St. Augustine Offshore – May Fishing Report

       Are they here yet?

Like kids in the car on a road trip that is the question being asked by anxious customers. Of course, we are referring to Mahi. As of April, they have not shown up consistently in any great numbers. The issue has been the west wall of the Gulf Stream has been located around 65+ miles east of St. Augustine. On the bright side the Wahoo and Tuna fishing has been great. With the consistent SE wind pattern, I expect some eddies to push westward and bring the fish with them. If there are no current edges to fish your best bet is to work the shelf edge or any kind of temperature break you find. I would look for temperatures of 76 degrees or more. May is also a great month for billfish with Blue Marlin being at the top of the list. It always pays to have a couple of larger baits in the spread. My all-time favorite is a Islander blue and white Sea Star with a large ballyhoo.

On the bottom Grouper open May 1stand there should be some nice fish found in 23 to 28 fathoms. This is heavy tackle and big baits are a must if a large Gag is on your wish list. A slab of cut Bonita or a live grunt or pin fish are good bait choices. If Scamps are your target it is hard to beat a live cigar minnow. There will be plenty of jumbo Vermillion snapper, Trigger fish and Red porgies if the trolling fish don’t cooperate. Whatever your after they should be available in May.

“Let’s Go fishing”
Captain Robert Johnson
(904)540-2628
Jodielynncharters.com
jlfishing@bellsouth.net