Fishing Connection Online March 2024

Joe Dionne Publisher Editor

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Column Writers for this Issue

Page 6

Nik Bremer

Page 12

Capt. Bert Deener

Page 17

Spencer Brogden

Page 18

Capt. Jim Suber

Page 22

Capt. John Eggers

Page 26

Travis Goodale

Page 28

Capt. Todd Philcox

Page 32

Capt. Cory Sparks

Page 40

Capt.Adam Morley

Page 48

Capt. Jeff Patterson

Fernandina

Amelia Island

By Nik Bremer

As the warmth of spring begins to thaw Amelia Island, anglers eagerly anticipate the fishing opportunities that March brings, including the huge Black Drum that cruises these waters for the next month or so. Here are a few pointers to get out there and have a little fun with these dinosaurs

. The jetties on the north end of Amelia Island serve as hotspots for Black Drum enthusiasts Positioned strategically where the ocean meets the inlet, these structures provide an ideal habitat for Black Drum to forage and thrive Anglers targeting Black Drum on the jetty should equip themselves with sturdy mediumheavy to heavy spinning or conventional setups. A reliable rod paired with a reel spooled with a 30-50 lb test line is recommended to handle the robust fighting nature of these fish.

When targeting Black Drum on the jetty, anglers often find success using Carolina rigs or fish-finder rigs. These

setups allow for the effective presentation of various natural baits while minimizing the risk of snagging on rocky structures. Additionally, incorporating a fluorocarbon leader enhances stealth and abrasion resistance in these rugged environments. Another prime location for Black Drum angling lies behind the tower on the range. Here, anglers can capitalize on the convergence of tidal currents and structure to intercept the cruising Black Drum. Similar tackle and rigging strategies apply in this area, with anglers focusing their efforts on presenting baits along channel edges and drop-offs where Black Drum frequently patrol in search of food

Venturing into the waters of Nassau Sound presents yet another opportunity to hook into the sizable Black Drum Targeting deeper channels bordering the sandbars within the sound can yield rewarding results for anglers equipped with patience and persistence. Drifting or anchoring near these structures and deploying baited rigs can entice Black Drum prowling the shallows in search of dinner.

When it comes to bait, these black nasties love everything about blue crab. Depending on the size of the crab, anglers will fish either half or full crabs I start by removing the legs and the top part of the crab. In my opinion, it puts a better scent in the water and eliminates any obstacles to get in the way of the tip of that hook. Speaking of hooks, I like a 7/0 Kahle hook, but we sell a lot of 6/08/0 circles and 084 offset J-hooks for

Black Drum fishing at the shop. Hook through the knuckle and put the hook in a location where it’s going to be aerodynamic under the water to ensure it does not helicopter.

If you read this early enough, March also marks the eagerly anticipated Nassau County Black Drum Tournament. Captain’s meeting will be on March 8th, at Dee Dee Bartels boat ramp pavilion. Registration will be from 4-6 pm, with the captain’s meeting to follow The tourney will open after the meeting and run until the 21st of April. Fish will be weighed in and documented at both Amelia Bait and Tackle or downtown at Atlantic Seafood.

The junior division this year will pay out for both, boys and girls and the Charter Captains will have the option to buy into a side pot as they are not allowed in the main pool. Entry fees are as follows: $100 per boat for the main entry, $50 per lady angler, and $50 per junior angler. 100% Payout, so what’s to lose? Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice enthusiast, the Nassau County Black Drum Tournament offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the thrill of chasing Black Drum amidst the scenic backdrop of Amelia Island. We’ll have pre-registration forms at the shop if you’d like to enter early And as always, feel free to come by Amelia Island Bait and Tackle

Kim Briley

Swamps, Creeks, and Ponds

By Capt. Bert Deener

February22,-29 2024FishingReport

Okefenokee Swamp – Naaman Headrick came down from Tennessee and fished with Dan Prewitt and me on the east side on Friday The water level is still high and fish were still spread out in the prairies, but we found two areas that had a concentration of pickerel

Casting was the ticket again for the second trip in a row. We only had 1 warmouth trolling, and the rest of the fish were caught by casting. Dan started the fun, catching a 3-pound bowfin on a crawfish-brass blade Dura-Spin They quickly added a few pickerel with the same lure. Seeing that the bowfin bite was slow again with the high water, we targeted the shallower, weedy pickerel habitat and picked up some.

Toward the end of the trip, they were reacting to smaller, finesse prototype spinners, and we caught the last several on those A white body with a gold blade was the best color late in the trip We ended up catching 8 pickerel to 17”, a bowfin, and a warmouth On Wednesday, Wyatt Crews fished with me on the east side. We only caught 3 pickerel and 2 bowfin, but one of the bowfin was a trophy Wyatt fooled it with a crawfish-brass blade Dura-Spin, and it pulled the scales down to 10-lb , 13-oz We tried for fliers the last little bit of the trip and fooled 32 fliers (to 7 inches) in 45 minutes

We pitched chartreuse sallies and pink sallies under a small balsa float for the fliers The most recent water level (Folkston side) was 121 22 feet again this week. The water did not come up after this week’s rains, so that is a good thing for the bite

Dodge County Public Fishing

Area (near Eastman) – Seth Carter made the trek up to Dodge this weekend for the first King of the Kayak Tournament Trail event.

He caught a solid 4-pounder on an Alabama rig. The winner by a mere 1/4inch was Ryan Mason (total 73.50 inches – big fish 16 25 inches) Second was Davey Allen (73.25 inches – big fish 16 inches). Thomas Humphrey rounded out the top 3 with big fish of 15 75 inches and a total of 61.75 inches. The biggest bass of the tournament was a 20.5incher

The 31 tournament anglers ended up averaging about 2 bass submitted per kayak The next event is on Banks Lake, and there is still time to sign up if you are interested.

Local Ponds – Jeremy Robertson swung by Satilla Feed and Outdoors on the way to the lake and bought a 6 1/2inch glide bait then headed to Laura Walker State Park. It didn’t take long before he was setting the hook into a chunky 3-pound bass.

He also caught a nice pickerel (jackfish) on the same glide bait A Baxley angler fished a pond Wednesday afternoon and had a great trip for crappie. He trolled chartreuse back pearl 2-inch Keitech swimbaits on 1/16-oz. black-green eye Zombie Eye Jigheads for 22 slabs up to 1 1/2 pounds

He thought that was a good trip until he went the next morning. That day he made one lap around the pond and caught a limit of crappie with 4 right at 2 pounds, and his biggest pulling the scales down to 2 4 pounds!

He released all the crappie over a pound. The same chartreuse back pearl Keitech on a 1/16-oz Zombie Eye Jighead trolled at about 0.8 miles per hour was the ticket again. Chad Lee got away to a local Alma area pond for just a short half-hour trip and caught 6 fat crappie (one was pushing 2 pounds!) and 2 bass (2 pounds apiece) on a shadcolored straight-tail plastic.

Jimmy Zinker fished some Valdosta area ponds this week and had some good catches. He lost a big fish Wednesday on a spinner bait but landed a 6-lb., 2-oz. bass on a 6th Sense glide bait on Tuesday. He also caught a 5-lb, 2-oz. oldlooking (big head, big eye) bass on a Shad Rap on Thursday

The crappie and bass bites in ponds should be incredible this week with the forecasted warm-up Time to go if you have permission at a good pond

Saltwater (GA Coast) – Rodney Jones had a good saltwater trip in the Savannah area. He fooled a bunch of trout about 20 feet deep with a 1/4-oz round head with a spring keeper (Medusa Head) and a sight flash 3-inch Keitech swimbait

Capt. Tim Cutting had a good trip on Friday. They caught 37 trout (4 keepers) then got on a bunch of slot-sized redfish On Monday they caught a limit of trout and a bunch of shorts by dragging jigs along the bottom

Keitechs rigged on 1/8-oz. Zombie Eye Jigheads worked best. On Tuesday, they roped the redfish, catching a limit and some trout. Half were fooled with plastics and half with live shrimp under a Harper Super Striker Float On Wednesday the bite slowed with slightly more stained water, and they had to work for them

They ended up with 6 keeper redfish, 6 keeper trout, and a flounder. The water turned nasty on Thursday, and they did not catch fish at several drops until he found some clearer water. They caught all of their fish at that stop and had several trout and reds

Capt. Bert Deener guides fishing trips in the Okefenokee Swamp and other southeast Georgia systems and 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, you can download it from his website at bertsjigsandthings com or e-mail him (bertdeener@yahoo com)

Capt. Bert Deener

NaamanwithanicePickerel

Pier & Surf

By Spencer Brogden

I hope everyone took time in February to get their surf and pier fishing arsenal ready for March. This month tends to be the start of a great run of surf fishing and pier fishing Whiting, Pompano, Black Drum, Bluefish, Speckled Trout, Redfish and Sheepshead all start to invade the surf and the pier I like using fresh

shrimp and clam as well as live sandfleas as they start to show up. Double-drop pompano rigs and Carolina rigs work well.

If you find that the bluefish are eating all your bait, take off all floats, beads, and any type of color They are attracted to bright things.

When they are thick like that I go to a straight floro leader with just a hook. This has worked numerous times for me, and the difference between a cooler full of whiting or a cooler of 3 bluefish(legal limit).

I like to fish runouts and sloughs up along the beach for the whiting, drum, and redfish and the sandbars for the pompano If you can find a nice deep slough, the speckled trout will also hold there.

Live shrimp on a float or a Carolina rig will work for these If you want to

hit the pier, the same rigs and bait work well. You can usually look for the crowd of people to tell where the bite is. Just be prepared to deal with tangle-ups and crossed lines and PATIENCE is a must for pier fishing Also, having your drop net is necessary as well.

I never leave home without it, I prefer not to lose a nice fish because I didn't have a net to lift it up. Don't forget to mark your calendar, March 16th is our next FREE surf fishing seminar at 6th Avenue South in Jax Beach.

We will hold it from 830-1030 am. We hope to see you there! Until next time, tight lines

Spencer Brogden

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, Well HELLO SPRING!! Word has it you are coming soon and I for one welcome your arrival! The days are getting longer, and the days are looking better. The water temperatures are climbing and With the Sheepshead active the Flounder is on standby. We have our Redfish Tournaments in North Florida kicking in and the bottom line...fishing is just getting better!

Our FIND grants continue to make progress Riverview Park boat ramp has moved to actual development and the new ramp is going in and new docks should arrive soon Liberty Street Marina is in design and permits. The engineers have cleared most questions and a design has been presented to the City to move forward. Mike McCue Boat Ramp Bulkhead replacement design and the design for the Windward Marina upgrades are moving forward at a good pace. After the City Council approval, The City of Jacksonville is submitting grant requests to the Florida Inland Navigation District for the design of dredge needs in the downtown area, The research and design are in progress. 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 are in design. The Downtown Investment Authority has approved the forward movement of the new bulkhead on the downtown North Bank and the new bulkhead east of the St. Johns Boat Ramp on the South Bank The new docks on the North Bank will be removed and stored on the upland site while the new bulkhead is installed The docks from the Main St. Bridge east will remain in place. The bulkhead replacement at the CSX Building is near design and permit completion. The floating Kayak dock on the pier at Jim King has been repaired and back I use it The Dinsmore Boat Ramp has been paved and a light project has been contracted. The contractor has ordered the lights and poles Mayport Boat Ramp has re-surfaced, and the ramps approach has new concrete. The derelict vessel program has continued to make progress but continues to pile up. The old vessel sunk north of Half Moon Island Park was scheduled for removal but, an issue about the owner has developed and additional investigation is in progress The sailboat north of the Beach Blvd Bridge on the ICW is scheduled to go to a contractor for removal and the sunken vessel near T.K. Stokes ramp also developed owner questions that is requiring additional steps FWCC is working on several “AT RISK” vessels that broke loose from their anchoring. One was tied to the Kayak Dock at Stinson Park but has now sunk on the shore of Stinson Park. A derelict vessel investigation in now in progress The Jacksonville Waterways Commission has started committee meetings to resurrect the River Accord This is a program and commitment by several government agencies to do things better for the health of the St Johns River

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 USCG has approved a plan to place warning buoys. 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 Jacksonville Sail and Power Squadron will host the Blessing of the Fleet on March 24. Boats will stage across from Metro Park and go to the Lone Sailor for the blessing. The City of Jacksonville will have the Jazz Festival back at Metro Park May 23-26 Come by boat!

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 check your boat and yourself. Use of a lookout and being aware of your surroundings is always a priority. Invest in a QUALITY EPERB, and file a float plan with someone who 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 website for classes through 2024. 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 website at www.usps.org/localusps/Jackson. JSPS continues to do vessel inspections so you can contact an inspector at the same website or reach out to me and I will assist in 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 you all a great 2024! Happy Fishing and Safe boating!

BE SAFE!

Capt. Jim Suber

Derelict vessel at Stinson Park

Intracoastal Waterway

By Capt. John Eggers

It's pretty hard to predict the weather in March and it's similar tohttps://www.rocknreelcharters.net / February, not so much the cold, but more so with the wind Temperature-wise the warmer air will help the activity of the inshore fish and bait which in turn means a better opportunity for catching more

fish Reds will be schooled up on the ICW shallow flats feeding on blue crabs that will be making their way from the channels back to the shallow water and creeks.

Chunk blue crabs, either half or quarter, will be my bait of choice Dead sticking them on a jig head or Carolina rig will prove to be very effective. The reds will also follow the migration of crabs back into the creeks making creek fishing some of the best of the season.

A mixed bag of Trout, Black Drum, and Sheepshead will make it even more appealing to fish the backwaters The Speckled Trout will be stacked up at the jetties but due to windy conditions may be a little sporty to target some days. Docks and rock piles from Mayport to downtown can also produce good numbers and sizes The inshore Sheepshead bite can be awesome with these fish schooling around the little jetties, bridge pilings, rock piles,

and docks from Palm Valley to Nassau Sound and most of the northern St. Johns River. Look for the big Black Drum to accompany them. Fiddler crabs should be more available to purchase but sand fleas, oysters, and clams will do the trick

Some of the biggest Yellow Mouth Trout will be around through April stacked up on the drop-offs and channel of the river. Big numbers and bag limits make these guys a perfect target for having a fish fry.

Live or dead shrimp, cut mullet, mud minnows, or just about any cut bait will work to catch these aggressive fish Just be careful to look at the bag limits if you are targeting them in Nassau County around the sound. You can only possess 1 fish there.

Tight Lines

Capt. John Eggers

904-591-1611

Steve McDaniels from Iowa

Kayak Fishin’

By Travis Goodale

Forget basketball, the real madness in March is choosing where and what to fish from your kayak. This month offers some of the best opportunities to catch huge Sheepshead, Trout, and Redfish in Northeast Florida. Here are some tips and spots to help you make the most of your kayak fishing adventure. Sheepshead are one of the most sought-after fish in March, as they grow to impressive sizes and put up a great fight. To catch them, you need to use quartered blue crabs as bait and fish on oyster bars at low tide, just like you would for Redfish

Some of the hotspots for Sheepshead are Browns Creek and Clapboard Creek, where you can find plenty of structure and current March is also a prime time to target Trout on topwater lures, as they are more active and aggressive in the warming water. You can find Trout in shallow flats, grass beds, and creek mouths,

where they ambush baitfish and shrimp

Some of the best places to fish for Trout on top water are Mill Cove, Guana Lake, Simpsons Creek, and Dunns Creek. Redfish are still holding deep in the back of the creeks, waiting for the water temperature to rise.

If you are patient and adventurous, you can try to reach them by going as far back as possible in a creek an hour before low tide and staking out. Then, throw out some chunks of blue crab and wait for the bite. Some of the creeks that hold big Redfish are Wynn Branch Creek, Clapboard Creek, and Dutton Island Preserve. This is also a great month to fish for Flounder and Black Drum from your kayak in our area

Flounder are more abundant and can be found in creeks, coves, and flats Black Drum, also known as “big uglies”, are massive and powerful fish that spawn in the river around the first full moon of March Here are some tips and locations to help you catch these amazing fish Flounder are flatfish that lie on the bottom and ambush their prey.

They can be caught on live bait, such as mud minnows or shrimp, or on artificial lures, such as jigs or soft plastics Some of the best areas to fish for Flounder this month are Haulover Creek, Dunns Creek, and Mill Cove Look for sandy or muddy spots near oyster bars, drop-offs, or grass edges. Black Drum are one of the most exciting fish to catch from a

kayak, as they can weigh over 50 pounds and pull like a freight train They come to the river to spawn and can be found in deep holes, channels, or bridges

To catch them, you need to use heavy tackle and large baits, such as whole blue crabs or cut mullet Some of the spots where you can find Black Drum are the Dames Point Bridge, the Blount Island Channel, and the Buckman Bridge. When fishing for Black Drum, you need to be patient and attentive They often nibble on the bait before taking it, so you need to wait until the rod bends over before setting the hook You also need to vent the fish after landing them, as their swim bladder expands due to the pressure change

Venting is a process of releasing the air from the swim bladder using a needle or a tool This helps the fish to swim back to the bottom and survive If you are not familiar with the river or the deep water, it is better to avoid fishing there, as it could be dangerous and challenging. You can always ask me for advice or join me on a fishing trip I would love to share my experience and knowledge with you And remember, always wear your flotation device (PFD) and follow the rules of the water I hope to see you on the water soon and tight lines my friends

Travis Goodale

Travis with a Big Ugly

Fishing Jax Beach to the St Johns River

By Capt. Todd Philcox

March fishing in NE Florida can be a tough month to predict due to the uncertainty in weather and therefore water temperatures, but spring will come, water will warm and the action and the variety of species to catch will increase

This year to date we’ve experienced average winter temperatures with no extreme cold fronts and a few nice warmups, water temperatures generally hovered in the mid to upper 50-degree range

Slot-sized Redfish remained mostly scattered in shallow water far back in the

creeks, mud flats along the Intracoastal held a few fish.

Water clarity throughout the winter was generally above average, despite a bit more rain than most winters, which resulted in tougher fishing in the shallows Redfish could often be seen but were more reluctant to take a bait. Calm days were a bit frustrating as we’d generally see many fish but catch just a fraction of those we saw pushing water. Persistence did pay off as a few nice fish would consistently fall for a well-placed shrimp or minnow.

As I write this article in mid-February it appears mild to warmer weather will continue for the next couple weeks and water temperatures should rise into the low 60’s So how does this play out for fishing in March?

March is a month of transition from winter fishing patterns to warming water, an increased amount of bait inshore, and fish moving with that increased bait supply Shrimp and mud minnows fished on a quarter-ounce jig head and a slow retrieve will bring reds, a few Flounder, and Trout to the boat, if the wind is strong, a 3/8-ounce jig head will help with casting and your ability to feel bites

Continue to put some time in fishing far back in the creeks and those creek holes

in the afternoons when the sun has warmed the water and turned on the Redfish bite, but don’t hesitate to work grass edges and drop-offs along the Intracoastal as slot-sized reds will be on the move as the water warms

You will find some Flounder scattered amongst those Redfish both along grass edges and drop-offs, and back in the creek holes The Trout bite will pick up along the ICW drop-offs and later in the month don’t be surprised to see a few Spanish mackerel and the first schools of jack crevalle appear.

Give me a call if I can help get you out to enjoy some spring fishing!

Capt. Todd Philcox

(904)

Ruth and Clayton

Palm Valley

By Capt. Cory Sparks

Palm Valley March

Spring is in the air and changes will be here soon! March brings our shift from wintertime patterns and tactics to moving towards our Spring warm-up patterns.

Fish will begin feeding more aggressively as water temps warm Slowmoving and lethargic fish will be more apt to chase and eat. Let this influence your offerings “Dead sticking” baits can

still be effective but having some movement for fish to pursue will work with live or artificials this month

First and last light conditions are perfect times to fish your topwater plugs. Big Trout will begin blowing up lures in Palm Valley and it is the chance to get yourself a “gator Trout”.

If the water is quiet and still, I prefer less starling topwater that has a softer click and lower sound frequency. It doesn’t appear so unnatural as to completely disturb a slick calm stretch of water. A great example is the Heddon Super Spook Jr

If there is any wind or water surface disturbance that creates some commotion on top of the water, I will throw a higher frequency and louder plug such as the Mirrolure She Pup. This puts off more volume allowing the fish to locate it among the natural surface noise. Redfish and Bluefish will also chase and hit these lures so use this tool to cover ground and enjoy the show!

March also signals our Black Drum run in Palm Valley. You will find the big breeder fish in deep troughs and holes in the main channel of the ICW. Soaking shrimp and Fishbites strips or chunks of blue crab on a knocker rig is a great

presentation

When targeting these big fish, you want to use a 6000 size or bigger reel to land the fish quickly and release them unharmed after a quick picture. Remember not to “hang” the fish vertically Support the weight of the fish’s body and belly horizontally the same way they would be swimming Handling tactics are important for these spawning fish to go back home and replenish our drum population

They are a great catch and photo but not worth the kill for a couple of big fillets Catch and eat your slot-size drum for a much better dinner option

Keep Reeling,

Capt. Cory Sparks

Art Richer with his first Snook!

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Fishing in and Around the Matanzas River

By Capt. Adam Morley

Unveiling the Secrets of Matanzas River's Waters: A Captain's Insight

Greetings, fellow anglers and enthusiasts! It's Captain Adam here, your trusted guide to the mesmerizing world beneath the Matanzas River Today, I'm thrilled to share my insights, forged through countless fishing adventures and the wisdom gleaned from recent trips and past reports shared around Genung’s Fish Camp

Picture this – the Redfish, once tucked away in the back of the creeks, have made a triumphant migration to the flats. It's a move that showcases their tenacity and adaptability, a characteristic not unlike the resilience we admire in our fellow Americans. These crimson warriors provide a thrilling challenge for anglers ready to test their mettle

Matanzas Inlet remains a treasure trove for Sheepshead enthusiasts. These elusive creatures, with their distinctive black stripes, continue to grace our waters, offering a game of patience and strategy. As a Captain, I find that the pursuit of Sheepshead mirrors the perseverance required in facing life's challenges – a lesson every angler can appreciate

And let's not forget the Black Drum, a

stalwart presence in Matanzas River's fishing scene during cooler months. Abundant and ever-ready for a tussle, these fish embody the enduring spirit of our community. Like the Black Drum, Matanzas River stands strong, weathering storms and embracing the tides of change.

Trout, with their shimmering silver scales, contribute their own charm to the aquatic symphony These agile predators make for a delightful catch, and their abundance speaks to the thriving yet fragile ecosystem of the Matanzas River. As a Captain, observing the dance of Trout in the currents is akin to witnessing the harmonious coexistence we strive for in our community.

Now, let's turn our attention to the most exciting reports – the emergence of stud Bluefish in solid numbers. Conversations with fellow anglers reveal encounters with these feisty warriors weighing in at over 10 pounds The thrill of the chase, the rush of the fight – it's a spectacle that rivals any patriotic display. Bluefish embody the vigor and strength that define the American spirit, making each catch a celebration of freedom and resilience

As we cast our lines into the waters of the Matanzas River, it's impossible to ignore the approaching spring. The changing seasons herald a shift in fish patterns, and the water becomes a stage for an intricate ballet of baitfish. The energy is palpable, mirroring the rejuvenation that comes with the promise of a new season Spring is a time of renewal, a sentiment echoed in the ever-changing rhythm of Matanzas River's waters.

Reflecting on past fishing reports, I'm reminded of the interconnectedness of our fishing community. The shared experiences, the tales of triumphs and challenges – they create a tapestry that binds us together.

Matanzas River serves as a beacon, allowing anglers to cast a light on the adventures they’ve experienced and fostering a sense of camaraderie among all who share the passion of fishing

In closing, my fellow enthusiasts, as we embark on each fishing expedition, let us draw inspiration from the resilience of the Redfish, the patience of the Sheepshead, the endurance of the Black Drum, and the agility of the Trout. And may the thrill of the chase for the mighty Bluefish ignite the spark of determination within us all As Captain America would say, I salute you, the unsung heroes of the Matanzas River – may your reels always sing the song of victory, and may the tides of fortune be forever in your favor

Tight lines and fair winds,

Capt. Adam Morley

904.540.7245

Daytona

Ormond Beach

By Capt. Jeff Patterson

Man, am I looking forward to Spring! The weather the last couple of months has been making fishing conditions tough and pretty undesirable.

Not to mention not many people want to go on a fishing trip when it’s raining and the wind is blowing 20 knots, or both!

The inlet has gotten very slow for the most part and the water has been just about filthy so I haven’t been fishing it much Inside the inlet, the

water has been pretty dirty for a good little ways too so that part of the river has slowed down quite a bit too. There’s been a bunch of sandbar sharks that are 3-4’ which some of my clients have had a blast with I’ve been fishing some of the 10-15’ deep areas and just using live shrimp.

I’ve had some trips catching 5-10 sharks in a fairly short period and we have even found some bonnet head sharks which my clients have brought back here and there. The sandbar sharks are protected but you can keep 1 bonnet head per person and up to two sharks total per boat.

Once you get further away from the inlet the water starts getting cleaner and has been more productive. I’ve been finding a decent amount of Flounder and Redfish around oyster bars and live mud minnows have been a good bait

However the water has also been extremely low so in some areas I was doing well, I can’t even get to lately. I can float in about a foot of water but some areas I was just fishing recently are completely dry on low tide

Up in Ormond, I’ve been seeing more life than anywhere else. Lots of bait from the Tomoka Basin up to Flagler. I tend to fish up that way more this time of year. On calm mornings just about every trip we’re finding Redfish pushing up in the shallows

There are some good size fish but I have been noticing a bunch of smaller rat reds. I’ve been liking fishing artificials up there and covering some territory A white paddle tail on a 1/4-3/8 oz jig head has been one of my go-to baits. We’ve been catching Redfish, snook, Flounder, blues, and ladyfish in that area

Now that we’re approaching Spring, hopefully, we get some better conditions. We should start getting into some hot fishing shortly. Tight lines and call me to set up a trip!

Capt. Jeff Patterson

Pole Dancer Fishin’Charters

386-451-4992

Me and my daughters Reese and Ashlyn with a sandbar shark

Dave Ellis with an over slot Redfish

Cindy Osterholt with a nice Pompano