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Jacksonville Fishing Report for Amelia Island & Mayport
Capt. Dave Sipler
November 30, 2006
Jacksonville - Saltwater Fishing Report
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing - Jacksonville, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters to Amelia Island Florida. Updated: 11/30/06
My World, a classroom
So far it's been one heck of a good "winter" season. My customers have caught some monster size Trout, had many over-sized Redfish on tiny hooks and light rods, been surprised by Sheepshead and Black Drum, and the overall best responses I get are, "Capt Dave, it's wonderful how you take the time to teach us your fishing technique."
What I really enjoy, is when we're cruising down the river from spot to spot, everyone's happy, caught fish, and they're talking about what they've just learned.
And the reason why is because they just learned something new and exciting.
First off, I take them to what I call and acclimation spot. A place where the tide is moving along nicely, the chance for any kind of bite is likely, the challenge is low, just so they can get a feel of the technique, the tackle and boat.
I have areas I fish that are like levels, 0-10. 10 being the most challenging and heart stopping. Some are more productive than others, some have larger fish than others. You have to learn how to walk before you can run, so if you've never been out with me before, or are new to fishing don't worry. I can always step it up or drop down a notch.
And that's what I really like to do. Once everyone has a good idea of how it's all done, and has caught a few.....IT'S GO TIME! And this is when the excitement levels, challenge, and many times the fish get tougher to catch.
My favorite areas to fish are huge structure spots. And we have no lack of them in the St. Johns River. Plus, I like spots that are what I refer to as TIGHT. There isn't a lot of room, and not a lot of room for error, either.
Imagine this; Deep, swift water, adjacent to where we are, deep meaning 40 feet! Dock piling, boulders, and a bottom as sticky as Velcro with barnacles and shells. You have to drift your float-rig along the edge of the fast current in a lane right behind the boat that's 12-16 feet deep, slip by a set of pilings.....and when your float goes down it could be a trophy Speckled Trout of 5 plus pounds, a knarly battle scared Sheepshead , or a 10 pound Redfish that's rooting around. And they all know where the exit door is, when hooked! This is a level 9-3/4's spot.
When people think Fishing Charter, I honestly do not always know what that means to them. Everyone is different. I can guess though..... Some want 100 pounds of fillets to take home. Which seems more like a commercial fishing trip to me. Some want an enjoyable day on the water. Some want to learn and see new area. And some want personal guidance that you will only get on a private charter with a full-time guide.
Many charters are family outings, and are for the Jr. Angler aboard to get some exposure to fishing, along with Dad, Uncles or Granpa's.
Let me tell you about a chilly November 20th. I had Steve H. along with his brother's or brother-in-law's I can't remember which. And his son 7 year old, Jake. On the phone Steve said, "Jake's been out offshore catching bla,bla, bla, before. He can fish, he's great on a boat, he's caught giant bla,bla,bla, before...." I have to admit, I've heard all that before. And sometimes it turns out the youngster shouldn't belonged on an all day charter. Because he got bored to quick, couldn't pay attention, or just played in the live-well all day and we ended up fishing around him as he scattered Pringles Potatoe chips all over the floor of the boat, for fun.
But as Steve said, little Jake was like having a miniature adult on board. He paid attention, and learned just like his Dad and his Uncle's what we were going to do that day. And to my surprise just about "out-fished" his Dad and Uncles! He caught big Trout, big Redfish, and put the first Flounder in the boat. His first SLAM, all on the float-rig! All by himself!
And he even did some of that on a LEVEL 9-3/4 spot! So as you can see, the joy I get out of every trip I do is different. Sometimes the happiest moment is when I'm washing the blue Pringles Potatoe chips off the floor of the boat after a long day, and others are when I have little Jake's aboard.
If you are unsure of what kind of charter you'd like to do, but want the emphasis on your Jr. Anglers (no matter if they've ever fished before) to learn and catch some fish. I do a 2 hour Focus on Kids, fishing trip. It's a good way to introduce the kids to fishing in a boat, and I guarantee they'll learn a lot, and have fun. But it's not as enduring as a full day charter. Check my "Inshore-Coastal" web page for details.
Check my NEWS page on my web site for updates on new things going on, and to really get the "meat and potatoes" of what's going on, visit my Daily Reports Forum at: http://captdaves.8.forumer.com here is where you can track each days catches, conditions and editorials.
Till next tide,
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing
www.captdaves.com
904-642-9546- (8am-8pm)
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