North Florida Fishing Report 7/17/15

FISHING REPORT

Wide Open Charters and Guide Service

Thermocline in the local brine has downshifted the activity offshore for mackerel trolling in recent days and provided cold sinkers and few fish for bottom bumpers.

Cool water rolling in from deep offshore can drive warmer water pelagics away while bringing an entourage of other cool water residents for an encore resembling spring conditions. Shrimp boats disappear locally, in pursuit of the warmer water and the shrimp that prefer it. Pogies become scarce along the beaches and offshore jigging bait by sabiki becomes an act in futility. Thinking outside the box, trolling can still provide action during these conditions. Dead baits pulled slowly, drifting or trolling non traditionals like live mullet, pinfish or jacks. Fast trolling spoons and ballyhoo also can save the day when pogies are scarce.

Cobias have been plentiful when the 72-78 degree numbers appear on the thermometer. Amberjacks, Jack Crevalles, barracudas Little Tunnys and sharks have remained consistent out to 100′. Vermillion Snapper, Red Snapper and triggerfish have been inconsistent with the cooler water, but should get better as the warm water retaliates. The past two days have been all about the kingfish for tournament anglers and have provided mackerel in fair numbers, indicating we are hopefully through the chill.
Inshore flounder and reds are cooperating along drop offs and shell bars, preferring to feed during cooler low light in the early morning or late afternoon. Tarpon are around along with some respectable spanish mackerel around the inlets.
Mangrove snappers are plentiful in some spots with some legal fish mixed in.

Topwater casting is an excellent way to encounter large trout once the jack crevalle, ladyfish and reds are sorted out. The best conditions indicated by low light bait schools and the presence of crashing fish.

Tight Lines-

Take a kid fishing!

Capt. Chris Castle

Wide Open Charters and Guide Service

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904-669-3210