No Oil And Good Scalloping, Steinhatchee Is Still Paradise
I know it’s been a while since I submitted a report. I have been busy, Thank the Lord!
So far we have been spared the oil impact. This is the busiest time of year for our community. Everyone, business or individual, are dependent on a successful scallop season, directly or indirectly.
While snorkeling with my customers and picking up our limit of scallops, enjoying crystal clear water, I could only imagine what our little piece of paradise would look like if the oil had came ashore a month ago.
At this writing the latest report is that the cap is holding. We will continue to pray it does hold, and also for the people who continue to work on the well and the folks trying clean up the mess.
Scalloping is what brings most folks to Steinhatchee in the summer. We have plenty, mainly to the north, towards Keaton Beach. The water visibility remains best in that area as well. We have had a lot of rain this year. Areas of the coast where there are many creeks dumping rain water tend to have less clear water. It doesn’t mean there are no scallops, but you need to be able to see them.
Speckled Trout fishing is most dependable on deep flats. High tide in the morning is the condition you need to catch trout shallow. Redfish can be caught in the usual places, but they don’t seem to be very aggressive. So slow down your presentation, or gulps or cutbait.
Come see us, the water is fine!
GOD Bless and Good Fishing
Captain STEVE KROLL
This Steinhatchee Fishing Report is from Steinhatchee Fishing Guide Captain Steve Kroll
Captain Steve Going Artsy Again ...
It's all smiles when the cooler is full of Scallops
Nice, Nice & Nice Steinhatchee Redfish
“JAWS” IN THE GULF OF MEXICO!
On Thursday and Friday of last week, July 8th and 9th, we fished both the outer markers of the Barge Canal, about 10 miles off the Citrus County Coast, and the Grass Flats near Levy County with similar results each trip. Plenty of fish to be caught, but not necessarily the species we prefer to target.
The markers were holding good numbers of Cobia, but they seem to be a little hesitant to bite, and the few we caught were under the 33 inch minimum length. I’m guessing the 86 degree water temps might have something to do with that. Also, the Goliath Grouper showed up, and made landing other fish more difficult than normal. I still get a kick out of watching the expressions on peoples faces when they have their first encounter with these 500 lb. plus monsters.
Speaking of monsters, Friday, just before pulling the hook, I took a look back behind the boat and saw what appeared to be a Bull Shark about 20 feet astern of us. I swear it was Jaws or at least a close relation. The first words out of my buddy Scott’s mouth were “We’re gonna need a bigger boat!”
Although we did get hooked up, it only took a few minutes before he broke us off. I don’t think I own any tackle large enough for a fish that size.
We only had a glance of it’s dorsal and tail fin, but there is no question in my mind that this leviathan was over 1000 lbs. Like Forrest said “You just never know what you are going to get”.
We ran up to the grass flats Friday morning for about an hour and caught Black-tip Sharks, Spanish Mackerel but no Trout.
Although the targeted species are getting harder to find, there is plenty of action. A great trip for the young ones who just want to catch a fish and are not too picky about the species.
Pictured below is Mike Sisco of Ocala with his first Cobia.
Till next time…see you out there.
Good Luck
Captain Nick
This Yankee Town, Florida Fishing Report is from Yankeetown Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick
Mike Sisco With His First Cobia
Big Bend Fishing Is Alive And Well!
Instead of “How’s the fishing?”, the first thing most people have inquired about over the last few months has been the disaster in the Gulf, and rightfully so.
It’s hard to turn on the TV or pick up a paper without being reminded of what’s going on, what’s being done about it, and of course, who’s to blame.
Meanwhile, we’ve been experiencing one of the best summer time bites in recent history.
Although the near shore (Redfish) bite has been slow due to high water temps, we’ve had no problem getting our limit of Cobia, Trout, and a variety of non-targeted species a little further out.
The outer markers of the barge canal off the Citrus County coast has produced good numbers, and is an excellent place to troll for Grouper on those hot summer days.
Scallop season is open and I’ve heard reports of good numbers off the Gomez Rocks area near Homossasa.
Yes, fishing on the Nature Coast/Big Bend region is alive and well. “Till next time, see you out there!
Remember, God Loves A Fisherman
Good Luck
Captain Nick
This Yankee Town, Florida Fishing Report is from Yankeetown Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick
