Jacksonville, Fl Fishing Report, 24-28 October: The Hunt for Red October

 Fishing around Cape Charles has simply been awful.  Not sure what's going on, but we've only landed a few slot Reds and one keeper Trout.  

When the fishing is slow, you go looking for fish.  Normally it's another spot nearby.  But in this case, Capt. DiPaola and I headed to Jacksonville.  The main purpose of the trip was to reunite with former squadron mates from our time at HSL-42 over 30 years ago.  A phenomenal weekend, coming together to remember the halcyon days of "daredevil" (😅) flights, retell old and remember new sea stories, eat like kings, down a few bourbons, and smoke a few cigars.

And do some fishing!

Fortunately, close friend, squadronmate, and avid angler Curt Toomer not only lives in Jax, but had just purchased an East Cape skiff, and was ready to put it through its paces in the back creeks of the intracoastal waterway.

Normally you need to schedule three days on the water to get one day of good fishing.  Well, the fishing gods smiled on us, becuase we had four great days of catching.  The weather cooperated; sunny skies and temps in the 70s.  A bit breezy with a frontal system that started moving through Saturday.  But the beauty of Curt's skiff, with it's six-inch draft, was being able to find calm water up in the little creeks that feed the ICW, which is where the Reds, Trout and Flounder hang out.

                                                 

We fished with medium and light spinning tackle, tossing live mud minnows and shrimp on the bottom, or under popping corks.  Essentially we'd cruise up into a back creek looking for fishy spots; drop offs, points of grass, and channels.  The idea is to fish the spots, and if nothing seems to be going on, or the fishing slowed, you motor to another spot.  

And Capt. Toomer found the spots!  Over the course of four days we landed Reds, several in the slot, lots of Speckled Trout, several keeper Founder, and a Black Drum.  

     

                                                      

The fishing aired out the stench of recent fishing up north.  More importantly was reuniting with old friends, amazed at how we survived our time on gray-Navy hulls and in cockpits, but grateful for the experiences, and the enduring bonds of comraderie and friendship.

Tight lines,

Mikey D Fishing

Cape Charles Fishing Report, 10 October: Yeah, it's Trouty Water

 Quick trip out before the Nor'easter.  Fished the outgoing tide.  Overcast, air temps in the 60s.  Water temps in the upper 60s.  Bit breezy.  Water a bit dirty.  Kind of cold to wet wade, but manageable.

Started at Plantation Creek.  Nothing going on. So headed up to the fish weir.  Figured there may be another trout hanging out.  Tied on a Mirro-lure; clear sides, pink top, chartreuse belly.

There was one.... Solid 20-plus inches.  Decent hook up, LoL.  

Once this weather blows through, things should get pretty spicey.  Get the waders on and hit the water!

Tight Lines,

Mikey D Fishing

Cape Charles Fishing Report, 02-08 October: "Neither rain, nor, snow, nor gloom of night...."

 Or food poisoning, will keep the dedicated angler off the water.

Well, except for one day.  Captain DiPaola was set to head down to CC for some fishing on Saturday.  But the night before he called and reported that he might be a no-go for the weekend.

Some timely advice from RN Mary Felker, a subsequent trip to Urgent Care for some Zofran and a few bags of IV fluids, and he was back in battery for a Sunday morning outing.

The fishing continues to remain slow, although there are signs pointing in the right direction.  Last Thursday evening I trekked up Plantation Creek to fish a small lagoon on the incoming tide.  I'd visited the area the day prior at low tide, and it looked really fishy; grassy banks, lots of bait in the water, and most importantly a pretty firm bottom.

I stood on the highest point I could find, figuring that as the tide came in, I'd spy Reds.  Around 3:00 in the afternoon I spotted a couple of fish circling into the lagoon.  Time to fish.

It was good that I'd checked the bottom at low tide, because the water came in fast, and I had to stand in the grass to get a cast out.  But at 1600 I chucked a Redfish Toad-colored paddletail on a weedless jighead out into the lagoon, and BAM, my first Red of the year was on.  Must have hit him on the head and pissed him off.  Had to drag the fish up the grass a bit to get hold of him and snap a bad photo before releasing him.  But the Red was all of 28", over the slot.

That was it until Sunday when Joe showed up.  We got on the water around 0930, catching the outgoing tide off the mouth of the creek.  For awhile it looked like all fishing and no catching.  We saw fish, but they'd scoot off before we could get a good cast.  We finally spotted a school of 6-8 fish, I got a decent cast in the middle of the school with a gold Johnson Spoon, and after a couple of bumps a fish slammed the lure.  

That was it for the day, and for the next couple as well.  I fished Monday and Tuesday, saw a few Reds, but once again couldn't get them to bite.  Walking back home yesterday I stopped at a fish weir and tossed a chartreuse and pink soft plastic.  The bottom looked trouty; grass and sand potholes.  A great spot for Speckled Trout to hold.  Needlefish did a number on my lures, but I was pleasantly surprised to hook a couple of trout.

Water temps are still warm, but we've got cooler weather coming in this weekend.  Time to get the waders ready for cold water and hungry Reds and Trout.

Tight Lines, 

Mikey D Fishing

Bounty of the Bay steamed clams recipe from Cherrystone Aqua Farms.  Melt a stick of butter in a deep pan over low heat, and add a diced shallot, 4 diced garlic cloves, a few tablespoons of Old Bay, and a tablespoon (or 2) of red pepper flakes.  Add a cup or so of white wine, and stir to blend the ingredients.  Turn the heat up to medium, and add 50 middle-neck clams.  Stir the clams into the sauce, cover, and wait for the bivalves to open up.  Remove from the stove (or grill), add some toasted crusty bread for dipping, and viola!