08-12-10 JEKYLL & ST. SIMONS FISHING REPORT
By Captain Vernon Reynolds
The weather is hot and so is the fishing, temperatures, Sharks and Tarpon all in the hundreds. Temperatures have been running in the low hundreds for the last few weeks while Tarpon have been running in the high hundreds. Captain Eric Moody jumped a Tarpon last week that he believes was the largest one he has ever jumped. He had the monster on for about 30 minutes before it made a mighty jump and straightened a 7/0 stainless steel hook. The same day Captain Larry Davis caught a fish estimated to be about 175 pounds.
Sharks up to 100 pounds are also being taken in local waters. Sharks and
Tarpon can be caught in the same waters using the same fishing method. Both species feed heavily on Menhaden this time of the year. These baitfish congregate in area sounds and are most easily caught by predators when in shallow water near sand bars. Look for Menhaden gulping air and splashing water near sand bars. Often Tarpon can be seen rolling near by or busting bait pods, spewing baitfish everywhere. Anchor the boat so you can cast baits out the stern to working fish. A normal setup is one or two baits pegged on the bottom with a four ounce egg sinker and one or two baits suspended four to eight feet below a float. Tighten the drags down to the point you can hardly pull line off the spool. You will be surprised how fast a 100 plus pound Tarpon or Shark can spool a reel.
Good numbers of Speckled Sea Trout and Redfish are being taken in area rivers and creeks. Most are small, below the legal 13 inch keeping length for Trout and 14 inches for Reds. Most anglers are reporting taking 20 to 25 small fish to one keeper. This happens every year in late Summer and the high number of small fish to larger looks good for the Fall fishing. These small fish will be legal this fall.
Whiting, Bluefish, Tripletail and Flounder are also being taken inshore.
Your best bet offshore is Barracuda, King and Spanish Mackerel are spotty. A few Cobia are being found.
TAKE A KID FISHING.
COASTAL EXPEDITIONS CHARTER FISHING & DOLPHIN TOURS is owned and operated by captains Vernon Reynolds and Eric Moody. Call (912) 265-0392 to book a charter or go to www.coastalcharterfishing.com for further information.
Picture: Captain Larry Davis and client show off a nice Tarpon.
