Rick Davidson (grassflats2@yahoo.com), Editor
"The RedManiac"
February is a challenging month for fishing in Steinhatchee, with speckled trout season closed for the entire month, and grouper fishing closed from February 15 to March 15 in federal waters. In spite of these challenges, the fishing was great in February. Smaller redfish were plentiful in and near the creeks, with some larger ones being taken. A number of kayakers found the low winter tides to their liking, catching more than 20 redfish on some trips. Trout, including some large specimens, were caught and released. I caught two 5-pound trout during the month, both released carefully from hooks with bent-down barbs. I’ve included a couple of pictures from my trips.
We've had lots of interest from visitors to the site about downloading and printing photos. All of the photos on this page are available in larger sizes at Google's Picasa2 site in the February 2007 Web Album. Simply click for access---and enjoy!
Captain Steve Rassell, www.lastcastrass.com
Trout are in large numbers in the river and around the river channels.The trick is finding keepers. The deeper water, 5-10 feet, is starting to produce some nice keeper fish with a few gators. Most are being taken on grubs. Bass Assassin and Greedy Gut are working well, especially in light colors. There are still large numbers of redfish either direction from the river. Most of the ones I have been catching on Berkley baits fished straight lined.
Captain Walt Carlson, www.captainwalt.com
Well, with bad weather and closed seasons not much has gone on. Trout opened back up the first and I got a lot of reports of plenty of fish at the mouth of the river but most were too small to keep. But the other good news is the sheephead are here!! Have a look at the picture!! the catch was just a little over 100lbs, So any of you who like to catch these bait thieves give me a call! Tight lines and good fishing.
Captain Tommy Thompson, www.flanaturecoast.com/capttommy
Trout season is back--with a vengeance! But---so are the winds!
Those of you wanting to fly fish may be disappointed unless you're able to cast your line into 15-knot breezes, but there are always backup spinning rods and reels on my boat. I love to fly fish, but sometimes the weather just won't cooperate. And, sometimes the fish are there, but just too spooky to get within casting range.
The relative lack of cold weather has confused the fish, and the bait. We're seeing lots of small baitfish close to shore--something that doesn't usually happen for another month or two. The result is more active predators. Redfish usually attack topwater lures as the day warms, but this year they've been biting early in the day. Even trout, normally lethargic, are hitting topwater plugs in the warm shallows.
I still don't think there are many trout on the offshore flats, and most of them will be small. The river holes and channels will likely be the best bet for keeper trout. Reds will be up creeks and in creek mouths.
Captain Steve Hart, www.legallimitscharters.com
MARCH 2008 FISHING FORECAST
The March fishing forecast is excellent. While sheepshead of up to four pounds are being taken regularly, the larger females will arrive on the offshore structure within days. As trout season opens, trout are still being found in the river and limits can be taken using live shrimp or Mirrolures fished near the bottom. During colder weather, trout will continue to be found in the river and in the creeks, and also on shallow structure as the water warms. We’re entering prime inshore redfish season as the larger fish will be available inshore and on offshore structure. Offshore, everyone will be waiting expectantly for March 15 and the opening of the season for red and gag grouper, but we’ll also be looking forward to the early spring migration of baitfish and the pelagic species….kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and cobia.
March also kicks off the tournament season in Steinhatchee. The 6th Annual Steinhatchee Community Fishing Tournament takes place March 15 with $3000 in prizes available, and on the 29th, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Relay for Life Tournament , with $5000 in payouts. Finally, Sea Hag Marina sponsors March Trout Madness. The largest trout weighed in at Sea Hag Marina during the month of March will win a custom BillyStiX inshore rod valued at $200. There’s no cost to enter, just bring your trout to the marina for weighing. Even if you don’t catch the big one, other prizes will be given to other entrants. If you’ve never fished out area before, and you want to pick up some good tips prior to the tournaments (there are many more coming up in April and May), hire one of our guides….they’ll provide you with a great fishing experience.
