CAPTAIN JOHN EGGERS
ROCK-N-REEL CHARTERS
904.591.1611
ROCKNREELCHARTERS.NET
We are finally starting to see steadier weather patterns going into the summer months and with these better conditions the fish tend to be easier to pattern. First light in the morning, I will target the big trout around docks and any concrete structures or bulk heads, especially in the river with big top water walk the dog style lures.
5 inch minimum in size with a mullet pattern will definitely get those big 5 plus pounders to bite. After the sun has been up for about an hour, I switch to a suspending or slow sinking jerk bait or… big soft plastic on a ⅛ oz long shank jig head.
Sometimes the bigger fish will bite top water early, then quit when the sun comes up, but will still bite lower in the water column where there is less sun light. Go for them by switching lures and you will still be able to catch the fish.
When red fishing, similar techniques apply. First light the reds will aggressively attack top water lures and will bite pretty.
well most of the morning, unlike the trout. If the reds keep missing your plug, make sure you have a follow up soft plastic or twitch bait ready to throw right beside the lure missed. You will be surprised how many times you will catch that short striking red.
Flounder will be around the Spartina grass, hard sand bottom areas and bull reds start showing up a little better in the river and jetties. If you can get out off of the beach or near shore structures the king fish bite will be taking off. With plenty of pogie pods available on the beach it shouldn't be hard to get bait.
The silver king will start appearing with their migration and should be here until August.
I like using a pogie on a circle hook with a big float and 3 feet or less of 80 lb. leader around the pods. A short leader fished on the outer edges of these pods singles out your bait from the herd making it an easy target for the tarpon.