January 2024 Volume 22 Issue 265
FishingConnectionOnline.com
Nassau * Duval * Clay * St. Johns * Flagler * Volusia * Brevard
Nik Bremer from
Amelia Island Bait & Tackle
25" Trout, 14" Girth
Joe Dionne
Danielle Dionne Pacowta
Publisher Editor
Volunteer Editor
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Page 6 Nik Bremer Page 12 Capt. Bert Deener Page 18 Spencer Brogden Page 20 Capt. Jim Suber Page 24 Capt. John Eggers Page 26 Capt. Todd Philcox Page 30 Capt. Cory Sparks Page 38 Capt. Adam Morley Page 44 Capt. Jeff Patterson
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Fernandina Amelia Island By Nik Bremer Happy New Year to everyone!! Hope everyone had a great holiday and got more than just lead in their stockings this year. On to this month’s focus, “Gator” Trout. Before we get started on fishing techniques, it is important to know the habits and science behind these Trout this time of year. Understanding spawning patterns will help you target these trophy fish. Female Trout like to spawn in certain areas to strengthen the odds of their roe being fertilized. These areas typically have fast-moving water which helps spread their eggs, and grass flats which will provide shelter from their predators. These large Trout are intelligent, cautious, and very aware of their surroundings and that is why they’ve gotten to the size and age they are at. But one thing we have riding for us is that they slightly put down their guard this time of the year because of the energy demanded of them to spawn.
Producing anywhere from 100,000 to over a million eggs requires spawners to continually feed to keep up with that demand, and that’s where we have our slight advantage. Here are a few things to concentrate on to help you catch more of these big girls. The first one is focusing on deeper waters near channels, holes or drop-offs. These locations hold consistent, warmer water during these colder months. It’s not to say you couldn’t catch a gator in shallow water, but if that’s what you’re going for, your odds will be better in these areas. If you can’t get away from fishing shallow water, try to find dark muddy bottoms, oyster bars, or rock structures that obtain heat. These warmup zones attract Trout seeking slightly warmer waters. Much like you, these fish move a little slower when temps drop. Fish are lethargic this time of year and it’s a must that we slow down our presentations. If you’re seeing large finger mullet out there, cast a net to choose your perfect bait. Live baits are going to act in their natural environment just as the fish in your target species will. Present in the right zone and have patience, no more to say, the bite is yours. If you’re more of the artificial kind of angler, again, bump up the size of your bait and slow it way down. Super Spooks are a great bait for top-water fishing when targeting gators. Walk the dog with longer pauses in between pops, this will give a little extra time for those lazy fish to catch up. When it gets brighter out, twitch baits
and larger paddle tails are what I switch to get off the surface and create that reactionary bite. The last thing before we wrap it up is something that I hope you strongly consider if you don’t already. These 20”+fish are the same fish that are going to ensure the future of our Trout population. Yes, legally you’re allowed to keep one Trout over 19” but by removing that one fish from the water, you’re also removing somewhere close to two million eggs (they spawn twice a year). Take a picture of that beautiful fish to keep forever, the meat is much mushier at that size anyway. The slot Trout and the delicious ones to eat. Check out the 25” beauty I safely released to spawn another day, she had a 14” girth on her belly filled with roe. Folks, if you want to dive into it a little more, always feel free to come by Amelia Island Bait and Tackle to talk shop. Keep warm, stay safe and until next month, keep on catching on my friends.
Nik Bremer Amelia Island Bait & Tackle 904- 277-0775
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Chad Jaynes of Reel Amelia Charters with his two nice Sheepshead FishingConnectionOnline.com
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Amber with her 10 spot Red FishingConnectionOnline.com
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Brandon Nix of ReelinTension Charters with a perfect Slot Red
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Emma and her Puppy
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Swamps, Creeks, and Ponds By
Capt. Bert Deener December 21, Fishing Report
Satilla River – The river is blown out after last weekend’s rains. Catfishing on the lower river is your best bet, and it’s not really that good of an option. Fish elsewhere. The new ramp at the Highway 158 Bridge is completed and open to the public, but the river is probably in the parking lot as you read this. St. Marys River – The only report I had was of a few people catching some nice catfish on limb lines fished in the middle river. Okefenokee Swamp – Joshua Barber and I fished the east side (Folkston entrance) on Saturday in the off-andon-mist and cold and had a blast. We caught a total of 33 fish and had 3 bowfins over 5 pounds (largest 6-lb., 10-oz.) and 8 pickerel (a 22-inch was our biggest). We caught a few casting but most of the fish were trolling Dura-Spins. The best colors were fire tiger-chartreuse blade, jackfish, and lemon-lime. The water level has come up significantly from last weekend’s rains and is flooded into the prairies. Fishing will be slow for a few days but will pick up again as it levels off and starts to fall out. The most recent water level (Folkston side) was 121.38 feet. At this level, you should not have trouble motoring around the canals and trails. Local Ponds – I got a report of an
angler fishing jigs in a Waycross area pond on Saturday and catching 73 crappie. Jay Turner had a great trip to a Savannah area pond on Tuesday. He and a friend caught a bunch of hybrid bass in the late afternoon but did not catch any of their target species – crappie. They were fine with it, as the hybrids were a blast! They fooled them with minnows and green pumpkin/chartreuse Keitech swimbaits. A couple of Waycross anglers trolled Keitech swimbaits in a Waycross area pond on Thursday afternoon and caught 23 crappie. They had 10 over a pound, and their biggest was 1 lb., 10 oz. Their best lure was a 2 1/2-inch bluegill flash swimbait, but they also had fish on chartreuse shad and electric shad 2inch versions. All of their fish came on a chartreuse 1/32-oz. Zombie Eye Jighead (built with a #2 Gamakatsu sickle-shaped hook). Chad Lee fished during his lunch break this week and caught a couple of bass up to 3 pounds each “trip”. He fooled them with shad-colored Rat-L-traps. Saltwater (GA Coast) – The cold and extreme winds reduced the number or trips, but I still had some great reports this week from the brine. Jeremy Robertson had a great trip from his kayak on Tuesday in the COLD. He fished live shrimp under a popping cork in the Brunswick area and fooled 15 trout and a redfish. He had 4 keepers in the bunch. Capt. Tim Cutting (fishthegeorgiacoast.com) said that he had to search to find protected waters each day based on wind direction, but they caught a bunch of fish this week. On Monday, his charter caught 32 trout and a keeper flounder by flinging Keitech and Down South plastics on Zombie Eye Jigheads (3/16-oz. was the best size). Their biggest was an 18-inch that they released. He and his clients continued to whack the trout all week on Assassin, Keitech, and Down FishingConnectionOnline.com South plastics rigged on Zombie Eye Jigheads (1/8 and 3/16-oz.). He said
that colors with one (or both) end(s) with chartreuse seemed to produce the best bites. He made similar 30 to 40-fish catches on all his trips this week. A few of the days they had some oversized and slot redfish mixed in their catch. He had a very strong week considering the NASTY conditions with wind and cold!
Capt. Bert Deener
Capt. Bert Deener makes a variety of both fresh and saltwater fishing lures. Check his lures out at Bert’s Jigs and Things on Facebook. For a copy of his latest catalog, call or text him at 912-288-3022 or e-mail him (bertdeener@yahoo.com).
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Joshua Barber of Manor caught this big Pickerel while trolling a fire tiger-chartreuse blade Dura-Spin out of the Folkston entrance of the Okefenokee Swamp. FishingConnectionOnline.com
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Mike Sapp caught this gator Trout while flinging a Keitech Easy Shiner rigged on a Zombie Eye Jighead in the Brunswick area.
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Local Wild Caught Large & Jumbo Shrimp __ Live Blue Crabs __ Tackle & Seasonings
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Pier & Surf By
Spencer Brogden Another year is now behind us with 2024 in front of us. A lot of us always say it but wow 2023 flew by. Let's hope 2024 holds lots of fish and friendships ahead of us. I imagine many have some new gear they want to put to use after Christmas so let's talk about what you can catch this month. For starters, Whiting will be the mainstay right now in our Northeast Florida beach waters. Great eating and easy to target. I prefer clean to semi-clean water when fishing for them. Using either a
Carolina rig or a double-hook pompano rig is the way to go. I’ve found that on some days they prefer one rig over the other so I always have a few of each to see which is working better. Fresh shrimp is the universal bait to target them, cutting them into small pieces. As we have mentioned before, when the water temperature hits below the 65 mark we soak our shrimp in Diet Pepsi. We have been doing this for many years with great success. As you set up to fish, look for nice runouts, sloughs, and sandbars. Some days they are in all three spots and other times in only one. Some of the other fish that may still be around include Redfish, Black Drum, pompano, and small Bluefish. The closer to the inlets you fish the greater your chance of catching Redfish, Black Drum, and pompano increases. If you are into pier fishing, the same can be expected but add Sheepshead to the mix. When targeting them, fiddler crabs
and sandfleas are the main bait used to target them. Fish underneath the pier next to the pilings for them and make sure you purchase a landing net. I say this. After all, you never want to lose a BIG sheep because you were hoping someone else would have a net. I look forward to seeing you guys and gals on the pier and the beach slaying some fish! Happy New Year and tight lines!
Spencer Brogden
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Our Waterways By
Capt. Jim Suber COJ Waterways Coordinator Dock Master Division of Natural Marine Resources Department of Parks Recreation and Community Services 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32202 Office (904) 630-0839 Cell (904)509-0588 Jsuber@coj.net www.JaxParks.com www.COJ.net
Greetings, Happy NEW YEAR and we hope all had a great Christmas and Holiday season! High water and high wind have continued to dominate our weather patterns. The Nor eastern storm of December 2023 came through and with it came high winds and backed up tides. The aftermath of this continues for months with debris floating in the waterway system. So as you travel in the system use caution and keep a strong look out. Our FIND grants continue to make progress. Riverview Park new boat ramp has moved out of red tape and the contractor has received the contract and work will start within the next month or so. The dock system is in production and on-site work is starting soon. Liberty Street Marina is in design and permits. The engineers presented three options for consideration, and it seems the city is now focusing on the most favorable design, Pottsburg Creek/ Beach Blvd design and permits to rebuild, Mike McCue Boat Ramp Bulkhead replacement design is near completion and the FIND funding to construct is due for approval. The
City of Jacksonville Beach approved the design for the new 2nd Ave and Windwards Beach Marine improvement and expansion. This will improve the ramp area, add trailer parking and add a nature park area. , Thomas Creek Fish Camp Adaptive Kayak launch is in design and permits and is ready to move for construction. The City of Jacksonville is submitting grant requests to the Florida Inland Navigation District for design of dredge needs in the downtown area, the design of extending the floating dock system at Jim King Park and Boat Ramp, St. Johns Boat Ramp Boardwalk and the replacement of the Oak Harbor Bulkhead. The derelict vessel war is still full speed ahead all over our waterways. More are piling up and the process and funding is working slow. The old vessel sunk north of Half Moon Island Park is scheduled for removal, the sailboat north of the Beach Blvd Bridge on the ICW and the sunken vessel near T.K. Stokes ramp are waiting on a contract for removal by FWC. A sunken derelict vessel in Bulls Bay at Julington Creek was removed by the owner! This is always good news. The new anchoring ordinance in the Ortega River is in place but there are some enforcement issues JSO, The Waterways Commission, City Council and The District State Representative are working to clean up the state law that will allow the ordinance corrections. So we hope this will be successful in the upcoming legislative session. FWCC is working on several “AT RISK” vessel that broke loose from their anchoring. I want to continue to remind all, on the east end of the Back River behind Blount Island we have a sand bar developing. It is on the Ramoth Drive side of the river. A solution to this concern is being worked on. The Jacksonville Waterways Commission continues to have a committee to address this issue and discussions continue with The Army Corp of Engineers and a source of the sand is being explored. The Waterways Commission has submitted legislation to fund warning buoys for the area as well pursuing a funding source to study a cause and solution. The engineers have completed the design and placement that has gone through review and preliminary Coast Guard approval.
Please use caution and a look out anytime you are underway especially when up on plane in your boat, debris items are just under the surface and seeing them can be difficult. Day time always use good, polarized sunglasses and at night slow down and double your caution and lookout. As always allow me to continue to remind everyone to always check your boat and yourself. Use of a lookout and being aware of your surroundings are always a priority. Invest in a QUALITY EPERB, file a float plan with someone that will miss you first so if things don’t go as planned, the search for you can be narrowed and recovery can be quicker. Take a safe boating course and do your part to activate our waterways! The Jacksonville Sail and Power Squadron, America’s Boating Club, continuously offers America’s Safe Boating Course at Lamb’s Yacht Center and classes have resumed monthly. Check their web site for classes through 2023. The cost of the classes to the student will continue to be reduced to an affordable rate thanks to a donation from Jacksonville Marine Charities from proceeds from the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament. The next class and all future classes will be announced on the America’s Boating Club web site at www.usps.org/localusps/Jackson. JSPS continue to do vessel inspections so you can contact an inspector at the same web site or reach out to me and I will assist getting you with an examiner. Last but not least, show pride in the facilities provided for your use with your tax dollars by properly disposing of your by-products when you clean your fish and dispose of your trash appropriately! I wish all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy Holliday Season! BE SAFE!
Capt. Jim Suber 904-509-0588
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At risk vessel in Ortega River 21
Debris being removed by COJ Staff
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Intracoastal Waterway By
Capt. John Eggers Water temperature may be the biggest key this month in finding active fish. Cold fronts and windy conditions will dictate not only the fish being active but us as well. It's hard to go fishing when it's 30 degrees and blowing 25 from the north because most of the time fishing is pretty slow. If you're like me you do have areas
to fish out of the wind that can be productive and a lot of the time it will be hit or miss in the backcountry. When the weather cooperates, fishing can be really good. This time of year reds school up at low tide in the creeks and ICW but may be very moody and hard to catch. I feel that dead-sticking live shrimp or chunk blue crab triggers more bites from these less aggressive schools. As the tide comes I will target big mud flats that have been dry during the low tide cycle. The dark mud has been warmed by the sun thus warming the cold water as it rises up on the flat. These reds, Trout Flounder, and bait move up to feed and become more aggressive. The warmer temps give you about a 3-hour window to take advantage of before the temps start dropping again. Deep water patterns in 15 to 25 feet tend to be more temperature stable so the fish will typically not be as moody. Big schools of yellowmouth Trout and speckled Trout will be biting on the deep
structure, especially on the incoming clear water tides. Black Drum and Sheepshead will be at the jetties and most of the river rock piles for the rest of the winter. When the weather isn't the best you can always bundle up, tie on a few 3-inch fish bite curly or paddle tails on a jighead, and slow troll the ICW edges and creeks. This is a great way to stay warm and catch fish when the weather is not cooperating.
Capt. John Eggers www.rocknreelcharters.net 904-591-1611 johndeggers63@gmail.com
Anson Dewolf from Jacksonville
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Joe Anderson from Atlanta
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Fishing Jax Beach to the St Johns River By Capt. Todd Philcox In NE Florida we will experience our version of winter during January, more than likely we will have one or more significant cold fronts that will bring overnight freezes to our area and result in rapid and substantial cooling of water temperatures. Fishing may slow for a day or so, but our inshore species must feed to survive. Fish the same winter pattern I wrote about in December, work deeper into the creeks for Redfish, and look for slightly deeper holes near oyster bars where the tide is draining off larger mud flats and the water will be slightly warmer.
There will be scattered Flounder and Black Drum in those same areas. Cold, grey mornings will be challenging, and sunny afternoons on the low outgoing tide will be optimal. During our winter months, I target Redfish primarily and will fish water as shallow as I can get into with my 21’ bay boat. These past two months I’ve seen water temperatures drop steadily from the 65-degree range in November to the low 50’s around Christmas weekend. The Redfish bite was decent throughout with many small fish and some lower slot fish mixed in. Winter cooldowns tend to concentrate and school up the slot-size fish in the shallows leading to some great action, be alert as you will see these schools moving water on calm days. Live shrimp and mud minnows continue to be my primary bait throughout the winter, I fish those baits on a 1/8 or a 1/4-ounce jig, depending on wind and tide conditions. Slow down your presentation no matter what bait or artificial you are working and don’t be reluctant to just let live or dead baits sit when you have it in a productive zone. I’ll keep a closer eye on water temperatures this month, if I see extremely cold water, anything below 50 degrees would qualify, and I’ll tend to
head closer to the St John’s River where ocean tides will moderate water temps. Our winters vary substantially year over year, some years strong freezes will drop water temps as low as 45 degrees, other years have been milder seeing water that barely dips below 60 degrees. The fish will be feeding regardless, but sunny 65-degree afternoons sure make for more comfortable fishermen! Wishing you a Happy New Year with many days on the water!
Capt. Todd Philcox Salty Charters (904) 403-8575
Saltychartersjax.com
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Kevin and Chris Parks with a 26" Redfish
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James Hall and son with a pair of nice Reds.
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COURAGE Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to Defend it
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Palm Valley By Capt. Cory Sparks
Bundle up and get out on the water this month! Multiple species will be in abundance in Palm Valley, but the patterns will change slightly with the cooler temperatures. Fishing at first light is still an option but as water temperatures drop, look for fish to feed later in the morning when the sun will create "warm spots" and give the fish a degree or two difference in water temps to stage up and feed in. Areas that will heat up faster than surrounding water will be dark mud flats, oyster
beds, and any structure that can be slightly heated by the sun. This in turn will heat the water around it and can be a major attraction for fish to congregate in. Look for Redfish to school up on shallow flats throughout our area. A perfect scenario is a flat with a low tide at midday when the sun is directly above your head. Quietly stalk the edges of the flat looking for nervous water. If the water visibility is good, you will be able to see the school. When you approach or cast to these fish you must minimize any noise or disturbance. These schools are extremely spooky and motoring up with the trolling motor aggressively or launching baits into the middle of the school will blow these fish out. Try working baits around the edges of these schools. Soaking cut mullet or crab up current from the fish will allow the scent trail to drift to the school and these Redfish will eventually locate your bait from that scent trail. Black Drum and Sheepshead will be a go-to target on any structure or shelly bottom. Clean moving current and changes in water depth are two
things I look for when locating these fish. I love banks on the main channel that have scattered oyster shells along ledges with water that drops from 2-4 feet down to 8-10 plus. Trout fishing with artificials this month is hard to beat as well. A Slayer sst paddle tail on a 1/4 oz. jighead is about the best all-around go-to bait in the valley when throwing artificials. dark colors with chartreuse tails seem to produce the most fish for me. If you've never fished slow-sinking twitch baits, January is a great month to learn. Trout along the docks will hammer these lures. I like smaller profiles such as a Mirrolure mr17. The flutter and darting action drive the Trout crazy! Don’t let the cold deter you! The bite is hot! Get out there and kick off 2024 on the water!
Keep Reeling!
Capt. Cory Sparks
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Art Richer getting it done again!
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Ken and Randolph with a pig!
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January 2024
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Fishing in and Around the Matanzas River By Capt. Adam Morley On a crisp January morning along the Matanzas River, the cool touch of the water was a balm to the soul. The brisk air seemed to sharpen the senses, and as I gazed out across the river, the flats appeared almost desolate, as if nature herself had taken a pause in the rhythm of life. Yet, beneath the surface, a different world unfolded. The cool water worked its magic, clearing it to a pristine transparency. It was as though a curtain had been lifted, revealing the intricate dance of life below. As I poled my skiff through the shallows, the flats initially seemed barren, void of the usual bustle of activity. However, patience and a keen eye were rewarded, for soon, I happened upon a congregation of Redfish. The sight of these majestic creatures, basking in the shallow waters, was a testament to the resilience of life in the Matanzas River. The short, undersized Redfish sought refuge in the deeper recesses of the holes in the flats and creeks. Trout and Black Drum joined their ranks, finding solace in the cool depths, away from the piercing gaze of predators. Contrastingly, the slot-sized Redfish chose a different strategy. With the sun hanging low in the sky, they positioned themselves near the
shallows, never straying too far from the safety of the deeper waters. It was a delicate balance, a dance between the warmth of the sun and the security of the depths—a dance that I was privileged to witness. Ideal conditions for this January spectacle were defined by calm, sunny days, where the low tide in the afternoon revealed the full extent of the riverbed. As the water levels receded, the sun bathed the shallows in a gentle glow, coaxing the fish into a more active state. However, the winter chill still lingered in the water, tempering the fish's movements to a deliberate slowness, a pace that marked the rhythm of the season. Sight fishing during this time of the year was a joy reserved for those who sought the subtleties of nature. From the elevated vantage point of a casting deck or poling platform, I could discern the gradual movements of the Redfish, their silhouettes gliding gracefully through the crystalline waters. Each cast became a careful calculation, a silent negotiation with the elusive prey. In pursuit of these wary fish, I favored artificial lures that mirrored the delicate ecosystem of the Matanzas River. The Minorcan Tackle Co. jigs, resembling hand-tied flies adapted for light spinning tackle, proved their worth in enticing strikes from the discerning Redfish. Equally reliable were the Fish bites Fight Club Lures, whether in the curtail or paddle tail variety. These baits demanded a slower, more deliberate retrieval, matching the rhythm dictated by the cool waters of January. As the skiff glided through the shallows, and my casts painted arcs in the air, I marveled at the delicate balance of life in the Matanzas River. The January fishing revealed a quiet beauty, a subdued vibrancy that spoke of nature's ability to adapt and endure. In the hushed moments
between casts, I found a profound connection to the river, a connection that transcended the mere act of fishing and resonated with the timeless pulse of the water and its inhabitants.
Capt. Adam Morley 904.540.7245
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Daytona Ormond Beach By
Capt. Jeff Patterson
Happy New Year! We had an awesome year fishing and hope 2024 is just as good. Sheepshead fishing has been on fire earlier than normal. Many people have been getting 10-20 keepers a trip and a bunch of nice 2-4lb fish. The jetties have been holding a lot of fish when you get a break in this nonstop wind we’ve had. Both sand fleas and fiddlers have been doing the trick with a bottom sweeper jig or a fish finder rig. There has been some slot and just over-slot Redfish around the jetties and some
Black Drum. Try to have a couple of options for bait this time of year. I will have two or even three different baits at times. I’ve been bringing live shrimp, sand fleas, and either mud minnows or finger mullet to the jetties and when I’m fishing the river as well. In the river, there’s a bunch of things going on. There have been hundreds of Tarpon right off the channel in New Smyrna around the bridges and some bull reds. I’ve been catching pinfish and pigfish when I get a chance to use them. These bigger fish are easier to spot on the fish finder so I’m always keeping an eye on it when I’m in the area. There’s been a bunch of pompano in the river over the last month or so and a lot of people have been getting them in good numbers. I’ve been getting them off some of the deeper river banks down in Ponce and New Smyrna. There’s been a ton of jacks in the same areas along with Blues, Sheepshead, and some Redfish. This time of year you can get out to some of the nearshore spots outside
of the inlet and tear up sand Trout, weakfish, and some big Sheepshead sometimes up to 6-8 lbs. It can be awesome for kids because the sand Trout and weakfish will be piled up and keep the kids busy with a ton of action! It’s not uncommon to catch 50 or more in a trip. I’ll pretty much stick with live shrimp and sand fleas out there since those are the three main target species. There are a bunch of different things going on so I base the target species off of the conditions and what the clients are looking to accomplish, whether it’s trying to catch a trophy fish or a meal. The perfect trip is when you can do both.
Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters
Capt. Jeff Patterson 386-451-4992
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Bob Laney with a healthy inlet Snook
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Cole Beynon Jr with a hefty upper slot Snook
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Fern Ramos caught a girthy Redfish in New Smyrna
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