April is always a month local anglers look forward too on the First Coast. Our inshore fishery is full of life again by this time of year and the offshore migration starts bringing blue water action our way. So far this week has brought a hot start to the month with some great conditions for fishing and lots of action inshore and offshore.
Inshore the Mullet are back in the creeks with more and more showing up every day. The Redfish are heavy on the feed and the Trout, Drum, and Sheepshead are chewing between spawning windows. The activity level of the Redfish is cranking up as our water temperatures continue to rise. The bigger schools have started breaking up and we’re seeing fish backing and busting on both Mullet and Shrimp on the low tides, at higher water we did well fishing grass lines and over submerged oysters. I’ve been throwing 1/8th oz paddle tails but you can easily cast net some mullet and fish them under a Cajun thunder or just free lined on a circle hook. The topwater bite has been hot for both Redfish and Trout the last few days as well, it’s hard to beat watching that plug walk and seeing the strike.
The Sheepshead have been chewing really well the last few weeks and that’s continued so far this week. I’ve been fishing for them on the rocks and the nearshore wrecks and we’ve seen some great quality fish this with a handful over 7lbs. On the wrecks we’re fishing the same tackle as for the jetties, either jigs or Carolina rigs. Usually 1oz will work for weight but if the current picks up you might need 2 or 3 ounces especially if you get out deeper than 80ft.
Easter Sunday I was blessed with 3 generations of family on the boat and with ideal conditions we headed out of the inlet to try some spots offshore for Sheepshead. The first spot we struggled with nothing but small snapper. Pointed the bay boat East and with a calm ocean headed a little farther out to an artificial reef I’ve had luck finding them before this time of year.
It didn’t take long for my cousin to get hooked up on something that was bulldogging her on the light tackle and ripping drag with quick vertical runs. Hoping it the right species I grabbed the net, as the deep color showed those distinctive black and white bars coming up the excitement on the boat hit a new high.
The fish made a number of runs under the boat, a few nervous moments before I was finally able to slip the net under it. Not only did Shannon have our first Sheepshead of the day but it was a huge 11.3lb monster that easily set a new boat record for Fish Jax Charters. After some celebration and pictures everybody got in on the action and caught their own personal best Sheepshead over the next few hours but Shannon had set the bar high and would retain her bragging rights for the day and probably the decade with that incredible catch.
Farther offshore the reports have been good this week for both bottom fishing and trolling. Bottom fishing the Southern Cross reported a good day on Mutton’s out deep from Mayport last weekend. Capt Oz on the Majesty has been fishing a great Vermilion bite in 90-100 feet with some Jacks, Triggerfish, and Sea Bass mixed in. On the troll this week the first wave of Mahi arrived with some of the Vilano boats doing pretty well. Look for the Mahi action to pick up over the next couple weeks and really peak in May. There were quite a few Wahoo caught to finish the shootout last weekend but none big enough to move Walk Thru II out of the lead. Congratulations to Frank Vining and his crew for another incredible tournament win.
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.
Shannon Mailloux with her 11.3 pound Sheepshead catch of a lifetime. Still a couple weeks of our peak season left to trophy hunt for your own personal best.
コメント