 |
Fernandina to Saint Augustine & St. Johns River
Capt. Bob Cosby
March 27, 2007
Jacksonville - Saltwater Fishing Report
Inshore/nearshore report Jacksonville area
March/April are transition months here in north Florida. The cold fronts are weaker, and the water starts to warm up a bit. The wind, however, can be a challenge. The water temperature was 67 degrees yesterday. The speckled trout are hitting top water lures when conditions are right.
The large black drum are being caught in area inlets and deep holes of the ICW. These fish can reach weights of 70 or 80 lbs. Choice baits include blue crab, clams, and shrimp fished in deep holes. Area inlets, Nassau Sound, and the ICW near Pine Island, and Guana River are historical hot spots. Personally , I see no reason to kill these breeding fish. They aren't particularly tasty, and are very old. Take a picture and let them go. We might also see spanish mackerel,jack crevalle,and cobia with warmer weather.
The redfish are in the creeks,ICW,and at the jetties. There are lots of speckled trout in the creeks, but most are too small. Try a glow DOA shrimp fished 3' under a clacker or cajun thunder float in the creeks. Fish the river for larger specks using live shrimp under a sliding float or artificials such as a bite-a-bait or plastic jig. Sheepshead and ring-tailed porgies can be caught near area jetties.
Whiting have been biting fairly well in the surf, but better offshore in 30 to 40 feet of water. Nassau Sound and the St Augustine Inlet should also be productive for whiting. Pompano haven't arrived yet in any numbers. There are also some blues around. We might get a run of the larger 10 to 15 lb blues any time. If you're lucky, you might find them crashing bait around the ends of area jetties. Don't forget to use a wire leader!
Tight lines!
More Fishing Reports:
|
|
|
|
