First Coast

Today on the First Coast, the New Moon and a hefty 4.6-foot tide swing create excellent conditions for redfish, flounder, and mangrove snapper. These three species are scoring perfectly because the new moon triggers aggressive feeding, while the light southwest winds keep the water calm enough for sight casting. The strong current moving through spots like Mayport Jetties and the St. Augustine Inlet will push baitfish hard, making it easy to ambush hungry predators. King mackerel are also active, though they rank slightly lower than the inshore favorites. If you are chasing gag grouper offshore, remember that harvest is closed in Atlantic waters, so enjoy a catch and release. The best window to be on the water is the morning minor solunar period from 6:50 to 7:50, which aligns nicely with the rising tide toward the 11:44 high. You need to get an early start, however, because storms have a 50 percent chance of rolling in after 2 PM. The heat index is climbing toward 105, so stay hydrated and keep one eye on the sky. Pack your tackle light and fast because the weather window closes early this afternoon.