Jacksonville Fishing Report for Amelia Island & Mayport
Capt. Dave Sipler
March 15, 2004
Jacksonville - Saltwater Fishing Report
MANTA RAY, AN EARLY "SIGN"?
Man, what a week. Things are really picking up out there on the BIG water.
Just yesterday a buddy of mine caught a small Manta Ray, at the inlet.(So what?...is that what your thinking??)
Well, since good anglers are good observers I'd say that is a "sign". Manta Rays don't show up at the St. Johns River unless the water temps are improving.
Meaning; "winter is over, spring is here".
That means alot to me. I watch every sign I can. Constantly looking for the signals mother nature is giving me. But you have to be perceptive to them. Make note of when you see certain things when out on the water that means, fishing is improving and winter is over. Or that seasonal changes are happening.
I only harp on topics like this because I'm out there when the conditions are not so favorable, and the chill in the wind already has me knowing what kind of day we will be having, "catching wise".
Traditionally, here in N.E. Florida there is two times of the year to pay close attention too. The first one is around Thanksgiving. Seasonal changes will happen at this time. Which means water temps will fall, and fish will be on the move. Either heading south quickly, going offshore where water temps stay more constant or staying close to a food source up in the shallows where sun light can heat the water easily.
Then there's around Easter. Fish are on the move, again. What I look for is fish moving into the river, heading up the beach from the south, bait fish, and more diverse species following the new food sources. And all this comes with warmer waters in and around Easter. Spawning also take place for some species.
LOOKING OUT FOR, "BRUTUS T. REDBASS"
Yesterday (03/14/04) I had some really great guys out from Michigan. The morning started out a tad chilly, but eventually was noted in my Log book as "perfect day #2".
No wind, and warmed up as the day went on. Along with a BIG Redfish. But the size and location of where we caught the Redfish, was duely noted.
It was a River/inlet fisherman's day for a SLAM!
We had our Sheepshead up to 9 pounds, and some Black Drum to 7 pounds, all we needed to make this 1/2 day trip a really good one was a Redfish.
And just as we were about to leave cause tide was going slack, one of the G. Loomis back bounce rods doubled over in the shape of a horse-shoe! I said to myself, "here we go...it's Brutus".
The angler stepped up grabbed the mini-Accurate reel and began to battle what now turned into a our Jetty Slam. Weighed, measured, and photographed the Redfish came in at 16 pounds, and 35 inches! A great catch.
Yes! This is a good sign. Why? Cause the last heavy weight Redfish like this that we caught at this location was on December 6th, and Dave Widner caught the 17 pounder.
NEXT UP....."It's all about, Whoppers".
Here's what we have to look forward too, in the next 6 weeks:
-More "Brood sized" Spawning, Sheepshead. Exceptional fighters, sneaky on the take, but I'll teach you how to get the big momma's.
-Black Drum, I'm looking forward to the arrival of some of those ugly, super big bottom huggers. Each year we at least get a 40-50 pounder, sometimes in the 60-70 pound range, with many in the teens.
-What I wait for all year......BIG BRONZE COLORED REDFISH! C'mon and get your Trophy-FISH!
-Sprinkle in some, Speckled Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalles, and chomper Bluefish. (just for Fun)
It'll be my pleasure to have you aboard the FOR REELIN II, this spring.
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
Jacksonville-Mayport-Amelia Island
Ponte Vedre-St.Augustine, Florida
Group charters accomadated
www.captdaves.com
"SIZE DOES MATTER"
(904)642-9546
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