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February 2016: Cold weather - Hot Fishing

Even with some very cold days, the fishing has been hot !

The trout action is still as good as it can get, with limits being boated on most days.  Just like last month, the fish are in tight on the cold days and move out after a couple of warm days.  Glow jerk baits and jigs on a 1/8 oz jig head is all that's needed to keep the action going.

The main action has been offshore on the shallow rocks.  Big sheepshead, grouper and grunts have been in a feeding frenzy.  The big sheepshead have moved in and we have landed some monsters.  The largest this year, a 12 pounder took a small live shrimp on a 1/4 oz red jig head.  At first we thought it was a big grouper since we've been catching and releasing a lot of gags.  But, it turned out to be a huge sheepy.  Remember, the bag limit on sheepshead is 15 per person, however, keep only what you can eat and release the others to protect this great resource.

Back inside, the red fish action has also been great !
We're finding them in the holes in the river and creeks on the cold days, and around the islands on the warm days.  Live shrimp is always a sure bet this time of year, but artificial, jerk baits, gold spoons, and jigs will all produce, but a slow presentation is a must.

Again, it's been a pleasure fishing with all my friends and guests, and I look forward to March for  more great fishing on the Nature Coast.  Capt Mark

January 2016 - Speckled Trout, Reds, and Sheepshead

This month the trout bite has been off the hook !  We've boated our limits on just about every trip and a lot of big trout over the 20" range have been landed.

On the warmer days, the trout will be on the shallow flats and rocky bottom sunning themselves.  A jerk bait or a live shrimp does the trick.  The Mirro Lure "Little John" on a 1/8 oz jig is still producing in the holes and ledges in the river and creeks.  Work the bait slow and be ready for just a slight thump at the end of your line, because the trout are hitting slow when the water is colder.

Red fishing has been good in the rivers and creeks.  Live shrimp on a 1/16 oz jig has been working well for me and my guests.  Sizes range from 12" 50 30", with many in the slot keeper range.

Black drum and sheepshead are hanging with the red fish in the holes in the river and creeks.  The same bait is working just as well for them as the reds.

Speaking of sheepshead, the action has been great offshore on the rocks and ledges.  Shrimp on a knocker rig or jig is all you need to catch these striped bandits.  The larger ones are starting to show up, so February should be great.

Thanks as always to all my friends and guest for a great start to the new year.

AUGUST 2018 - Summer of Redfish !

August has been hot and so has the Redfishing !  The red fish bite has been the best on the incoming tide around the islands and rocky point...