Steinhatchee Fishing Report By Captain Steve Kroll
Hey Steinhatchee & OutdoorUpdate.com fans, we are still enjoying a shallow bite for Speckled Trout, mostly on cutbait. Persistant use of light weight jigheads like the Saltwater Asssassin 1/16 oz with a 5 inch pink or Electric Chicken Assassin tail will work.
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
Cobia, Tarpon And Snook Off The Levy County & Citrus County Coasts
The pelagics (migratory fish) are on the move in the Gulf of Mexico.
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
Steinhatchee Scalloping And Fishing Report
Hello from Steinhatchee, at this writing it is the 3rd of August. My time in the boat has been primarily guiding scallop trips. And I’m thankful for them.
We are having a great time with our regular summertime customers, as well as alot of new ones. The fun that a family can have gathering scallops is not a secret anymore. I’ve had customers from as far south as Naples, and as far north as Ohio. Deadman’s Bay has once again shown itself to be the recreational scallop capital.
Let’s talk fishing though. Last week I took Scott and his two young sons fishing. We caught 4 Reds and 5 Trout, jumped a 50 lb Tarpon, which we got to see jump twice before breaking the 10 lb test. All before 9:30am, then we came back in the river and picked Mom and little sister. Headed to the scallop flats and picked up a boat limit of the tastey shellfish. We did all this within sight of the channel markers of the Steinhatchee.
Another recent trip, we fished deep flats first thing in the morning. Casting Saltwater Assassin jigheads with 4″ and 5″ chartreuse tails we caught six good Trout and 7 or 8 Sand Trout, a few Sea Bass and Bluefish. And of course a limit of Scallops.
Needless to say, we are having a great summer here at the Big Bend of Florida.
Keep an eye on the weather. I included a photo of one of three waterspouts we saw this day. I guessed it about 10 miles away-impressive!
Be safe, GOD Bless, Good Fishing (Scalloping)
And Thanks for reading,
Captain, STEVE KROLL
This Steinhatchee Fishing Report
is from Steinhatchee, Florida Scallop Guide Captain Steve Kroll
One of the brothers got a redfish and first bragging rights
Scalloping A Family Affair
A photo of one of three waterspouts we saw this day, guessing 10 miles away. Impressive!
TROUT TO TARPON….CATCH “EM WHILE YOU CAN
The Spotted Sea Trout are schooling up off the Levy/Citrus County coasts, along with several other species. Recently, June 6, we headed offshore for some Grouper/Cobia action, but had to go to plan “B” when the offshore seas became too rough to fish.
After about an hour of running back inside we ended up at the grass flats just north of the Withalocoochee River entrance, “Lowes Bay”.
The Spotted Sea Trout were biting good up until the tide started to slow at about 1 p.m.. Almost all of the Trout were keepers, “15 inches”, with a few close to 2 feet long.
Around noon time the Sharks showed up, both Black Tips and Reef Sharks. Not a target fish, but lots of fun on light tackle.
Both on the way out, and again on the way back in, we spotted a couple huge Tarpon, free jumping not far from the dock. This is the time of year to target those “Silver Kings”, either early or very late in the day.
The Trout preferred the jigs tipped with pinfish versus shrimp for whatever reason. I’m not sure why, I just give them what they want.
There are big numbers and a wide variety of fishes in the grass flats this time of year. Catch them while you can!
Til next time…See you on the Gulf!
Good Luck
Captain Nick
This Yankee Town Fishing Report is from Yankeetown Florida Fishing Guide Captain Nick
The Trout Are In The Grass Flats
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
