Our local waters are warming up this week as we’ve had a few days in the upper 70s and forecasted highs into the 80s coming on Saturday. While there are some scattered thunderstorms and breezy conditions in the weekend forecast we should have windows to fish inshore the next few days. Offshore you’ll need to have a larger boat and a steady stomach if you’re headed out of the inlet this weekend.
The spring months of March through May can make for the most incredible days on the water in North East Florida. From an active inshore fishery to the return of migratory pelagic species off the coasts there is so much opportunity for local saltwater anglers. Inshore the Sheepshead are still around while the year round staples of Trout, Redfish, and Flounder are all getting more active. Offshore winter Wahoo fishing might be on the taper but Tuna, Mahi, Kingfish, and Cobia are all heating up.
With the weather conditions this weekend and the El Cheapo now in the rear view you can likely expect to find a quieter boat ramp and less people on the water. The bites still been steady this week in the inlets and the Redfish have been more active in the mornings then they have the last month or two. As we keep trending warmer you will see the bigger schools of fish start to break up and spread out into the smaller groups we see all summer.
The last few trips I’ve found the shallow water Redfish a little more spread out but still largely schooled up in groups of 20 or more fish. For skinny water sight fishing the mid incoming tide has been working well for me but I’ve talked to a few others who have had better luck on the outgoing while fishing deeper holes where the fish are staging.
Whatever tide you’re fishing the main key in catching these schooled up fish is stealth. You’ve gotta be quiet coming in, quiet while casting, and if you get one or two then it’s time to move on and find the next school. These big groups of fish get a lot of pressure in our area and any little indication of your presence can blow the opportunity.
One tip that will really help improve your catch rate for winter time Redfish is fishing with a set up that allows you to make a long cast with a very light weight lure or small shrimp. When you downsize this time of year to using 1/16-1/8oz jig heads the standard issue inshore tackle of a 7’ medium heavy action spinning rod with 20lb braid is way overkill and won’t cast very well especially into the wind. A 7’6” or 8’ light action rod with 10lb braid feels a little different at first but will really help make long cast that keep you off the school enough to keep them comfortable and feeding.
Offshore the Wahoo bites still going strong with few more fish hitting the scales in the Shootout but nobody has pushed Problem Solver out of the top spot yet. The waters still pretty cool offshore but it won’t take long before we start seeing Mahi, Tuna, and Billfish out in the blue water. Capt. Oz on the Mayport Majesty reports the Vermilions are wide open and they’ve had a few throwback Grouper in the mix as well. With the May 1st season opener on the horizon now is the time to book your Grouper charters for the summer.
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.
Capt. Matt Chipperfield recently guided his client to this absolute monster of a Trout. We are in the peak time of year for catching Gator trout in North Florida.
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