We’ve made it to the middle of July and the weather is sweltering while the fishing is hot. It’s been a scorching few days on the water this week but the fish really haven’t seemed to mind. Anglers have had good action in the creeks, plenty to tug on in the river, and lots of options both nearshore and offshore.
It’s kingfish season in North East Florida and the bite has been good so far this year. This week is the Greater Jax Tournament, one of the larger each summer season. The sisters creek ramp is tournament HQ and is closed to boaters launching vessels for the rest of the week. The captains meeting is Thursday the 18th at 7pm with fishing starting Friday morning. There is also a Redfish tournament that will be Saturday and awards for both tournaments are Saturday evening.
It looked like everyone made it out last Friday for our one day of Red Snapper fun. There must have been quite a few sick days used judging by the boat ramp parking situation and the amount of boats on any piece of bottom offshore. We were lucky to have weather about as nice as it could get and plenty of hungry Snapper to catch. I think this was my first time having to wait in a line at the cleaning tables so there must not have been many people struggling to catch their Snapper. There were certainly some big fish landed with 24lbs taking the win in this year’s tournament.
Inshore we’re getting into the good tide windows for flood fishing over the next couple months. Watch for big tides to stalk Redfish snaking through the grass and tailing as they feed on the fiddler crabs, crickets, shrimp, and minnows that try to hide up on the flats. The first few floods of the year are always some of the most fun as those hungry Redfish push shallow and put on a show. Swing by Strike Zone Fly Fishing to get set up with everything you need for fly fishing the floods, from a couple gurglers and crab flies to an entire 8wt combo they have you covered.
As always wishing y’all tight lines, fair winds, and following seas going into the weekend! If you’re looking to book a charter, submit a photo, or have a report to share reach out to me directly at chris@fishjax.org or visit www.fishjaxcharters.com.
I had local surf photographer Will Vogt out for my morning trip on Snapper day and
we had an awesome sunrise bite feeding them right at the transom.
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