Fernandina Beach to Flagler Beach
Includes Jacksonville and St. Augustine

May 2-4

NE

OFFSHORE

It’s been the best of times for the blue water anglers. There’s been plenty of mahi, and on Monday the Jody Lynn II released 5 sails. Most of the mahi action has started in 130 feet, where the warm water has pushed in a little early this year.

There’s been a few wahoo around, but not any real big numbers. There’s also been several blue marlin encounters from 250 to 1500 feet.

Red snapper fishing is ridiculously good. Limits are the norm, and some of the regulations the NMFS are considering, including shutting down recreational red snapper fishing are atrocious. Beeliners are also biting very well within 25 miles of the beach.

Beach cobia fishermen are getting as tight lipped as drum fishermen. There are rumors of cobia under the bait schools north of Matanzas, but nobody will admit to catching anything but big redfish.

Spanish mackerel are schooling around the jetties at high tide. Working the rip on a falling tide should certainly get you some Spanish, and I’ll bet you there are some cobia in with the bait schools.

INSHORE

Tony Bozzella says there are more big trout around now, than any time since the spring of 99. He has weighed an 11 and three 8 pounders in the last few days.

The big jetties has also been a hot spot for big trout lately. Live shrimp under a cork have been the ticket at the jetties while lipped divers have ruled the river.

Captain Fred Morrow has continued to pick off drum and a few sheepshead near the tips of the jetties. Low tide, at the tip of the south has been the most dependable spot.

There are plenty of reds in the creeks, and they’re getting hungrier. Fly fishermen have scored when the winds are light.

SAINT AUGUSTINE

Cobia on the wrecks have been pretty active from 80 feet out. Jiggers have reported some big cobia, when they can get their jigs through the amberjack.

It looks like the giant drum season is over. It was a good run, but the last spawners seem to have pulled out, on the last full moon.

Big trout have been biting at Guana at first and last light, and there’s also been some big fish caught in Salt Run, and around the sea walls downtown late in the evening. .

By Capt. Rick Ryals - rryals@hotmail.com

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