Fishing Report

The New Year got off to a confusing start for both fisherfolks and seatrout. This winter has so far given us relatively mild temperatures, and the few cold fronts that have gotten the air temperatures down have been short-term and haven’t resulted in getting the water temperatures down to drive the trout in large numbers into the river for an extended time.

It’s made for more comfortable but inconsistent fishing. Not that there weren’t some large trout around; Phil Horn set a new Gainesville Offshore Fishing Club record with this 6.9 pound trout caught  on a Catch 2000, breaking a record that had stood for almost 15 years.

We found some large trout outside of creek mouths, but they weren’t in their usual schooling behavior that we look for this year. On one day after the air temp dropped to the high ‘20s for two days, the water temperature was still in the high ‘50s, unchanged from the week before. The river trout, like this one caught by Russ Roy, were scattered and mostly smaller slot-sized fish. However, we have the newly opened season in February to find the fish, which is a great advantage.

Offshore, we’ve seen some great catches of black sea bass, Florida snapper and red grouper. Some of our inshore guides with larger boats have been targeting the tasty bottom fish with great success. Lots of action, and great eating for those that can get to 20 feet of water. Sheepshead have also been available in decent numbers, ahead of schedule this year because of the warming trend.

February 2012 Fishing Forecast

Offshore, both grouper species are closed this month. However, you can still have some great fun with amberjack and some great eating with bottom fishing. Our offshore guides are bringing in huge catches of bottom fish while we wait for the migration of the pelagic fish (kingfish, Spanish mackerel and cobia) that will begin soon with sustained warm temperatures. Sheepshead fishing should be excellent this month, but for an up-to-date report, call the Sea Hag Marina Ship’s Store. We have plenty of live shrimp, and all the tackle and tips you’ll need to score some of these great eating fish. Inshore, the major changes are the opening of trout season this month, and the increase in redfish limits to two per angler. Make sure you plan to attend the Fiddler Crab Festival the weekend of February 17-18 for a great time, hot live music, great food, and excellent local crafts. For more information go to the Festival website at: http://steinhatcheeriverchamber.org/