If you like casting plugs you have to look for areas clear of floating grass, which are few and probably will remain that way through the summer. Try going weedless, Texas style, if larger Trout and Redfish are your target. Limits of large Speckled Trout (one trout per person over 20 inches) have been common.

Redfish have been more difficult the last couple weeks. They are very scattered on the grass flats. Also, I have reports of large numbers of Reds inside, meaning up in the marsh and creek and tidal holes.

If you read my reports, you know I often mention water temps and the influence on location of fish. Having said that, this year has been different, very mild winter, little rain, and currently some cool nights and mornings ( for May ). I’m just saying things have been different and changed some fish patterns.

It all just adds to the challenge of hunting fish. We do have Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, and yes, I have seen scallops. So come see us.

GOD BLESS, Good Fishing and Be Safe

Captain STEVE KROLL

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

Three Keeper Steinhatchee Redfish

Nice Steinhatchee Trout, The Kind You Take Home To Mama

Steinhatchee Redfish Wanting To Be Released

All Cedar Key Fishing Reports

Last week the Trout bite was like a summertime bite, slow on shallow flats, and slow to good on the deeper flats (6-10 feet). I don’t look for the change unless we have another front bring us a cool down. The closer to summer we get, the less impact fronts have on us. I included a picture of a customer, Carl, holding a 10 pound Jack Crevalle he caught on Trout tackle. This is what you can expect in May as I mentioned in my last report, a variety of species. You can have non stop action all day.

I also included two Trout photos, one about 8 inches and one 23 inches. I am not sure if it was the mild winter, but have caught more of these very small fish than I ever remember. And not just me, every one is experiencing this. Which brings me to a point, do everything you can to handle gently and release unharmed.

If you fish with GULPs, FEEL for your jig often, so you will detect the fish, however small, set the hook, reel them in and release. GULP is a great bait, but it kills more short Trout by gut hooking than anything else I know. I know this sounds silly to some, but concentrate during the retrieve, in the long run it will make you a better fisherman and you’ll kill less under size Trout.

Redfishing this week will be better than last, we have better tides to work with. Reds are still bunched up making them easy to miss, it also makes them more agressive. Have fun be safe.

GOD BLESS, Good Fishing and Be Safe

Captain STEVE KROLL

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

A Nice 23" Steinhatchee Speckeld Trout

Many Trout Were Small On This Day

Nice Jack Crevalle Caught In Steinhatchee, Florida

Limits of Speckled Trout and Redfish are common, and considering the Red limit doubling to two fish per person with a boat max of eight fish, I have wondered if I would need a bigger fish box on the boat. We have managed fine with the 80 quart engel fish box. Of course we still have a day when things are tough or it seems like the only Trout biting are 14 31/32″ or less. On the flip side I have had a couple days moving out of large Trout was the only way we would complete a limit catch for the day. This is what we refer to as a luxury problem!

Redfish are bunched up as usual this time of year. On a calm day they are pretty easy to find. With a ripple on the water they can be easily missed by a couple of boat lengths. Salt Water Assassin, Gulps, and cut bait will do the job.

We also have Spanish Mackerel, Black Sea Bass and Cobia catches being reported. The end of April and into May we should see larger, keeper size Cobia on the flats.

May is the time of year that you can catch the most different species in a day.  The record for my boat is 17 different species in one day! Another fun challenge to keep up with when you spend a lot of time on the water.

GOD BLESS, Good Fishing and Be Safe

Captain STEVE KROLL

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

A Nice Days Catch

A Good Steinhatchee Speckled Trout

A Steinhatchee Redfish, It's What You Go To Steinhatchee For

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