Cobia, Tarpon And Snook Off The Levy County & Citrus County Coasts
The pelagics (migratory fish) are on the move in the Gulf of Mexico.
Over the last month or so we’ve seen several different species of fishes on their semi-annual migration. Some of the most sought after game fish in the world, i.e. Snook, Tarpon and Cobia, are being caught just off the Citrus County and Levy County Coasts. As well as the pelagics, several of our resident populations are alive and well, just waiting for the chance to inhale a bait.
Recently the Speckled Trout and Redfish bite has improved, as well as the Spanish Mackerel and Blues. Best bet for this time of year is the Grass Flats, about 5 miles north of the Withalacoochee River. Lots of Sea Trout in the Flats, and plenty of Reds in closer.
Tarpon Tip:
When fishing the Grass Flats for Trout, drag an entire Mullett around on an unattended line behind the boat. Use heavy line/leader with a 7 to 10/0 circle hook, and a small float (just enough to keep the bait up out of the grass). Great way to get yourself a ‘Silver King’.
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
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
Schooling Redfish Are On The Move
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
Cedar Key Offshore Fishing Report
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.
Fishing Off Of The Levy Citrus County Coast Is Alive and Well
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!
