Speckled Trout, Redfish and Manatees
Last Friday we made our way out to the “Bird Rack”, just off the Levy County and Citrus County Coasts, for some Spotted Sea Trout action. After about 30 minutes of casting a variety of baits around without any luck, we decided to try the warmer waters of the Hot Water Discharge Canal at Crystal River.
Typically the 70 degree plus water works like a fishing magnet, once the offshore water temps fall below 60 degrees. After idling up the channel, we tied up to the barrier fence and immediately started catching one “Rat Red” after the next. The water temp was 69 degrees and I thought we were in for one of those unforgettable days of fishing. Within a few minutes, several manatees swam up to the boat, apparently looking for a handout.
After about 2 hours of catching these small Redfish and watching the manatees eat the algae off the barrier floats, we decided to give the Sea Trout on more chance. We ran in to marker 33 at the Withalocoochee River Entrance, and fished the channel for about an hour. They were lots of Trout, unfortunately they were all about 12″ long. Not exactly what I had in mind.
Although we didn’t find the big ones, we all had a good time. Like they say, a bad day of fishing beats a good day at work.
Best bet for this time of year is to fish the outer markers, wrecks, and reefs for Sheepsheads, weather permitting.
Pictured below, Doug with a typical Hot Water Discharge Canal Rat, and several Sea Cows (Manatees).
Until next time…see you on the Gulf!
Good Luck
Captain Nick
This Yankee Town & Big Bend Fishing Report is from Yankeetown Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick
- Yankeetown Speckled Trout, Barely Big Enough To Take A Picture
Citrus County Manatees, Part Of The Winter Saltwater Fishing Show
25 Reasons To Hire A Fishing Guide
But First! Happy New Year!
For the people that serve their local communities and send me reports, here is 25 Reasons To Hire A Fishing Guide (aka Why hire a guide?)
A Professional Guide Will Put You On Fish, (that’s their job).
A Pro Guide Will SAVE YOU MONEY
1. No boat payments
2. No fuel bill
3. No boat maintenance
4. No boat insurance
5. No boat registrations
6. No boating equipment to buy and maintain
7. No boating gear to buy and maintain
8. No boat tags
9. No boat permits or licenses
10. No tackle to buy and maintain
11. No bait to buy
12. No need for storage facilities for your boat
A Pro Guide Offers Peace of Mind & Mental Health.
13. No worrying about safety equipment,
14. No worrying about breakdowns from your boat being parked to long.
15. No worrying about navigating dangerous or unfamiliar waters
16. No worrying about sea conditions, weather etc
17. No psychological problems caused by $250 a month or more payments for a boat you see parked for 3, 6 or 9 months.
18. No convulsions or dry heaves from writing insurance payments for a boat you see parked for 3, 6 or 9 months.
A Pro Guide Will Save You Time by
19. spending your time fishing or sleeping rather than prepping boats
20. not having to put gas into your boat
21. not having to put extra gas into your truck, suv or car to tow your boat
22. not having to round up bait, ever had to go to several places to find bait?
23. not having to do the dreaded clean up of your boat after your fishing trip.
24. letting you can sleep in while your guide does the dirty work.
25. being a quick way to learn about the local fishing and water conditions. It can take several weeks, months, or years if you do it your self.
and one to grow on ……..
With a guide you just walk on the boat and go!
Why do Guides Hire Guides?
When guides go on vacation many hire a local guide because,
1. they want someone else to do the work.
2. they are fishing new or unfamiliar waters.
3. fishing techniques change with geographical areas and they like to learn these new techniques.
4. they get real-time info on what is biting, when and what its biting, and how its biting.
