Cut Bait Tips For Catching Redfish

Great Video for Redfish bait.









Till next time....

Tight Lines!

Johnny

Dan Osborne - Shark in Surf July 23 2018

Surf Fishing July 23 2018

Dan Osborne, My nephew from Georgia caught this shark while surf fishing today. Donna and I were sitting on a bench at the beach access in Surf City, the perfect platform to watch the fight. Dan did everything right and landed the shark after a good fight. After pictures, the shark was revived in the surf before being released alive and well. Good catch Dan.
** Footnote ** Less than 3 minutes after the release, the surf was full of swimmers. Not me! I have seen much bigger, in knee deep surf.

Dan and I were on the beach at 6 am fishing. We caught small blues, pinfish, and pompano. Nothing big enough to brag about. The shark was caught in the second fishing session, after lunch.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Important News Release from Recreational Fishing Alliance

                   



http://myemail.constantcontact.com/House-of-Representatives-Releases-Magnuson-Stevens-Reauthorization-Bill.html?soid=1102181706823

Recreational Fishing Alliance    Contact:  Jim Donofrio / 888-564-6732   For Immediate Release July 12, 2018

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Bill Landmark Fisheries Reform Takes Major Step Toward Becoming Law Washington, D.C. - July 12, 2018 - Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 200, a bipartisan bill that includes the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017 (Modern Fish Act). This historic vote marks the first time the priorities of the recreational fishing sector are included in the reauthorization of our nation's primary marine fisheries law, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The provisions of the Modern Fish Act (H.R. 2023) were included in H.R. 200 by the House Committee on Natural Resources on December 13, 2017. H.R. 200 is sponsored by Representative Don Young (R-Alaska) and cosponsored by Reps. Garret Graves (R-La.); Brian Babin (R-Texas); Clay Higgins (R-La.); Gene Green (D-Texas); Robert Wittman (R-Va.); Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.); Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.); Steve King (R-Iowa); Marc Veasey (D-Texas); Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), and Austin Scott (R-Ga.). "Marine recreational fishing is not a partisan issue, which was illustrated by the support H.R. 200 received from both parties today in the House," said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. "We owe great thanks to Chairman Rob Bishop, Congressmen Don Young, Garret Graves, Gene Green and Marc Veasey for working together to properly recognize recreational fishing within the Magnuson-Stevens Act. These bipartisan leaders have made the difference for anglers from coast to coast." In 2014, the priorities of the recreational fishing and boating community were identified and presented to federal policy makers by the Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management in a report "A Vision for Managing America's Saltwater Recreational Fisheries." This group is also referred to as the Morris-Deal Commission, named for co-chairs Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, and Scott Deal, president of Maverick Boat Group. Many of the recommendations of the Morris-Deal Commission are addressed by the Modern Fish Act and included in H.R. 200. This legislation addresses many of the challenges faced by recreational anglers, including allowing alternative management tools for recreational fishing, reexamining fisheries allocations and improving recreational data collection. The bill aims to benefit fishing access and conservation by incorporating modern management approaches, science and technology to guide decision-making. "The recreational fishing industry is grateful that H.R. 200, which includes the provisions of the Modern Fish Act, has now passed the U.S. House of Representatives," said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association. "The Modern Fish Act represents the collective priorities of the recreational fishing community for improving federal marine fisheries management. There are 11 million saltwater anglers in the U.S. who have a $63 billion economic impact annually and generate 440,000 jobs. This legislation will help ensure that the economic, conservation and social values of saltwater recreational fishing will continue well into the future." "We applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for passing commonsense legislation modernizing the federal fisheries management system, which will provide America's recreational anglers and boaters reasonable and responsible access to public marine resources," said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. "The recreational boating industry calls on the U.S. Senate to pick up the baton, and immediately take up and pass S.1520, the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017 (Modern Fish Act). Millions of Americans are counting on it." "We are grateful to our champions from both sides of the aisle in the House for recognizing the needs of recreational anglers and advancing this important fisheries management reform," said Patrick Murray, president of Coastal Conservation Association. "This is truly a watershed moment for anglers in our never-ending quest to ensure the health and conservation of our marine resources and anglers' access to them." "We thank the House Leadership, Congressman Young and the leaders of the House Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus for their leadership in finding bipartisan solutions to move the bill forward," said Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. "The provisions of the Modern Fish Act contained in H.R. 200 are a top priority for saltwater anglers across the United States and charts a clear course for effective recreational fisheries management while ensuring abundant, sustainable fisheries for future generations." "We are on our way to pragmatic Magnuson-Stevens Act reform that will allow better access to rebuilt fish stocks while ensuring long-term sustainability," said Jim Donofrio, president of the Recreational Fishing Alliance.  "Passing these provisions of the Modern Fish Act means taking the next important step in recognizing the cultural value of recreational fishing and conservation contributions of American anglers," said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. "We will continue to work with our sportfishing partners to engage with senators and see to it that the Modern Fish Act becomes law-it is critical if we hope to see saltwater anglers benefit from the advances in fisheries science, data collection, and management at the heart of this important legislation." Following today's vote, the coalition encourages the Senate to quickly pass S. 1520. Marine recreational anglers and boaters are eager to see these landmark reforms signed into law. -end-

About Recreational Fishing Alliance The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 888-JOIN-RFA or visit www.joinrfa.org.       Till next time.... Tight lines! Johnny

FISHERMAN'S POST TOPSAIL BEACH FISHING REPORT JULY 5 2018

See this report on the Fisherman’s Post website. Click Here

FISHING REPORTS FROM THE TOPSAIL/SNEADS FERRY AREA

Topsail Beach – Jul 5, 2018

Red, of Surf City Pier, reports a good mixture of fish, with both red and black drum, spots, mullet, spadefish, blues, kings (up to 27 lbs.), both speckled and gray trout, and flounder all in the mix.

The spots and mullet are biting bloodworms at night, while the black drum are taking sand fleas and shrimp. Both cut and live baits are catching reds, while the blues and spanish are falling for plugs. Some spanish and the kings are hitting king rigs, and the flounder are eating live mud minnows and the occasional live shrimp.

Ryan Hales Jr. (age 6), from Wilmington, with a red drum caught in the Topsail area on a pogie.

Chris, of East Coast Sports, reports that the inshore red drum bite can’t be beat. Look for the reds on oyster rocks and docks.

A decent inshore flounder bite can be taken advantage of by using live bait or a bucktail.

On the surf, plugs are catching red drum near the inlets. There has also been a good presence of sea mullet, pompano, and spots. Sand fleas and Fishbites are the two top producing baits.

Nearshore fishing has been all about black sea bass and snappers. King mackerel and amberjacks have also been biting, in addition to plenty of mahi.

In the Stream, the mahi bite has been on fire.

Ben Hull with an 18″ flounder that he caught near Southport on a Gulp shrimp.

Chadwick, of South End Anglers, reports that while red drum fishing has still been good, it’s slowed down a little bit over the past few weeks. Docks, oyster beds, grass shorelines, and shallow bays are the best places to look for reds, where Skitterwalks, live and cut bait, and scented soft plastics on Fathom Belly Blade jig heads should entice them to bite.

Spanish fishing has been up and down, but your best chance of getting a bite is to fish Hogy Heavy Minnows and Epoxy minnows. Trolling #1 or #2 planers with 0 or 00 Clarkspoons in gold, pink flash, and electric chicken will do the best job of putting fish in the boat.

Cobia are holding on nearshore structure. Blue Water Candy jigs, Z-Man HeroZ, and live menhaden are all doing a good job of getting bites.

School-sized kings are biting Mag Divers, Drones and planers, and dead bait rigs.

Mahi have moved into shallower water, even coming as close as six miles. They’re biting plugs, dead bait rigs, and live bait. Plenty of sharks, barracuda, and amberjacks are around as well.

Bottom fishing has been productive for sea bass, grunts, vermilions, triggerfish, and grouper on metal jigs, squid, and frozen minnows.

Hope you enjoyed this report.

Till next time....

Tight Lines!

Johnny

Black Drum at Carolina Beach, NC

Nice black drum caught by Steve B at Carolina Beach. From a post in Fishidy.com . Quote: "stepson and I met some buddies at the pier. caught a few slot black drum and a red drum out of the surf. croaker, mullet and spot too. it was a good night!"

Congratulations Steve B.! Nice catch!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Thoughts about piers and pier people

This post is from pierandsurf.com message board. I haven't fished Jennettes Pier, but I have heard about it and read about it for almost my entire life. As you read this post, substitute your favorite pier for Jennettes. For me it's Surf City Ocean Pier. Every line in the post is true for me and Surf City Pier. It is very emotional for me, and makes me realize just how much I love this pier and this place. God has blessed us so much, and it's easy to dismiss just how special this area is. Where else can you experience everything in the following post, as well as the most beautiful sunrises AND sunsets possible! The people here are special too. They are the most friendly and helpful people in the world. This place is blessed with all this and more. Enjoy.


This posted by pierandsurf.com user Harrymanz . His post follows.

Ten weekends

Spent the last ten weekends on jennettes pier, i dont kno how life could be better than sea mullet, bluefish , 7 million spadefish, triggerfish, a spanish blitz every few weeks, watching new friends see sheepshead on the piles and walk the almost half mile round trip to the beach to catch fleas and then catch said fish with those fleas( my son was impressed with this mastery) ive met tourists from everywhere , ive met numerous people from west va and tennessee(shot out)that make the trip out here to fish for a day. Ive seen family reunions, ive seen weddings, ive seen a heart attack, ive seen a guy catch himself with a gotcha plug(today) thank you security doctor sir. Ive had my kids out here , ive had my wife with me during a spade and spanish bonanza, ive met people from va beach where im from, I've seen a cormorant catch a flounder and spend thirty minutes trying to swallow it, ive seen a seven foot shark swim around, ive seen cownose rays swim by by the dozens, ive seen airborne bottlenose, ive had the pleasure of watching the pin riggers do there thing and watch what i expect are the locals absolutely slay big spanish in symphony while the rest of us are just catching, ive seen the end shoulder to shoulder catching and throwing without a bad word even amongst strangers who are now friends with no worries because like i heard flip pallet say when your fighting a fish the world stops for just a few moments and theres nothing but the fight (thats a lil deep sorry)thank you to the wonderful ladies workin inside that keep us right and all the guys that know everything else the rest of us dont and have no problem lending a hand to send a net for a small fish for people they dont even know. Thanks jennettes - of course i know whats better than all those things listed up top (cobia haha) go fishing guys.

End post.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny 

55 lb. 45 in. Red Drum with a Live Pogie

55 lb. 45 in. Red Drum with a Live Pogie

CAUGHT BY Wynter Jones  6/25/2018 6:42 PM while fishing on the Hyper Active boat at Johns Creek, Carolina Beach area.

Healthy live release!

Beautiful fish! Congrats Wynter Jones!

Till next time....

Tight lines!

Johnny

Fishin' my favorite surf spot on Saturday, June 23, 2018

Hello fellow anglers. I woke early Saturday morning, and after my coffee, I decided to go surf fishing. I haven't surf fished in a while, so I was a little excited to get back out there. First stop, since this outing wasn't planned, was the bait shop. I arrived about 05:30 and was greeted with a "Closed" sign in the window. Another early riser pulled into the parking lot and wasn't surprised to find the shop was closed. He assured me the store would open in just a few minutes. So at 06:05, I started to the truck and here comes the clerk, just a few minutes late. When I went inside to my disappointment, they were out of my bait of choice for today, jumping mullet for cut bait. All the waiting for nothing. Next time, I will be prepared, like my friend Tim, who gets up at 3 am, to net his bait for the following day. It's nice to be young and full of energy.

I get to "my spot" only to discover another angler had claimed this territory as his for the morning. I moved about 40 yards down the beach and set up camp. The bad luck for the morning continued, when I could find sand fleas, except the mini fleas, which are not good producers. Absent any other bait, I had to settle for blood worm fish bites. I caught several small sea mullets, or virginia mullets as some call them. They were too small to keep. While I had bait in the water, I continued to look for sand fleas, finally finding one nice size, bigger than my thumb nail. I baited up with the flea and within a few minutes had a good bite. I pulled in a big mullet, and had it in the bucket, so the day wasn't so bad after all.

But, that was the only good sand flea I found, and the only keeper fish I caught. Since I am old and wore out, I got tired about 10:00 and carried my gear and catch up the hill to the access steps. For those of you that are on Topsail Island  frequently, you know what 10 AM means. Check out time. I sat in traffic on 210 for what seemed like an eternity. Finally getting home about a quarter of 11:00.

Another successful day on the beach! We are Blessed to live in such a wonderful place. Great sunrises and beautiful sunsets, AND fish.

Till next time,
Tight lines!
Johnny

The BEST Way to Fish Shallow Water

Custom Lures Unlimited's Zero Gravity Jig

I've got to give this Zero Gravity Jig a try on red drum. This thing is cool! It sinks so slow. Slower than any jig I have ever used.

I would love to find one.



Till next time....

Tight lines!

Johnny

Caught a Monster Grouper that Weighed MORE than the BOAT

WOW! This is awesome! 









Till next time....

Tight lines!

Johnny

Scotch Bonnet Fishing Pier

Vintage Topsail Island pier fishing photos.

Anyone want to guess the year. I sure don't know.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

FISHING REPORTS FROM THE TOPSAIL/SNEADS FERRY AREA

Topsail – June 7, 2018

Read report on Fisherman's Post website. Click Here.

David Moore with a 5 lb. 7 oz. spanish that fell for a Gotcha plug off the Jolly Roger Pier.

Chris, of Surf City Pier, reports that small spots are coming in on bloodworms (though shrimp have been working, too). Spanish mackerel have shown up and are biting silver Gotcha plugs, as are plenty of bluefish. Anglers using Diamond jigs haven’t had as much success lately.

Flounder are going after live shrimp, while sea mullets are taking bait shrimp after dark. One spadefish was also recently caught.

Ray, of Spring Tide Guide Service, reports that the massive schools of red drum have started to break up, which is normal for this time of year. Most of the fish being caught now are coming from creek mouths around area inlets. Due to sporadic rain, it’s been hard to find the best time to catch fish, but if you can get out to the inlets during a changing tide that coincides with the early morning, that’s your best bet. Most of the reds are biting cut menhaden. Artificial baits (other than topwaters) don’t seem to be working as well.

The weather has made it hard to go off the beach, but a decent spanish bite can still be found if the weather allows. Clarkspoons (size 00) in gold and pink will increase your chances of finding fish.

Marc, of Bad Habit Sportfishing, reports that while the nearshore spanish and bluefish bite had been running hot before the recent spell of bad weather, action has slowed down due to the dirty water caused by the rain and swell. With that being said, big spanish have been found by switching to Yo-Zuri Deep Divers instead of traditional spoon setups. Overall, once the weather settles, expect both the spanish and bluefish bite to pick back up quickly.

Kings have been biting on the reefs and live bottoms in 60-80’ of water. Both live and dead bait have been productive.

Bottom fishing seems to be best in 100’ or so of water. Cut baits or jigs will get the job done.

In the Stream, mahi are the most abundant species, but a few tuna, wahoo, and billfish have been biting as well. If the weather allows you to get out there, use a Supra Dart or Mini Agitator from Eye Catcher Lures in front of ballyhoo to get the best shot at the dolphin.

Jim, of Plan 9 Charters, reports that the spanish mackerel bite has been steady along the beach, with most fish being found in 20-40’ of water. Clarkspoons on planers and trolling weights have been working the best. Some fish are also being caught by casting small jigs.

King mackerel are being landed in the 5-15 and 20 mile ranges on dead bait, ballyhoo, and spoons. The occasional mahi has been mixed in with the kings in the 20 mile area.

The bottom bite has been steady from 15-30 miles offshore. Cut bait has accounted for the vast majority of the catch, which includes sea bass, grouper, triggerfish, and snapper.

Joe, of Seaview Fishing Pier, reports that spanish mackerel, bluefish, black drum, and small croakers are all biting. Plugs are working on the spanish and blues, while shrimp are the most effective for the other species.

Thanks to Fisherman's Post for this TOPSAIL/SNEADS FERRY AREA TOPSAIL/SNEADS FERRY AREA fishing report.

 Check out more fishing reports at Fisherman's Post.

Check out my favorite Topsail Area fishing pier, Surf City Ocean Pier.

Till next time....

Tight lines!

Johnny

Spotted seatrout season opens Friday

Spotted seatrout season opens Friday

MOREHEAD CITY – The spotted seatrout fishing season will reopen in North Carolina waters Friday.

The recreational bag limit will be four-fish per person per day, and the minimum size limit will be 14 inches total length. All undersized or over the daily harvest limit fish caught must be immediately returned to the waters where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

For more specific recreational spotted seatrout fishing regulations, see FF-23-2018 on the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ proclamations webpage.

The commercial size limit is 14 inches total length, as well, but the commercial harvest limits and fishing days differ by water body and gear type. For specific regulations, commercial fishermen should see FF-24-2018 on the division’s proclamations webpage.

The division closed all coastal and joint waters to commercial and recreational spotted seatrout harvest on Jan. 5 due to widespread cold stun events.

Cold stuns are natural events that occur when there is a sudden drop in water temperature or prolonged periods of cold weather that makes the fish sluggish. During a cold stun, many fish die from the cold or fall prey to birds and other predators. Studies suggest that cold stun events can have a significant impact on spotted seatrout populations.

Under the N.C. Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan, if a significant cold stun event occurs, the Division of Marine Fisheries closes all spotted seatrout harvests until June 15 to allow the fish that survive the cold stun event the chance to spawn in the spring before harvest reopens. Peak spawning occurs in May. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission automatically closes spotted seatrout season in inland waters when it closes in adjacent coastal waters.

I Got SPOOLED By a Giant Fish in a Small Pond! (INSANE)

Great video if you don't have anything else to do, and you can't get out. Ok, enjoy.


Great

Saltwater Experience 11 Year Old Catches Giant Tarpon

Captain Rich Tudor takes his sons out for some sunset Tarpon fishing using live mullet at the bridges!



Saltwater Experience

Enjoy!

Till next time....

Tight lines!

Johnny

Fisherman's Post Topsail – April 12, 2018

Read this report on the Fisherman's Post website. Click Here...

Thanks go to Fisherman's Post for this Topsail Area fishing report.

John Carothers (age 4), of Raleigh, with a red drum that went for a mud minnow beneath a popping cork. He was fishing with Capt. Chadwick Crawford of South End Anglers.

Amanda, of Surf City Pier, reports that the sea mullet are here, with one angler pulling in 45 fish in the morning hours using shrimp. Aside from the early morning, nighttime and rainy weather are also both perfect for mullet fishing.

The occasional bluefish is starting to come into the mix, while stingrays, dogfish, and puffers are still out in force.

Tyler, of Seaview Fishing Pier, reports that sea mullet are being caught mostly at night by anglers using shrimp. A few black drum and a single bluefish have come in on shrimp as well, while quite a few puffers are hanging around the pier.

Chris, of East Coast Sports, reports that both the red drum and speckled trout bite is on fire inshore, with cut shrimp accounting for most of the action. If the fish are on the surface, lures like the Zara Spook are working wonders, and you might also pull in a citation bluefish.

Surf anglers are seeing a few black drum and a handful of sea mullet, Both should start to show up in greater numbers over the next few weeks. Fishing bloodworms or cut shrimp on the bottom will be your best bet.

Sea bass are being caught within four miles of shore, and they’re biting mostly squid on bottom rigs and Ringtail lures.

Out around the 18 mile range, bonito and false albacore are starting to show, with anglers having the best luck when casting Big Nic Spanish Candies to breaking fish.

Assorted bottom fish are hugging the bottom in the same range, with cigar minnows accounting for most of the fish.

Fishing Reports from local Charter Chapters.

Cigar minnows, when trolled, are catching kings out 25+ miles. Once the water temperature goes up a few more degrees, expect the offshore bite to pick up even more.

Mike, of Native Son, reports that swings in the weather are making fishing unpredictable. For the most part, red drum are still in their bigger, early season schools, but those schools are starting to break up. The reds can be found under docks and in the marshes, mostly in places out of the way where they have some thermal protection (slower current flows and darker bottoms especially). Most of these places are still covered in “snot grass,” so use Z-Man PaddlerZ rigged weedless with no weight and retrieve at the surface (or just below).

Speckled trout are still around and seem to have survived the freeze fairly well. MirrOdines and soft plastics are both producing on the specks, but if the water temperature is above 60 degrees in the morning, try throwing topwater baits.

The bonito are arriving, but if the wind doesn’t stop blowing, don’t expect them to bite in big numbers. The bonito action should begin to pick up over the next couple of weeks, and bigger spanish mackerel should come in behind the bonito.

Chadwick, of South End Anglers, reports that reds are being caught around docks, near oyster beds, and in inland creeks. Live and cut bait, in addition to soft plastics on Fathom inshore jig heads, will work for the reds.

Trout are in the creeks and can be fooled with MirrOlures and Fathom jigs, as well as Z-Man Trout Tricks.

Bluefish are beginning to show up inshore and can be caught with the same baits used to target the red drum and trout. The black drum are in marinas, canals, and around rocks and oyster beds.

Black sea bass and tautogs are hugging the bottom nearshore. Metal jigs and squid baits on chicken rigs will bring them in. A few bonito have also been caught, and their numbers will continue to grow over the next week or two. Casting Epoxy jigs, Stingsilvers, and Jigfish will work, as will trolling Bomber Long A lures and Yo-Zuri Deep Divers.

Tautoga onitis 

  

Tautogs can vary in color, but the shape is unique.The tautog or blackfish, Tautoga onitis, is a species of wrasse native to the western Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. This species inhabits hard substrate habitats in nearshore waters at depths from 1 to 75 m. Wikipedia

Found close to shore on hard-bottom habitats, occasionally entering brackish water. Adult male territorial and active during the day to feed and rests in crevices at night. Prefers temperatures above 10°C. Spawning was noted in June-July in Canadian waters, but appears more protracted (April-July) in coastal waters of Virginia, USA. Feeds mainly on mussels, gastropods, other mollusks and crustaceans. This species has gained popularity as a prized food and sport fish

Ray, of Spring Tide Guide Service, reports that black and red drum fishing is where the action is. The drum are hanging on the flats behind the inlets and in the backs of local creeks, where anglers can find some relief from the high winds that have been blowing through the area. Look for a fast moving tide, and use shrimp on Carolina rigs or Bass Assassin’s Chicken on a Chain soft plastics with Menhaden Pro-Cure to fool the fish. At times, sizing down to a very light jig head has made the difference.

Speckled trout have been found in similar areas using the same baits.

Over the next few weeks, look for bonito to start moving closer to shore.

Marc, of Bad Habit Sportfishing, reports that bonito fishing has been slowly picking up as the fish move closer to shore. The 35-70’ water depth has been the best for the bonito, where trolling Clarkspoons, Drone spoons, and pink Yo-Zuri Deep Divers has worked well. Don’t be surprised to come across some bluefish while targeting the bonito, a bite which will only get better over the next few weeks.

Sea bass are biting strong, though you have to go through a lot of smaller fish to find the keepers. The sea bass are falling for standard bottom rigs (such as diamond jigs), though 1.5 oz. Stingsilvers have been producing, especially when tipped with squid.

Wahoo are hitting trolled ballyhoo and hard baits like the Braid Marauder or any Yo-Zuri plug. A few blackfins have been caught, and all signs are pointing to a strong presence of mahi very soon.

Jim, of Plan 9 Charters, reports that black and red drum (some over-slot) have been falling to cut shrimp fished around docks.

The water is warming up, though it’s not quite where it needs to be for the bonito that are slowly trickling in. A few bonito have been caught within 5 miles, along with some false albacore and bluefish. Vertical jigging and casting jigs are both working for all three species.

Nearshore reefs are holding tautog, sheepshead, and black sea bass, which are all biting fiddler crabs. Bigger sea bass and grunts are being caught in depths of 70-90’, with squid and jigs working well for both.

Till next time....

Tight lines!

Johnny