THINK FREE BAIT…   IN DEEP SUMMER…   Inshore! I like to think that there's lots of free bait swimming out there.  But, really.  Is there any bait that's free?  Maybe a better way of thinking about it is ''easier bait.''

The ocean is yielding great harvest right now. Particularly if you like kingfish. We are limiting out nearly every trip with some fish upwards of 40lbs.

Last month produced some fantastic fishing and as we roll into July the heat wave is going to be in full swing.  Get out early to beat the heat and late afternoon thunder storms.  I always carry more than enough fluids in my cooler to keep myself and my guests hydrated.  Also, don’t forget the rain gear.  North East Florida weather can change every 5 minutes…  so be prepared!

Sticking to "inshore"

Speckled Trout.  The bite is still very strong.  Yes, the water temps are now a balmy 82 degrees.  But, I'm hearing from other Trout "afishionados" that they too are catching really big Trout.

Florida Residents and Visitors need a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license unless they are a member of one of the "exempted" groups of people listed in the text in the link. Your license is required to be with you when you are engaged in the licensed activity. Replacement licenses cost $2.

Well the winds have finally started to back off…  but now we are dealing with torrential rains.  For some reason, Mother Nature will not leave us alone.  We've already had a named storm and it’s a week before hurricane season is even supposed to start.

As we roll into June, the weather, water temps and fish all start to transition.  For me personally, this is my favorite time of year.  As the water clears up, the water temperatures start to rise along with the air temperature.

Is it that time of year, ALREADY?

As a dedicated inshore fisherman and a complete "Trout Fishing Snob", I’m about to tell you some things you may not like.  But some of you will be understanding of it.

NOAA officials want to hear from local recreational fisherman about opening a red snapper season off our Atlantic coast and in Georgia and the Carolinas.

We’ve had such a tough winter, it just doesn’t seem like Mother Nature will leave us alone.  We are noticing changes to our waters though…  as bait fish, like pogies, are starting to show up very sporadically.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG, (doesn't matter what the calendar says)

As an Angler, my seasons are dictated by the weather and what the fish are doing.  March 20th may have been the first day of Spring for the landlubber crowd.  But for me, spring just arrived last week.  Because while on a charter we caught the first Spanish Mackerel of the year.  Yep, the Spaniards arriving is the kick-off in my book.  And should be in yours also.

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.