Fly Fishing in February

I had the pleasure of fishing with Gary Spielmann who was visiting Amelia Island with his wife and staying at the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge. Gary's fly fished all over the world -Russia, Alaska and the Northeast and he wanted to try his hand at the fly rod here on Amelia Island. I picked Gary up at Elizabeth Point and we drove to the south end boat ramp, launching around 12:30pm. The tide was due to be low around 1:45pm so we headed up to Broward Island and caught the last of the outgoing. As usual, the current was really ripping, but Gary was making some beautiful casts up around the downed logs, limbs and stumps. We didn't get any strikes so we moved around to a small feeder creek in Pumpkin Hill but didn't see any movement. The tide finally bottomed out so we cranked up and ran back to Broward to catch the incoming tide. I asked Gary to give the jig -n-shrimp a try and it wasn't long before he hooked up to a fiesty fat 18" trout. Gary had never fished with the jig-n-shrimp combo but he quickly got the hang of bumping the bottom and picked up a few more trout. There were a few times when he hooked up and fish broke off in the limbs. After a very cold week, Saturday's sunny weather was wonderful. We saw an otter, porpoise, an osprey and tons of other birdlife.

Manatee Count at Record High

This article came to me from the Florida Guides Association Newsletter:

FWC annually conduct synoptic surveys to get an idea of how many manatees are out there. The survey normally includes observers from on the ground and in the air. Data from the synoptic survey are not used to estimate population trends, but rather represent a relative abundance within a year. This year's survey resulted in record high counts. See the following press release for more information.

FWC News Release: FWC records high counts during statewide manatee survey

For immediate release: January 28, 2009Contact: Carli Segelson, 727-896-8626 Photo and FAQs: Go to MyFWC.com and click on "Newsroom."

FWC records high counts during statewide manatee survey A team of scientists counted an all-time-high number of manatees during the annual manatee synoptic survey conducted the week of Jan. 19. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) reported a preliminary count of 3,807 manatees statewide. A team of 21 observers from nine organizations counted 2,153 manatees on Florida's East Coast and 1,654 on the West Coast of the state. This year's count exceeded the previous high count from 2001 by more than 500 animals. In both years, survey conditions were favorable for aerial observations. Although synoptic results are not population estimates and should not be used to assess trends, the FWC is encouraged by this year's high count. Survey results are consistent with population models that show the manatee population appears to be increasing in Northwest Florida, along the Atlantic Coast and on the upper St. Johns River. The synoptic survey is a count of manatees over a broad area. The survey provides researchers with a snapshot of manatee distribution and a minimum number of manatees in Florida waters at the time of the count. Researchers have been conducting synoptic surveys since 1991, weather permitting, to meet the state's requirement for an annual count of manatees in Florida waters. Weather and manatee behavior affect synoptic survey counts. The best conditions for the synoptic survey occur during the coldest months of the year, when manatees gather at warm-water sites. "Several cold fronts passed through Florida over a short time period, causing a large number of manatees to move to warm-water sites," said FWRI biologist Holly Edwards. "Good weather conditions allowed the manatees to be easily seen and counted, contributing to this year's high count." FWRI researchers are testing new survey methods that will provide a population estimate for Florida manatees as outlined in the FWC's manatee management plan. The adjustments to the survey will help achieve more accurate results and reduce dependency on the weather. For more information about manatees and synoptic surveys, visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102431957407&e=001hcPnvwR2_cqtuC3EJM_A4X-yt2pNiB3kQzral26H6pRdpNrovfm1BShoHvlehFQBEGtBakV7d5kt7akI21FXvNK19_24-cBw5Pwlq6Q9MK1kdY0d5lpDIg==. To report a dead or injured manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC.

February = Closed Trout Season

Don't forget that there is a closed season on Spotted Seatrout in the month of February for the N.E. Region of Florida, which includes Amelia Island. You can catch 'em, but you just need to throw them back! During all other months, the bag limit is (5) per person and they have to be at least 15" in length, but not longer than 20". However, each anlger can keep one of those (5) over 20". The photograph at right is of Tad Miller holding up about a 19" trout. Of course, you can always practice "CPR": Catch, Photograph, and Release!

Slow start, BIG finish.

I picked up Vigay Raghavan and his son, Arun, at the Southend boat ramp Saturday afternoon. I don't know if the air tempature got up to the 70 predicted, but it never really felt like it. We had a fairly stiff west wind blowing as we ran up Nassau River to our first stop at Broward Island. The wind and outgoing current made keeping the boat in line and casting very difficult so we decided to leave and try our luck out of the wind at the docks around Seymour's Pointe. No bites. I cruised up Jackstaff to a likely spot with some deep water and oyster beds; no bites. With two hours into the trip and the tide stalling at dead low, we pulled up anchor and ran back to Broward Island. Luck would have it: the wind died down, the tempature seemed to rise, and the fish bite turned on. Arun boated a nice 17" redfish - his first, then a trout. His dad, Vigay, got in on the action and began to pick up trout, and then Arun boated a another 17" red. There were a couple of times when both anglers had trout on as they got the hang of using the jigs and shrimp. When Arun's pole bent and drag began to rip off I new that he had a nice fish on the line. Vigay hooked up during the battle and told me to forget about his trout so we turned our attention (and net) to Arun as he reeled in his biggest fish to date -a 25" Redfish. We snapped pictures and released the fish to be caught another day. Although the day started out slow, we ended up catch 18 fish and ending the day with a bang. As the sun set, the west breeze caused the river to appear almost like glass as we cruised back to the boat ramp. What a great day of fishing!

Cold Water Boot Camp video

I saw this link to a Cold Water Boot Camp demonstration and thought I'd post it:http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xohI3B4Uc The last time I checked, inshore water tempatures were around 58 degrees - probably enough to take your breath away if you fell in. Sure does make you think! A buddy of mine got one of those automatic life vests to wear; I think I may just get one, especially if I'm fishing by myself. I do a mini safety/emergency reveiw with all of my customers before we begin our trip and I like to point out the life vests and throw cushion. Here's another video that explains the different life vests available http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvz16Xps6Wc

Progress of new County park and Boat Ramp

Construction at the new County Goffinsville Park is well underway and tentative completion is expected around March or April. Nassau County Maintenance and Recreation Department Director Daniel Salmon said the park will have a boat ramp, fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch with a floating dock. There will also be a building with restrooms and a section for a vendor to have a bait and tackle shop - which may come somewhat later after the park opens. A concrete bulkhead is being constructed to prevent errosion which has been a traditional problem at Goffinsville and the County is planning a space for a potential residence for a security person in hopes that their presence would deter dumping and vandalism. Trails, playground equipment, and picnic tables will also be part of the park to comlete a great family recreation area.

Mr. Salmon said that the Contractor is Hashman construction and the project cost is estimated at $2.17 million dollars. Funding has come from grants, Regional Impact Fees and the 1 cent fund.

I snapped some pictures on my last fishing trip, one of the boat ramp and one of the fishing pier.

Recipe of the Month: Grilled Trout with Shrimp Sauce

Suspiciously similar to last month's recipe, but simpler; and when you've got fresh trout fillets...

(2) Big 'ole trout fillets (1) Can Cream of Shrimp Soup

(1) Tblsp olive oil (1) Cup diced celery

(1) Cup diced bell pepper (1/2) Cup diced red onions

(1) Teasp. lemon juice. Salt, Pepper, Konriko

(1/2) cup water) (1/2) Cup white wine

Sprinkle the fillets with Konriko. Heat olive oil andStir fry the celery,

bell peppers and onions; add lemon juice and white wine.

Add the Cream of Shrimp Soup and add some water.

Bring to boil, then simmer until the sauce begins to thicken again.

Grill the trout fillets and smother with Shrimp sauce. Serve.

Fishing Trip Salvaged

Anticipating a great day, I tried to launch The Anglers Mark Saturday morning early. I'd purchased six dozen lively local shrimp from the Bait House and had the boat backed down at the ramp by 7am. When I turned the key and heard the slow sluggish groan of the engine I knew that an early morning of fishing was not to be. After about an hour of trying to charge my starting battery with jumper cables up in the parking lot I decided to run to the Super Walmart in Yulee and get the battery checked out or replaced (it was less than a year old). The battery checked out good and the mechanic set up a quick charger on it. Being out that way, I changed my plans and ran to the Holley Pointe boat ramp and launched by 9am. The tide was high around 8:30am and I decided to try some new areas on the falling tide. Running up the Nassau River, past Pumkin Hill Creek, I came to what the map said is Broward Island. The river ran along side it similar to the way it does at Tiger Island - deep water with a shoreline of downed trees and stumps. Except this was a lot bigger island. Starting on the southside of the island, I drifted along the shore, tossing live shrimp under floats. The wind was out of the SE so the tree line broke the 10mph breeze and I had "lake-like" conditions. On about my third cast I was hooked up with a nice fish that ripped the PowerPro braided line off of my new Stradic 1000 reel. This fish hooked up so soon that I hadn't had time to get my net out of the locker so I reeled the 20" Redfish up to the gunwale of the boat, leaned over to lift it in, and....BAP...the fish gave one last lunge and broke the leader....and lazely swam off to the depths of the river - I watched him go! OUCH! I fished the entire bank of the island and ended up catching another five redfish, most undersized, but at least one a nice slot sized fish. These fish were real aggressive eaters with one of the Red's even coming out of the water like a Largemouth Bass. I checked some other area's out - Pumpkin Hill Creek and on up the Nassau to Lofton Creek, but came back to Broward Island in the afternoon to catch the incoming tide. Now that the river was low I could see all the tree's, stumps, and limbs on the bottom so I switched to a jig with live shrimp. I had just thought to myself that, "hey, the tide has gone slack", when I felt a heavy tug on my bait and the battle was on! This fish pulled strong- running back to the bank, down deep, up to the bow of the boat, back to the stern of the boat....and came off! I couldn't believe it! A few minutes later, another hookup...and another fish lost. And then another. These last two felt like nibbles until I raised the rod tip and I began to think that maybe I was in a mess of flounder, so the next "nibble" I got I actually let the line go slack, counted to ten, then raised the rod tip firmly and ...FISH ON! After a good battle I netted a beautifal, fat, 22" Trout. I ended up catching about seven more trout, losing a few, and having a great time. Once they were hooked they put up a ferocious fight and I really believe that first one that got away was probably bigger than the 22 incher. As the sun went down I was treated with a visit from America's national bird - a bald eagle that landed in a dead pine tree on the island. What a great day of fishing!

The Salty Feather - a real Fly Shop!

If you haven't had a chance to visit The Salty Feather in Jacksonville, then you're missing a real treat as an angler. Owner John Botko has years of experience fishing the NE Florida waters and stocks a complete line of fly fishing equipment and fly tying materials. In addition to fly fishing, The Salty Feather carries other inshore equipment, kayak's, clothing and anglers gifts. The store is located at 2683 St. Johns Bluff Road, suite 127, in Jacksonville, Florida. The phone number is 904-645-8998 or 888-847-2589. The Salty Feather is also sponsoring a number of classes for aspiring and even experienced anglers. Their Advanced Inshore Fishing School has classes January 9-10 and March 7-8. John offers a Beginning Fly Tying for NE Florida class that begins Tuesday January 13th. I took this class years ago and learned a whole bunch about tying flies that I can actually use here in the area. There's also a Fly Fishing 101 class on January 24th if you're interested in starting the sport or getting some extra pointers. The Salty Feather - a real fly fishing shop!

Fun Family Fishing

The Don and Kelly Tesiero family, with youngsters Trey and Marie, hosted their nephew, Donnie, who was visiting them for the New Year's Holiday. Donnie was down from Boston and couldn't have picked a better few days with gorgeous "Chamber of Commerce" type weather. I picked the group up at Atlantic Seafood and we cruised up to the Jolley River to "get away from it all". The tide had been going out for about two hours and the oyster beds were beginning to show. We got all the rods unlimbered and fished some of my favorite spots with live shrimp under corks and on jigs - but had no real solid bites. We'd been saving the "Trey Island" spot in our back pocket so we cranked up and off we went. It wasn't long after anchoring before Don had a nice redfish in the boat then Donnie hooked up with his - a nice redfish with 14 spots - what could have been a big money winner in the annual Redfish Spot tournament. The group caught fish all along the shoreline with Trey joining in with a redfish and Kelly battling in the biggest fish of the day, a "conservative" 26 inch Red. Don worked with 4 year old Marie and after numerous "almosts", they hooked up with a fat Black Drum and Marie helped her dad reel it in. Total for the day: 5-6 Redfish, (1) Trout, (1) Drum, (1) Sheepshead...and a whole bunch of "baitstealers".