Captain Chad Starling
904.502.7408
TeamBuckRogers.com
The ocean has been pretty much off limits since the first of September with only a few days where we were able to get offshore.
We’ve had to fall back and punt many times and catch the Bull Redfish in the river because the ocean was just too rough to enjoy yourself.
This weekend is no different, but it does look like we have a glimmer of hope early next week where we might get some weather that will allow us to go past the jetties. If you can get offshore, there’s plenty of Red Snapper action inside 30 miles, along with a few Vermilion and an occasional Cobia.
You will have to go outside 40 miles to do much on keepers such as Vermilion, Triggers, Red Porgy and Jacks. All the smaller Jacks such as Almaco, Banded Rudderfish, and Lesser Jacks are closed through the end of the year so don’t keep any of those.
The Greater Amberjack are still open. There should be some Wahoo around too but getting the weather right is a must as you will need to fish between 40-70 miles for them. The Wahoo fishing will get better and better as the weather gets worse and worse - through March. Best tactics are either high speed trolling or pulling Skirted Ballyhoo.
Inshore some Sheepshead are starting to show up along with Black Drum, Flounder and Croakers. For the Sheepshead, Fiddlers are the bait of choice but small live Shrimp will also work.
For the Flounder, Finger Mullet or Mud Minnows are ideal and for the Black Drum and Bull Reds, cut Blue Crab and put it on the bottom of the channel drop offs along the St. Johns River. For Croaker fishing, either dead Shrimp or Squid on the bottom.
The Black Drum will also eat the dead Shrimp and Squid. There’s plenty of options right now both inshore and offshore so get out there when you can.
We have plenty of availability if you’re looking for a day on the water.
Captain Chad Starling
Team Buck Rogers Fishing Charters
teambuckrogers.com
904.502.7408