Friday, August 25, 2017

8/25 - BULL REDFISH TO MUTTON SNAPPER

TODAY'S CHARTER WAS PRETTY DANG GOOD, I THOUGHT.
FINALLY, WAS BACK TO JUST 2 PEOPLE. (best inshore trip overall, in my mind. and my mind knows all)

STARTED OFF AT THE N. JETTY ON THE FALLING TIDE.....UGH!
WHY I WENT THERE I DON'T KNOW. WANTED TO LOOK AT THE OCEAN I GUESS.

DROPPED DOWN SOME CUT POGIES AND INSTANTLY GOT A BITE.

~~~~NURSE SHARK~~~~
THE BIG UGLY "KITTY KAT"" OF THE SHARK FAMILY. MAJOR DEAD WEIGHT.

NOTHING ELSE DOIN' SO WE BEAT FEET UP INTO THE RIVER, AND GOT SOME REDBASS, BOTTOM FISHING.

1-BREAK OFF.
1-CAME UN-HOOKED RIGHT AT THE BACK OF THE BOAT
1 - LITTLE GUY A 10 POUNDER
1- 35 POUNDER (THAT'S THE WEIGHT I GIVE THEM WHEN THEY SMASH THE BOGA-GRIP ALL THE WAY.)













































































AS USUAL, THE CURRENT ON THE RISING TIDE GOT HEINOUS, SO WE WENT BACK TO THE JETTIES, FISHING THE RISING TIDE.
WE HAD, MANGROVE SNAPPERS, JACKS, BLACK DRUM, SEABASS (OF COURSE) AND A MUTTON SNAPPER.

REALLY? A MUTTON SNAPPER? YEP, I'VE HAD SEVERAL SO FAR THIS SUMMER. THEY HANG OUT WITH THE MANGROVES. AND THERE'S MANY TIMES LITTLE LANE SNAPPERS IN WITH THEM.

JUST THINK. WHEN THEY DREDGE THE RIVER DEEPER AND BANG INTO CHINA ON THE OTHER SIDE, WE'LL REALLY GET EVEN MORE SALTWATER INFLUX OF SPECIES, AS WELL AS CURRENT THAT'LL BE UN-FISHABLE........"OH JOY!!!"  (THERE'S ENTIRE STRETCHES OF THE RIVER NOW THAT THE CURRENT MAKES IT UN-FISHABLE, IN MY OPINION.)



















WE HAD 3 BACK DRUM TO THE BOAT. 2 NICE KEEPERS AND A SMALL THROW-BACK.

WE MAY HAVE HAD MORE. BUT THE SHARKS AT LEAST 5-6 TIMES ATE WHATEVER YOU HOOKED UP THAT WAS A NICE FISH.

YA' GO FROM FIGHTING A NICE FISH TO FEELING A BIG BUMP, AND THEN OFF THEY GO.......DRAG SCREAMING UNDER THE BOAT.
LOTS OF LOST TACKLE, FOR SURE AND FISH.









































SATURDAY:  BACK TO A GROUP OF 4, IN THE WIND?
NORTH-NORTHEAST 15-20 KTS.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

8/20 - More Jr. Anglers.

More Jr. Anglers......."killin em" at the big rocks.























the Blacktip hook up's on pieces of dead shrimp is what was killin' me. 
Can ya believe they are that HUNGRY??"


last Saturday turned 1000 hrs on the Suzuki.












Not bad for three years old. Get out of that summer trolling game and save a Outboard, is how I see it. And No Long Boat Rides, needed.
"Keeps me happy", the Suzuki 250 has been good to me so far. 

Thursday, August 17, 2017

8/17 - After Sharkin, but before getting drenched!

Yep, I went and tried the Sharkin, behind one lonely shrimp boat dragging the beach.

The Sharkin behind the shrimp boats has been dismal to say the least...."because there's no shrimp boats!"

So after easily getting all the Pogies we wanted, we travelled a bit south down the beach and came upon "The Brat", dragging in just 15' of water.

We got like 6 hook ups from some small Sharp-noses. And had the rest pull off the hooks.

Not great action.

So we went out to 50' of water in the S.E. Hole (Old Seaturtle Inn) straight out to 50'.

Started our own chum line and ZILCHO.

So we ran back in the river and caught several Redbass, largest was something like maybe 18 pounds.















































































Lightning struck "super close", so we beat feet the hell outa there.
(ole little Jetties) and not seconds after returning to the dock, here came huge winds and driving rain, that even my Mega-Top couldn't shield us from.

Side ways rain!


Don't ask about "Shark Fishing", cause I'm not wasting the time. Without the Shrimp boat fleet out there. And the Jetty Sharks...well they barely catchable by anyone.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

8/16 - NO TRAILER, NO CHARTERS!!!




http://www.captdaves.com - 904-642-9546 Book your charter Today!

"JETTYWOLF LIVE" - CAPT DAVE GOES THRU HIS PREPAREDNESS TO KEEP HIS BOAT TRAILER GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND TO THE WATER.

ONE THING NOT MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO IS HIS "MANUAL TIRE CHANGER IN HIS SHOP. SO IN THE EVENT A TIRE HAS TO COME OFF THE RIM. HE'S READY FOR THAT TOO.

HERE'S A OLD VIDEO OF DOING JUST THAT ON A SWELTERING SUMMER DAY: https://youtu.be/DP6D_dnaaLM - manual tire changer.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE READY WHEN THERE'S A BLOW-OUT, A NAIL OR SCREW IN A TRAILER TIRE, A SLOW LEAK, AND A BAD SEALING BEAD.

VIAIR COMPRESSOR 12V, A GALLON OF SLIME TIRE SEALANT, PATCHES AND A TIRE PLUG KIT. TRAILER TIRE CHOCKS, HANDTOOLS, SPECIFIC LUG WRENCH, PADS FOR KNEELING ON PAVEMENT, AND FOR DUAL AXLE TRAILERS A TRAILER-AID RAMP.

MOST IF NOT ALL CAN BE FOUND EASILY AND COMPETITIVELY PRICED ON AMAZON. THAT'S WHERE MOST OF MY TRAILER/TRUCK TIRE READINESS KIT CAME FROM AMAZON.


Jacksonville Fishing, Jacksonville Fishing charters, Jacksonville fishing reports, Capt Dave Sipler, Jacksonville Fishing Forecast, Mayport Jetties

Monday, August 14, 2017

8/14 - MORE KIDS...& FREE BAIT!

YEP, A FEW MORE SQUEAKED IN BEFORE SCHOOL STARTED.





























WELL, THIS WEEK I HAVE ADULTS ABOARD THURS. & FRIDAY.


BUT, I BET YOU DON'T KNOW THIS!

''FREE BLUE CRABS''....YA KNOW WHERE?

NORTH SIDE OF N. JETTY!!!!

ALL YOU WANT. JUST GO ON OVER THERE AND FISH DEAD SHRIMP ON THE BOTTOM JUST OFF THE ROCKS.

YEP. CATCH YOUR OWN REDBASS BAIT, FOR JUST A FEW HOURS INVESTED.

THE CRABS OVER THERE ARE ''INSANE''.  OR BETTER YET, IF YOU HAVE A CRAB TRAP, CHUCK IT OUT WHILE FISHING AND GET A DOZEN OR TWO.

THAT'S WHAT WE DID THE OTHER DAY. GOT A DOZEN PERFECTLY LEGAL BEAUTIFUL CRABS FOR BAIT.
http://m.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/blue-crab/

''ALONG WITH SOME TINY LIVE CROAKERS, TOO''

PROBLEM WAS EVEN USING HALVED CRACKED CRABS LATER THAT DAY, WE NEVER GOT A SINGLE REDBASS BITE, ALL ALONG THE OLD LITTLE JETTIES.

GO FIGURE. 
THE ST. JOHNS SHOWED ITS AZZ THAT DAY, FOR SURE.

Friday, August 11, 2017

8/11 - FOLLOW-UP ON TRU-TURN HOOK




"JETTYWOLF TACKLE JUNKIE"

FOLLOW-UP VIDEO ABOUT THE ''NEW'' TRU-TURN HOOKS. SO CALLED CATFISH HOOK(?) NOTHING MORE THAN A MARKETING DEAL. ANYONE CAN USE THESE HOOKS.

THEY HAVE THE SAME PERMA-STEEL FINISH AS A VMC. SO THEY ARE GOOD FOR SALTWATER FISHERMAN.....IN WHICH I AM.

NO I'M NOT A CATFISHERMAN FROM KANSAS!

I'M A SALTWATER FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE TRYING OUT THE TRU-TURN HOOKS FOR THE FIRST TIME, BECAUSE OF THE FINNISH AND 4/0 SIZE.

SEE MY ORIGINAL VIDEO - https://youtu.be/vwuBZEo9eAE

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

8/9 - the RUSH of 2 hr Kids Trips...before school starts

Plus I have a Kids Trip tomorrow as well.  Then, all will come to a complete halt as far as taking the kids fishing, as soon as school starts.

But the start of school seems to effect adults too. Even swinging single people!
Why is that?
I have no clue.

But either way I'll be back into adult trips starting Sunday with a full boat of guys from Indiana I think. A bunch of sweetwater fisherman....hahaha

They probably think we're going out for Marlin, Dolphin and Halibut.

Either way here's some shots of the kids I had aboard the last few days.

Again: Its always difficult to get Kids and fish in a really good photo. Many catch fish and then are scared to death of them. I wondered about that, so I asked my dad, "was I ever scared of a fish, as a kid?" He said, I guess not because I don't ever remember you being afraid of the water or fish.

SEE? That's why I'm your fearless fishing Guide!

 


ya can't tell but this was a HUGE Whiting about 16-17 inches!  Damn, wish we could of had a whole box of those!



Then, here's what I thought was a photo. Instead I had the video going instead.
These two kids were a hoot. Soooo, into fishing it was unbelievable. For their ages, I don't see that, much.





Monday, August 7, 2017

8/7 - P-O-S-T

NEW....FOR SALE 

''LIKE DIRT CHEAP''. 

SHIMANO TEKOTA 300 LEVELWIND STAR DRAG REEL. 

NEVER SEEN H2O. 

$95 PICK UP. 
msrp $150 all day long. 

E-MAIL ME IF INTERESTED: CHARTER@CAPTDAVES.COM



NEED A ROD FOR IT?
I MAYBE ABLE TO HOOK YA UP WITH THAT TOO.

Friday, August 4, 2017

8/4 - back to back, two hour KIDS TRIPS

HAD TWO TWO HR. KIDS TRIPS BOOKED TODAY,
UNDER GREY SKIES AND EVEN A MISTING OF RAIN.

NO BIG DEAL....UNDER MY NEW MEGA ALUMINUM TOP I HAD BUILT FOR THE JETTYWOLF.

THE MORNING TRIP WAS AT HIGH TIDE, WITH LOTS OF SMALL FISH FOR MY TWO SMILEY JR. ANGLERS.



















GETTING STARTED....THE KIDS LEARNING THE TACKLE
AND FEELING THE BITE.




























THE LATE MORNING TRIP WAS ON THE FALLING TIDE, WITH LOADS OF CATFISH, AND SKATES....I GUESS ALL THE RAIN AND EAST WINDS STIRRED THE RIVER UP.

EVEN HAD A CATFISH FALL OFF THE HOOK, AND HIT MY LEATHER SHOE, AND HAVE ITS PECTORAL SPINE RUN STRAIGHT THRU MY SHOE AND INTO MY FOOT INSIDE!  W-O-W, DID THAT SMART!!!

THEN, AS WE FISHED WE HOOKED UP A MONSTER. AT LEAST A MONSTER FOR WHERE WE WERE FISHING, 9 FOOT OF WATER!























A 30 PLUS INCH 14 POUND REDFISH...DAD HAD TO TAKE OVER ON THIS ONE, WHILE ONE DAUGHTER (THE OLDEST) GOT TO HELP FINISH HIM OFF)

THEN NOT LONG AFTER, WE HOOKED UP ON A KID FAVORITE.
A DECENT SIZE BONNETHEAD SHARK THAT GAVE A GOOD PULL FOR THE GIRLS.

 























OVER ALL TWO FUN TRIPS WITH THE KIDS.



GET YOUR KIDS OUT FISHING FOR A FEW HOURS QUICK, BEFORE THEY START SCHOOL. IT'S  REAL EZ. JUST GIVE ME A CALL TO SET UP A DATE.

NORMALLY THE KIDS TRIPS ARE FOR WEEK DAYS, BUT I CAN DO A SUNDAY IF I HAVE NOTHING ELSE BOOKED.

904-642-9546  8AM-8PM
 OR EMAIL ME VIA THE CONTACT CAPT DAVE FORM 
ON THE RIGHT SIDE BAR OF THIS BLOG.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

8/1 - OH NO... IT'S AUGUST!! SO, IS THERE A BETTER MOUSE TRAP





http://www.captdaves.com - 904-642-9546 Book your charter Today!

"JETTYWOLF TACKLE JUNKIE" ANOTHER INSTALLMENT FROM THE WOLF DEN, TALKING ABOUT TRU-TURNS NEW CATFISH HOOK.......WHY IS EVERYTHING '''CATFISH'''.......WHY NOT ALL FISH? SO TIRED OF THE CATFISH THING.

LETS SEE HOW THESE WORK ON BIG BRUTUS ''REDFISH''!!! SALTWATER FISHING

OTHER VIDEO LINKS:

JIGHEAD HOOK SIZES: https://youtu.be/do4PW_MkbAs

THE SNELL CONNECTION & HOOK STYLES: https://youtu.be/IWKXBcwspxM

Sunday, July 30, 2017

7/30 - BIG MORNING RAIN, TODAY

UNDER THE JETTYWOLF'S NEW BOAT TOP ENJOYING THE SHADE.

YEP, 10/18 WILL BE THE JETTYWOLF'S 11TH BIRTHDAY, AND THIS WAS SO OVER DUE.

IT'S LIKE A NEW BOAT!!


ON THE TRAILER AT FAB SHOP







ON THE WATER















""READ VIDEO DESCRIPTION""

http://www.captdaves.com - (904) 642-9546 Book your charter Today! 

"JOIN ME ABOARD THE JETTYWOLF"

COUNT MY PAST BOAT THE ""FOR REELIN II"", I HAVE FISHED IN THE SUN FOR 17 YEARS OUT OF MY 21 YEARS AS A FULL-TIME FISHING GUIDE IN JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA.

BUT WITH A MODIFICATION.....A WELDED ALUMINUM TOP. I HAVE A ALL NEW BOAT NOW.

I DID THIS FOR YOU AS WELL AS FOR ME. I WANT YOU MY CLIENT TO BE COMFORTABLE. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, DIDN'T WANT TO LOOSE THE MASSIVE ""FISH-ABILITY"" OF MY 26' ALLOY PLATE CENTER CONSOLE BOAT, THAT IS SO VERSATILE.

THE JETTYWOLF FLOATS IN 2 FEET OF WATER WITH 5 OF US ON IT. AND CAN TACKLE THE ROUGHEST WATER AT THE ST. JOHNS RIVER INLET, BE THE MOST ECONOMICAL BOAT OUT THERE, AND OF COURSE IT'S THE TOUGH & SAFE FOR ALL AGES. KID FRIENDLY AND CHARTERS ARE VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY. 

TAKE NOTICE, THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE FISHING YOUR LOCAL COASTAL WATERS. NO COMMERCIAL BOATS ARE GLASS......"THEY'RE ALUMINUM!!" 

THE JETTYWOLF ISN'T A BOAT YOU'LL FIND AT BOB'S BOAT SALES ON THE STREET. THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE! 

I CAN SAY HONESTLY, CUSTOMERS DO NOT HARDLY ASK THE SIZE OR THE TYPE OF BOAT THEY'LL BE ON ALL DAY LONG, OR HOW SAFE IT IS FOR THEIR PARENTS OR CHILDREN.

"""THEY SHOULD ASK""""
.......OR YOU CAN END UP ON SOME TIPSY, DINGY, THAT'S ABOUT AS SAFE AS USING YOUR CAR AS A CHARTER FISHING VESSEL!!

JOIN ME, AND SEE WHY HERE ON MY BOAT PLAYLIST VIA YOUTUBE: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...





Wednesday, July 26, 2017

7/26 - FINALLY.......!!!!



"A JETTYWOLF MOMENT" - long over due, or I'm just getting old. It's one or the other, but it's happening right now JULY 26th 2017.

This project started with the price shopping, design ideas etc. way back a month ago on June 26th.

I had a standard T-top on my last boat the FOR REELIN ll, but over time and being a real die hard, I took it off and sold it to some guy. I went 100% hard core. Had a super tall custom windshield built, a new grab rail was made to go around the windshield, added 8 rod holders vertically down the side of the console. I fished the boat that way for almost 7 years.

So naturally, when I had the Jettywolf built, I did the same thing. NO TOP...mega console, rod holders running down the side of the console vertically.
The Jettywolf will be 11 years old come October 18th....."that folks is a LONG time to have the sun beating down on you.

Now, the Jettywolf gets a complete make-over! A HUGE FOUR POST TOP!


Jacksonville Fishing, Jacksonville Fishing charters, Jacksonville fishing reports, Capt Dave Sipler, Jacksonville Fishing Forecast, Mayport Jetties: www.captdaves.com


BOW ON

PORT SIDE


STARBOARD SIDE



STERN LOOK FORWARD

Monday, July 24, 2017

7/24 - More New Moon Fishing & Trout Workshop:

CCA FLORIDA ADVOCATE EMAIL:


















7/24 - Big Redbass bite today was not good at all. Had James M and his Mom out all day.

Well at first, it rained on us pretty good first thing this morning. (My new top on the Jettywolf will help with staying dry....when its done. Hopefully by Thursday the 26th!!!!!!)



















this pic just doesn't do these clouds justice. It was ominous looking.
the red bite wasn't even close to two days ago.
but we finally got one to hook itself.



















when the tide was flooding so hard we couldn't even fish for the reds, we fished a slower current area with shrimp and 2 ounce egg sinkers and caught 4 Pup black drum, and two were 15" so they went in the box. We also had mangrove snappers and small Lane snappers.




Sunday, July 23, 2017

7/22 - New Moon, SMOKING current of the ST. JOHNS great salty bay




http://www.captdaves.com - Book your charter Today!

"JETTYWOLF LIVE" - 7/22/2017
fishing with charter customers on the St. johns river, Jacksonville Florida, aboard my ''Jettywolf'', Bottom fishing on a wicked rising NEW MOON, tide, with too much current to start off with. NO LACK OF CURRENT HERE......''we have way too much!!!" We started out with 8 oz. to hit the bottom

7/23 - a few catch pics......VIDEO coming

sometimes it's it seems very difficult to get magazine quality photos of customers, especially the kids. Don't know why, but it is. To get a great photo I need to position the person, the fish, other people on the boat. And no one really wants to work with me.

Thats why video is easier!

here's two examples:




















earlier this week:
- My Large'ness, of course is present, the Black Drum is present, where's my Jr. Angler? but his non-fishing sister sure is there!  I was trying to get me and the kid together....in a good photo.



























on 7/22 We had several good size Bull Redfish. This one was 26 pounds, and after a arduous battle, my angler was struggling to even HOLD the fish up!

-video of this day coming soon.

Friday, July 21, 2017

7/21 - THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD ''LEARNING'' VID, FOR YA'LL





http://www.captdaves.com - - Book your charter Today!

"JETTYWOLF MOMENT"
An ole favorite, the Ugly Stik Striper rod 7' casting MEDIUM LIGHT.
I love a rod that bends, is the bungee cord between the fish and me. I want to challenge my Angling skill, I like LIGHT TACKLE!
I owned these rods when they had terrible silver guides. These rods fill in the MED. LIGHT category, of Ugly Stiks. The new and improved are worth looking at.

** Interesting fishing footage, Black Drum fishing the St. Johns River Inlet, Jacksonville Florida

Ugly Stik Tiger rod Review:
https://youtu.be/t43zNbKooJs?list=PLK...

MY ROD VAULT.....FULL OF NOTHING BUT UGLY STIKS:
https://youtu.be/WUchj9ArbjY?list=PLK...

Friday, July 14, 2017

7/14 - ''I CAN DREAM. CAN'T I?''

IT'S JULY 14TH, THE PINNACLE OF SUMMER. THE ''HEAT'' IS INTENSE. SWEATING INCESSANTLY IS THE NORM.

EVERYONE I TAKE KNOWS IT.  BUT, THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR EVERYONE 'THINKS' IS THE BEST  AND ONLY TIME OF YEAR, TO CATCH BIG FISH.

THEY ARE SO WRONG!!



PERSONALLY.......''I LOVE THIS'' (see videos below)

I LIKE REMINISCING. MAKES ME FEEL NICE AND COOL, IN THE HEAT.






SOOOOO, LOOKING FORWARD TO DAYS LIKE THIS, AGAIN.
C-O-L-D, AND FULL OF FISH.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

7/13 - Join me...OUT ON THE WATER.





http://www.captdaves.com - 904-642-9546

Book your charter Today!

"A JETTYWOLF MOMENT" - let me help YOU, experience ''the life style''. Out on the water, the scenery, the smell of the salt, the fishing. With veteran fishing guide of over 20 years.

St. Johns River, Inlet, Marsh, Coastal waters. 12 months a year, 7 days a week. Call 8am-8pm eastern time: 904-642-9546 ~~~~Jacksonville Sport Fishing with Capt Dave Sipler aboard the 26' JETTYWOLF.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

7/12 - BANANA CURSE????




















TWO YELLOW FISHERMAN'S CURSE, MADE INTO MY COOLER!

We lost a total of 3 big fish today. Did the banana curse have anything to do with this?

WHY ARE BANANAS CONSIDERED FISHING FOOD?  I wouldn't take a banana on a hike through the woods, let alone fishing!

Things were weird, and I mentioned that I  hope we don't have any bananas on board. Then, Bell went up to the cooler and pulled out two neatly frozen bananas!  Of course, I suggested they eat them, and fast. So, we could get a fish to the boat.

Of course, once gone from sight. Connor finally got a few Redfish to the boat and in the net!
















































The current today was way worse than yesterday. (still a full moon)

It's funny that the damn current in this ''great salty bay'', can really hurt a day of fishing. Just imagine how strong it will be after they dredge the ''great salty bay'', another 10' foot deep?  Not sure if I want to be here to see the outcome & destruction.


 

7/11 - Redfish Morning.....Hot Afternoon.

































NEXT....





















Richard and his daughter Susan. "a super crew!!!!!"




























































































Prior customers, Richard and his daughter Susan visiting Ponte Vedra, had a Redfish blow out morning with Bull Redfish from 18 to 12 pounds. Cut chunks of Pogies for bait, using my ""JDM"" Shimano Aji-matic reels from Japan, and Shakespeare Ugly Stik Tiger lite jigging rods.  Fishing the "old" Little Jetties area on a full moon flood tide.

Absolute joy to have aboard the Jettywolf. Susan is just a teen-ager. But certainly didn't act like many teen age girls. "She was ALL IN!"  And that was fun.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

7/11 - planers & spoons.....ole school fish CATCHING!




http://www.captdaves.com - 904-642-9546 Book your charter Today!

"JETTYWOLF How-To"       -spring, summer & fall, EZ fishing

discusses trolling SeaStriker Planers and knock off Clark spoons found on Ebay in bulk. at area inlets for Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, King Mackerel, and more.

Because it's old school, NO ONE does it anymore.
Which is so surprising, because trolling planers & spoons (the hardware) is so effective................

AND FUN TO DO.

Saturday, July 8, 2017

JULY 6, 7, 8th.....HOT

On the 6th had Dave C. ad his 10 year old grandson out, again. (twice this month)
First time was a few weeks ago and we "slayed" the Mangrove Snappers on live shrimp in the river.  This time the Mangroves were hard to find in any numbers. But we still caught a bunch, they were just kinda small to keep. Plus we had several pup Black Drum, Flounder, and Lane Snappers!  The action was good, fishing just live shrimp on light gear.

Here's a pic of a few:



















On the 7th, I had Paul & Charlie from Tenn. (VIDEO COMING)
We hit the inlet with the "hardware". Trolled planers and spoon and had Spanish Mackerel and lot's of 5 pound Jack Crevalles. We tried bottom fishing a little while, there really was no bite. So we packed it in on a 1/2 day trip.  On the video I'll show you what NO ONE does any more.

It's so fun and especially "effective". If you have kids or newbies aboard. This can be a way to show them some all out mayhem, in the saltwater fishing world.




On the 8th I had Big Tom and his son Joseph aboard from Utah.  Joseph was the "hot rod".  We had Redfish up to 20 pounds. And even the first one small enough to keep since last winter!  Coming in at 26 inches.  99% of all my Redfish are all over sized, especially this time of year.

We also had 4 pup Black Drum that came in at a 1/2" short, and many other assorted bottom feeders, such as some Croakers, Seabass, etc.




















This 20# Redfish had a wound. It looked to be a Shark bite. But was healing over.




















Here's a 28-1/2 incher, that was promptly released.





















The 1st "keeper sized"" Redfish aboard the JETTYWOLF in months.
A perfect 26 incher. That turned into a late lunch at Singleton's Seafood Shack in Mayport, after being caught just a few hours before. "That's really fresh seafood!" 

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

July 4th Holiday "season", best and worst!


Every single year, I deal with the same exact thing. Vacation people, wanting me to produce miracles in the middle of summer in this heat.

Year in year out, it's the same thing.

"I want this...."  My answer: "Come back in December!"

Then at the boat ramp. There's the "I own the boat ramp" crowd, and the ""it's all about me, me, me crowd.  AKA: "boat ramp idiots".

YES, this week can be the worst Holiday of the entire year!  

And at the same time my busiest. Some folks  learn to P-L-A-N, and reserve their charters a month in advance instead of calling me the day before.

I also battle N-O-T being a "deep sea party boat" this time of year.

No, I don't go "deep sea fishing", and No, I don't take 8 people.

I know, everyone has bored to tears relatives and friends visiting. So over a cooler of beer and some BBQ, they figure..."lets go deep sea fishing!"

-whatever that is. I really don't know.

(Justin, Sally and myself, boxed a 15 Mangrove limit
while fishing just one spot, plus a Sheepshead.) 



Have not taken many photos over the last week (Hate my new phone and the way it deals with photos!) but here is what I've been doing the most of.

Adults and a few "kids trips". Mangrove Snappers, lots of Black Drum, throw in a summer Sheepshead. Some Yellowmouth Trout, Whiting, too many 4" seabass, piggyperch, and pinfish.  

Disposing of many hooks and sinkers at the Jetties one day. Because the place is a complete Shark fest!  No need to go out there thinking it'll be anything different.  Dead shrimp even gets hook ups on Spinner Sharks!
All I do is stand there and re-rig rods for hours while watching tackle disappear.

(JETTY Black Drum, in between the Sharks )



Lots of "pup" Black Drum around. But not a whole lot make the slot size.

Tried Trout fishing way up river one day. That was futile!! 

My new slogan is, Mangrove (invasive) Snappers, if ya can't beat them, join them. 

Which is another way of saying. "box them!"  Right now a 5 per person limit shouldn't be difficult for anyone. They are damn near carpeting the river and you WILL NOT be able to get away from them! 

So, thats my story prior to the July 4th Holiday, let's see how it'll be when things go back to normal.