St Marks River 11/3/13

[Poopong McPlop]

We arrived at about 1:30pm after having lunch. The high tide was 2:47 and appeared to be mildly delayed by the wind. The water was turbid from the previous days rains, and I had a feeling the tidal run would not be huge today because of this. I couldnt find the keys to the big boat so we fished off the back with 8 rods spread off the stern. My slip is near the bend in the St Marks, just past Shields. We didnt catch much on the rise, as our baits were getting cleaned off without us knowing. I suspected we had a herd of sheepshead nearby responsible, so I switched over from montitoring visually, to lift checking every 30 seconds. Sure enough, on one of my lifts, i felt resistence, and I immediately set it. We were only able to nab a few from the school before a miss caused them to move on. Our best was a baby 18" sheepshead. We caught severaly mangrove snappers, most were short though. All in all the tidal run was not as good as it was last week when the water was more clear. Last week we were catching reds as well when the water was clearer. We fished everything on the bottom because of current, forgoing sea trout in an effort to have an easier fishing experience. We peppered several spots on the ledge, and had several baits on the bottom of the channel. We caught everything on freelined frozen shrimp with a split shot and slider weight. Another good day on the big boat.

[SS-342]

Look out saltwater fish! I didn't know you fished saltwater also. Must have caught all the freshwater fish and now going after the saltwater ones

Good job as always and enjoyed the story.

Thank you!

[Salty Gator]

Thanks for the report. Good going

[Poopong McPlop]

I know saltwater very well. I just hadnt been out in awhile to salt mainly because of the planning needed (tides and weather), and the the distance to travel. I have a 35ft boat slipped down on the river by Shields, so I have returned to the St Marks once again

[SS-342]

Glad you are back on the salt. Looking forward to reading your good reports. They always encourage me and ever so often I 'm able to learn something. Not saying I know anything but you write so well I'm able to understand a few things.

Thanks and keep those reports coming.