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!

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

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

While waiting for the tide to slow, we rigged up for bottom fishing just to kill a little time. Within about 45 minutes we had caught several small Grouper, a couple nice Spanish Mackerel, and almost limited out on Spotted Sea Trout.

As the tide slowed, we rigged up for the Cobia. I use pinfish on a 6/0 octopus hook with about 4 feet of 100 lb. Florocarbon Leader. It didn’t take long before we were hooked up. We landed a couple respectable fish, and saw a couple more before heading inshore for some flats fishing.

Didn’t have much luck in the flats, but we did jump a Tarpon in the 200 lb. range. To be honest, he actually jumped us. We were fishing with 15 lb. test. Chased the Silver King around for about 5 minutes until he made one last leap, and waved good-bye. It was a sight we will never forget.

Headed in about 2 p.m. with a box of Trout, a Cobia, and a memory of the “one that got away”!

Pictured below is Mr. Scott Vanbeek of Ocala with a 22 lb. Cobia.

Remember, God Loves A?Fisherman

Good Luck

Captain Nick

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

And The One That Didn't

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