Well, here we are with the water temperatures finally rising instead of the up and down syndrome we've been experiencing the past two months. It even dropped a few degrees last week but it's all going to be up-hill now. It's been tough, especially since the sheepshead bite is gone from the rocks. After fishing the Mayport Jetties for months I get to the stage where I look forward to not having to find who has fiddlers and not having to keep them alive day by day to fish with them. Anyway, no more fiddlers until October again when the sheepshead fire back up. Oh, you can catch sheepshead during the summer months, especially the last of June and into July when the big crab hatch happens and the sheepies are standing on their heads on the oyster beds at the higher tides. But as for targeting them at the jetties I don't even bother. It's tough to fish for them in the warmer months out there when you only catch one or two. I like more action than that.
CREEKS:
Here's when the redfish start really looking for something to eat. As the water temperatures warm steadily the red's metabolism are more active and they need more to eat on a daily basis. As they move around more they're more willing to chase their prey. Top water lures start in play a lot more in May. They also get further back up in the shallows and as we hunt for them, we begin to see quite a few more with their backs out of the water actually doing 'their hunting' for food. You just gotta love this time of the year.
Spotted trout are more active at least until the water temps get real warm in July and August. During this time of the year top water lures, jerk baits, floater-divers, etc. work real well as the trout start feeding up higher in the water column.
Very soon, the flounder will arrive in larger numbers, they should've already been here about two weeks ago. We've been catching a few here and there but small ones and not very many. I think the ups and dowbns in the temps keep them offshore longer this season.
Jacks and lady fish are beginning to show. So much fun on top waters. I know, most people don't target jacks or ladyfish but you just can't beat the fun they give you on light tackle. Keep your eyes peeled for bait fish busting out of the surface and hurry over there. Will be looking for the tarpon in the creeks about the end of next month.
JETTIES:
The bull redfish and sharks will be feeding this month out at the rocks and don't forget the black drum. They'll still be around. Black drum from 4 to 15 pounds should be hanging out at the jetties and the rivers the entire month of May.
Whiting, my favorite saltwater fish to eat should also be chewing in the sandier areas close to the rocks.
Look for schools of jacks to be schooling up bait fish and sight-cast to them for loads of fun and the tarpon should show up out there about the end of May.
The Spanish haven't been in like they should've been in April but they're in now, finally and you should be able to see a few cobia swimming toward and under your boat if you're anchored close to the end or at the end of the rocks. Usually small cobia, not legal ones, hang around there this time of the year but sometimes if you're lucky you can get a good sized one.
RIVERS:
Spotted trout along grass shorelines or rocks should be doing really good this month. I love those floater-divers and top waters for these guys. It's a blast on those lures.
Black drum in the hard bottom areas of the rivers and close to rocks and/or drop offs. Whiting are in the same areas as the drum hang out but they also like the sandier areas too. Yellowmouth trout are usually mixed in with the whiting a lot of times.
I also like to run along the river and look for schools of jacks busting baits out of the water's surface this time of the year. Fun, fun, fun!
Bull reds should be in the usual areas very soon. They've been slower coming in this year but come the end of this month it should be on.
Slot reds should be feeding in some of the same areas too.
SURF:
The pompano have finally showed up but there aren't quite the numbers as they should be yet. Should be picking up more and more now.
Whiting and good sized black drum are being caught in the surf and at the Jax. Beach Pier. Small bluefish and a few Spanish have also been taken in the surf.
Let's all remember to bring your trash back to the ramp and put it in a trash can or dumpster. We need to keep our waterways clean. Not many other people are helping us so it's up to the rest of us and PLEASE, if you're fishing from a bridge, secure your waste from getting blown off the bridges from the traffic. I see so much trash getting blown off into the water just when I'm heading under a bridge. If nothing else, put your empty drink containers back in your coolers or buckets. There is always a trash can nearby boat ramps, at some bridges, at bait shops, and at other stores you'll pass when you're heading back home.
You can say what you want about the South but,
you never hear of anyone retiring and moving up North,,,
Captain Vic Tison
Host of WOKV's 'Just Fishing' Radio Show
United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain
International Game Fish Assoc. Certified Captain
Regional Director for the Florida Guides Assoc.
Member of the National Assoc. of Charterboat Operators
Member of The Inshore Saltwater Anglers Club
Vic2Fish & Adventures, Inc.
P O Box 28208
Jax., Fl. 32226
904-699-2285
Web Site http://vic2fish.com
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