With this report coming in with the New Year there are a few changes coming with regulations. First gag grouper season will close midnight on the 31st. Starting February sea trout regulations will change on the Big Bend. The new rule will be 5 trout per angler between 15″ and 19″ with one trout in the vessel being over 19 inches. Its not per angler anymore just one trout in the boat being larger than 19″ and no for hire take. Guides/captains and mates cannot keep there fish while on a paid fishing charter. Go to www.myfwc.com for details. Inshore fishing has been great with the warm weather the only issue has been the persistent east wind keeping the tide low during the mid part of the day. The trout I’ve been catching are in the deeper creeks and troughs on the flats. When the tide drops out, a 3 foot stretch of water will hold fish. On the offshore waters the rock piles are holding plenty of grunts and as we get into the full moon in January expect the sheepshead to start congregating on the same rocks. If the water is clear you can see the fish below but most of the time the best way to target them is to use live shrimp on a chartreuse jighead cast right up close to the structure. High incoming tide this weekend will be in the morning.
- Nature Coast - March 23, 2024
- William Toney - February 29, 2024
- Nature Coast - February 14, 2024
