Jacksonville Fishing Report for Amelia Island & Mayport
Capt. Dave Sipler
April 28, 2006
Jacksonville - Saltwater Fishing Report
5/1/06
IF THERE EVER WAS A TIME FOR TROPHIES
It's MAY!
N.E. FLORIDA'S, top Trophy Speckled Trout month. Redfish, too! And just one great time of year, to be a fisherman. Summer weather is here to stay, for a long time. The first signs of migrating Tarpon, always get me stirred up inside. And baitfish of all sizes are everywhere and all the novelty for hungry predators.
May also is when we say "Hello" to all the fish we haven't seen in a while. Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Ladyfish, and those dang stingrays....everyone loves to hate.
This is the time of year, that I'll start working the river's salinity level. Checking it as I work the upper parts of the river, towards down-town. Hunting big Specks, that settle into bait filled areas of the river, that feels just perfect for the spawn. Last year, during this time 30-50 Trout were not uncommon, for the hard working angler.
Large Redfish. I mean large Redfish, make their presence known for the patient bottom fisherman using large live or cut baits in deep swift parts of the river. Not always as dependable as those spawning Reds in the fall, but just as jumbo.
Last year, in May my customers experienced more big Trout than any other month of the year. This year's anticipation is very high for me, because we've had a lot of big fish so far, and that started in March. So if it gets any better, it'll really be something else.
Light tackle fishing is what I do, 90% of the time. So it's not always about how big the fish ends up being. It's more about what it takes to catch'em, and that's attention to detail. I do not crowd my boat with as many angler's as I can stuff on to it, but rather strive for a quality experience, as we pursue quality fish, for fun and the table.
If you read these reports or my daily reports on my forum with regularity you will have noticed that during the transitional time, (when it's not summer yet but we certainly get glimpses of it ) can be detected in my reports by the noted frustration in my daily reports. Transitional weather has us experiencing days of near perfect weather and fishing, then terrible cold spells, high winds and tough fishing. Although it's just another part of a fisherman's life. I have to say, May, can be "the month that all changes".
One thing, that I have always offered is a discount to anyone reserving more than one days charter fishing. I have regulars that visit Jacksonville, and do so for the fishing. They are the ones who always take advantage of the two day charter pricing. So if your summer vacation brings you to the Jacksonville area in May, this could be your ticket to some great days on the water.
To really get the "meat and potatoes" of what's going on, visit my Daily Reports Forum http://captdaves.8.forumer.com here is where you can track each days catches, conditions and editorials. I take great pride in the fact that I have many that view the forum on a daily basis. I'm somewhat surprised when I do a new report, then come back two hours later and see that 20 people just read the report I just wrote.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm EST)
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