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    September 2, 2023 at 6:45 pm

    

    Capt. Kirk Waltz PRO

    • Enterprise Fishing Charters
    • (904) 626-1128

    

    The end of August hit us with a double whammy of conditions. The SW winds blew almost the last 2 weeks or more of August which caused a slow manifesting “ rollover effect” that drops our bottom ocean temperatures while typically keeping the top column of our ocean warm and bottom a 20 degree lower. This huge difference in temperature usually results in the pelagic fish taking a run to more temperate waters that suit them. Furthermore we had to deal with a hurricane, btw I hate hurricanes, that changed our waters via wind driven silt and rain runoff. These changes will effect our fishery for the beginning of the month of September. That being said look for the fishery to start its Fall changes. The jetties will begin to hold good numbers of jacks, mangrove snapper, reds, trout and sheephead. Try using small 1/4oz jigs on light tackle tipped with live shrimp, fiddler crabs, or finger mullet working the edges into deep water on a slow steady dropping tide. Also, don’t hesitate to jump outside the rocks to look for those pogie pods which should linger around till the cooler waters drive them south. Bull reds, sharks, big jacks, and tarpon should hang around till the H20 dips into the mid to low 70’s. Make sure you carry light to medium heavy Shimano spinning rods for any opportunities that might present themselves.

    Look for the bull reds to begin their spawning run into the St Johns River which should have kicked off after the last big moon of August. These big bruisers eat hardy during the next couple of months while they spawn. Fish from 15-50lbs will take offering’s of cut mullet, blue crab, cut ladyfish, jumbo shrimp and will crush whole live pogies when you can find them.

    Try to fish with heavy tackle to minimize the stress on these big spawners. I use a Shimano Saragosa 10000 spinning outfit with 60lb PowerPro braid on a medium heavy rod using a simple 3 way swivel and a 60lb 4ft leader completing the leader with a 6/0 Owner circle hook. They are incredible fighters and must be released so be sure to be patient along with venting tool to safety release them.

    The offshore scene should be good if the ocean settles and swells allow. Look for kings, little tunny, cobia, sharks, sails, and cudas to take a live bait. If pogies are around net some or check the local haunts for sardines / cigar minnows for some fresh livies.

    The bottom fishing should pick up as the water cools for seabass, triggers, vermillion snapper , grouper, and the ever elusive red snapper. Cut bait works well, cuttlefish, and live anything can produce.

    Enjoy the weather change and get of the couch.

    I can be contacted at Enterprisefishingcharters.com or 904-626-1128. Check us out on Facebook or Instagram.

    Whether it's inshore or offshore, light tackle or heavy tackle, it's time that you contact Enterprise Fishing Charters to book your trip of a lifetime. Call to book a trip, or visit Enterprise Fishing Charters on the web.

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