Jacksonville Fishing Report for Amelia Island & Mayport
Capt. Dave Sipler
April 19, 2004
Jacksonville - Saltwater Fishing Report
IF IT'S WHOPPERS YOU CRAVE, I'VE GOT'EM.
I've been busier than a one armed bandit in Las Vegas.
And that's a good thing.
The '04 fishing season has really kicked off big time. It was a bit slow on the take off, with weekly set backs as far as water temp goes, but now as we get close to May things are looking a lot better.
If it's whoppers you crave, I've got'em.
Lately, it's been the hunt for big fish, and Black Drum have been the targeted species. From 10-15 pounds is common and actually a small'ish fish in these parts.
I really enjoyed having Jim Dugan a long time client out on good friday, April 9th. He brought along friend Cindy and her two kids. It was a mad rush to get out to the inlet fast, since we left out at 7 am, and had a low tide at 6 am. But we still caught that last of the falling tides current and in the first 2 hours had 100 pounds of fish. A 90 pound Black Drum and a 10 pound Sheepshead.
In between then and now, I've had the opportunity to mix things up a bit and do not only some "bumping for big 'uns" but also some float fishing for Trout and smaller Redfish.
On the 16th for example I took Tom Tichvon and his wife Patricia out, and within minutes of leaving the dock they started to catch thier limit of Trout from 2-3 pounds and a 6 pound keeper Redfish.
I even bagged the first one while showing them what to do.
That's the "instantaneuos gratification" that I'm know for. Afterwards we went and bottom fished. I told Tom to be patient, but he didn't have to. Upon arrival at the spot, he immediately scored a 5 pound Sheepshead. We also picked up another Sheeps and a 10, 12, and 22 pound Black Drum.
But the thrill of the day is when Tom picked up the rod from a light biter and it turned out to be a monster fish on light tackle.
The Loomis back bounce rod bowed over, and the Accurate reels spool started to spin. This was a huge fish, another giant Drum in the 60-90 pound catagory.
After 30 minutes of playing tug of war in a screamin' falling tide current, the fish pulled off the 5/0 circle hook.
Too bad, and Tom was heart broken. But he did have others, and a day in N.E. Florida he'll never forget. Whoppers have a way of making you just crave for more....and more.
I know I'm totally addicted to the bend of the rod, the drag steadily pulling and the burn in the arms and lower back. I love it. Nearly every warm blooded male loves it. And many of the gals too.
Finally, the reports of "bait on the beach" are coming and are not just day dreams. I had one of my friends report that he took a day just to go look.
The answer was a "positive sighting made", the bait (locally known as Pogies) are there off the beach. But scattered all over. Rather than in the tight pods we like to throw our casts nets over. This means a few things:
1- now it's time to get those baits and target just huge Redfish.
2- big fish could be underneath them chowing down too.
There is nothing more simple than a day on the beach, behind the surf, pitching Pogies into the Pogie pods feeling the "pick-up" and setting the hook on a 30+ pound Redfish. It's called Pogie Pod fishing around here. And can be very productive.
One year, I took two fella's down the beach for a day of Pogie Pod fishing, and by late afternoon we ended up 36 miles south of the St. Johns River Inlet where we left from.
But ended up with 20 giant Redfish, a days average of 600 pounds of fish caught by two guys. They were so tired from all the sun and fun, that on the ride home they fell asleep on the front of my console seat.
Not only does the migration of the bait schools along the coast make for good trophy Redfishing, but brings fish like Spanish Mackeral, Cobia, Tarpon, King Mackeral and Shark. So as you can see, their arrival is very important.
In the last few weeks the Black Drum and Sheepshead have been spawning. This has been a good spring so far. I don't know when the light switch will shut off, and they will be done and gone but it usually happens when the water temps hit the low 70's. Along with spawning Yellowmouth and Speckled Trout. As far as my Trout fishing goes it ought to contiue to be hot for the next month or so.
Some of the other things to look forward too is the Pompano and Whiting fishing. I did a trip yesterday and we had success catching some large Whiting Pompano and Sheepshead. It's a perfect trip for the kids or even adults that want to kick back, get some sun and catch a few for dinner. The area in which I do these trips, is unmatched for scenery and seclusion.
Capt. Dave's "Recent Catch" Photo's
You can view updated photos on my web site at:
www.captdaves.com
Here is where the smiling faces or rather the astounded looks can be seen of clients that may just have caught the biggest fish of thier life.
I strive to keep the photos fresh and updated. So you as a customer can see what species I'm talking about before reserving your trip.
So check it often if you plan on visiting Jacksonville and the beaches, Ponte Vedre or Amelia Island this summer.
Not all trips made can be put up on my site, but between myself and my web-master, we try our best.
Till next tide,
FISH HARD, FISH OFTEN
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
"SIZE DOES MATTER"
Jacksonville, Florida
904-642-9546
*Accurate Reels
*G. Loomis Rods, Pro-staff..."fish only the best".
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