Northeast Florida Forecast

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Fernandina Beach to Flagler Beach

Capt. Roger Bump covers inshore and offshore fishing in Northeast Florida from Fernandina Beach to Flagler Beach, including Jacksonville and Saint Augustine.

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Action Spotter Podcast

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Updated July 11

Offshore

July 12th—this Friday—will be open for red snapper. That is one snapper per angler. Most wrecks from 5 miles out to 30 hold plenty of red snapper with the deeper wrecks starting in 80 ft holding the larger fish. Frozen squid or Boston Macks are standard bait for red snapper. Deeper wrecks starting in 120 feet are the best chances for trigger, mutton, mangrove and vermilion. Live bait has been a challenge the past month as pogy schools are scarce. Best bet for live-bait kingfish is to jig nearshore wrecks inside 10 miles with sabiki rigs. Kingfish live bait alternatives can be just about anything with a flash; jack crevelle, blue runners, lady fish, Spanish mackerel, mullet and Bonita. Frozen option is ribbon fish, which can be very effective but hard to find. Fishing for kings has been a mix of slow trolling beaches to down-rigging baits on wrecks as far out as 30 miles. I have been hearing success on both options.

Inshore

If you fish one of the main rivers in our Northeast Florida area, St John’s, St Mary’s, Nassau, then you might have noticed your fishing area has grown. Due to lack of rainfall, saltwater has crept up all those rivers where normally one would just catch freshwater largemouth bass. We are now experiencing a small amount of afternoon showers but it would take a lot of rainfall to washout the saltwater and move saltwater species. So, if you happen to be bass fishing in Palatka, St. John’s River or Thomas Creek, Nassau River or past the 95 bridge, St Mary’s River, don’t be surprised to catch a redfish or two.

Fishing overall has something for everyone.

Flounder are available to target with mud minnows or artificial fish bites and Gulp tails in white. Speckled trout are taking any soft plastic shrimp imitator, D.O.A., Vudu, or Tsunami great brands to try.  If you’re trying to target trout or flounder you’re probably going to catch a redfish. Focus on main grass lines, docks, bridges, rocks in major waterways. In other words, avoid small creeks as water temps are hot and water movements mostly slack. In July, livebait preferences will change to live shrimp, which is not the easiest to keep alive in the hot weather. A frozen water bottle sealed can help cool your bait bucket water down and add life to your shrimp. If you’re not getting bites move to the next spot. Have a safe trip and don’t forget the bug spray and enjoy.

Capt. Roger Bump
(904)866-8055
Email Roger Bump
www.jacksonvillefishingtrips.com

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