NATURES WAY

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters, Leave a Comment »   Got a Big Bend Report?  Tell Us About it.

The stars all lined up last Thursday, 1/28, and we finally got the opportunity to get over to the Progress Energy Hot Water Discharge Canal at Crystal River.

Friday the 29th was the full moon, so we had the advantage of an extreme high tide around 1 p.m., along with light east winds and mild temps.  The perfect day, or so it seemed.

As we shoved off, I couldn’t help but think about the recent fish kills in the area, and what if any effect it would have on the fishing.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have to go very far before seeing the first signs of bad news.

Hundreds of Vultures (Turkey Buzzards), lining the Spoil Banks. Although we didn’t spot any floating fish, there were several dead Snook and Mullet littering the Spoil Islands.

About four years ago we had a few extremely cold days that left us with similar results.  Fortunately, it only slowed the bite for a couple of weeks, then fishing got back to normal.

It’s just Mother Natures way.

Lots of the fish that are killed during these severe fronts are species that are not native to our region, and can’t survive in low water temps. Snook is the perfect example.

Needless to say, it was a pretty slow day at the Canal.  Just caught a few Snappers and a couple of small Black Drum.

Hopefully, by the time the Trout season re-opens, March 1st, things will be getting back to normal.  Until then, you can find me on the OK (Ocklawaha) River.  The Trophy Bass are “schooling up”

Remember God Loves A Fishman
Good Luck
Captain Nick

This Yankee Town, Florida Fishing Report is from Yankeetown Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick

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Posted in Crystal River, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown | No Comments »

2010 … A ROCKY START

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters, Leave a Comment »   Got a Big Bend Report?  Tell Us About it.


Every so often we have what I refer to as “one of those years”.  So far it looks like 2010 is gonna be a doozy!!

It all started with new fishing restrictions for bottom or reef fishing from the North Carolina Coast to Key West.  Fortunately this didn’t affect our business, but it makes me think, who’s next.

Then we get sustained record low temperatures not seen in over 30 years.  Water temps 50 miles off shore dropped to 50 degrees.  Several species of fish could be seen floating, including Grouper!  This can’t be good. 

Next, fish kills prompt officials to institute restrictions on Bonefish, and Tarpon that run until April, and Snook until September.  I have no doubt that the Snook and Tarpon populations we’ve enjoyed over the past 10 years or so are going to be negatively affected, restrictions or not.

To top it off we’ve had front, after front, after front move through, which spells wind.  There’s only been a few days this year that we could have gotten out, and it’s tough to predict when the next trip is gonna be.  Soon I hope!   The Hot Water Discharge Canal should be the place to be.

Yes, it’s looks like it’s gonna be one of those years, but the bad ones just make the good ones that much better.

Oh, by the way, don’t forget about the Trout and Grouper closed season coming up in February.  Due to the unusual amount of new fishing restrictions for the Gulf of Mexico, I would recommend you visit: www.myfwc.com for the latest updates.

Thank goodness for freshwater fishing!

Remember God Loves A Fishman
Good Luck
Captain Nick

This Yankee Town, Florida Fishing Report is from Yankeetown Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick

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Posted in Crystal River, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown | No Comments »

The Trout Are Seeking Warm Water, Fish Accordingly!

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 by Captain Steve of Pepperfish Key Charters, 1 Comment »   Got a Big Bend Report?  Tell Us About it.

After our record consecutive days of cold, trout are attempting to survive by doing the only thing they can, and that’s to seek warm water.

Seeking warm water, or at least the warmest they can find, will be the fishes key to getting through the cold spell. As the water temp drops in the Gulf, and the cold water pushes further up creeks and rivers here on the Big Bend of Florida, fish will move up these creeks and rivers too. Also, I have mentioned in previous reports, fish will seek and hold in holes, where the depth provides more stable water temperate.

Once located, Trout will bite, but only with a very slow presentation. A 1/16 oz Assassin jig head and a 4″ or 5″ tail will do the job, but it does require you to allow it to sink, feeling for the bottom as well as the strike. It will be very soft or subtle. Keeping your rod tip high and no slack in your line, will help you feel the tick/strike.

52m series Mirror lure will work very well also, SLOW. Let it sink. Color is not as big a factor as finding fish is to be successful.

I cannot write this report without saying please, be responsible, take your limit if you like. If you continue to catch fish, handle and release them gently and quickly.

I am counting on these fish surviving the winter and returning to the flats for the Big Bend community, myself and my customers to catch this spring, not to mention for reproduction.

Thanks for checking in.
GOD Bless and Good Fishing
Captain STEVE KROLL

This Steinhatchee Fishing Report is from Steinhatchee Fishing Guide Captain Steve Kroll

 
 
 
 
 
 

A Winter Steinhatchee Trout

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Posted in Big Bend Gulf Coast Fishing Reports, Horseshoe/Shired, Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee | 1 Comment »

FWC Temporarily Closes Snook Bonefish And Tarpon Seasons

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 by Steve Jones, Leave a Comment »   Got a Big Bend Report?  Tell Us About it.

FWC issues an executive order that temporarily extends closed fishing seasons for snook statewide until September and establishes temporary statewide closed seasons for bonefish and tarpon until April.

For more info, the FWC News Release

However catch and release is still allowed. For more info

Also some good news I was talking to Don at Cedar Key Marina yesterday and he said the mullet kills weren’t as bad as last year. He said the mullet were in deeper water during the cold temps this year than they were last year.

Steve

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Posted in Big Bend Gulf Coast Fishing Reports | No Comments »

Heads Up On The Florida Fiddler Crab Festval

Sunday, January 17th, 2010 by Steve Jones, 1 Comment »   Got a Big Bend Report?  Tell Us About it.

The Fiddler Crab Festival in Steinahatchee, Florida is one of the Florida Festivals that you can call the funnest.

If you go, check out  Camp Nemo, there will be cast net demo’s, how to tie knots info, casting suggestions, what bait to use to catch fish in the Big Bend area and more.

Steve Jones

Posted in Steinhatchee | 1 Comment »