Into April
April is shaping up to be a true transition month here in Fernandina Beach and around Amelia Island. We are coming off a windy and sometimes dirty start to spring, but fishing is steadily improving across the board. Water temperatures are sitting in the low to mid 60s, and as conditions continue to stabilize, the bite should only get better as the month goes on.
From big numbers of whiting in the surf, to redfish in the creeks, to sheepshead around the jetties, there are already plenty of good reasons to get on the water. And with pompano starting to show up, we are hopeful for a very strong late-April push if the weather continues to cooperate.
If you are planning a trip, stop by Amelia Island Bait & Tackle before you head out. We are stocked up with the bait and tackle you need, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
Quick Conditions Update
Water Conditions
- Water temperature: Low to mid 60s
- Water clarity: Mostly dirty, with occasional cleaner windows
- Wind: A major factor to start the month, but beginning to slow down
April fishing has been all about timing your trips around the weather. When the wind backs off and the water cleans up even a little, the fishing improves quickly.
Inshore Fishing Report
Redfish
The redfish bite has been solid, but fish are tending to hold a little deeper right now. We are finding better action back in the creeks and around mud flats, especially as the day warms up.
Live shrimp, mud minnows, and quarters of blue crab have all been producing. If you are targeting reds this month, focus on slower presentations and fish areas with moving water and darker bottom.
Best baits for redfish right now:
- Live shrimp
- Mud minnows
- Blue crab
Best areas to target:
- Deeper creeks
- Mud flats
- Creek bends with moving water
Speckled Trout
The trout bite is not fully wide open just yet, but all signs point toward it firing up by the end of the month. As water temperatures continue creeping up, expect fish to spread out more and feed more aggressively.
Live shrimp under a popping cork remains one of the best ways to target trout this time of year, especially around creek mouths, oyster edges, and drop-offs.
Trout Regulation Update:
As of April first, trout regulations in North East Florida have changed. New regulations allow anglers to keep 3 slot fish, 15"-19" and nothing over 19", with hopes of keeping the large females in the water who produce four to five times more eggs than slot fish spawners.
Black Drum
We saw some nice black drum weighed in earlier this month during tournament action, and there are still quality fish being caught. Drum continue to be a strong option around structure, deeper holes, and areas with current.
Live blue crabs are always going to be your best bet. Clams and large fresh shrimp are good fall backs.
Flounder
One of the more encouraging early-season signs has been the number of small flounder showing up. While it is still a little early for a full-on flounder bite, seeing those fish now gives us hope for a strong flounder season ahead.
Keep an eye on creek mouths, sandy drops, and structure edges as the month continues.
Jetty Fishing Report
Sheepshead
The sheepshead bite has continued to produce both around the jetties and offshore structure. The biggest challenge has not been finding fish, but getting weather good enough to safely and comfortably fish those areas.
Fiddler crabs and sand fleas remain top producers. If you can line up a fishable day around the rocks, there is still a good chance at quality sheepshead.
Best baits for sheepshead:
- Fiddler crabs
- Sand fleas
Best setup:
- Small strong hook
- Just enough weight to hold bottom
- Fish tight to structure
Jetty Redfish
The jetties have also kicked out some nice redfish, mixed in with the sheepshead bite. Fish are holding close to structure, so accurate casts and a little patience can pay off.
Surf Fishing Report
Whiting
The whiting bite has been fantastic. We have heard reports of anglers catching 40 or more fish in a trip, and this has been one of the most dependable bites around. It is also a great option for families, beginners, and anyone just looking for steady action from the beach.
Best baits for whiting:
- Live shrimp
- Shrimp pieces
- Fish bites
- Sand fleas
Best setup:
- Double drop rig
- Light surf weight
- Fish the troughs and cuts close to shore
Pompano
Pompano are starting to show up little by little, and that is one of the most exciting signs of the month. We are already hearing of better pompano numbers just to the south, and if we can get a little cleaner water on the beach and keep the weather stable, we could be in for a really strong pompano run this year.
Best baits for pompano:
- Sand fleas
- Fish bites
- Small pompano rigs with floats
Black Drum in the Surf
There have also been some good black drum mixed into the surf bite. If you are soaking fresh bait on the beach, there is always a shot at a quality drum this time of year.
Bait and Shop Update
At Amelia Island Bait & Tackle, we are in good shape on bait this month.
Currently Available
- Live shrimp
- Mud minnows
- Fiddler crabs
- Sand fleas
Fresh shrimp has been a little harder to keep on hand this time of year, which is normal. With local Florida shrimping closed in the rivers and creeks during April and May, shrimpers have to drag 3 miles offshore in legal waters, so supply depends heavily on weather and offshore conditions.
We will have fresh shrimp as often as we can, based on weather and availability.
Blue Crabbing Update
Blue crabbing has been slow in our area this year, likely due in part to the cold snap we had earlier in the year.
Coming Soon: Rod and Reel Rentals
We are excited to announce that fishing gear rentals are coming very soon to Amelia Island Bait & Tackle.
We will be offering:
- Surf fishing combos
- All-in-one surf fishing packages
- Inshore combo rentals
This will make it easier than ever for visitors and locals alike to get on the water or the beach without needing to bring their own setup.
Upcoming Event: NSFA Fernandina Rodeo Tournament
One event you will definitely want to keep on your radar is the NSFA Fernandina Rodeo Tournament, coming up at the end of May.
This is always a great event, and there are some exciting changes this year, including surf fishing options for anglers who prefer to fish from shore.
For more details and registration information, visit:
NSFA Tournament Website: https://nsfa.profishingtournaments.com/
Final Thoughts
April is one of those months where conditions can change everything in a hurry. A little less wind, a little cleaner water, and suddenly the fishing can go from decent to excellent.
Right now, the whiting bite is leading the way, redfish are holding in the creeks, sheepshead are still producing when weather allows, and pompano are beginning to show up. Add in the early signs of flounder and improving trout action, and there is a lot to be excited about as we head deeper into spring.
If you need bait, tackle, local advice, or want to hear what has been biting most recently, come see us at Amelia Island Bait & Tackle. We are always happy to help get you rigged up and pointed in the right direction.
