As April goes by and we roll into May, expect the wind to be consistent and, of course, those afternoon or late evening showers will be plentiful.  Plan your trip accordingly and take the necessary gear needed to help your trip be fun and successful.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Florida marine fishing is the constant repetition of the question, “What is it?” Rare indeed is the angler who, at some time during a fishing trip, doesn’t catch a fish that must be examined closely to determine its species.

Just when you think winter is gone, here it comes again.  It is relentless.  This is the first time in my life I am sick of winter and ready for it to get hot.

Between my last report and right now the Blue Marlin have migrated into the St. Johns River and record catches are happening from the Dames Point Bridge area all the way to the Mayport jetties.  The best bet is a kite rig, with a dangling leftover St. Patty's Day green sausage on a 1/0 circle hook.

The bite will continue to improve this month as the water temperature gradually rises.  In previous reports, I have stressed the need to fish slow.  This technique will be very effective for Flounder and Redfish until the water temps reach the high 70's and low 80's.

Make sure you carefully review the 2018 Florida Fishing Regulations along with 2018 Florida Fishing Bag and Size Limits.

Just when you think we have winter behind us, break out the pants and jackets again!! I'm over winter, seriously.  Our water is so cold, it has completely affected our fishing this winter and not in a good way.

It wasn't that long ago, I was writing this report and the inshore waters were freezing.  Buddies of mine were talking dead or stunned fish South of Beach Blvd off the ICW.  Dead or stunned fish in the Lake in Queens Harbor neighborhood.  And I marked a river temp of 48 degrees on the surface, on a 20-25 knot morning.  We lasted only 2 hours out on the river in Mayport, that day.

With Winter and the cold weather behind us here in the Northeast Florida region, expect the water temperatures to climb and the fishing to get red hot. The Redfish bite has been extremely good. Target creeks with deeper water adjacent to a flat, look for fish pushing in the shallow water and around oyster beds. Redfish are still running in schools, so the opportunity to boat several fish is a definite possibility.

The water has started to warm slightly which has brought the sea bass a little closer to shore. Instead of having to travel 20 miles minimum, some fish can be caught around the 13 to 15-mile range. Some other fish on the new shore reefs such as ringtail porgies are plentiful also. 

I like a good Winter...  BUT!

Hello folks, and welcome to the "winter doldrums" in Jacksonville, Florida.  Those  approx. 8-10 days of nearly hard freeze, all the way to the beaches.  Really kicked some "fish butt."

It may be a little cool…  but there are fish to catch!

The wind has really been hindering the offshore fishing the past couple of weeks.  We had a small window though, last week, where we were able to make it offshore.  We decided to take advantage of the great weather and stretch out to 60 miles.

Well, Winter Is really upon us.  As most of you, January is a challenging month.  The low temps, the harsh, blistering wind, and crazy tides make for some difficult fishing.  However, if you dress appropriately and brave the cold, the fishing in some areas will be really good.

The Multi-Species, "Relaxation Method"

HUH? That’s what you're probably thinking after reading that title. Well, that's how I feel about my favorite way of winter fishing.  And I do a lot of it.  Right Now. "Float-rig fishing", aka: slip float fishing. 

Offshore, we’re starting to see some grouper but the numbers just aren't where they should be.  Red Snapper season was rescheduled for this weekend Dec 8, 9, and 10 but with the worst cold front of the year rolling through at the same time, hardly anyone was able to get out.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  As the holiday season approaches, the temperatures are still dropping and the water is cooling down.  Fishing, this time of year, in the Northeast Florida area, is very good.  The Sheepshead bite has turned on in the region.  As the colder weather rolls in, the water temps will drop, and the bite will really turn on.

Ez - P'ezy fishing! I love this time of year! Not only are the fish very willing participants in my favorite activity.  But, it can also be so "low-tech".

The first weekend of Red snapper Season 2017 started out pretty rough regarding weather, and it ended worse on the second weekend with a nor'easter completely closing off the ocean due to high seas.  We were able to run the first 3 days Nov 3, 4, 5 but Sunday (5th) was very rough, causing us to cancel all afternoon trips.  Of the trips we did run, both boats limited out each trip with some red snapper nearing 20lbs.

As we roll into the heart of fall, the water temperatures start to dip, and the cleaner water will eventually make its way into the Northeast Florida area.  Look for schooling redfish on the mud flats warming.  Focus on flats adjacent to tidal creeks or the ICW.