Fish Species
Treasure Hunting (for Bay Scallops!) in Taylor County, Florida
By: Dawn V. Perez Picture the scene, you are heading out to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico by either the Keaton Beach Canal, the Steinhatchee River or the Econfina River in Taylor County, watching the seagulls fly, the fish jump in the water and enjoying a fresh salt breeze coming from the …
LET’S GO FISHING ON FLORIDA’S BIG BEND! LESSON #3: SPOTTED SEA TROUT
On Natural North Florida’s Big Bend, there’s no argument about the most popular and sought-after fish. Without doubt, it’s Spotted Sea Trout. In terms of sheer numbers, they outnumber all other species, with the exception of bait fish, upon which they prey. And they’re great table fare, too! Another reason Spotted Sea Trout are popular …
It’s Mackerel Season on Florida’s Big Bend!
This fall, as pods of baitfish move along the Big Bend, anglers can count on some great action from pelagic species like king and Spanish mackerel that follow them. The early summer days of scrawny “snakes” have passed and these eating machines have fattened and in some cases reached record sizes. If you see fish …
Florida’s Big Bend Recreational Bay Scallop Harvest Underway, June 2019
Tiny bay scallops “rule” the waters of Natural North Florida’s Big Bend during the summer months. The harvest brings visitors from all over the state, as well as many internationals wishing to snorkel for these tasty treats. Snorkeling for bay scallops isn’t about filling the freezer, but it’s about having fun one the water, followed …
2019 Steinhatchee NautiGirls Fishing Tournament, June 8—NO BOYS ALLOWED!
What began ten years ago as backlash to some friendly kidding among anglers at Steinhatchee, the NautiGirls Tournament has become one of the largest of the local tournaments. It’s fun, and yes, BOYS are only allowed to captain boats, and are NOT allowed to enter. In fact, some of the best anglers in the area …
“It’s All About Da Crab” at the 11th Annual Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival, February 15-17, 2019
I remember the very first Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival. The community stuck it’s neck out, en masse, with a fishing tournament, a few food trucks, a chili cook-off, music and of course, fiddler crab races. And it poured rain! But in spite of the bad weather, the crowds magically appeared. I …
Florida’s 2019 Recreational Scallop Season, at Steinhatchee, Opens June 15th….Reserve Your Lodging at Sea Hag Marina 1/1/19~
Scallop Season dates in Steinhatchee are June 15th-Sept. 10th! We will open our reservation calendars for Scallop Season 2019 on January 1st, 2019! (352) 498-3008 www.seahag.com
Sheepshead–A Favorite Cool Weather Nearshore Fish Species on Natural North Florida’s Gulf Coast
Inshore and nearshore fishing along Florida’s Gulf Coast has as much to do with economics as it does with species. Of course, many inshore anglers long to be aboard a big sport fishing boat trolling the depths of the Gulf for fish of mammoth proportions. The reality, however, of a round trip that has fuel …
Sportfish Alert! Snook Continue Northward Migration Into Big Bend Waters As Winters Warm
Common snook, AKA Robalo or Linesiders, are native to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, provided there’s a place for them to avoid wintertime water temperatures less than about 60-degrees F. Big Deal? You say! Actually, it’s a really big deal, as snook are the top of the food chain when it comes to …
Plan Ahead For 2018–FWC discusses regional bay scallop seasons on Big Bend
This information may not be “official”, but our guess is that it will likely become so before Florida’s recreational bay scallop season begins in 2018: At its December meeting in Gainesville, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed draft changes that would create regionally-specific bay scallop open seasons and would allow a trial …