Fishing with Lobsters

The local bait shop got a fresh batch of live local shrimp and the seemed like the size of lobsters!  I normally like a medium size shrimp for fishing with jigs but when a big one is all you have, then you go with it!  I met Wes Matheney at the Atlantic Seafood dock this morning under cloudless skies and only a slight breeze. I've fished with Wes a couple of times before and he and I both were expecting a good fishing trip.  We headed north to fish Tiger Island as the tide dropped and we weren't disappointed.  The first couple of casts produced Trout with one or two in the keeper sized range - a great way to start a trip!  We worked

the bank and picked up a Trout here and there then we had a strange bite and run.  This fish seemed to hang to the bottom and I at first thought "Flounder". But Wes patiently worked the fish up and we soon saw it was a big Sheepshead!  After landing it, we measured it to see that it was 20.25", putting Wes into 3rd place in the Anglers Mark 2014 Bragging Rights Tournament!  Scroll down right side of this report for standings. We eventually made a run up to Jolley River to fish the exposed oyster banks and picked up a couple of Trout, one on a jig and one on float rig.  Wes was working the float rig up near the oysters and after seeing some activity, made a pin point cast to the spot.  Shortly after his float disappeared and, FISH ON!  And what a battle it was!  The big fish rolled up near the oysters, trying to dislodge the hook then made a couple of deep runs.  Then it headed back into the current taking Wes to the stern where it again made a few deep runs.  But Wes was patient and eventually wore the big Redfish out.  We netted the beast, measured it to 26.75" - a "Tournament Red", then released it.  Boy what a fish!  After hitting the MOA Spot and picking up one more keeper sized Trout, we headed in, counting it as another great day to be out on Amelia Island waters!