Jacksonville Fishing Report for Amelia Island & Mayport
Capt. Dave Sipler
July 7, 2005
Jacksonville - Saltwater Fishing Report
Capt. Dave Sipler's Sport Fishing Jacksonville to Amelia Island, St. Johns River/Inlet & near-coastal waters. Updated: 7/7/05
JOIN THE CLUB, it's that time again.
July is here and I can see, it's not going to be a push-over. We're in that good ole summer time pattern. Unlike the last two summer seasons, where things were a bit "cool", like our local waters. But not now. The water is warm, the afternoon's are hot and the rains we've had lately have been measured in feet, not inches!
My last monthly report on 6/27 discussed Tarpon along the inlet rocks. "THEY WERE EVERYWHERE". And I had 7 hook-ups in 4 trips, but all seven were lost, on light tackle attempts. Now it's time for the BIG GUNS!
The writings on the wall folks......"not a whole lot of eater-fish", the river water is very fresh with all the rain we've had. We've measured it feet not inches lately. But if your wanting to join my "Hundred Pounder Club", it's go time. The local inlets are where we're going to be doing our hunting trips.
Live Pogies, Mullet, Thread-fin Herring, are the baits of choice. And a basket full for the Braid Chum-Chopper, will draw in about everything that swims.
I said in my last report it was about time to start laying out some Pogies on the bottom, and I was right. Tarpon are at the inlets, big time. Pods of them, rolling in the heavy current. Unlike what I read in the fishing magazines, "when Tarpon are rolling on the surface, they're not feeding....." Well, around here if I don't see Tarpon rolling on the surface, we'll probably not hook one. I want to see them.
Tarpon at the area inlets I fish are swimming the same water's as Sharks. You will encounter your share of sharks, from enormous to handle-able, "my hands of course". And it's fun, but certainly not what most people are used too. Tarpon and the Sharks, will quickly make you realize, "your not in Kansas anymore, Toto!"
To give you an idea of how the day will start out, we'll procure a lot of baitfish first, be either means of a cast net, or by catching them on rod and reel, or by picking up some shrimp boat discards, called by-catch. This may take a little while, but is always interesting. Folks always love catching bait.
Then we'll either go to where the tide is right for the best shot at a Tarpon, this could be at the St. Johns River inlet, or a short run north or south. Then we'll get set up, and start laying out lines. Unlike my light tackle float-rig fishing I do for Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and others, during the year, this isn't highly inter-active, it's kinda like being in the military...."hurry up, and wait". It's the nature of this game. But then there's those days when it's (I.G.) - Instantaneous Gratification, too. "I just love that".
The tackle we're using is "state of the art". I know of no other guide in the area, that is a Pro-staffer for the very best. Rods are G. Loomis magnum heavy 8 footers, and reels are Accurate Boss, twin drags capable of 20+ pounds of smooth as silk drag pressure, which is mandatory.
This kind of tackle isn't a play toy, they are high quality tools used to help you land a fish of a life time. Plus, I don't mind investing in top notch tackle, it's a passion of mine. I buy tackle that suits my tastes, and you get to use it too. Not the other way around.
Look for these reports to change frequently during the next several months. Because things change fast during this time of the year. I learn things everyday, by fishing and by my personal network of friends. I also have a daily fishing report forum on my web site; www.captdaves.com where there's no need to log-in or be a member. Just click on "Daily Reports" and it'll take you there. You'll be able to read what's going on in real time. No old reports from months ago.
With this and the daily reports forum, and recent catches pages, and local dock weather report link, I'm trying hard to give you the most information I can, so you can choose your charter wisely. There's no guessing needed, it's all right there for you check out.
Always bring a camera, a rain jacket, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water. I'll take care of...."your membership into the Hundred Pounder Club".
Capt. Dave Sipler - "the Jetty Wolf"
www.captdaves.com 904-642-9546
If you would like me to email you my fishing report each month just email me at: [email protected]
More Fishing Reports:
