Northeast Florida Fishing Reports
May 11, 2013
Halifax - Tomoka
by
Tomoka River – Recent rains have raised water levels and forced fish from backwater grass lines and mosquito canals. Consequently the lower stretch of the Tomoka river is firing. Blackdrum, redfish, and snook are the major players. Live or fresh shrimp will get you the reds and blackdrum if you can avoid the droves of smaller snappers and sheepsheads. Scented soft plastic jig tails like Gulp! or Fish Bites eliminate the… Read More
May 10, 2013
Jacksonville
by
May is one of my favorite fishing months here in NE Florida. The transitory fish are arriving, with catches of jack crevalle, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, and mangrove snapper becoming more common daily. There are even reports of a few snook caught lately. Cobia are due to arrive any day now. They could be free swimmers, or escorting the giant manta rays migrating along our coast. I have had a customer catch a tarpon in… Read More
April 23, 2013
Ponce Inlet
by
Tomoka River – The stronger tides associated with the approaching full moon have the fish biting throughout the Tomoka. As long as the water is moving, the fish will be active. Black drum are the most consistent bite, but lots of other species are making appearances as well. Snook, snapper, sheepshead, flounder, and redfish are all possibilities. Live shrimp rigged with a split shot works well for the drum, small… Read More
April 16, 2013
Jacksonville
by
Fishing continues to get better in April. We had a great tripletail run over the last month with many double digit fish caught. Now the focus is on cobia and when will they arrive en masse. The water temperature is approaching 70 degrees so the stage is set. Lots of gas is being burned looking for the first of the brown bombers. Spanish mackerel are here now, and we probably caught 15 today. They prefer the higher stages… Read More
April 07, 2013
Jacksonville
by
Ahoy there anglers, I know I'm running late with this report but have been working so much with the fish action doing so good this time of the year I really just haven't had time to write a new fishing report. So here we are, one of my favorite times of the year, spring time and the water temperatures are starting to rise and hopefully won't be drastically dropping again until the fall. Every since the Ground Hog didn't… Read More
April 03, 2013
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
Tomoka River – As waters begin to warm, fishing the prime hours becomes more important. Water temps have finally hit 70 degrees and the cold fronts appear to be over. During the day, the fish will still feed when the tide is moving, but the windows of good action will be shorter. East of US1, the water will also be muddier than it was in the winter. Visibility can be less than a foot if winds churn up the Basin. Lures… Read More
March 13, 2013
Ponce Inlet
by
Tomoka River – Excellent action on all the major species throughout the area. Expect the best bites during lower tidal stages and in the mornings. If the water is slightly muddy, chartreuse paddle tails are a go to throughout the spring months. Further upstream where the water is tanic, natural mullet patterns will get you more bites. When the tide rises, the fish tend to move off the banks. They won't be actively… Read More
March 07, 2013
Jacksonville
by
Thank goodness March is here and we can start looking forward to more spring like days on the water! Right now, due to recent cold weather, the water temps are hovering around 59-60 degrees. Another four to five degrees should stimulate the arrival of some of our migratory fish such as Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jacks, etc. As wacky as the weather is these days, it's difficult to predict when certain fish species will… Read More
February 27, 2013
Ponce Inlet
by
Tomoka River – Good tidal flow should have the fish active. The full moon might prevent an early bite, but as it wanes expect the mornings to pick up. Snook, trout, reds, flounder, and snapper are all plentiful. The trout bite will be best during the first and last hours of daylight. Articifials that imitate small finger mullet or mud minnows usually work best. During the day, switch to live baits for reds, flounder, and… Read More
February 20, 2013
Ponce Inlet
by
Tomoka River – Tidal flow will continue to improve as the full moon approaches. This should have the water moving and the fish feeding. Snook, trout, and reds are making up the bulk of catches. Most are feeding primarily on the finger mullet that are once again plentiful. Lures that imitate the dark backs and light sides of the mullet are best. Black drum, snapper, flounder, and others are also in the mix. Live shrimp… Read More
February 19, 2013
Jacksonville
by
Jacksonville Fishing Report: Creeks The redfish in the shallows are really doing good. Catches of 8 to 20 slot-sized fish on each trip are making news. Remember, the new bag limit for Florida redfish that started back on February 1st 2012 is 2 redfish per person per day but has an 8 per boat maximum, (so if there is 5 of you then you on board a boat you still cannot keep over 8). I've talked with quite a few people at… Read More
February 17, 2013
Jacksonville
by
Even in the dead of winter you can usually find productive inshore fishing here in Northeast Florida. The shallow creeks respond to temperature changes quicker than the deeper river. This means on cold mornings I like to fish the river first and the creeks after the sun warms them a little. The water is generally more clear in winter because the algae dies off. Sometime you can see redfish or sheepshead swimming in the… Read More
February 13, 2013
Ponce Inlet
by
Tomoka River – On colder days, the best bet is to target the deeper holes for a mixed bag. Everything will eat live shrimp, but if pinfish and small snapper keep getting in the way it pays to have some small finger mullet, mollies, or majoras. The best action will be during low light conditions or the lower stages of the tide while the water is still moving. However, weak predicted tides will make for short windows with… Read More
February 06, 2013
Ponce Inlet
by
Tomoka River – February 1st marked the opening of snook season. The limit is one per person between 28" and 32" with a pinched tail. Most of the fish are up river starting around Tomoka estates and going past the 95 bridge. Target any structure; bridges, docks, fallen timber, creek mouths, markers, or bouys. The water is clear enough that some stealth is required. I like to approach with the sun at my back and make long… Read More
January 29, 2013
Ponce Inlet
by
Tomoka River – As the moon fades, the morning bite should pick up. Snapper are the most consistent bite. Keepers are finally here after a three year hiatus. Live shrimp will catch all sizes, but if you just want the bigger snappers fish small finger mullet, mud minnows, or mollies. Redfish, snook, blackdrum, flounder, and trout are also possibilities. Fish the low tide for best results. Cooler of fish caught in the… Read More
January 24, 2013
Ponce Inlet
by
Tomoka River – The afternoon bite should be best with the full moon upon us. Most often, the fish will feed heavily all night and will not be real active early. The last hour of daylight, will be the prime time. In addition, prolonged low tides and a cool front should draw predators to the area. Redfish, sea trout, snook, flounder, and others will be available. The trout and snook are biting best on paddle tail jigs.… Read More
January 16, 2013
Ponce Inlet
by
Tomoka River – Action has slowed some, but for those who know the area there are still fish to be had. The bite has been best in the early hours and at the end of the outgoing tide. During the high tide, it's been completely dead except for the occasional bluefish. Redfish, snook, trout, and black drum are the primary targets. Bryan Roberts of New Jersey with a 28" redfish caught on a live shrimp in the Tomoka Sunday… Read More
January 09, 2013
Halifax-Tomoka
by
Strong tides, warm temperatures, and a new moon should have the fish feeding best in the morning hours. As it warms up, progressively move shallower to stay on the action. Tomoka River – It's hard to beat the variety the Tomoka offers this time of year. The trout and snook are by the far the most plentiful, but reds, black drum, flounder, tarpon, snapper, sheepshead, and even largemouth bass are possibilities. Unless you… Read More
January 02, 2013
Halifax-Tomoka
by
Tomoka River – The biggest key to finding the fish this time of year is to find the warmer water. Fish are cold blooded and need adequate water temperatures to feed successfully. Shallow water cools down much faster than deep water. Also, muddy bottom warms faster than sandy bottom. Likewise, areas where current doesn't flow tends to hold the mud and the warmth. Early in the morning or on cold cloudy days, the fish are… Read More
December 26, 2012
Ponce Inlet
by
Tomoka River – Schools of finger mullet have made their way into the river. Likewise, redfish, sea trout, snook, and bluefish have followed. The mullet should stay throughout the winter. They can be a little hard to spot in the early hours, as they hug the bottom. But as the sun starts to shine down, a good pair of polarized glasses will give you an advantage. One good cast with a 6 foot net will get you more bait than a… Read More
December 19, 2012
Ponce Inlet
by
Halifax River – Sea trout are the most consistent bite for most of the river. They readily bite artificials or live baits. The key is to keep the bait moving. Rarely do they go for dead bait. Colors that mimic the light sides and dark backs of the mullet are working best. A few reds and flounder can be found by fishing the deeper docks on the east side of the river. Some days you find them on the first dock you try,… Read More
December 13, 2012
Ponce Inlet
by
Halifax River – Not much has changed for the past couple of weeks. Small schools of redfish, black drum, and trout continue to be scattered throughout the Halifax. Some days it requires a lot of moving around to locate them. The docks and oyster bars close to deep water are the most consistent. For a mixed bag, fish live select shrimp on floats with a small split shot near the hook. Set the bobber so that it is as close… Read More
December 05, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
Halifax River – Continuing warm temperatures should have redfish, black drum, and even a few snook holding in the shallows on the docks, oyster bars, and around islands. Tides are once again around normal levels and the water is very clear. Fish the docks on the high and the oyster bars on the low. Joe Durrance of Halifax Paving and Josh Hearn of Hearn's Landscaping, both from Ormond Beach, with catch of sea trout up to… Read More
November 28, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka
by
Halifax River – Seatrout and weakfish continue to hold on the bridges near the channel. Use soft plastic jigs and allow them to sink close to the bottom. The bites will usually come on the fall. If you are working the baits too fast, bluefish will be a nuisance and constantly bite the tails off your jigs. Myself and Chris Carta in front of Granada Bait and Tackle last Wednesday (Nov 21) with a mixed bag of Red drum… Read More
November 21, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
Halifax River – High winds out of the north and extreme high tides make fishing difficult throughout the Halifax. However, Sea trout, redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and weakfish are available if conditions allow. Right now, the fish are most active during low tide and winds are usually lightest in the morning hours. Look for the sea trout and weakfish to be schooled up together around bridges near the channel.… Read More
October 03, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
Halifax River– Expect the morning bite to continue to pick up for the next couple of weeks. Redfish, snook, flounder, seatrout, pompano, blackdrum, and sheepshead will be on the docks, near shore oyster bars, offshore bars, and bridges. Finger mullet are plentiful, should be easy to catch with a cast net, and are a terrific bait for many of the desirable species. However, they won't catch our sheepshead and blackdrum.… Read More
September 26, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
With the upcoming full moon keeping the fish up all night feeding, expect the morning bite to be a little slow. If you can and weather allows, schedule a night or afternoon trip. Halifax - Dock fishing continues to be excellent. Use multiple types of bait to help you catch multiple species. Redfish, flounder, blackdrum, sheepshead, trout, and snapper are just some. Last week we caught a baby goliath grouper. That was a… Read More
September 19, 2012
Halifax River
by
Halifax River – The mullet run is definitely in full swing and the fishing has been excellent from the basin south to the inlet. Redfish, trout, snook, flounder, and more can be targeted with artificials or live baits. Oyster bars, creek mouths, and docks are the primary stops. Some of the flounder have been giants. Justin Marshall and Byron Marlare from Lexington, KY. Their catch included redfish to 22", black drum to… Read More
September 13, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
Surf Report—Surf fishing is an excellent option this time of year. Reports of redfish, snook, and others are starting to come in from nearby beaches as this year's mullet run starts to heat up. To maximize your success, bring more than one type of bait. Usually, I like to bring along fresh shrimp, some sort of live-fish bait (or cast net), and an assortment of lures. The shrimp will give you a good shot at pompano,… Read More
September 06, 2012
Jacksonville
by
Ahoy there Anglers, Tuesday evening, October 9, 2012 is our next Recreational Fishing Alliance Rally. This is a date that all anglers need to remember. If you fish you need to be there! If you want to continue fishing in the future you need to be there! EVEN IF you have only fished a time or two in the past year YOU need to be there! Sneakers Sports Grill, 8133 Point Meadows Drive, Jax. 32256 which is right at Baymeadows… Read More
September 05, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
Ponce Inlet - The start of the fall mullet run is upon us. Mullet are migrating south for the winter by the millions and should be in our area for the next couple of months. Predators such as Tarpon, Jacks, Giant Redfish, Kingfish, Cobia and more should follow. The north jetty will be ground zero, but nearby beaches, docks, creeks, and canals should also be active. Netting bait shouldn't be a problem. Mullet, menhaden,… Read More
August 09, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka
by
Halifax River – Trout are still the hot bite for the river during low light hours. Look for them over top the deeper oyster bars during the falling tide or with reds along the docks during the higher tides. Sheepshead are also a solid bite for most of the bridges and piling throughout the area. Either thread on a small live shrimp or a large fiddler crab. If the crabs are small, I like to use two at a time. Let your bait… Read More
August 05, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka
by
Halifax River– As the full moon approaches, expect the best fishing to take place at night. Trout and black drum should be your primary targets. Look for trout under the lights around docks with live or DOA shrimp on popping corks, while drum should be targeted near the channel under bridges using fresh peeled shrimp on the bottom. The shrimp run has slowed, although a few good reports are still coming in. If you don't… Read More
July 12, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
Halifax River– After a stellar couple of weeks, the bite has slowed considerably. The fish must be biting between 3 and 6 in the morning because that's the only time I haven't fished. As the moon starts to wane, the fish will return to their usual patterns. Leading up to full moon, the Halifax was the place for big trout and sheepshead. The Shrimp continue their run. The largest concentrations of eating size shrimp are… Read More
July 04, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
Halifax River – Shrimp continue to run. However, most of the floatilla is located between Bethune Point and Dunlawton. Sizes are also improving, making limits possible. A few boats continue to work North of Granada. Trout, redfish, and occasional flounder are being caught along the docks at high tide, and deeper oyster bars at low. Live shrimp or mullet on a float usually get the job done. Sheepshead are also a common… Read More
June 29, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka
by
Halifax River- As of Tuesday night the shrimp run was still centered on Granada. However, expect recent rains to push the shrimp down the river some. By the weekend I expect them to be near their normal locations, most likely between 11th Street and Bethune Point. Look for the floatilla of boats throwing nets along the channel. The longer the run lasts the larger the shrimp will average. Right now it's a complete mix of… Read More
June 27, 2012
Jacksonville
by
CREEKS:The reds in the creeks have been so on and off the last 4 to 6 weeks that it's something you can't count on. One day we can't find but one or two then the very next day we catch 9 to 15. I really don't know what's up with that, (I know I'm supposed to know but sorry, I don't). Seems like when you do find some that's willing to feed then it's on but finding that sweet area has been tough at times. maybe it's the… Read More
June 21, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
Halifax River– Higher-than-normal tides have slowed redfish and trout action along the deeper docks and oyster bars of the Halifax. The fish are still present, just feeding in different areas. Look for fish to be closer to the banks than usual. Higher-than-normal tides mean cooler-than-normal water temperatures along the banks. Baitfish seek safety near the shore and predators are able to follow. At the top of the tide,… Read More
June 18, 2012
Halifax-Tomoka River
by
Halifax River– In addition to great redfish and trout fishing, this month should also include shrimping. Reports are still a little spotty, but if it's like last year, you better be ready. It only lasted a few short weeks and they were gone. However, during those two weeks, a limit was easy to get. Hopefully, it will be more like two years ago when we enjoyed 3-4 months of shrimping action. Just look for the floatilla of… Read More
August 24, 2011
Inshore Jacksonville
by
People on shore are sweltering in 95-100 degree heat, while we fishermen ply our trade atop 76 degree water. That's as close as you can get to outdoor air conditioning in Florida.The king mackerel have been biting better recently, which is good news for the many local fishermen who love to fish for them. Spanish mackerel are hit and miss at the inlet mouth, but are larger now than earlier in the season. They are lots of… Read More
July 05, 2011
Jacksonville
The spanish mackerel are here and are ready willing and able to strike your glass minnow size spoon, jig, or fly. You can find them at the north jetty tip on the incoming tide. Sometimes they move up into the river and congregate at the little jetties. Black tip and spinner sharks are following the shrimp boats. These are very strong and fast fish and will test your tackle and fitness level! I use about five feet of 200… Read More
