On Thursday and Friday of last week, July 8th and 9th, we fished both the outer markers of the Barge Canal, about 10 miles off the Citrus County Coast, and the Grass Flats near Levy County with similar results each trip. Plenty of fish to be caught, but not necessarily the species we prefer to target.
The markers were holding good numbers of Cobia, but they seem to be a little hesitant to bite, and the few we caught were under the 33 inch minimum length. I’m guessing the 86 degree water temps might have something to do with that. Also, the Goliath Grouper showed up, and made landing other fish more difficult than normal. I still get a kick out of watching the expressions on peoples faces when they have their first encounter with these 500 lb. plus monsters.
Speaking of monsters, Friday, just before pulling the hook, I took a look back behind the boat and saw what appeared to be a Bull Shark about 20 feet astern of us. I swear it was Jaws or at least a close relation. The first words out of my buddy Scott’s mouth were “We’re gonna need a bigger boat!”
Although we did get hooked up, it only took a few minutes before he broke us off. I don’t think I own any tackle large enough for a fish that size.
We only had a glance of it’s dorsal and tail fin, but there is no question in my mind that this leviathan was over 1000 lbs. Like Forrest said “You just never know what you are going to get”.
We ran up to the grass flats Friday morning for about an hour and caught Black-tip Sharks, Spanish Mackerel but no Trout.
Although the targeted species are getting harder to find, there is plenty of action. A great trip for the young ones who just want to catch a fish and are not too picky about the species.
Pictured below is Mike Sisco of Ocala with his first Cobia.
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
Mike Sisco With His First Cobia