APRIL 2018 Fishing Report and MAY Forecast

Fishing Report April 2018

Capt. Rick Davidson, Editor (grassflats2@yahoo.com)

Sea Hag April Report

 

It was a windy month, but when people got out, there were plenty of fish in the sea. The grass is populating the flats, the water temps have been fairly consistent in the mid-60s, and the water is clearing after the recent storm fronts. I’ve had reports all the way from Fish Creek and Piney Point to the north, to Drum Point and Pepperfish to the south, and fish are being caught everywhere. This past week the water was a little clearer to the north, but all will be clear in a day or so. Here are some pics from this month’s catches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sea Hag May Forecast

 

Here’s a regulations round-up, complicated as usual, so mark your calendars now.

 

Amberjack: NOAA fisheries announced a final rule on recreational amberjack. Fishing will be open the entire month of May, closed in June and July, and reopening from August 1 through October 31^st.

Gag grouper are currently open in state waters of Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties through June 30^th. The season will re-open September 1 through December 31^st. For the rest of the gulf, state and federal waters are open June 1 through December 31^st.

Red snapper: There will be a forty day recreational red snapper season in the gulf again this year in both state and federal waters. The season will run from June 11^th until July 21^st.

There are a number of tournaments in May: the Optomist Club Tournament is on May 5^th, a Florida Pro Redfish Series event takes place on May 12^th, the Greg Bishop Memorial Tournament on May 19^th, the Cerberus Tournament for veterans and first responders is May 26^th, and the summer-long CCA STAR Tournament begins May 26^th and ends September 3^rd. Don’t forget to register for the STAR Tournament, targeting tagged redfish with an amazing list of prizes.

The weather will begin to calm down a lot this month, leaving it one of the best fishing months, with moderate temperatures, and no scallopers quite yet. Some excellent trout have been caught on the flats, and also in deeper grassy areas 6-10 feet in depth. The water is warm enough now for topwater fishing, but jigs, popping corks with Gulp baits and live shrimp have also been producing very well. Flounder continue to be plentiful, although a little small this time of year, around sand areas near structure. Redfish are tightly schooled, although there are certainly plenty of fish that are solitary. Places to try are Drum Point and the areas in front of Pepperfish on the rocky flats, and Tater Island/Sink Creek to the south, and Rock Point, Fisherman’s Rest and Long Grass Point to the north.

Kingfish, Spanish mackerel and cobia are now migrating into our area. May is a prime month for Spanish, so look for schools of whitebait near the offshore bars and troll spoons or jigs with wire leaders.

And scallop season is looming on the horizon. Let’s hope for minimal rainfall so the flats will remain crystal clear, and remember to make your reservations. June 16^th through September 10^th the Hatch will be hopping. Don’t miss out on the best family time of the year to visit. Reserve your accommodations, rental boats, and guides now while you have a chance. You can get fishing licenses, snorkeling equipment, and dive flags at our Ship’s Store. See you on the water!

*FWC News:  Sheepshead Reguations to change July 1, 2018

• Reduce the recreational bag limit from 15 to 8 fish per person, per day year-round.
• Create  a recreational vessel limit of 50 fish per vessel, per trip during March and April.
• Extend all of the FWC’s recreational and commercial regulations for this species into federal waters (including the new bag and vessel limits).

Guide Reports

 

Captain Steve Rassel   352-359-5902  www.lastcastrass.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April was a great month for flats fishing.  The weather was very moody but the fish didn’t seem to mind. Plenty of limits of trout with some redfish and Spanish mixed in.  May and June looks to be very good for flats fishing also.  Still have a few days open. Book now for summer trips and scalloping

 

Captain Kyle Skipper  M1fishing.com    (352) 317-1654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fishing has been wonderful here recently. The weather has been great and the fish have been biting. Soon the focus in town will shift to scalloping and Marker One will be ready when it does. One way or another come see us here at Sea Hag and we will put you on whatever type of game you are looking to find.