Inshore/nearshore report Jacksonville area waters
Capt. Bob Cosby
May 4, 2009
Jacksonville - Saltwater Fishing Report
May fishing report Jacksonville area waters
The fishing has really picked up recently with the warmer water temperatures and arrival of migratory fish and bait. Spanish mackerel were thick a couple of weeks ago throughout the river system. Now they seem to have moved on north, though you can still catch a stray every now and then. Large ladyfish are plentiful and cooperative. Try a fly rod for some real fun with the ladies!
A couple of days ago we got into some good size jacks crashing bait in the river. Larger bruiser jacks are shadowing the pogie pods offshore. The first king mackerel of the season was caught from the pier a week ago. A customer caught a 10lb blue at the jetties.
There are reports of cobia and rays on the beach, though I haven't seen any yet. Some cobia have been caught free swimming the tide lines and around the pogie pods. Triple tail are also in the area, and are fun to catch and excellent table fare.
Both the reds and gator trout are hitting topwater lures. Higher tide phases and low light conditions work for me. The water temperature is ranging from around 69 to 72 degrees now and the fish are more active. There are also fair numbers of flounder in the creeks. Pogies are moving through the area, and are great bait when you can catch them. Red fishing is good at the jetties. Sheephead have slacked off.
The surf and pier are giving up catches of whiting, some pompano, and speckled trout when the water is clear. All in all, the fishing is exciting right now. Be ready to quickly present the proper bait to a wide variety of gamefish which might show themselves. In other words, don't get tunnel vision seeking one species of fish and miss out on other oportunities that present themselves.
Good fishing!
CAPT Bob
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