Aucilla 5/10/08

[Ron Wilson]

Another nice trip, gents. Nice job.

[Welby]

Thanks for the report guys

[BayGator]

I thought you were going trout fishing???? Nice fish guys!!!

[Sea Spot]

Nice reds guys.

[Pinocchio]

Way ta go! Can I axe ya a quarstion(s)?
1. What's that rig ya use? Boat, motor, and equipped stuff?
2. Is Aucilla ramp free from creeps/thieves 'at screw 'round with ya trailer 'n' tow vehicle? Way back it was a problem (CS Marine knows what I'm talkin' 'bout.)
3. Is the Aucilla ramp "improved?" Not all that long ago the concrete ramp was all busted-up.
4. Is the ramp managed/enforced by Feds or State? I've seen maps that show it's within the St. Marks Federal Wildlife Refuge, but have heard it's a State operated facility.
5. Is that tournament thing (I believe it was started by the former Jerry's operator) still active?
6. Anybody "buddy boat" (either just contact while on the water and compare notes or rendezvous to fish that area)? I've fished 'round there a lot years ago and want to return more to the, Rock Garden to Rock Island territory. I don't want anybody's numbers or secrets -- just to chat and exchange generalities. Also, need some help to keep an eye out for Chalk who chases away even the pinfish!

[jsuber]

Good trip fellars

[Mook!]

Good job as usual Casey. I caught my big trout 'round Aucilla way Saturday. heckuva wet ride back to St Marks in all that wind.

mmmmmm....Savannah's.....

[caseycook]

1. What's that rig ya use? Boat, motor, and equipped stuff?
I have a 17' Triton Aluminum flats boat with a Suzuki 50 hp 4 stroke.

2. Is Aucilla ramp free from creeps/thieves 'at screw 'round with ya trailer 'n' tow vehicle? Way back it was a problem (CS Marine knows what I'm talkin' 'bout)
I haven't had any problems at the ramp to speak of.

3. Is the Aucilla ramp "improved?" Not all that long ago the concrete ramp was all busted-up.
The ramp still is sketchy, but is more than adequate if you choose your tides. It's mainly a problem in the winter with big negative tides.

4. Is the ramp managed/enforced by Feds or State? I've seen maps that show it's within the St. Marks Federal Wildlife Refuge, but have heard it's a State operated facility.
Not sure. I bought a St. Marks Wildlife Yearly Pass and know that it works there. I don't have to pay the launch fee because my pass covers it. The launch fee is something like $4 per trip.


5. Is that tournament thing (I believe it was started by the former Jerry's operator) still active?
Yes, Team Seatrout is still going. There is a tournament this Sunday.

6. Anybody "buddy boat" (either just contact while on the water and compare notes or rendezvous to fish that area)? I've fished 'round there a lot years ago and want to return more to the, Rock Garden to Rock Island territory. I don't want anybody's numbers or secrets -- just to chat and exchange generalities. Also, need some help to keep an eye out for Chalk who chases away even the pinfish! [/quote]
I usually keep the radio on 16 and listen for anyone that I know...gimme a call on the vhf sometime and if I'm out there, I'll answer.

Good luck!

[WaltDawg]

Nice trip fella's. What was the depth on those jacks? We were out a few weeks ago and saw a major disturbance in about 8-10 feet of water. We figured it was spanish, and didn't fool with it because we were looking for trout. After hearing what you said CC, I think it may have been jacks. Live and learn I guess.

FP, feel free to answer at your leisure. I don't want CC to get carpal tunnel.

[Pinocchio]

. . .
4. Is the ramp managed/enforced by Feds or State? I've seen maps that show it's within the St. Marks Federal Wildlife Refuge, but have heard it's a State operated facility.
Not sure. I bought a St. Marks Wildlife Yearly Pass and know that it works there. I don't have to pay the launch fee because my pass covers it. The launch fee is something like $4 per trip.
. . .

At: http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I recall it said that Taylor County was contracted to operate the Aucilla ramp AND that all the "passports" to visit the refuge (Aucilla ramp is within the refuge) ALSO required an additional Aucilla ramp fee! Maybe Taylor County just doesn't enforce the latter.

Anyways, thanks for the replies and maybe we'll cross paths out there. That's a nice rig you got and I can tell you know all about redfish and trout catching. I've recently started back in those activities with a partnership in an 18' G3/60hp Yammie 4-stroke and was curious about your rig. I also want to get into flounder and so I'll stay tuned and maybe your bud, who pounds 'em, will motivate me to develop some flatfishing skills. Many thanks!

[caseycook]

Nice trip fella's. What was the depth on those jacks? We were out a few weeks ago and saw a major disturbance in about 8-10 feet of water. We figured it was spanish, and didn't fool with it because we were looking for trout. After hearing what you said CC, I think it may have been jacks. Live and learn I guess.

FP, feel free to answer at your leisure. I don't want CC to get carpal tunnel.

The jack was caught in 2.5' of water. FP and I estimated that it went around 10 lbs, but the school was going after some full grown mullet.

At: http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I recall it said that Taylor County was contracted to operate the Aucilla ramp AND that all the "passports" to visit the refuge (Aucilla ramp is within the refuge) ALSO required an additional Aucilla ramp fee! Maybe Taylor County just doesn't enforce the latter.

Appreciate the heads up Pinocchio...I've seen FWC officers out there and asked them if my pass was valid...they said it was. I've got no clue...

[flounderpounder]

[FP, feel free to answer at your leisure. I don't want CC to get carpal tunnel. [/quote]
I was just along for the ride, I let Captain Cook do all the typing.

[RodBow]

It's obvious that CC has earned the title Capt. Hook!