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

Posted in Crystal River, Florida Saltwater Fishing Reports, Yankeetown Fishing Reports
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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.

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

Posted in Cedar Key Fishing Reports, Crystal River, Suwannee Fishing Report, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown Fishing Reports
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Cedar Key Offshore Fishing Report

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Captain John of Cedar Key Marina II

Sea Bass and Grunts are plentiful in 28–32 feet of water on live bait in hard bottom area’s.

There are plenty of short and keeper size Gag Grouper in 35-45 ft of water and soon, Sept. 16th they will be open in Federal Waters. Which, in 50 to 70 ft there are plenty of keeper Red Grouper and Gag’s.

Amberjack’s are open again and are plenty thick around the barge and bridge wrecks.

We have also caught 3 keeper Cobia while Grouper fishing in 50 plus water, so if you go have a rod ready because the opportunity will happen fast and you don’t want to miss it. I haven’t seen any Kings lately, but I believe they’ll be back soon.

 

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 and Cedar Key Fishing Guide Hookedup Charters.

Posted in Crystal River, Suwannee Fishing Report
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Fishing Off Of The Levy Citrus County Coast Is Alive and Well

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters

On a recent trip, 5/20, we ran about 5 miles north of the Withalacoochee River entrance at Yankeetown and fished the first 2 hours of the falling tide. Just south of the Waccassasa River, this area of the Gulf of Mexico is referred to as the Grass Flats, and is teaming with aquatic life.

We typically drift the Flats for Spotted Sea Trout, although there’s a wide variety of other species in the area. The deadly “Cajun Thunder” (a rattling float) is the rig of choice.

The bite was pretty good Friday morning. Caught our limit of Trout in short order. Although we kept enought to eat, about 7, we landed over 2 dozen “Spots” in less than 2 hours. Many were keepers that we released.

We left the Flats about 9:30 a.m. and headed for the outer markers of the Cross Florida Barge Canal in search of Cobia. Although the “Cobes” were a no show, we caught several Trout, a couple Spanish Mackerel, 2 small Gag Grouper, and a decent sized Reef Shark.

Yes, fishing in the Gulf is alive and well, and that’s the feeling you get every time you go, alive and well!

Pictured below is a mess of Spots.

‘Till next time…See you on the Gulf!

Good Luck
Captain Nick

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

Enough To Eat, The Rest Went Back Into The Water!

Slick Charters Fishing Pictures
Florida Saltwater Fishing Pictures
Florida Freshwater Fishing Pictures
Posted in Cedar Key Fishing Reports, Crystal River, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown Fishing Reports
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Two Free Fishing Weekends in June & Scallop Season Extended

Posted on April 30, 2011 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters

A heads up from Slick Charters.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?has annouced two free saltwater fishing weekends in June. June 4-5 and June 18-19

Also Scallop Season has been extended about week on the front end and two weeks on the back end, from June 25 to September 25.

Some scalloping pictures?to get you in the mood

Posted in Cedar Key Fishing Reports, Crystal River, Homosassa, Horseshoe/Shired Fishing Report, Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee Fishing Report, Suwannee Fishing Report, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown Fishing Reports
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