08-06-09 JEKYLL ISLAND FISHING REPORT
By Captain Vernon Reynolds
The Gulf Stream is producing King Mackerel, Wahoo, and Amberjack.
The Navy towers are holding Kings, Barracuda and Amberjack. Grouper and Snapper are being taken at the 40 mile bottom. Barracuda, King and Spanish Mackerel are located at the near shore reefs. Shark and Tarpon are working local Sounds. Trout, Reds and Flounder are being found in local rivers and creeks.
Many Sea Trout are in the post spawn stage now. Post spawn fish move from area beaches to sound systems including associated rivers and creeks. These Trout feed heavily, regaining the strength lost during the spawn.
Look for post spawn Trout near shell bars in early morning and late afternoon or cloudy days. The water is not as warm nor the sun so bright and the fish will move into shallow water during these times. Look for minnows and shrimp swimming on the surface. Often bait can be seen jumping out of the water trying to escape a Trout attack. Look for swirls made by feeding fish. Look for poised Blue and White Herron along the bank. They would not be fishing there unless there was baitfish or shrimp there.
Fish live shrimp or minnows under a float. This will keep your hook off the shells and allow the bait to cover ground drifting with the current. I prefer a Cajun Thunder Cork. These corks make a noise like a feeding Trout when jerked and the really do attract Trout and Redfish. An artificial D.O.A. Shrimp will also perform well under a Cajun Thunder. I like to work the cork hard; this enhances the fish drawing aspect and keeps the artificial lure jumping. Fish the area well, from the bank to 20 yards off. Often Trout will feed well away from the bank and shells.
As the day warms up and the sun rises fish will often move into deeper and cooler water. Look for drop-offs on your depth finder up to 20 feet deep near the bank. This type of fishing requires a Trout cork, a long round cork with a hole through it. The cork is placed on the main line and allowed to slide up and down. A slip knot tied above the cork determines the depth at which you fish. This is the real beauty of the sliding cork, you can change the depth you fish simply by sliding the knot up or down. Fish near the bottom, most Trout will stay close to the bottom.
Take a kid fishing. Coastal Expeditions Charter Fishing and Dolphin Tours is operated by Captains Vernon Reynolds and Eric Moody. For further information call (912) 265-0392 or go to www.coastalcharterfishing.com.
