I started the new year by going surf fishing at the south end of Amelia Island. Winds were from the north east at around 20 I would guess and really churning up the water. My initial spot that I wanted to fish was inaccesible by 4x4 due to the water being pushed up far on the beach. I settled for fishing the sound until some of the water receded as the tide went out. After an hour of nothing and not seeing anyone catch or even get a bite I went back to my previous spot. I could finally get on the beach. The water was still very rough, and the currents were so strong that my 4 ounce sputnik wouldn't hold and just washed down the beach. I checked my tackle box but didn't have anything heavier than 4 ounces, so I had to double up. That did the trick. Another hour went by and still nothing, but then again I really wasn't expecting to do great anyway, given the conditions.

Finally I had a hit and when I reeled in, a whiting too small to keep was on the other end. But, at least there were signs of life. I pretty much had this beach all to myself until I met another angler, Kipp, who had showed up. Cool, somebody to talk to. He was just starting out surf fishing so I showed him my rigs and shared some of the tips I had learned in the past from Capt Jack. The fishing picked up finally after several hours of nothing. I fished until about 5:30 and went home with six nice whiting to 16 inches, not stellar but a good start for the new year.

I hope your New Year started out well. Fish On!