August, Same As July for Me.
Capt. Dave Sipler
August 19, 2017
Jacksonville - Saltwater Fishing Report
August is a tricky month. Where I fish in the river, it's pretty much no different than July. It's all about dealing with the heat, and very warm water.
I either go get live Pogies behind the surf, tossing a castnet. First thing in the morning. Usually to the south, hopefully no further south than off Hanna Park. Or I pick up fresh frozen Pogies or Mullet at B&M bait and tackle. For insurance, I never ever, leave the dock without several pounds of fresh dead shrimp. (Black Drum, Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead, and Whiting)
My target species is Redfish in the river or at the Mayport Jetties.
I say "targeted species". But any drag puller will do while bottom fishing, like Jack Crevalles or even Sharks, or the occasional Jetty Tarpon that happens to get hooked up. Heck, it's still the height of summer, big fish ACTION, is the key word. Without spending hours, boat riding.
My rigging is quite proprietary. But you can easily use a 3-way swivel, leader (50# mono), 2/0-6/0 hooks, and have PLENTY of bank style sinkers in various weights from 2-10 oz. But you'll find yourself using mostly 4-8oz. Because out this way, the current is swift, to say the least. Pretty beefy tackle is needed for bottom fishing this area of St. Johns River. So the light action rods and small spinning reels, won't do. Just use the offshore trolling tackle.
I'm concentrating my efforts on Big Redfish from Blount Island to the Mayport Jetties. And especially the "old Little Jetties area". Where the ICW intersects the St. Johns River, on the south bank. You'll see plenty of rocks, edges, and ledges under water.
Jacksonville Fishing Forecast:
LOOKING VERY FORWARD TO OCTOBER!!!
AND A COOL OFF.
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