Big Bend Fishing Reports | Saltwater Fishing Reports

Speckled Trout, Redfish and Manatees

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters

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

Speckled Trout And Redfish Are Still On The Flats

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Captain Steve of Pepperfish Key Charters

Steinhatchee Fishing Guide Big Bend friends,

Humble apologies is all I have for not submitting a report in such a long time. I was recently scolded by a customer who told me they checked in from time to time to read what I posted. Yes I’ve been busy, but plain old sorryness is the only excuse I have.

I have had a great 2011, in fact the number of trips was a personal best.

River fishing has been disappointing so far, especially for those who enjoy creek and river fishing. It just has not been cold enough. There are some Trout and Reds there, just not the numbers we had this time the last 2 years.

The good news is Speckled Trout and Redfish are still on the flats. With water temps in the mid to upper 60′s shrimp, pinfish and their predators are there also. You may have to look a little harder, but focus your effort on flats adjacent the river and major creeks. Days with sunshine and south breezes will be best.

Fishing success is “right time-right place”. I guided the Menken family recently to one such day. The kind of day you have to move because the Trout were to big! And when you cast your jig you didn’t know if it would be a Red or Trout until you were able to feel the pull.

Anyhow, we are having a great fishing this mild winter. Offshore fishing has been very good as well.

Thanks for reading,

I promise to be more frequent, Good Fishing.

Captain STEVE KROLL

GOD BLESS, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR

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

: A Good December Steinhatchee Redfish

: Dinner! AKA Steinhatchee Speckled Trout

Diversity in Steinhatchee, a Speckled Trout AND a Redfish

A Bucket Full Of Speckled Trout

Posted in Florida Saltwater Fishing Reports, Horseshoe/Shired Fishing Report, Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee Fishing Report
Tagged Redfish, Speckled Trout
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Cedar Key Offshore Report

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Captain John of Cedar Key Marina II

Cedar Key Marina Well, with the gag grouper season closing this week, the thousands of big gags out there will be safe for another year.

Saturday, November 12th, was a rough trip, cold, windy and 3-6 foot seas, the bite was slow but there were good red grouper & gag grouper in 45 to 60 feet. We were/are even catching keeper red grouper in 30 feet of water this year. Large sea bass are in 25 to 30 feet as also and they make great table fare.

Sunday, November 13th, we had beautiful weather and the fish were on fire, we released plenty of keeper sized gags and plenty just short. We did best in 55 feet of water.

Remember, you’re now allowed four red grouper, even though gag grouper fishing will be closed. The Amberjacks have moved back in, go to structure or wrecks, use live bait or jigs and have all the fun you can stand.

Till next time, tight lines and safe boating

Capt. John blouse

Hooked up charters & Cedar Key Marina II

This Cedar Key fishing report is from Cedar Key Marina II and Cedar Key Fishing Guide Hookedup Charters.

The crew with some nice Cedar Key Grouper

The Team With Some Nice Cedar Key Grouper

Smiles And Cedar Key Grouper

A Shed Full Of Grouper, One Of The Things To Love About Cedar Key.

Posted in Cedar Key Fishing Reports, Florida Saltwater Fishing Reports, Suwannee Fishing Report, Waccasassa Bay
Tagged Amberjack, Gag Grouper, Grouper, Seabass
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Plenty of Redfish and Trout to be Caught

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Captain John of Cedar Key Marina II

Cedar Key Marina From the Suwannee to Waccasassa and all around the oyster bars, corrigan’s reef, dead mans channel, gomez and in the back creek mouths, there are plenty of redfish to be caught, the trout are also there, still around the grass flats and hard bottom areas.

There also have been good numbers of sheephead caught around the docks, as the temperature gets cooler, they will move in strong. so come on down to Cedar Key & the Big Bend, the fish are biting.

Till next time, tight lines and safe boating

Capt. John blouse

Hooked up charters & Cedar Key Marina II

This Cedar Key fishing report is from Cedar Key Marina II and Cedar Key Fishing Guide Hookedup Charters.

Posted in Cedar Key Fishing Reports, Suwannee Fishing Report, Waccasassa Bay
Tagged Corrigan's Reef, Dead Mans Channel, Gomez, oyster bars, Redfish, Sheep Head, Speckled Trout
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Schooling Redfish Are On The Move

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters

Schools of Redfish have been spotted in numerous locations off the Dixie, Levy and Citrus County coasts.

September and October are the best months to go for that Trophy Redfish in Florida’s Big Bend region.

Huge schools of “breed stock” Redfish run inshore up the creeks and rivers near Steinhatchee, Horseshoe, Suwannee, Cedar Key, Waccasassa, Yankeetown and Crystal River to lay their eggs this time of year, then it’s’ back to the deep water. These aren’t the typical 12-24 inch fish we’re all used to catching, but huge full grown adults, up to 52 lbs.!

Although these schooling Red’s are sometimes very picky about eating, they will bite. It’s kind of overwhelming when you see 30 huge Reds swimming in formation past your boat, but a sight to see, never the less.

Best bet is to have a fresh Mullet handy, and fishing gear big enough to handle a 30 pound Red Fish (30 lb. test minimum). It’s hard to target these schools, but most of the time you will see them while moving from one place to another. My advise is to be prepared.