Got out early one morning this past week with Len from Maryland. The plan was to throw some topwater first thing. The weather in Fernandina Beach was absolutly beautiful, cool tempertures and a light wind. I tied on a 3-1/8" Rapala Skitterwalk with a loop knot, and told Len to make a cast up towards the bank. Immediatly a speckled trout went after the bait, missed the first time and got hooked up the second hit. We landed a nice 17 inch trout. Len tossed the bait out again and another trout clobbered the lure, another nice fish. This continued for awhile with fish hitting the bait on each cast. The best fish was a 26 inchs. All the fish were released back into the water.

The fishing has been really great this month. The redfish have been caught using a varity of baits in and around the oysterbars and docks. There were days where we would catch up to a dozen in one spot before they got finicky. The trout bite has been improving with each passing day. We have been catching good numbers of keeper size. Been also on some black drum and sheepshead in the backwater in and around Fernandina Beach. The water temp has been in the 59 degree range and warming up. Bull whiting are starting to show up in good numbers.

With the cooler water tempatures the fishing has been great around the waters of Fernandina Beach . We are getting good catches of redfish, speckled trout, some sheepshead, and black drum. Redfish often remain active in December around shallow flats, especially during warmer parts of the day. Look for them in areas with sun exposure as they seek warmth. Speckled trout tend to stay in slightly deeper water during colder months. They might gather near channels, drop-offs, or areas with structures like docks or bridges. Using live shrimp and soft plastics can be a winning combination for both redfish and speckled trout in the local waters, especially during January. Redfish and speckled trout are known to love live shrimp. Hooking a live shrimp under a popping cork or free-lining it can be effective, particularly around shallow flats, oyster beds, or near grassy areas where these fish tend to gather. Soft plastics mimic the movement of baitfish or shrimp and can be irresistible. Rigging these on jig heads and casting near structures like docks, bridges, or drop-offs can attract bites, especially for speckled trout that tend to be found in slightly deeper waters during cooler months.

With the cooler water temperatures, the fishing has been getting really good. The speckled trout have started to bunch up and some good catches have been made. Floating a cork rig over structure was a key in catching these fish. The bait of choice has been a live shrimp. Also getting some excellent redfish mixed in.

This week, despite the hot weather, the fishing was pretty good. First thing in the morning when we leave the City Marina we make a boat ride off Cumberland Island to cast net for pogies (Baitfish). Then we set up just off the jetties which are the breakwater rocks at the mouth of the inlet. There have been some Tarpon hooked up which really put on a show with their jumps. Also getting some good Redfish, Speckled Trout and a few Flounder. So book a trip and lets go have some fun.