We've had great fishing weather all the week and for the most part, the fish have cooperated! Reggie Mason had lined up an early morning trip today so he sent his daughter Khaliah, her boyfriend Jake, and their friends Herbert and Robert to fish the back waters of Amelia Island on the Angler's Mark. We launched out of the Dee Dee Bartels boat ramp and headed over to Tiger Island to fish the very first of an incoming tide. Herbert started things off by landing a nice keeper sized Seatrout then all the anglers joined in. Both Jake and Khaliah landed some feisty Black "puppy" Drum then Jake had
a strong hookup, a good battle, and after expertly playing the fish, landed a nice 19" Slot sized Redfish! We fished the island up and down, picked up another smaller but feisty Trout, then made the run over to Eagans Creek to fish some dock pilings. Jake and Robert stayed with the jig and shrimp combo while Khaliah and Herbert fished deep slip floats drifted by some docks. Both had bites from time to time then Khaliah hooked up and landed a nice keeper sized Seatrout. Fishing the dock pilings with jigs produced another
strong hookup - this time Robert was on the rod and he worked in another Slot Sized Redfish. We eased down the docks with the tide and when Khaliah's float drifted by the end of one and went down, she lifted her rod, set the hook and FISH ON! This was a big fish and it was ripping drag! But it was no match for Khaliah and she applied the pressure, keeping her rod tip up and slowly working the fish in. After a good battle she brought to the boat and landed a fat
20" Seatrout, man what a fish! We worked further down and Jake's rod heated up when he landed a couple of smaller but hungry Seatrout. Our last stop was over at the Jolley River and even though I thought the bite would be better, Khaliah did wrap things up by catching one more Trout with minutes to spare, making it another great day to be fishing Amelia Island waters.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Big Trout Tops Slot Red
We had another beautiful morning to greet us today when I met Matt Kloepfer, his fiancé Kaleena, and his parents Allen and Jane down at the Atlantic Seafood dock to do a half day of fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida. On a tip from Capt. Jim Johnson owner of Amelia Island Bait and Tackle, we made the run over to Eagans Creek and fished some dock pilings deep - I had two anglers drifting slip floats with live shrimp and two anglers tossing jigs and shrimp to the bottom. It didn't take long before we started getting
bites. Both Kaleena and Jane had hookups but the fish threw the hooks then Allen had a strong bite, and FISH ON! He fought it for a while before teaming up with Jane and they both worked it to the boat - a shark! After Matt put a Toad Fish in the boat he had another strong bite and again, FISH ON! Matt played the fish perfectly and patiently and soon landed a nice 20" Slot sized Redfish. Now we're fishing! We had a few more good bites as we bounced up and down the docks then Kaleena hooked up. This was a big fish! Her drag was ripping and the line was shaking and we all
felt comfortable it was a big Trout. She worked it slowly to the boat and sure enough, once landed, the big Trout measured to 22" putting Kaleena tied for first place in the Anglers Mark 2016 Bragging Rights Tournament -Trout category(scroll down the right side of this report for standings). Boy what a fish! We continued to fish the area and picked up a few more smaller Trout, then we ran around to the Jolley River and fished the "bank", picking up more Trout here and there. Matt added another keeper Trout while Allen slowly built a commanding lead in the "quantity" of fish caught, as he continued to work the jig. We made our final stop over at the outside of Tiger and again found a fish or two, all Trout. With that, we wrapped it up and called it another great day to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
bites. Both Kaleena and Jane had hookups but the fish threw the hooks then Allen had a strong bite, and FISH ON! He fought it for a while before teaming up with Jane and they both worked it to the boat - a shark! After Matt put a Toad Fish in the boat he had another strong bite and again, FISH ON! Matt played the fish perfectly and patiently and soon landed a nice 20" Slot sized Redfish. Now we're fishing! We had a few more good bites as we bounced up and down the docks then Kaleena hooked up. This was a big fish! Her drag was ripping and the line was shaking and we all
felt comfortable it was a big Trout. She worked it slowly to the boat and sure enough, once landed, the big Trout measured to 22" putting Kaleena tied for first place in the Anglers Mark 2016 Bragging Rights Tournament -Trout category(scroll down the right side of this report for standings). Boy what a fish! We continued to fish the area and picked up a few more smaller Trout, then we ran around to the Jolley River and fished the "bank", picking up more Trout here and there. Matt added another keeper Trout while Allen slowly built a commanding lead in the "quantity" of fish caught, as he continued to work the jig. We made our final stop over at the outside of Tiger and again found a fish or two, all Trout. With that, we wrapped it up and called it another great day to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Two Casts Two Fish
I had the pleasure of fishing with Rod Chin and his daughter Amelia (who happens to have an island named after her) this morning and a fine one it was. We had just a slight breeze that kept the sand gnats off and nothing but sunshine to fish all morning with. We made our first stop at Tiger Island and then baited up with live shrimp on jigs. The first cast produced a nice, keeper sized Sheepshead, which Rod and Amelia teamed up to bring in. Then on the second cast, Rod hooked up and landed a nice keeper sized Seatrout. Now that's the way to start a fishing trip out. We fished
the area thoroughly, had a few good bites, but no takers, then we ran up to Jolley River to fish the "bank" with live shrimp under floats on the incoming tide. It was perfect conditions but kinda slow until we got ready to leave then the duo landed another Trout. Our next stop was back to the outside of Tiger and again, we caught a Trout or two, and also had a visit from the FWC checking licenses! Our final stop was around at Bell River and here Amelia reeled in a Seatrout of her own, all by her self! It was a beautiful day and another great one to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
the area thoroughly, had a few good bites, but no takers, then we ran up to Jolley River to fish the "bank" with live shrimp under floats on the incoming tide. It was perfect conditions but kinda slow until we got ready to leave then the duo landed another Trout. Our next stop was back to the outside of Tiger and again, we caught a Trout or two, and also had a visit from the FWC checking licenses! Our final stop was around at Bell River and here Amelia reeled in a Seatrout of her own, all by her self! It was a beautiful day and another great one to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Trout Trip
I fished another group trip, this time with just three boats running, and I had three anglers who met me down at the City marina. We ran north and into Tiger Basin to fish the first of an incoming tide with jigs and live shrimp. We had fished just a short while when Bill hooked up and landed a nice keeper sized Seatrout. Shortly after that Colin put a Trout in the boat, too. The tide got up so we moved around to the outside of Tiger and switched to float rigs and had a real good flurry of Trout catching, with one more of them
being of keeper size. Kim got in on the action and landed a nice Trout of her own. We hit another flooded marsh bank outside of Tiger, had no real bites, then ran thru Tiger over to Bell River fished a point of grass, and here Kim hooked up and landed the biggest Trout of the day. We had another Trout or two or three then ran over to Lanceford Creek to fish some flooded grass islands. The trio of anglers wrapped the day up by landing another couple of Trout, with one more being in the keeper sized range.
being of keeper size. Kim got in on the action and landed a nice Trout of her own. We hit another flooded marsh bank outside of Tiger, had no real bites, then ran thru Tiger over to Bell River fished a point of grass, and here Kim hooked up and landed the biggest Trout of the day. We had another Trout or two or three then ran over to Lanceford Creek to fish some flooded grass islands. The trio of anglers wrapped the day up by landing another couple of Trout, with one more being in the keeper sized range.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Not One But Two Snook at Amelia Island!
If I told you that the only two fish that came in the boat today here at Amelia Island were Snook would you believe me? Well believe me, because that's what we had today! I had the pleasure of fishing with Doug Mackle and his son Doug, and Doug jr's two daughters "Orange Sunglasses and Blue Shirt". We met down at the Sawpit Creek boat ramp with an absolutely beautiful morning to greet us. Our first run was up the Nassau River to fish some dock pilings on the first of an incoming tide. We had just a few nibble but no takers so we ran through Horsehead to fish the mouth of Jackstaff. Here
we had some really good bites and at least two strong "takes" - enough to have the drag sing, but both broke off during the battle. No telling what they were but my gut tells me they had some sharp teeth - maybe Jack Crevalle's, or small shark, or feisty Blue fish. We hit a couple of area's around Jackstaff then made the run down to Christopher Creek. Here, the angler's patience paid off. Doug had a nice bite, a hookup, and a good fight but he soon landed a .....Snook! This was the third Snook I've had on the Anglers Mark since I've been guiding. We fished up and down the bank, came back to the original spot and, BOOM! Doug had another good bite and...another Snook! Number 2 for the day and number 4 for the boat. You just never can tell what you're going to catch here at Amelia Island, Florida.
we had some really good bites and at least two strong "takes" - enough to have the drag sing, but both broke off during the battle. No telling what they were but my gut tells me they had some sharp teeth - maybe Jack Crevalle's, or small shark, or feisty Blue fish. We hit a couple of area's around Jackstaff then made the run down to Christopher Creek. Here, the angler's patience paid off. Doug had a nice bite, a hookup, and a good fight but he soon landed a .....Snook! This was the third Snook I've had on the Anglers Mark since I've been guiding. We fished up and down the bank, came back to the original spot and, BOOM! Doug had another good bite and...another Snook! Number 2 for the day and number 4 for the boat. You just never can tell what you're going to catch here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Trout Come Alive Part Two
I fished again this afternoon, this time running a trip as part of a group of 5 boats taking 16 people fishing. In my group I had Nick, his two kids Austin and Annabelle and his brother Michael, a very able crew! We headed up to Tiger Island with plans to fish the outside but there were a lot of boats out this afternoon so we eased inside and set up to fish the downed logs with jigs and shrimp on a falling tide.We didn't get any Redfish bites up close but the anglers picked up some nice Trout out deeper. Both Austin and Annabelle reeled in some fish. We fished the area for a good while then ran out and around and up to the Jolley River to fish some exposed oyster bars. The area looked good but we had no bites so we slipped around to fish the MOA, but again no real bites. Kinda slow right? Our next stop was back at Eagans Creek to fish some dock pilings and this did the trick! I believe it was Nicks first cast and BOOM! FISH ON! He and Annabelle worked the fish in patiently and soon landed a nice keeper sized Seatrout. From then on the anglers were catching fish down on the bottom with jigs and shrimp. They got enough for a meal then began to throw even keeper sized fish back. Austin added a hard fighting Black "puppy" Drum to the catch total before we headed in, counting it as another great afternoon to be fishing Amelia Island waters.
Trout Come Alive Part One
I fished with Tim Ayers again today, along with his son Andrew and his dad Stan, so a three generation fishing trip! We met down at the Atlantic Seafood dock early and headed north and up to the outside of Tiger Island to fish some flooding oyster beds with live shrimp under floats. Tim "knocked the skunk off" when he landed a nice keeper sized Trout, then both Andrew and Stan landed one each, too. We fished that area for a while, had few bites, but no takers then crossed over to fish another area, and had no real luck.
We ran through Tiger and around to Bell River and again set up to fish the edge of some flooding marsh grass, and again, no real bites. Our next stop was over in Lanceford Creek and this did the trick. Tim made a long cast to the other side of small grass island and had a strong bite and, FISH ON! He played the fish patiently and soon landed a nice big Seatrout. From then on it was a fish catching time. Both Stan and Andrew landed big Trout and all three landed smaller Trout, then they added a few more big ones (to 18"). Andrew had a weired bite and after a good battle, landed a Bonnethead Shark. We had a good stretch of Trout catching there for a while and it was a great way to wrap up a good day of fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
We ran through Tiger and around to Bell River and again set up to fish the edge of some flooding marsh grass, and again, no real bites. Our next stop was over in Lanceford Creek and this did the trick. Tim made a long cast to the other side of small grass island and had a strong bite and, FISH ON! He played the fish patiently and soon landed a nice big Seatrout. From then on it was a fish catching time. Both Stan and Andrew landed big Trout and all three landed smaller Trout, then they added a few more big ones (to 18"). Andrew had a weired bite and after a good battle, landed a Bonnethead Shark. We had a good stretch of Trout catching there for a while and it was a great way to wrap up a good day of fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Mixing Fishing and Sightseeing
We had a beautiful morning today, a great one to get in a little fishing and some sightseeing to wrap things up. I met Joe and Barbara Conlon down at the City marina and we headed over to Bell River to fish some still flooding oyster beds with live shrimp and float rigs. And wouldn't you know it, first cast, BAM! Fish on! That's the way to start a fishing trip! Joe worked the fish in patiently and landed a nice hungry Seatrout. We fished a grassy point for just a while then moved around to the outside of Tiger Island and now that the tide had started out we were set up in a
good spot. We had another float go under and this one came in fairly easy. After fishing one more stretch of grass we ran out and toured Fort Clinch then cut across the inlet to the south side of Cumberland Island where we were greeted by a herd of wild horses to view. We eased up the island then into Beach Creek and sure enough, there was a little alligator in his same spot. Can you spot him in the pic below? On the way back we toured the old Pogy Plant and Old Towne then we headed in and counted it as another great day to be out on Amelia Island waters.
good spot. We had another float go under and this one came in fairly easy. After fishing one more stretch of grass we ran out and toured Fort Clinch then cut across the inlet to the south side of Cumberland Island where we were greeted by a herd of wild horses to view. We eased up the island then into Beach Creek and sure enough, there was a little alligator in his same spot. Can you spot him in the pic below? On the way back we toured the old Pogy Plant and Old Towne then we headed in and counted it as another great day to be out on Amelia Island waters.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
From Nice to Breezy
We were back fishing today after a long stretch of high winds that kept us off the water. Today's forecast started out with about 2mph winds increasing to 12 but it felt like 15+ before the day was over. But the three anglers I had today were all about getting out on the water and wetting a line and that we did! I met Kurt Miller and his friends Bob and Steve down at the Big Talbot Island Park boat ramp and we made our first run up the Amelia River to dip into
Jackstaff and fish some flooding marsh grass on the last of an incoming tide. Kurt was tossing a topwater lure up on the bow and Bob and Steve were using float rigs with live shrimp to fish the edges. We fished a good stretch with no bites so Steve switched to a jig and shrimp and this did the trick when he "knocked the skunk off" by landing a fat Seatrout. And seconds later Bob picked up a Trout of his own, this one on the float rig. We fished that stretch pretty good then moved further up into a creek. Bob found a hot spot and landed a couple of more Trout, then Steve landed another. A couple of these were in the keeper sized range. We ran through
the marsh and stopped at a dock to fish some pilings with the jig rig. It wasn't long before Kurt had a strong bite and FISH ON! He played it perfectly but this hard fighting fish had a mind of its own and made a dash to the pilings and sure enough, wrapped around one of them. But Kurt worked the fish carefully, gave it some slack, and it came out, then Kurt applied the pressure as we eased away from the docks. I thought for sure it was one of the Drums - Red or Black, but after a good battle Kurt landed a nice hard fighting Jack Crevalle. The wind had really picked up so we ran down to Broward Island to get some relief and it was like fishing on a still pond. The trio caught a few more Trout beyond the island along the marsh, but we had no real bites around the logs. Our last stop was back towards Seymore's Pointe, fishing an old oyster bed and here Kurt landed a feisty 9-spot Redfish. We fished Jackstaff one more time but the wind was kicking up the mud so we headed in and counted it as another great day to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Jackstaff and fish some flooding marsh grass on the last of an incoming tide. Kurt was tossing a topwater lure up on the bow and Bob and Steve were using float rigs with live shrimp to fish the edges. We fished a good stretch with no bites so Steve switched to a jig and shrimp and this did the trick when he "knocked the skunk off" by landing a fat Seatrout. And seconds later Bob picked up a Trout of his own, this one on the float rig. We fished that stretch pretty good then moved further up into a creek. Bob found a hot spot and landed a couple of more Trout, then Steve landed another. A couple of these were in the keeper sized range. We ran through
the marsh and stopped at a dock to fish some pilings with the jig rig. It wasn't long before Kurt had a strong bite and FISH ON! He played it perfectly but this hard fighting fish had a mind of its own and made a dash to the pilings and sure enough, wrapped around one of them. But Kurt worked the fish carefully, gave it some slack, and it came out, then Kurt applied the pressure as we eased away from the docks. I thought for sure it was one of the Drums - Red or Black, but after a good battle Kurt landed a nice hard fighting Jack Crevalle. The wind had really picked up so we ran down to Broward Island to get some relief and it was like fishing on a still pond. The trio caught a few more Trout beyond the island along the marsh, but we had no real bites around the logs. Our last stop was back towards Seymore's Pointe, fishing an old oyster bed and here Kurt landed a feisty 9-spot Redfish. We fished Jackstaff one more time but the wind was kicking up the mud so we headed in and counted it as another great day to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
First on a Fly
There was a fog warning this morning on the radio but when we launched it was cloudy but not fog. The wind was forecast to pick up so when I met Mark Deprimo we planned to hit Eagans Creek with a fly rod in hopes of picking up a Seatrout down deep and be out of the wind. Mark was making excellent casts and stripping the fly back slowly, letting it fall down the river bottom, but we had no hits. When the tide hit rock bottom we ran around to Tiger Island and began to fish the exposed logs as the tide started back in. Mark made a pinpoint cast to the edge of some logs and as his fly slipped
along he felt a thump and a heaviness and, FISH ON! He worked the small but feisty fish to the boat and put his first fly caught Flounder in the boat. We fished up and down the island, staying out of the now brisk wind, but had no real bites. On our third pass we switched to live shrimp and spin gear and this did the trick. We had a strange and subtle "bump" out from the limbs and immediately knew that this was a big fish. Mark played it perfectly and when the fish took him from bow to stern and from port to starboard, he stayed with it, keeping the pressure on. After a good battle, Mark landed an exhausted 29.75" oversized Redfish, putting him in first place of the Anglers Mark 2016 Bragging Rights Tournament -Redfish category (scroll down right side of this report for standings). Boy what a fish. And it had 25 spots on it which would have made some one very happy to be fishing in the recent Spot Tournament -IF it had been caught about a year or two ago! After fishing the island we ran around to Bell River, fished some still exposes oysters, and Mark picked up a feisty Bluefish and Spotted Seatrout to round out an Amelia Island Back Country Slam of Flounder, Redfish, and Trout. With that, we called it a day, another great one to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
along he felt a thump and a heaviness and, FISH ON! He worked the small but feisty fish to the boat and put his first fly caught Flounder in the boat. We fished up and down the island, staying out of the now brisk wind, but had no real bites. On our third pass we switched to live shrimp and spin gear and this did the trick. We had a strange and subtle "bump" out from the limbs and immediately knew that this was a big fish. Mark played it perfectly and when the fish took him from bow to stern and from port to starboard, he stayed with it, keeping the pressure on. After a good battle, Mark landed an exhausted 29.75" oversized Redfish, putting him in first place of the Anglers Mark 2016 Bragging Rights Tournament -Redfish category (scroll down right side of this report for standings). Boy what a fish. And it had 25 spots on it which would have made some one very happy to be fishing in the recent Spot Tournament -IF it had been caught about a year or two ago! After fishing the island we ran around to Bell River, fished some still exposes oysters, and Mark picked up a feisty Bluefish and Spotted Seatrout to round out an Amelia Island Back Country Slam of Flounder, Redfish, and Trout. With that, we called it a day, another great one to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Weeding Out The Dumb Fish
No wind for a change! Whoooee! After weeks of aggravating wind, the flags were laying limp when I met Gary Elder, his sister Karen and her husband Jim down at the City marina. It was a right at low tide so we ran north up to Tiger Island and caught the first of the incoming, fishing with jigs and live shrimp. It didn't take long before the fish began to bite. Karen put a nice keeper sized Seatrout in the boat then Gary added a keeper sized Black "puppy" Drum. They picked up a few more Drum, a couple of small Trout, then
another keeper Trout, a small Flounder, then Gary landed a nice Slot sized 24.5" Redfish, all of them evidently not too smart, according to Jim. When the bite finally slowed we ran around to Bell River and fished some slip float rigs deep. Jim figured it out early and put a couple of fat Trout in the boat. Gary stayed with the jig and landed another Trout fishing deep on the outside of some docks. Our last stop was back near Tiger fishing with Cajun Thunder float rigs up near the flooded grass and Jim found some more Trout to wrap up another great day to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
another keeper Trout, a small Flounder, then Gary landed a nice Slot sized 24.5" Redfish, all of them evidently not too smart, according to Jim. When the bite finally slowed we ran around to Bell River and fished some slip float rigs deep. Jim figured it out early and put a couple of fat Trout in the boat. Gary stayed with the jig and landed another Trout fishing deep on the outside of some docks. Our last stop was back near Tiger fishing with Cajun Thunder float rigs up near the flooded grass and Jim found some more Trout to wrap up another great day to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Girls Just Want To Have Fun
We had a great morning forecast today so I met the Fields family, Bob and Amy along with their two daughters Page and Clare, down at the south end boat ramp with plans to fish the first of an incoming tide. We ran up the Nassau River and made our first stop at Bubblegum Reef. We had two anglers on the bow and two at the stern tossing live shrimp and jig combo's to the river bottom and dragging them slowly back. Our first bite was a slight "bump" then FISH ON! Page had the rod and she worked the big fish patiently to the boat and soon landed a nice 17" Sheepshead. We fished until
the structure covered then moved over to fish some docks at Seymore's Pointe. All the anglers were making good casts to the dock pilings and when Page yelled, "I've got a fish", we could tell it was a good one by the way her rod was bent. She fought the fish furiously and landed another 17" fish, this one a fat Flounder. The wind had picked up and was rocking us pretty good so we ran down to Broward Island and it was like fishing on a pond! We had another slight bump and young Clare got on the board when she worked in a hungry Flounder. Bob was fishing patiently and persistently and he found a few Seatrout to add to the catch then Amy wrapped it up with a nice keeper sized Sheepshead round out another great day to be fishing Amelia Island waters.
the structure covered then moved over to fish some docks at Seymore's Pointe. All the anglers were making good casts to the dock pilings and when Page yelled, "I've got a fish", we could tell it was a good one by the way her rod was bent. She fought the fish furiously and landed another 17" fish, this one a fat Flounder. The wind had picked up and was rocking us pretty good so we ran down to Broward Island and it was like fishing on a pond! We had another slight bump and young Clare got on the board when she worked in a hungry Flounder. Bob was fishing patiently and persistently and he found a few Seatrout to add to the catch then Amy wrapped it up with a nice keeper sized Sheepshead round out another great day to be fishing Amelia Island waters.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Persistence Kept The Skunk Off
We had a beautiful day to fish yesterday evening -sunshine, balmy temperatures, but a bit breezy. I had met Adam Castelucci and his two sons Andrew and Alex, down at the Atlantic Seafood dock and we headed up Bell River to fish an outgoing tide. I had two of the anglers drifting deep slip float rigs and one of them tossing jig - all fishing with live shrimp- and although we had few bites, we had no takers. We buzzed around to fish the Jolley River and boy was it a low tide. I don't think I've seen it that low. We fished some seriously exposed oysters and again, a few bites, but no takers. Our next stop was around at Tiger Island, but the tide was down so low we couldn't get through the entrance. We made a short stop at Eagans Creek then ran back to the marina to pick up Adam's wife, Angie. Waiting for the tide to turn and come back in, we did a tour of Old Towne, the Pogy Plant, Fort Clinch and Cumberland Island then we crossed over to fish the backside of Tiger. The conditions were actually pretty good as the island was blocking a now Southerly wind. In just a short while Andrew had a strong hookup and FISH ON! Boy this was a big fish! Andrew was doing everything right, keeping the pressure on, but...FISH OFF! It had thrown the hook! That happens. So I'm thinking, "here we go". We fished up and down and up and down but only had a nibble here and there until finally a hookup. Young Alex fought the fish in and landed a nice, fat Speckled Seatrout to knock the skunk off! Whoooeee! Although it was a slow day of fish catching it was still a great day to get out with your family and spend some time on the Amelia Island waters fishing.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
A Fish Here and a Fish There
I also did an afternoon trip today, fishing with Wes Methaney and his wife Mary Beth. The wind had picked up somewhat out of the South East so we made our first stop down at the Rayonier warehouse to fish with jigs on the very last of an outgoing tide. Mary Beth kept up her record of being the first to put a fish in the boat when she landed a hungry Seatrout. Our next stop was around behind Tiger with plans to fish the first of the incoming tide. Boy was it a low tide! We barely scraped across the entrance, kicking up sand as we went but when we got to the deep side of the island we
were able to fish some seriously exposed logs. Wes had quickly got the knack for detecting the subtle bite of the Black "puppy" Drum and landed a couple while were there. We also had a good strong bite and hookup. Wes played it patiently and perfectly and landed a feisty Redfish. Trying to take advantage of the wind block, we stayed behind the island for a while but eventually we made our way out and back to Eagans Creek. Fishing jigs to the bank, Mary Beth made an excellent cast to a small marsh run out and hooked up with a nice sized Seatrout to wrap the day up.
were able to fish some seriously exposed logs. Wes had quickly got the knack for detecting the subtle bite of the Black "puppy" Drum and landed a couple while were there. We also had a good strong bite and hookup. Wes played it patiently and perfectly and landed a feisty Redfish. Trying to take advantage of the wind block, we stayed behind the island for a while but eventually we made our way out and back to Eagans Creek. Fishing jigs to the bank, Mary Beth made an excellent cast to a small marsh run out and hooked up with a nice sized Seatrout to wrap the day up.
Bulky Slot Redfish
The winds of yesterday afternoon died down just a bit for today, so I met Jimmy Haverstick and his two sons James and Henry down at the City marina early and we headed out to fish the last of an incoming (and very high) tide. We ran a short ways up Bell River and fished some flooded oyster beds with no luck then we moved around to fish the outside of Tiger Island. All three anglers were tossing float rigs and live shrimp. Jimmy, myself and Henry all saw Henry's float submerge slowly, come up, then go under again and when Henry lifted his rod and reeled, we knew he had the first fish
of the day, an hungry Flounder. The wind was still kirking pretty good so we moved around behind Tiger and fished the logs on a high and outgoing tide, which is very difficult. But we were out of the wind so we did the best we could, and it paid off. Henry tossed his bait into a likely spot and had a strong hookup and FISH ON! He worked hard at getting that fish in and even though it took him deep and from one end of the boat to the other, he stayed with it and landed a big, fat, Slot sized Redfish, boy what a fish! Later, James had a strong bite and he too had a nice fish on. He played it patiently and soon landed a keeper sized Black "puppy" Drum. We fished the area thoroughly then made the long run back up and into Bell River to fish some docks with deep slip float rigs. Although we worked 2-3 docks, up and down, we had no real bites. Our last stop was over in Jolley River and as the guys wrapped it up, Jimmy picked up a nice keeper sized Whiting. Although fishing was difficult with the wind blowing, it still turned out to be a great day of fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
of the day, an hungry Flounder. The wind was still kirking pretty good so we moved around behind Tiger and fished the logs on a high and outgoing tide, which is very difficult. But we were out of the wind so we did the best we could, and it paid off. Henry tossed his bait into a likely spot and had a strong hookup and FISH ON! He worked hard at getting that fish in and even though it took him deep and from one end of the boat to the other, he stayed with it and landed a big, fat, Slot sized Redfish, boy what a fish! Later, James had a strong bite and he too had a nice fish on. He played it patiently and soon landed a keeper sized Black "puppy" Drum. We fished the area thoroughly then made the long run back up and into Bell River to fish some docks with deep slip float rigs. Although we worked 2-3 docks, up and down, we had no real bites. Our last stop was over in Jolley River and as the guys wrapped it up, Jimmy picked up a nice keeper sized Whiting. Although fishing was difficult with the wind blowing, it still turned out to be a great day of fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Slam Then a Grand Slam
I had the Hardy family this morning - Tom, his son-in-law Bryan and grandsons Jake and Ethan, fishing out of the City marina with plans to fish the very first of an outgoing tide. I set up all the anglers with float rigs, set shallow, and we made our first run up a short distance in the Bell River to fish some flooded marsh grass. We got a few good bites and then Jake "knocked the skunk off" when he landed a hungry Seatrout. After Bryan put another Trout in the boat we ran over to Eagans Creek to fish some docks with float
rigs set deep. We had to work 2-3 docks but we found a Trout here and there. Bryan landed a couple with one of them being a keeper sized 18"s. Ethan was drifting a float closer to shore and when he had a bite he set the hook and had a good fight on his hands. He played the fish perfectly and put a keeper sized Sheepshead in the boat. We continued to fish the docks, picked up a Trout or two, then headed over to Lanceford Creek to fish some docks. After Bryan found one Trout, we made our last stop at Tiger Island. Bryan was fishing a pocket with a jig and shrimp when he felt
something heavy on his line and as it began to pull back, he set the hook and had the fish on. He worked it slowly to the boat and we netted a nice 17" flounder, rounding out an Amelia Island Back Country Slam of Trout, Sheepshead, and Flounder. But they weren't finished yet! Tom had been pitching here and there in between the young anglers and he finally had a window to make his cast where he produced a feisty Black "puppy" Drum to make it a Grand Slam and another great day to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
rigs set deep. We had to work 2-3 docks but we found a Trout here and there. Bryan landed a couple with one of them being a keeper sized 18"s. Ethan was drifting a float closer to shore and when he had a bite he set the hook and had a good fight on his hands. He played the fish perfectly and put a keeper sized Sheepshead in the boat. We continued to fish the docks, picked up a Trout or two, then headed over to Lanceford Creek to fish some docks. After Bryan found one Trout, we made our last stop at Tiger Island. Bryan was fishing a pocket with a jig and shrimp when he felt
something heavy on his line and as it began to pull back, he set the hook and had the fish on. He worked it slowly to the boat and we netted a nice 17" flounder, rounding out an Amelia Island Back Country Slam of Trout, Sheepshead, and Flounder. But they weren't finished yet! Tom had been pitching here and there in between the young anglers and he finally had a window to make his cast where he produced a feisty Black "puppy" Drum to make it a Grand Slam and another great day to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Monday, April 4, 2016
Are The Flounder Coming In?
Boy what a beautiful morning! It was still a little chilly but only one light jacket chilly! The sun was coming up when I met Scott Alphers, his daughters Sidney and Quinn and their friend Misty, down at the Big Talbot Island Park boat ramp. We headed up the intercoastal, dipped into Jackstaff, and began fishing a marsh run out with float rigs and live shrimp. We had a nibble here and there them Quinn yelled that she had fish on and sure enough, she did! She reeled it in like a pro and we counted the Bluefish catch as "skunk off the boat". As we were getting pictures, Scott reeled one
in, too. We fished a stretch of marsh grass, crossed over and fished another stretch, and here Scott caught a nice Flounder. Then Misty put a Flounder in the boat and a small Seatrout. Sidney was making excellent casts - probably the best of all the anglers - and she patiently and persistently worked her bait and jig. We then made a run through Horsehead over to the Nassau River and fished some still submerged oysters that produced no bites. We eased up to Bubblegum Reef and it was Misty's first cast when she had a big hookup and, FISH ON! This was a big fish that was having nothing
of begin caught. It ripped the drag, making run after bull run and I thought, surely a big Redfish or Black Drum. Misty fought it valiantly but eventually the wily fish made it's way for some structure, locked the line down, and broke off, OUCH! But Misty was not to be deterred, continued to fish, hooked up with a Ladyfish, then landed a nice 17" keeper sized Flounder. Scott had a good bite, too, one that ripped drag for a brief second, then threw the hook. Our last stop was down at Broward Island, and even thought the tide was down, we had no real bites. But it had warmed nicely to shirtsleeve temperature and as we headed in, we counted it as another great day to be fishing Amelia Island waters.
in, too. We fished a stretch of marsh grass, crossed over and fished another stretch, and here Scott caught a nice Flounder. Then Misty put a Flounder in the boat and a small Seatrout. Sidney was making excellent casts - probably the best of all the anglers - and she patiently and persistently worked her bait and jig. We then made a run through Horsehead over to the Nassau River and fished some still submerged oysters that produced no bites. We eased up to Bubblegum Reef and it was Misty's first cast when she had a big hookup and, FISH ON! This was a big fish that was having nothing
of begin caught. It ripped the drag, making run after bull run and I thought, surely a big Redfish or Black Drum. Misty fought it valiantly but eventually the wily fish made it's way for some structure, locked the line down, and broke off, OUCH! But Misty was not to be deterred, continued to fish, hooked up with a Ladyfish, then landed a nice 17" keeper sized Flounder. Scott had a good bite, too, one that ripped drag for a brief second, then threw the hook. Our last stop was down at Broward Island, and even thought the tide was down, we had no real bites. But it had warmed nicely to shirtsleeve temperature and as we headed in, we counted it as another great day to be fishing Amelia Island waters.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Trout Window Opens
Where did the cold weather come from? Although not frigid, the temperature was down to around 51 when I launched this morning, warranting a vest and fleece jacket for the morning. I was fishing with Dillon Herbert and his friends Eric, Ryan and Ezra who were down enjoying a spring break holiday from their jobs as coaches and teachers. We met at the Atlantic Seafood dock and made our first (cold) run up Lanceford Creek to fish some docks, which happened to be out of the wind. It was ideal conditions and with the
sun getting up, comfortable too...but we had no real bites. We ran back through Lanceford and over to Eagans Creek to fish some dock pilings as the tide changed. The guys fished jig rods until I could get some Cajun float rigs changed over to slip float rigs and this did the trick. Ryan got the hang of it early and put a nice Seatrout in the boat then the others began to get bites. For about an hour and half these anglers were playing cat and mouse with Trout down deep. Ryan put a big 20.5" Trout in the boat then followed that up with a keeper sized 16" one. Then Ezra hooked up with one,
played it patiently, and soon landed a nice 19" Trout. He picked up another 17" Trout along the way. Dillon had one of the big ones hooked up that ripped drag and broke the 14# test leader! With time running out, Eric got on the board with a keeper sized Trout landed. The sun had warmed things up nicely and the fishing had picked up too, so we counted it as another great day to be fishing Amelia Island, Florida.
sun getting up, comfortable too...but we had no real bites. We ran back through Lanceford and over to Eagans Creek to fish some dock pilings as the tide changed. The guys fished jig rods until I could get some Cajun float rigs changed over to slip float rigs and this did the trick. Ryan got the hang of it early and put a nice Seatrout in the boat then the others began to get bites. For about an hour and half these anglers were playing cat and mouse with Trout down deep. Ryan put a big 20.5" Trout in the boat then followed that up with a keeper sized 16" one. Then Ezra hooked up with one,
played it patiently, and soon landed a nice 19" Trout. He picked up another 17" Trout along the way. Dillon had one of the big ones hooked up that ripped drag and broke the 14# test leader! With time running out, Eric got on the board with a keeper sized Trout landed. The sun had warmed things up nicely and the fishing had picked up too, so we counted it as another great day to be fishing Amelia Island, Florida.
Friday, April 1, 2016
Fishing Before the Storm
I fished this afternoon with Cale Conry, is son Quintin and their friend Ryan - meeting them down at the City marina with plans to fish the last few hours of an incoming tide. We ran up to the outside of Tiger Island and fished some flooding oyster beds. Quintin had the hot rod early, landing a hungry Seatrout and a feisty Bluefish. Cale put a small Trout in the boat and Ryan had a nice fat one at boatside before he "quick released" it. We made our next stop further up the beach of Tiger and here we had a number of good bites but no takers. After bouncing over to Manatee Cove the
fishing picked up a bit - they had a couple of more Trout come to the boat. We ran through Tiger Basin and over to Bell River, stuck with the float rigs, had a number of good bites but no takers, then made a move to fish some flooded grass in Lanceford Creek. Both Quintin and Ryan were making good, long casts but we had only been fishing for a few minutes when an approaching thunderstorm appeared to be coming too close so we called it a day, another great one to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
fishing picked up a bit - they had a couple of more Trout come to the boat. We ran through Tiger Basin and over to Bell River, stuck with the float rigs, had a number of good bites but no takers, then made a move to fish some flooded grass in Lanceford Creek. Both Quintin and Ryan were making good, long casts but we had only been fishing for a few minutes when an approaching thunderstorm appeared to be coming too close so we called it a day, another great one to be fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida.
Big Trout Big Reds and Bragging Rights
I had the pleasure of fishing with Tom Gaslin again and this time he brought along his son, Sam, meeting me down at the Atlantic Seafood dock early this morning for day of fishing here at Amelia Island, Florida. We had a couple of hours before the falling tide hit bottom so we made a run over to Eagans Creek and began fishing deep. Sam got set up on the bow of the boat tossing up current with a jig and shrimp and before we could get Tom going with a slip float rig, Sam yelled FISH ON! His first cast had produced a big
bite. Sam played the fish perfectly and after a good fight landed a nice 19" Seatrout! Then both anglers were fishing and catching fish and then Tom had strong bite on his deep float and he too had a big Trout, this one over 20". We fished 4 docks, up and down and the duo landed a handful of Trout with another one right at 20" and then Sam added a keeper sized Sheepshead. When the tide hit bottom we headed out and over to the Jolley River, making a brief stop at MOA where we had no bites then we eased back to Tiger Island. We hadn't been there but for a few minutes when Tom had a strong bite. We knew this was a big fish as it ripped the drag on the Shimano reel but Tom kept the pressure on. It was a good fight and Tom prevailed, landing a nice "Tournament sized" Redfish -26"-boy what a fish. They kept tossing jigs and a few minutes later Sam had a strong bite. It was immediately clear that this fish was even bigger! It stayed deep so long that I was thinking it might be a big Black Drum. It took Sam from one side of the boat to the other, but Sam stayed with it and eventually landed a nice, oversized 29.5" Redfish - a beast! Now that's the way to wrap up a great day of fishing here at Amelia Island! This fish puts Sam in first place in the Anglers Mark 2016 Bragging Rights Tournament - Redfish Category (scroll down the right side of this report for standings).
bite. Sam played the fish perfectly and after a good fight landed a nice 19" Seatrout! Then both anglers were fishing and catching fish and then Tom had strong bite on his deep float and he too had a big Trout, this one over 20". We fished 4 docks, up and down and the duo landed a handful of Trout with another one right at 20" and then Sam added a keeper sized Sheepshead. When the tide hit bottom we headed out and over to the Jolley River, making a brief stop at MOA where we had no bites then we eased back to Tiger Island. We hadn't been there but for a few minutes when Tom had a strong bite. We knew this was a big fish as it ripped the drag on the Shimano reel but Tom kept the pressure on. It was a good fight and Tom prevailed, landing a nice "Tournament sized" Redfish -26"-boy what a fish. They kept tossing jigs and a few minutes later Sam had a strong bite. It was immediately clear that this fish was even bigger! It stayed deep so long that I was thinking it might be a big Black Drum. It took Sam from one side of the boat to the other, but Sam stayed with it and eventually landed a nice, oversized 29.5" Redfish - a beast! Now that's the way to wrap up a great day of fishing here at Amelia Island! This fish puts Sam in first place in the Anglers Mark 2016 Bragging Rights Tournament - Redfish Category (scroll down the right side of this report for standings).
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