Summer fishin inshore Jacksonville
Capt. Dave Sipler
June 30, 2011
Jacksonville - Saltwater Fishing Report
Although deep summer in N.E. Florida maybe hot, not all summer seasons on the "First Coast" are created equal.
Some years, are different than other's. So the challenge is to remain rigidily flexible.
So far this year, we've been in a drought. Rain is like liquid gold falling from the sky. And when we have recieved it. Hang on to your hat! It's gonna be a gully-washer!!
There's been no lack of forest fires, of course around N.E. Florida and S.E. Georgia. I've been on the water in what seemed like fog, but it was rather smoke that filled the air, giving the appearance of a late fall day instead of a mid June day.
Summer is all about, BIG FISH.
From Giant Redfish to Tarpon and Sharks, where I fish. Which is the St. Johns River Inlet, the river it's self, and up and down the beach.
Just last week, (third week of June) the first two King Mackerel were caught off the end of the Jax Beach Pier.
JETTY POMPANO
That is a "here's yer sign", for someone like me, that doesn't make those 30 mile offshore trips. But rather likes SHORT boat rides, and lines in the water ALLOT longer.
Now, I know if I live bait fished the 20-50' of water outside the beach, I stand a chance to get bit by some King Mackerel. Because if they were caught off the end of the pier. Those fish came in quite shallow.
Trolling...I'm not a huge fan. I'd rather shut down, chum and drift. My whole boat is set up for it rather than trolling.
I like the stealthiness of it. And chumming while doing so, can bring these fish practically right up to my transom. Through in a few secret tactics, for the shallow water fishing on a vacant weekday trip. And that can mean sure success.
The Mayport Jetties and River...
2.5 miles from where I depart is the inlet. Where I spend a good 75% of my time 12 months a year.
It's B-A-I-T central!! May not be where we spend allot of our fishing time. But if you want a livewell full of Pogies, Mullet or threadfin herring for bait. There's been NO lack of free bait there.
But lately as far as the fishing. It's a day by day kinda thing.
-Tarpon, they are always lurking there.
-Sharks, such as 100 pound Blacktips? Good gawd, they can really clean your clock.
-Redfish, they seem to be in/out the inlet at their own risk. Sometimes thick, sometimes NOT.
-Whiting, they spawn in the summer. And there's been days that it was so fun catching a whole coolerful, that my party and myself gave up on the Glory fish, and pounded the bottom filling the box of these tasty fillets.
-Black Drum, still pick off a few here and there, while bottom fishing the jetties.
-Flounder and Trout, have had some decent flatfish, but not that many Trout this year in and around the inlet.
Here's a sample of some photo's from this summer so far. (End of June)
River and inlet fish.
My best day so far, out solo was 3 Tarpon on live mullet cast up into the jetty rocks. Landing one, and loosing two.
And remember, if you are intrested in huge battles, and arm straining fights. NOW, is the time to target those Blacktip Sharks out there at the inlet. I have the tackle, if you have the fight in you. And you may get a Tarpon at the same time!!
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