Twofer Fishing Report
Thank you for reading this week’s Twofer Fishing report. Because of its length, I’m splitting the report into two parts, with a link to the second part. You might want to save some of the report to read at work on Monday!
Part One- Fishing Talbot Island
Long-time Spotted Tail readers will recognize the name of Mike Conneen, my premier expedition buddy. And it’s our expedition time of year! He and River the Wonder Dog picked me up on Sunday morning. We put the two kayaks on the trailer, loaded the gear and supplies into the pickup, and headed off to Talbot Island.
River, not happy with me being in his seat.
There are seven state parks in the Jacksonville area. Little Talbot Island has the only campground. It’s noisy (Route 105 road noise, plus) and a little run down, but it’s the only game in town. We had site 11. Upon arrival, Mike realized that in his haste he had forgotten vital pieces of gear. Monday morning he and River drove back to Grant to get it, while I went fishing.
Flounder, DOA Shrimp.
On an outgoing tide I floated Myrtle Creek down to Simpson Creek, casting DOA Shrimp and plastic shad as I drifted, and getting out and fly fishing in spots amenable to wading. The fish were fairly cooperative, with seatrout, flounder, and redfish making up the bag. All fish were released, and I pressed the barb down on all my hooks to facilitate that.
Redfish, 3″ Shad.
After the tide turned I drifted back up to the launch. Mike, back from his errand, came and got me. We discussed the plan for Tuesday, which was to do the same thing I’d just done.
The state park kayak launch can be mud-dee!
Hunting for fish.
The fish were less cooperative on Tuesday morning. We worked it hard, with slim pickings, down Simpson Creek towards the Fort George River. After the tide turned, we found a hole that produced some fish for us. The afternoon fishing was pretty good!
This is where my downriver trip stopped.
Mike and River duking it out with a trout.
The trout lost.
Johnny got a nice one, using a Clouser Minnow.
We intended to launch into Simpson Creek at Kayak Amelia (rentals available) on Wednesday morning. We arrived at their 0900 open time to be greeted by a sign that said “Closed Wednesdays in December, January, and February.” It was December 1, and the gate was locked. We went back to the state park kayak launch, floated down Myrtle Creek to Simpson Creek, then paddled north all the way to Nassau Sound. What fantastic bluffs there were along the creek! Definitely worth the trip, right there. We got a few fish in the creek, but fishing was slow. It didn’t help that we were on a mission.
Goofing at the beach.
At the sound, I got out of the kayak and walked nearly a mile of beach, hoping in vain to see a fish or get one blind-casting a Clouser Minnow. Mike and River played together, waiting patiently. When I got back, the tide was coming in hard. We floated up to the north mouth of Myrtle Creek. I said, “We should go back this way.”
An adventure we had! Jody at Kayak Amelia had told us you could only get through this section at high tide. We beat the tide, and faced thin water, thick mud, and plentiful oysters. There was plowing, and scraping, and just sitting waiting for more water, but we made it through and even got a few fish in the process.
Sunset on Myrtle Creek.
Thursday was pack it up and go to Georgia day. To read about the extraordinary second part of our trip, to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, visit this link…
That is part one of this week’s twofer fishing report. Thank you again for reading! Life is great and I love all my readers!
Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Take a walk! Stay active!
John Kumiski, author of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide
Purchase a signed copy of Fishing Florida by Paddle- An Angler’s Guide at http://www.spottedtail.com/fishing-florida-by-paddle/
All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2021. All rights are reserved.
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