Archive for the ‘Yankeetown’ Category

THE SEATROUT ARE ON!

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Once again the stars all lined up and we got back out to the Gulf of Mexico. I can’t remember a windier winter/spring season ever.

Although last Wednesday, 4/7, was one of the worst days this month to fish (tide wise), the weather was cooperating, so we headed out to do some prospecting.

We started out fishing for Reds around the Withalacoochee Reefs” area, just off the Levy County Coast, without much luck. Only caught a couple “Rats”, and not much else.

As the tide started ebbing, we ran out to the grass flats for some Trout action. The water temperature reached 74 degrees by 2 p.m., and the bite was on!

Although we didn’t get any huge “Gators”, the bite was good for most of the afternoon. Considering the very weak tide, we did very well.

David Smith, pictured below, got a big surprise on the last cast. A 12 lb. Jack Cravelle caught under a Cajun Thunder with 12 lb. test line.

Remember, God Loves A Fisherman
Good Luck
Captain Nick

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

David Smith With A 12 lb. Jack Cravelle

The Common Word For Fishing Reports is Adapt!

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

By now everyone’s heard about the huge “fish kill” the recent record cold weather has left us with.

Although the short term saltwater forecast for our region looks pretty grim, I have no doubt that in the future fishing in the Gulf of Mexico will be as good as it ever was. It may take awhile, but everything happens for a reason, and I believe it’s all just a part of the “master plan”.

Meanwhile we need to adapt to these adverse conditions. Best bet for the near future is to target Redfish or Trout in the skinny water. Recently I had a report of a huge school of Reds near “Eleven Prong” in about 12” of water.

Unfortunately, they would not bite.

Areas like these are going to be the place to be, but your gonna need an airboat or kayak to get there.

Several of my saltwater clients are now going Bass fishing. That’s one way of adapting and fortunately the Bass have been on.

Trout season re-opened on March 1, and hopefully the weather will turn around. The first day of spring is just around the corner.

Remember, God Loves A Fisherman
Good Luck
Captain Nick

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

NATURES WAY

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

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 Fisherman
Good Luck
Captain Nick

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

2010 … A ROCKY START

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010


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 Fisherman
Good Luck
Captain Nick

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

THE HOT SPOT

Friday, January 8th, 2010

THE HOT SPOT

If it ever stops blowing, I plan to fish the Progress Energy Hot Water Discharge Canal at Crystal River. We typically spend many days there each year, but this hasn’t been a typical year, or season.
I received a report yesterday that there had been a bad fish kill south of there, the Ozello area, where several hundred dead Snook, as well as Mullett, were spotted.

With the adjacent water temps dropping, the Discharge Canal should be the “Hot Spot”.

I hope to give a real time report soon

Remember, God Loves A Fisherman
Good Luck
Captain Nick

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