Fishing has been excellent this week around Jacksonville Beach, especially if you’re willing to fish the tides and pay attention to where the bait is moving.
The flounder bite has been one of the highlights. Mud minnows have been the top bait, with fish holding tight to the drop-offs during the lower stages of the tide. Focus on the edges where the deeper water meets the flats, and work your bait slowly along the bottom. Several quality flounder have been coming from these areas, and the action has been consistent.
Redfish are also feeding aggressively. Many of them have been pushing down the banks, especially during moving water. Live blue crab and live shrimp have been producing the best results. One of the biggest keys is making your cast well ahead of the fish. If you throw directly on top of them, there’s a good chance you’ll spook the school before they ever see your bait. Stay quiet, watch for wakes and nervous water, and let the fish come naturally to your presentation.
Off the beach, the tarpon action has been outstanding. Plenty of fish are cruising with the pogie pods during the early morning and again late in the afternoon. Keep an eye out for diving birds and schools of bait, and be ready when you find them. These fish are putting on some incredible aerial displays and providing anglers with unforgettable fights.
Kingfish action has been hot, with live pogies producing the best bite in 35 to 55 feet of water. Anglers slow-trolling live bait are finding consistent action, especially over nearshore live bottom. If the seas stay calm, it’s a great time to get offshore and target some quality kings.
Overall, fishing conditions are lining up nicely across both the inshore and nearshore waters. Whether you’re targeting flounder in the creeks, stalking redfish along the banks, chasing tarpon around the pogie pods, or heading offshore for kingfish, there’s plenty of action to keep rods bent.
Good luck on the water, be safe, and we’ll see you out there!
