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
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL
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
Slick Charters Fishing Pictures
Florida Saltwater Fishing Pictures
Florida Freshwater Fishing Pictures
Big Bend Fish On The Move …….
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
Slick Charters Fishing Pictures
Florida Saltwater Fishing Pictures
Florida Freshwater Fishing Pictures
NATURES WAY
The stars all lined up last Thursday, 1/28, and we finally got the opportunity to get over to the Progress Energy Hot Water Discharge Canal at Crystal River.
Friday the 29th was the full moon, so we had the advantage of an extreme high tide around 1 p.m., along with light east winds and mild temps. The perfect day, or so it seemed.
As we shoved off, I couldn’t help but think about the recent fish kills in the area, and what if any effect it would have on the fishing. Unfortunately, we didn’t have to go very far before seeing the first signs of bad news.
Hundreds of Vultures (Turkey Buzzards), lining the Spoil Banks. Although we didn’t spot any floating fish, there were several dead Snook and Mullet littering the Spoil Islands.
About four years ago we had a few extremely cold days that left us with similar results. Fortunately, it only slowed the bite for a couple of weeks, then fishing got back to normal.
It’s just Mother Natures way.
Lots of the fish that are killed during these severe fronts are species that are not native to our region, and can’t survive in low water temps. Snook is the perfect example.
Needless to say, it was a pretty slow day at the Canal.? Just caught a few Snappers and a couple of small Black Drum.
Hopefully, by the time the Trout season re-opens, March 1st, things will be getting back to normal.? Until then, you can find me on the OK (Ocklawaha) River. The Trophy Bass are “schooling up”
Remember, God Loves A?Fisherman
Good Luck
Captain Nick
This Yankee Town, Florida Fishing Report is from Yankeetown Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick
THE HOT SPOT
THE HOT SPOT
If it ever stops blowing, I plan to fish the Progress Energy Hot Water Discharge Canal at Crystal River. We typically spend many days there each year, but this hasn’t been a typical year, or season.
I received a report yesterday that there had been a bad fish kill south of there, the Ozello area, where several hundred dead Snook, as well as Mullett, were spotted.
With the adjacent water temps dropping, the Discharge Canal should be the “Hot Spot”.
I hope to give a real time report soon
Remember, God Loves A Fisherman
Good Luck
Captain Nick
——————————
This Yankee Town, Florida Fishing Report is from Yankeetown Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick
