Fishing Report & Forecast St. Augustine Offshore

By Capt. Robert Johnson

April Fools Fishing

The Pelagic fish are here, we just need the weather to cooperate. Weather is the issue this time of year. The cold fronts are gone but strong winds will still ruin many trips. April is the month for the long run so calm seas are helpful if not necessary. Mahi are pushing north and should be here. Reports are massive weediness are pushing into our waters and fishing can be good if the weeds are not too thick. Wahoo and Tuna are still around, and the occasional Sailfish and Blue Marlin will be encountered by anglers making the 50+ mile run to the east. Look for water temperature over 72 degrees and bait and you will be in business. Rigged Ballyhoo/bait combos will take the majority of fish. Just about any color combination will work with blue and white, red and black, green and yellow being the most common. If Wahoo are your target wire leaders are a must but Mahi and Tuna are much easier to hook on monofilament. For wire rigs I use number 10 wire, on the monofilament rigs 125 pound. Hook size should match your bait and lure size I usually use medium ballyhoo on a number 8 or 9 mustad 3412c.

On the bottom vermillion snapper will be open and will be everywhere from 100ft on out to the shelf edge. Triggerfish and Red porgy will be plentiful as well and can be caught on squid on the shelf if the trolling fish don’t cooperate. The Manta rays will be migrating north and will be accompanied by some fat Cobia. Jigs tipped with rubber eels or live bait will fool them. Last year also produced some spectacular Triple tail action so a dozen live shrimp in the well is a good idea. This is sight fishing for both species so calm seas and clear skies are a must.

Whatever species you target if the winds cooperate, the fish will be there! “Let’s