SHEEPSHEAD…”GET THEM WHILE THERE HOT”.

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters

One of the best all around fish to catch in the Gulf of Mexico has to be the Sheepshead. Although we typically only see them in the Big Bend Region during the winter months, these pelagics show up every year in big numbers. Not only are they plentiful, they move around in tight schools which make getting your limit a snap, once you’ve found them.

We have several spots we fish for them, but like the Grouper, they prefer hard bottom and structure.

Years ago we would go from channel marker to marker scraping the barnacles to attract them. A sure fire method to find them, as well as keep them on the spot you are fishing. These days we typically run offshore a bit and fish for them on the rocks and wrecks off the Citrus and Levy County Coasts.

With all the fishing restrictions, especially this time of year, the Sheepshead is no doubt your best bet for filling the cooler. They’re great table fare, the bag or catch limit is 15 per angler, they typically run from 5 to 10 lbs. each, and are easy to hook once you’ve mastered the art of jigging.

As I have said before, “The measure of a successful fishing trip is directly proportionate to the weight of the cooler at the days end”.

See?you on the water.
Good Luck
Captain Nick

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

Posted in Cedar Key Fishing Reports, Crystal River, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown Fishing Reports
Tagged ,
Comments Off

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters

One of the hottest spots for winter fishing on the Citrus County Coast has been literally shut down.

Typically this time of year the majority of trips we schedule are for the Progress Energy Hot Water Discharge Canal, just north of Crystal River, and for good reason…great fishing.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, some kind of shutdown occurred recently which sent the typically 72 degree water temperature plummeting down into the lower 50′s. This could end this winters fishing there.

Fortunately you don’t have to go very far to find warm water in the region. The Withalacoochee, Hommassasa, and Crystal Rivers are all excellent winter time hot spots, as well as Kings Bay (at Crystal River).

Plenty of Spotted Sea Trout, Reds, as well as a large variety of non-targeted species dwell in these natural spring fed rivers year around. During the winter months the population of fish actually increases when offshore water temps fall.

That’s all for now.

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

Posted in Crystal River, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown Fishing Reports
Tagged , ,
Comments Off

Big Bend Fish On The Move …….

Posted on December 4, 2010 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters

Recent cold fronts have the fish moving in off the Dixie, Levy & Citrus County coasts. By the time you read this report, a huge fish migration will have taken place in the Big Bend.

Typically we see a slow migration of several different species of fish move inshore during the winter months, but like they say, “every rule has its exception”. This year (with the moderate temperatures we’ve had followed by the sudden prolonged cold snap) will no doubt send the vast majority of “Game Fish” in the region scurrying for warmer water, virtually overnight.

Unfortunately, the fronts bring wind, which makes fishing tough. On the other hand, after the fronts pass, the fishing will be very good.

Look for the Speckled Trout, Red Fish, and Snook around the inshore points, pot holes, oyster bars, and especially the Progress Energy Discharge Canal.

The Grouper will be moving in also. Best bet is to fish the near-shore wrecks and reefs less than 30 miles offshore. This time of year pinfish or frozen sardines are the baits to use.

Speaking of Grouper… better get-um while you can. The Fisheries Department has scheduled another comment meeting for January. Looks like they are thinking of reducing the catch limit again.

For information contact: Peter.Hood@noaa.gov

docket # NOAA-NMFS-2010-0168

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

Posted in Cedar Key Fishing Reports, Crystal River, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown Fishing Reports
Tagged , , , ,
Comments Off

The Trout Are In The Grass Flats

Posted on October 15, 2010 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters

My apologies for the way over due salt water fishing report. Honestly, over the last few months we’ve had few salt water fishing inquiries, likely due to the spill, and or the economy. Fortunately, the fishing in our area was not effected by either.

We made a short re-con trip on Tuesday, 10/12, and found plenty of Trout on the grass flats just north of Yankeetown, although most of them were small. This area just off the Levy County Coast is south of Cedar Key and is well known for Sea Trout, Red Fish, Tarpon, and a wide variety of non-targeted fish.

We concentrated our efforts around “Eleven Prong”, just south of the Waccassasa River entrance, south to the “Trout Stake”. We didn’t set any records but did manage to locate the Trout, and the depth they were feeding in, shallow (between 2 and 4 feet).

I have had a few reports of huge Snook being caught offshore. I plan to check it out in the next few days.

Stay tuned for further updates!

Till next time?see you out there.
Good Luck
Captain Nick

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

Posted in Cedar Key Fishing Reports, Crystal River, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown Fishing Reports
Tagged , , , , ,
Comments Off

“JAWS” IN THE GULF OF MEXICO!

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Captain Nick of Slick Charters

On Thursday and Friday of last week, July 8th and 9th, we fished both the outer markers of the Barge Canal, about 10 miles off the Citrus County Coast, and the Grass Flats near Levy County with similar results each trip. Plenty of fish to be caught, but not necessarily the species we prefer to target.

The markers were holding good numbers of Cobia, but they seem to be a little hesitant to bite, and the few we caught were under the 33 inch minimum length. I’m guessing the 86 degree water temps might have something to do with that. Also, the Goliath Grouper showed up, and made landing other fish more difficult than normal. I still get a kick out of watching the expressions on peoples faces when they have their first encounter with these 500 lb. plus monsters.

Speaking of monsters, Friday, just before pulling the hook, I took a look back behind the boat and saw what appeared to be a Bull Shark about 20 feet astern of us. I swear it was Jaws or at least a close relation. The first words out of my buddy Scott’s mouth were “We’re gonna need a bigger boat!”

Although we did get hooked up, it only took a few minutes before he broke us off. I don’t think I own any tackle large enough for a fish that size.

We only had a glance of it’s dorsal and tail fin, but there is no question in my mind that this leviathan was over 1000 lbs. Like Forrest said “You just never know what you are going to get”.

We ran up to the grass flats Friday morning for about an hour and caught Black-tip Sharks, Spanish Mackerel but no Trout.

Although the targeted species are getting harder to find, there is plenty of action. A great trip for the young ones who just want to catch a fish and are not too picky about the species.

Pictured below is Mike Sisco of Ocala with his first Cobia.

Till next time…see you out there.
Good Luck
Captain Nick

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

Mike Sisco With His First Cobia

Mike Sisco With His First Cobia

Posted in Cedar Key Fishing Reports, Crystal River, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown Fishing Reports
Tagged , ,
Comments Off