okay, back to this past weekend. And my observations, of such. Sunday I had a very late notice booking. AGAIN, 4 teen-agers and grandpa. NOTHING was working out other than catching BAIT.
We hit a Croaker spot and loaded the livewell full of perfect bait sized Croak's. I had plans to get the hell outa Dodge City. "You know, the HUB. The area where all the boat traffic is. Where the Coasties are on the rampage and stopping people just minding their own damn business driving up the river. Away from the ghetto cruisers in constant crossing mode from ICW south to ICW north......You know?"
Yeah, that place I went is called 'past the Dames Point bridge'. Ahhhh, no traffic, no coasties, no ghetto cruisers. But for us, fishing the High Tide on a NEW MOON. No current either!!!
Fished live mini Croakers along two rock piles without a sniff. While pitching jigs and matrix shads every now and then, if we could. Because the GNATS were chewing us to pieces! There was zero wind. We could hardly fish.
I should have just went straight to the jetties with this crew. Three teen-agers and grandpa'. But we did manage a few Trout and blues on the Matrix shads, before giving up on the deal with fishing baby live Croakers, because the gnats were so bad everywhere we went.
After heading back eastward. Every 60 seconds the three teen-agers were tangled, stuck, snaggled, back-lashed, or breaking something, or wrestling on the bow. It wasn't what I'd hoped for, let me tell ya!
So that's what I did last weekend.
Is "spring break over yet"??
Looking to get back to a few adults and some actual light tackle sport fishing.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
4/5 - W-O-W
Ya know if you're visiting from "afar" and staying in a hotel or even at Grandma's house.
The easiest thing to do is head over to Singleton's Seafood Shack around the corner from the boat ramp docks where we'll be departing and going back to for any fish cleaning. And then have Singleton's cook up your fish for you.
At I think $3.00 a pound. It sure is a nice way to end the days adventure. Add in some Onion rings a pitcher of beer or sweet tea and you'll have a relaxing unwind from the day of bouncing around fishing and can re-cap the excitement by eating your own FISH!
Susan, just emailed this FEAST PHOTO from Singletons after their charter day. (COOLER SLAP FULL OF TASTY WHITING!)
Looks like Singletons had to break out the giant browny pans to serve up this hungry family of four (w/ two growing boys)
Well, that is what was left after my big day with the Fuqua Family from Georgia....
You remember them huh?
Just a few reports:
You too can do this.
I skin, de-bone, fillet all your fish for you "after" your days fishing trips back at the dock.
(on a gratuity basis, after charter is done)
The easiest thing to do is head over to Singleton's Seafood Shack around the corner from the boat ramp docks where we'll be departing and going back to for any fish cleaning. And then have Singleton's cook up your fish for you.
At I think $3.00 a pound. It sure is a nice way to end the days adventure. Add in some Onion rings a pitcher of beer or sweet tea and you'll have a relaxing unwind from the day of bouncing around fishing and can re-cap the excitement by eating your own FISH!
Susan, just emailed this FEAST PHOTO from Singletons after their charter day. (COOLER SLAP FULL OF TASTY WHITING!)
Looks like Singletons had to break out the giant browny pans to serve up this hungry family of four (w/ two growing boys)
Well, that is what was left after my big day with the Fuqua Family from Georgia....
You remember them huh?
Just a few reports:
You too can do this.
I skin, de-bone, fillet all your fish for you "after" your days fishing trips back at the dock.
(on a gratuity basis, after charter is done)
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