Inshore/nearshore report Jacksonville area waters
Capt. Bob Cosby
August 8, 2013
Jacksonville - Saltwater Fishing Report
August is usually our hottest month and can provide some awesome fishing. With water temperatures between 80-85 degrees, fish like tarpon, spinner sharks, bonita, and king mackerel are very active. All of these fish can be caught right off our beaches within a mile or two of shore. Fishing behind trawling shrimp boats is always a treat with dozens of leaping dolphin (the mammal type), screaming gulls, feeding sharks, and the occasional tarpon available. Schools of marauding jack crevalle or bonita can surface any time. The jacks are true tackle busters and range in size from 1-2lbs to over 30lbs. A top water plug will usually entice a quick strike.
Inshore the flounder fishing is getting better and better. Their size is improving also as they gorge on mullet and shrimp throughout the estuaries. In my opinion, they are our best eating fish. The speckled trout seem to be concentrated further up the river. Throwing a top water lure at first light gives you your best chance of catching a trophy trout. There are bull reds in the deep river now, though their numbers will peak in Sept-Oct when their major spawn occurs. Smaller reds are in the creeks, ICW, and at the jetties.
Surf fishing can produce catches of good eating whiting, drum, trout, reds, and even pompano. I have had some success fly fishing in the surf right at sunrise before the breeze picks up. A medium sink shooting head seems to work best.
Good fishing!
Capt. Bob Cosby
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