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

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

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

It all started with new fishing restrictions for bottom or reef fishing from the North Carolina Coast to Key West.  Fortunately this didn’t affect our business, but it makes me think, who’s next.

Then we get sustained record low temperatures not seen in over 30 years. Water temps 50 miles off shore dropped to 50 degrees. Several species of fish could be seen floating, including Grouper! This can’t be good.

Next, fish kills prompt officials to institute restrictions on Bonefish, and Tarpon that run until April, and Snook until September. I have no doubt that the Snook and Tarpon populations we’ve enjoyed over the past 10 years or so are going to be negatively affected, restrictions or not.

To top it off we’ve had front, after front, after front move through, which spells wind.

There’s only been a few days this year that we could have gotten out, and it’s tough to predict when the next trip is gonna be. Soon I hope! The Hot Water Discharge Canal should be the place to be.

Yes, it’s looks like it’s gonna be one of those years, but the bad ones just make the good ones that much better.

Oh, by the way, don’t forget about the Trout and Grouper closed season coming up in February. Due to the unusual amount of new fishing restrictions for the Gulf of Mexico, I would recommend you visit: www.myfwc.com for the latest updates.

Thank goodness for freshwater fishing!

Remember, God Loves A Fisherman

Good Luck

Captain Nick

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

For more info, the FWC News Release

However catch and release is still allowed. For more info

Also some good news I was talking to Don at Cedar Key Marina yesterday and he said the mullet kills weren’t as bad as last year. He said the mullet were in deeper water during the cold temps this year than they were last year.

Steve