Inshore/nearshore report Jacksonville FL

[CAPT_Bob_Cosby]

People on shore are sweltering in 95-100 degree heat, while we fishermen ply our trade atop 76 degree water. That's as close as you can get to outdoor air conditioning in Florida.
The king mackerel have been biting better recently, which is good news for the many local fishermen who love to fish for them. Spanish mackerel are hit and miss at the inlet mouth, but are larger now than earlier in the season. They are lots of fun on light spinning or fly tackle.
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There have been some schools of marauding 5-8lb jack crevalle at the inlet that will test your tackle and lures. They are smashing schools of mullet, so plugs that match the hatch are usually hit quickly if tossed in the middle of a blitz. Tarpon are also in the area feeding on mullet at the jetties; rolling in the SE hole; and sometimes crashing pogie schools behind the breakers.
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Surprisingly, there have been quite a few nice black drum caught around the jetties and in the river. Blue crabs and/or fresh dead shrimp are good choices for bait. Remember, only one drum over 24in per fisherman. Bull reds are also in the river and love blue crabs,small croakers, pogies,cut ladyfish, etc. This fishing should get better every week peaking in October. Smaller reds are along the edges of the ICW and its feeder creeks. Smaller is a relative term with many of these inshore fish being over 27in.
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Flounder are biting better and the size has improved. They are my favorite eating inshore fish. If you are going to target speckled trout, go early, or fish at night around lighted docks. They don't like direct sun light. Ladyfish are plentiful on the inshore waters and always put on a good show when caught on light tackle.
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Shark fishing behind the shrimp boats can be off the charts one day and completely absent the next. Fishermen of all skill levels enjoy the physical challenge and aerial antics of a high flying, spinning 100lb black tip shark.
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Good fishing!
CAPT Bob Cosby
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