The predicted weather for this weekend looks to be fabulous - this is why we live in Florida. The high tide will occur around 8:25 a.m. today, giving you a great early start for topwater plug fishing.

Live shrimp and mud minnows have been working well in the backcountry this week. There were good reports of trout being caught from topwater anglers using Rapala Skitter pops or skitter walks, Bomber Long A's, Mirrorlure Top Dogs and the Zara Spooks. The Exude jerk baits, Berkley Gulp and Contender tails all have been producing nice catches of trout.

The deep holes along docks and over oyster bars are great hangouts for reds and trout this time of year. I would plan on being on the water at first light today and Sunday for catching gator trout on topwater plugs. Don't forget your bug spray; the gnats have been awful.

Grouper, snapper, sea bass, flounder and the occasional cobia are being caught on the inshore reefs. Bring your sabiki rig; there is live bait available at the reefs. Boston mackerel, Spanish sardines and cigar minnows are frozen baits to bring along.

Trolling the break for wahoo, dolphin, sailfish, marlin and tuna should be fine this weekend, especially if the weather holds as predicted. Don't forget to contact Capt. Allen Mills at 261-9481 about the upcoming seventh annual Amelia Island Bluewater Shootout on Saturday, May 10.

The north and south jetties have been producing sheepshead, redfish and whiting this week. Fiddler crabs, blue crabs and large shrimp have been working well at the jetties.

The water clarity at the surf has finally cleared up due to the lighter winds. Pompano, whiting, blues, trout and Spanish mackerel have been reported this week.

The George Crady Bridge State Fishing Pier has been sporadic this week, with whiting, trout, blues and puppy drum reported.

After getting your fill of tasty seafood at the shrimp festival, I hope you can spend some time on the water, too.

Until next time ... Capt. Jim.