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

Citrus County Manatees, Part Of The Winter Saltwater Fishing Show

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

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.

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

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