06-26-09 Fishing Jekyll Island Georgia
Capt. Vernon Reynolds
June 15, 2009
Jekyll Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
06-26-09 JEKYLL ISLAND FISHING
By Captain Vernon Reynolds
Georgia state waters opened to commercial shrimping the second week of June. When the state opens its waters shimpers move from federal waters, more than three miles out, into state waters, up to three miles out. Most shrimpers begin fishing area sounds. Along with the shrimp boats come the larger Sharks. Often Sharks will follow the shrimp boats, as do Dolphin, catching bait fish stunned by the nets or discarded by the boat. A shrimp boats by catch is about ten pounds per pound of shrimp. Most of this is uneatable fish and jelly balls. As the catch is cleaned this by catch is sweep back into the water, producing a gigantic chum line. Usually larger Blacktip, Bull, Hammerhead and Sand Sharks feed in this chum.
A few Tarpon have been sighted; usually they show up in good numbers the first week in July. Tarpon may be the most sought after sport fish. They fight like a bull, have great stamina, and put on an air show you would not believe. Tarpon and Sharks can be taken in the same areas with the same fishing technique. The only adjustment that must be made is switching from 150 pound wire leader used when Shark fishing to 150 pound mono leader for Tarpon. You will lose a few Sharks, but the mono doesn't spook the Tarpon.
Tripletail fishing has slowed but the fish are still here but scattered. The best bet is to fish a line of markers with live shrimp. Tripletails are also known as Eddy fish because the will nose up to markers on the on the down current side, or in the eddy created by the marker. Sometimes they can be seen near the surface, other times they are deeper and cannot bee seen. Fishing the markers is a two man job; one runs the boat and the other fishes. Position the boat up current of the marker. The fisherman stands in the front of the boat and casts to the marker, letting the bait drift by. If the cork goes down the boat driver puts the boat in reverse and helps pull the fish away from the marker, otherwise the fish will wrap the leader around the marker and break off. Make six or eight casts to each marker before moving on.
Trout, Redfish, Flounder and Whiting continue to be taken in area sounds and along area beaches. All can be taken on live shrimp. Mud minnows also make a good bait, Flounder ever prefer minnows to shrimp. Whiting and Reds can be taken on dead as well as live shrimp.
Take a kid fishing. Coastal Expeditions Charter Fishing and Dolphin Touring is operated by Captains Vernon Reynolds and Eric Moody. Call 912-265-0392 or go to www.coastalcharterfishing.com to make a reservation or for father information.
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