Walter had befriended Captain Erl Gundersen, a local area redfish, trout and flounder guide, and had arranged for us to split a redfish trip out of Jacksonville. I was a little apprehensive about a part time guide, but the price was right, so we went ahead planned the trip.
We met at the ramp at Sister's Creek and headed south into the Intracoastal Waterway. The tide was high early, so we piddled at a couple of stops before heading to our final fishing location.
Once we arrived, all my apprehension about a part time guide were dispelled. Within about five minutes we caught our first red. And about every ten minutes thereafter, we caught another - about ten in all. Mixed in with the reds were a couple of seatrout, a drum, the biggest croaker I ever caught, and a nice flounder that went about 7 pounds.
As in real estate, the three trick's to this trip were location, location and location. We anchored at a point where a tidal creek emptied into the deeper ICW along a nice mud and oyster bar. The outgoing tide was driving the reds into the waterway, and we were there to catch them.
We caught all of our fish in water less than two feet deep on live shrimp. I preferred a jig head, but our guide leaned to a hook and leader with just enough split shot to keep it on the bottom.
It was pretty much a perfect day. We caught and released fish until the tide stopped running out, and after the water began to move in we caught them for another hour. It was a weekday with little boat traffic, and our guide turned out to be a very good one! In fact, as soon as the trout turn on, I may use him again! If you plan on being in the North Florida area, look him up or call Captain Erl. He can be reached at 904-879-5948.
And Walter's church? Hibernia Baptist Church is alive and growing - and now has a couple more new members!
