Monday 31 October 2016

The Wrap: Mapping which South Florida real estate markets have the worst crime, Blackstone cashes in on China's overseas shopping binge…and more

Miami

Aerial view of Broward County (Credit: Francisco Azola)


1. Mapping which South Florida real estate markets have the worst crime [SFBJ]

2. Blackstone cashes in on China's overseas shopping binge [Wall Street Journal]

3. Venezuelans give up on counting piles of cash and start weighing them [Bloomberg]

4. The truth about the gender divide in real estate [SFBJ]


- Sean Stewart-Muniz


Jacksonville Jetties Big Redfish





 


Recent inshore fishing reports from the Northeast region.




Jacksonville Jetties Big Redfish


Florida Sportsman member: Doc Ron



We decided to go into the Jetties, where we caught a few bass and a Bull Red. It was a beauty, well outside the slot. Always a good day out on the boat!


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Mayport Inlet: The Spot is Hot


Florida Sportsman member: Salty Dog



Went out to some of the sheepshead and trout spots around the Mayport area to see if the fall fishing season had arrived yet. I found hungry, aggressive fish at every spot. Brought home a cooler full of sheepshead, trout and nice inshore sized mangrove snapper.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Mayport Inlet: Sheepshead, Flounder, Redfish and Trout


Florida Sportsman member: Morocco_madness



The transition from late October to November is always prime time Sheepshead fishing. The largest concentration of fish come through Mayport Inlet every year at this time. They quickly disperse throughout the river, the ICW, and neighboring estuaries. The best fishing tends to be at the tips of the Mayport Inlet Jetties.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 




Bridge Fishing with the Mayor


Florida Sportsman member: Sea Snake



The one thing that I took off of that trip, was that it is way more to fishing that bridge, than just wheeling out a cart and tossing shrimp over. It takes patience, preparation, and timing to be successful. Knowing what the fish want and how to present it, are crucial.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Jacksonville Inshore: Bull Reds


Florida Sportsman member: Cast&Blast



Finally getting around to posting some shots from our day fishing the Full of Bull tournament. We did decent catching and releasing three fish from 29 to 38 inches. It was a little slower than the previous days we were out “practicing” for the tournament.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Jacksonville Mixed Bag: Flounder and More


Florida Sportsman member: Morocco_madness



The retrieve I go with is simple, “bump, pause, bump, pause.” Roll the bait back towards the boat slowly and once you get bit, pause roughly 1 to 2 seconds and sting it! The bite of a Flounder varies from fish to fish but most of the time, if the fish is of half way decent size, you'll feel a single thump followed by a sensation of weight.


Click here to read the full forum report.

 


 


 


 




Pine Island Variety


Florida Sportsman member: slobouf



I stopped in the creek across from Pine Island to catch more bait. I got lucky and caught a nice ladyfish while netting some mullet at sunrise. We went south and found a few places that looked fishy. By 9AM, (2 hours of fishing) we had five 22 to 24 inch redfish and a nice 25 inch trout.


Click here to read the full forum report.

 


 


 


 




Fun with the Boys


Florida Sportsman member: Sea-Squatch



It was pretty steady action for about 2 hours. We caught rat reds, trout, mangos, and flounder. We lost some good hits too. The tide came up, and water covered up our sandbar, so we decided to call it a day.


Click here to read the full forum report.

 


 


 


 




Redfish Palooza


Florida Sportsman member: Morocco_madness



The Big, breeder Red Fish have started their annual movement up river from the St. Johns River Inlet in anticipation of spawning season. These fish begin staging on the 40 foot dredge lines that edge the shoulders of the rivers shipping lanes every June. This period is what we call the “Pre-Spawn”. The breeders gather up in numbers and gorge on fish and crustacions to fatten up for the spawn that typically begins in the early weeks of August.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 




Northeast Flatties


Florida Sportsman member: jameslentz



I got about a dozen finger mullet and paddled north out of beach marine. Fished the finger mullet on cork and Carolina rig for the last two hours of the incoming with no luck. As the tide started flowing out I switched to a 1/4 ounce jighead and penny gulp shrimp. Started dragging it in creek mouths and banks and ended up with three keepers.


Click here to read the full forum report.

 


 


 


 




Jacksonville Action


Florida Sportsman member: Morocco_madness



The Shrimp boat action is hot and there is no shortage of fast and furious, line screaming craziness to be found. No hassle, no wait, instant gratification. Big Jacks as large as 50 pounds and all manner of sharks. You can pitch large plugs behind the these boats and get these guys nearly every cast.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Fishing the Flood


Florida Sportsman member: Cast&Blast



I've never really scouted for the flood tide around home so last night I decided to go check out some areas I thought I might be able to walk once I felt confident that those pop up storms weren't going to be an issue.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Buckman Reds


Florida Sportsman member: REDROB



Went out after work yesterday to soak a few crabs, fishing the buckman in 20 feet of water, the bite was on fire! 9 reds all over 36 inches with the biggest being 42 and one 40 incher with a tag in her.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 




Back at It


Florida Sportsman member: Chongg



The reds are on fire around the little jetties. Last Saturday we brought in seven upper/over slot reds fishing shrimp on the last of the outgoing and first of the incoming. All the fish swam away healthy that day.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 


 




Late Spring Fishing


Florida Sportsman member: Guanagator



At this point I know what I have and am overcome with mixture of excitement, nervousness, excitement, this is why I've been using 30 pound leader after all! After the first jump the fish found the current and ran towards the ICW and deeper water, line peeling off my 1000 letting the drag work.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




River Reds


Florida Sportsman member: trousertroutman



Fellow forum member and childhood fishing buddy “Flounderpounder” was gracious enough to take me out on his sick ranger whip, and we got a couple nice reds fishing docks with live and cut mullet.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Hot Artificial Bite


Florida Sportsman member: Guanagator



Fishing all artificial, mostly working the docks on mid tides and natural structure on West side closer to the bridge and just south at high tide to mid low, some nice sized reds, a couple of flounder and a few smaller trout first couple trips then Saturday night my buddy put the first North Florida snook on my boat.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Beachside Action


Florida Sportsman member: Sea Snake



Sunday I went back with my grandson Hunter, my daughter and momma Snake, we had a nice catch of fish in a couple of hours of fishing. With this time all of them being keepers.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 


 




Northeast Pompano


Florida Sportsman member: Sea Snake



All in all a good day for us. I got to spend some time with my sweetie, and catch some fish too, and anytime the targeted species is acquired, then in my book it's a good day!


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Northeast Big Uglies


Florida Sportsman member: Morocco_madness



It's that time of year again! The first full moon of early Spring has past and the “big uglies” have reached the North East Florida inlets. These massive inlet monsters head up from south Florida and migrate north every year around february.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Epic Week in the Valley


Florida Sportsman member: Slug-O



The past week in the valley has been nothing short of “EPIC” for me. With the water temp in solid 70 degree range and bait thick as fleas on a stray dog, the bite has been the best so far this year. With mullet as thick as you can imagine, the reds, trout and a few flounder have all the food they want.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Lots of Bait, Lots of Fish


Florida Sportsman member: Slug-O



Three ways are really working well with mullet. Popping corks with 24 inches of 30 pound flouro with 3/0 khale hook works well at creek mouths or oyster beds with current. Freeline live mullet hooked through the back, casting to schools working the banks. The last is 1/8th ounce jig head with a live mullet that can be used about a 1000 ways.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Northeast Trout and Reds


Florida Sportsman member: Morocco_madness



Focus on the river, not the creeks, but river shoulders. Find spots with current breaks, bottom contours, and sharp drop offs. Bottom type is definitely a factor. Gravel, shell and rocky bottoms are all good signs to look for. I don't do well in areas with sand or mud bottom.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Fun in the Creeks


Florida Sportsman member: Guanagator



Got out this morning and picked the right creek, Alexis had a fat 16 inch flounder within a minute of the mullet hitting the water. Was expecting reds but no complaints. My second cast, I hooked something solid on the catch 2000 and unfortunately it got me in the oysters and sliced the leader, downside of using a 1000.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Northeast Sheepshead


Florida Sportsman member: sydngoose



We hit channel markers and pilings from the inlet up the intercostal. Number one circle hooks and very small leaders (6 inches of 15 pound flouro) was the ticket. We ended up with six nice sheeps but two absolute STUDS, at 10.25 pounds and 7.20 pounds.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Oak Harbor Slam


Florida Sportsman member: Cast&Blast



Went and hit the Harbor in the cold wind with two buddies and 4 dozen shrimp. Most fish caught were under slot reds and trout but we found a 20 inch red and a 17 inch flounder to bring home for dinner.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Cold Weather Convicts


Florida Sportsman member: fsu11



We managed nine keepers the majority were 2 to 4 pounds again. We didn't go through half a pint both days. The key was moving water, we fished the exact same spot both days and when the tide was moving we caught fish and when it stopped, so did the bites.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Cold Water, Hot Bite


Florida Sportsman member: Slug-O



This is my favorite time of year, the water temperature drops into the 50s-60s and the reds start to school up thick. Low tides and mud flats are a few degrees warmer than the rest of the ICW and I target them there. Moving slow on my push pole, no trolling motor, I can get close to a school and start picking them off.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Northeast Redfish


Florida Sportsman member: Spongking



Wednesday we got out and went to jetty. Beautiful weather and fish biting. We got one giant red on light inshore setup. He swam away strong too which had me worried after a 15 minute fight.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 

 

 


 

 




Northeast Drummin'


Florida Sportsman member: Morocco_madness



I spent a day hitting a number of productive Inlet holes in an attempt to reassess what's around out there. I haven't been spending much time in my usual playground. It didn't take long to figure out that the bull reds and black drum were pretty thick.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




December to Remember


Florida Sportsman member: Slug-O



Aside from the windy afternoons you can't ask for anything better. The bait situation is just amazing with all the shrimp, mullet and blue crab right now in the valley. Fishing creek mouths, oyster beds, mud flats, and drop offs this time of year will produce big payoffs.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Palm Valley Report


Florida Sportsman member: Slug-O



Water temperature is still in the high 60′s and will stay there until something big comes along to change that. Trout, reds and flounder are still thick and are feeding on mullet and a second hatch of shrimp in the valley. Best bet is popping corks fishing with 3/0 kale hooks working the last outgoing tide and incoming tide.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




December Tarpon


Florida Sportsman member: Alec_904



However about 30 minutes later my rod tip starts bouncing, I pick it up and i'm on! This one did the same thing as the last, immediately screamed drag and jumped, it proceeded to jump four more times before we got him to the boat.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 

 

 


 

 




Inshore Variety


Florida Sportsman member: Morocco_madness



Eventually, we reach a spot where I'm hooking up pretty consistently. Chips getting some action on the Fluke but not near the action I was getting. Eventually, he ties on an X-Rap he happened to have. His was orange and yellow. Before long, we're either hooking up or getting hit on every cast.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Valley Report


Florida Sportsman member: Slug-O



The wind will be great the next few days to fish the valley. Water temperature is still from 67 to 70 degrees, last year it was 57! Lots of shrimp, mullet and pogies are still here to be used as bait.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Fishing the Creeks


Florida Sportsman member: sydngoose



We had one hour of nonstop action- rods bending, fish retrieving, rebaiting, casting, releasing fish, kept a few. Every bait was eaten, all three said presentations. I would subjectively say the live mullet was the most popular choice.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Family Fishing


Florida Sportsman member: creekgeek



We finished the day in the same spot my dad landed his big fish and my 11 year old, Marina, connected with her best red ever. She wanted to give the rod up as the big fish made several long runs on light tackle and with the help of a strong outgoing tide.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Northeast Reds and Trout


Florida Sportsman member: Morocco_madness



I've been on a healthy dose of both species as well as some of the largest sand trout I've ever seen. The same places I mentioned above are holding ridiculous numbers of trout. I was actually targeting trout when I realized that the Bull Red presence was so thick in the shallows.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Northeast Reds


Florida Sportsman member: Spongking



A few nice fish came unglued but all in all a win. Good weather and beat crowd back to ramp by about 20 minutes. Just enough time to clean up boat and get in line to get out of there.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 




Fall Fishing


Florida Sportsman member: Morocco_madness



The slot reds are chewing VERY well right now at both the little and big jetties. The bull reds have emptied out of the river and are officially done spawning. The good news is they are a year round species for us and the inlet is where you'll be finding them from this point on through early June.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 




Fishing with the Wife


Florida Sportsman member: butchbal



After Barb saw what I caught yesterday, she wanted to go out and get a few reds herself.


Click here to read the full forum report.


 


 


 


 


 


 




Heroes on the Water


Florida Sportsman member: M

Variety Slam





Recent inshore fishing reports from the Big Bend region.


 




Variety Slam


Florida Sportsman member: Gator4Life



We pulled into an almost empty CK parking lot. That's when you know your dedicated, dumb or both. Winds were blowing 15mph at times, but we made the most of it with four Reds, a Flounder and about ten Trout.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Fishing The Chazz


Florida Sportsman member: Ruff One



Duane was fishing with his super secret redfish lure and his rod bends over. After a fight that has the red circling the gheenoe about 10 times, he finally boats a nice 30in fish!


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 


 


 




Homosassa Reds and Trout


Florida Sportsman member: SassaWhaler



Made several drifts catching trout on each pass. Stopped counting at 25 trout with 11 keepers in the box. Got 2 more keeper reds in the box with one being my friends son's first redfish.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 


 


 




Yankeetown Redfish


Florida Sportsman member: gators7233



After a slow start while trolling some new spots in Yankeetown, forum member gators7233 stumbled upon a couple of big Reds. Nice catch!


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 


 


 




Waccasassa Bay Redfish


Florida Sportsman member: Redbonz



Even though weather hasn't been ideal, forum member Redbonz made the most out of his day off in the Waccasassa Bay and snagged 13 beautiful redfish, the largest of which was 30″. Nice!


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Fishing with Dad


Florida Sportsman member: ghostrider8



I see Jay putting on a paddle tail and I STRONGLY suggest that he use live bait as we had a bait well full of shrimp, pinfish and mud minnows and I figured it would increase his chances. But no, he stubbornly insists on using it and then promptly pulls this 29-inch snook out from under the mangroves on his first cast.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Crystal River Redfish Action


Florida Sportsman member: anglerbros 7286



We had a hard time catching a lot at first, being on the opposite side of the bar from the school, so we got snagged a lot. There was so many that we still managed catching several on top of the rocks though.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Waccasassa Redfish


Florida Sportsman member: Redbonz



You gotta love this time of year. The Reds start coming alive, cooler weather is on the way and the fishing should just explode.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Crystal River Snookin'


Florida Sportsman member: HammerheadTed



Today I went out early with Robbie, but we started at slack high tide and didn't catch anything until the water was flowing out hard. Been catching smaller snook and this 35 inch snook is the first big one I've gotten in a month or so and a real treat.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Hot Redfishing


Florida Sportsman member: Billy



It was a little slow at first but then as we warmed up so did the fish. I started off with three keeper reds and a trout before we decided to move. Duane, not to be out done, adds three more keeper reds in the boat.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Early Morning Reds


Florida Sportsman member: Billy



So off we go to Billy's Creek. It was full of reds with some with their backs out of the water. The problem was they wouldn't bite anything we threw at them. After a frustrating period of time, and for once wishing (sort of), that we should have had bait Duane says let's move.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Big Bend Reds


Florida Sportsman member: Billy



Fished a bit for a few trout, caught maybe three or four, to wait for water. That didn't last long, just needed one for the box anyway, and Duane says let's go for the reds. They were around, even saw one with it's fins out of the water, but they were reluctant to feed. We kept trying and eventually put eight keepers in the boat all around the 22 inch size.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Getting Revenge


Florida Sportsman member: HammerheadTed



It made a loooong run of probably 100 yards and we ran it down. When it came to the net, it was a “slob”, very similar to mine from the other day, in fact we measured it at 39″, same as mine, but a different place.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 


 


 




Incoming Bite


Florida Sportsman member: permit_me



As I was re-rigging a spare rod, I put my rod in the holder and slam, Jack grabbed the rod was on with a 26 inch red. A couple minutes later we resume, I am just finishing my knot from earlier and slam, Jack takes my rod and lands another upper slot slob.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Fishing with Grampa


Florida Sportsman member: anglerbros 7286



My grandpa was able to catch a couple which was cool because they are pretty much his favorite fish to catch, and this was his last trip he had before heading back to New York.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




A Trip to Crystal River


Florida Sportsman member: badonskybuccaneers



As the day progressed, the wind seemed to die down some, so we hunted some crab pot floats for tripletail on the way out but didn't find anything legal. We tried working another bar along the spoils further out and picked up a couple more trout, some jacks, a redfish, and I finished my inshore slam with a decent snook.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Steinhatchee Trip


Florida Sportsman member: Cole321



We went out the next afternoon into the Gulf and fished on the grass banks north of Steinhatchee. Found spots where there was thin grass and adjacent oyster bars/rock piles. The first spot we could see reds and drum tailing all over the place, the reds were also rubbing in the grass.


Click here to read the full forum report




Crystal River Slam


Florida Sportsman member:Blkmnstr



Finally had a nice enough day to head out to long point. We got a later start than what we wanted too but were still at the ramp in time to get to the banks before the tide changed. I hooked up with the first trout then my girlfriend landed the next three back to back.


Click here to read the full forum report


 


 


 


 




Short Trip, Hot Bite Florida Sportsman member: Jim311 The first stop was a creek that had produced well for me on Thursday, but it generally holds smaller fish. It was about two hours from the bottom of the low tide but we made the call to get skinny and risk getting stuck in the creek in hopes of finding a good bite and it paid off. Click here to read the full forum report




Fun on the Chaz Florida Sportsman member: Ruff One Duane uses that Chaz finesse and this snook is caught! But, he swallowed the lure completely and there was no way this one would go back. The damage was to great. At 28 1/2 inches he was legal and will give up some delicious fillets. Click here to read the full forum report




Fishing Both Sides Florida Sportsman member: Scott Crown From Yankeetown to Cedar Key to Horseshoe and both Palm Coast and Matanzas on the east coast. The east coast has had vary clear water for sight fishing and we have been getting 10 or so a trip. The west side, well let's just say it's been catching, not fishing. Click here to read the full forum report




Crystal River Trout and Sheepshead Florida Sportsman member: anglerbros 7286 After reading Super D's post about catching trout in the days inn canal figured we'd start there since we launch there on every trip and was surprised to catch a 17 inch trout on my first cast with a gold lil john. Caught a few more on every other cast then got one more in the mullet hole before heading to the creeks. Click here to read the full forum report




Big Bend Trip Florida Sportsman member: Flat Nuts I made an excuse to come back up your way with my daughter. We were sneaking up to Ocala to pick up a new pup for my wife for Valentines day under the guise of a quick father daughter fishing trip. Click here to read the full forum report




Catching in the River Florida Sportsman member: 4WARD We stayed in the river on Sunday and jumped around here and there. Snapper were not very active but a couple reds decided to play. We ended up with two reds (23 and 26 3/4 inches), one drum and a couple snappers. Click here to read the full forum report




Catching on the New boat Florida Sportsman member: StandOutI2 I saw a fish tailing so I told mom where to look and she saw the fish and made the shot. Without me telling her where and boom, fish on! A solid fish at 27 inches and was her first real fish that she has sight fished. Click here to read the full forum report




Low Tide Action Florida Sportsman member: StandOutI2 The water came in a little bit so I started working a shoreline next to a creek mouth. This turned out to be the best decision. We saw several fish, and some absolute studs, on the outside along the shoreline. Ended up picking up a couple fish this way. Click here to read the full forum report




Catching on Topwater Florida Sportsman member: Scott Crown I got blasted three more times by giants here but they were over hitting the plug, literally coming out of the water. My co-worker had enough and went to top water as well. Did not take long and he was crushed by a giant. Click here to read the full forum report




Catching in the Creeks Florida Sportsman member: kingkong954 On our way out of the creek I managed to get my lure stuck in some grass. After much yanking and pulling and cursing the lure pops out into the water and wraps around my rod tip. After some cursing and untangling I find out the action had somehow attracted a redfish, who had eaten the lure while I untangled the line! Click here to read the full forum report




Crystal River Variety Florida Sportsman member: ripnlips Tripletail fishing has been great along the channel markers, crab trap buoys, and floating grass mats. Live shrimp under a float is a sure bet when targeting these fish. Look for them as you run from spot to spot. They hide just below the floating structure or nose up to channel markers. Click here to read the full forum report




December Big Bend Action Florida Sportsman member: Scott Crown We had a negative low mid morning which I like to fish up there, well it did not disappoint. The trout and reds were laid up in the pot holes just like they should be in spring weather. Caught well over 40 nice trout up to 23 inches and 20 reds up to 30 inches. Click here to read the full forum report




Topwater Action Florida Sportsman member: HammerheadTed I hear a big snook hit Robbie's lure with that telltale giant suction slurp they do and the battle was on. Fish was in good current and was a multiple jumper of five or six times. After a good battle the 31 inch fish came to the net. Click here to read the full forum report




Yankeetown Reds and Trout Florida Sportsman member:StandOutI2 We ran out to a pretty low tide, so we started trout fishing. Boy were they on fire, they were eating everything, topwater, flukes, jigs, whatever we threw. Most of them being 19 to 23 inches with a few smaller ones mixed in. After about two hours of that we went to go find some reds. Click here to read the full forum report




Patience pays Florida Sportsman member:shuterkng Not a great day as it was starting to get late and the tide was about full. Then surprise, monster red invasion. Almost everyone got a big red as we were fighting for position on the boat, girls won. We kept four that were just under 27 inches and released a bunch more. Click here to read the full forum report




No Water No Problem Florida Sportsman member:barhopperAD Catching mullet paid off, first cast was a 26 inch red. Little bro was catching rat reds left and right. The water got higher and action got slower. So we moved around explored a little to find a fishy looking cove with lots of activity and that REALLY paid off. Click here to read the full forum report




Cedar Key Action Florida Sportsman member:Big Bend Brian We were without a bottomfinder as I just sent my Furuno in for repair so our plan was to just troll a shallow broad area of intermittent hard bottom we used to stone crab on. Stopping in 19 feet we deployed some grouper plugs despite a fair amount of grass on the surface and within 10 minutes had our first fish. Click here to read the full forum report




First Trip Success Florida Sportsman member:Gman27 30 minutes later I found a nice creek and a few lagoons and began working the banks with a paddle tail. I could see reds pushing bait on to the banks and lots of activity. Couple casts in and landed my first cedar key redfish of 19 inches. After the activity slowed down, I moved to a new lagoon and found more activity, landed another redfish of 29 inches. Click here to read the full forum report        




A Trip Down South Florida Sportsman member: Scott Crown Friday, we decided to trailer up to Flamingo and sight fish way back up in the glades. Made about a 25 mile run north of Flamingo to some super skinny creeks. Ended up sight fishing around 10 nice reds up to 30 inches and 4 snook up to 28 inches. All fish being caught in less than 12 inches of water. Click here to read the full forum report




Fishing with the Girls Florida Sportsman member: Redbonz Being the two girls have never caught redfish I thought this would be a good chance to put them on some fish. Didn't really matter most were under slot, just catching was a blast for them. Click here to read the full forum report




Catching in Cedar Key Florida Sportsman member: barhopperAD We started off two keeper reds back to back. My little brother then hooked into a “redfish” which was screaming drag, pulled up to boat and it was a giant trout probably 25-27 inches, but the hook pulled right there and watched him swim away. Click here to read the full forum report




Waccasassa Reds Florida Sportsman member: Redbonz Headed out early even though it was a pretty early low tide. Took out a buddy that has not caught a lot of reds and was hoping to get him into some quality fish. He was not disappointed as we got into them pretty good. Click here to read the full forum report




Slot Slam Florida Sportsman member: anglerbros 7286 Bob stuck to topwater like I'm sure Ted does because they want that one fish, which I understand but I wanted to catch my share of reds and wanted to see if it worked for him before doing so. All my redfish didn't change his mind then he landed a top of the slot redfish that inhaled his plug! I stuck with the spoon then hooked the first snook! Click here to read the full forum report




From Tripletail to Tarpon Florida Sportsman member: Scott Crown We head to where the third and final trap is, hopefully and sure enough it's still there. We did not see any fish on it but made casts at it any way. My second cast and the cork goes under and drag starts screaming, another 10 pounder jumps. We get him netted and in the box. My kids both agreed that I needed to put my rod down. Click here to read the full forum report




Father and Son Fishing Florida Sportsman member: huntentails With the youngest son off of work and a favorable tide we settled on yesterday morning and it wasn't a disappointment. We fished out of Crystal River and were on fish all morning with a strong outgoing tide. Robbie caught his best snook to date at 39 & 1/4 inches and I caught a 30 incher. Click here to read the full forum report




New Spot Producing Florida Sportsman member: Billy We went to an area that I've never been before, Duane hadn't been in years, and we spent most of the trip fishing the same area. We put twelve keeper reds in the boat and Duane managed a snook after another one got off earlier. Click here to read the full forum report




Cedar Key Reds Florida Sportsman member: Redbonz Mid-morning the tide was moving pretty good so we hit up into some creeks and found what we were looking for. We got 14 reds on rattletraps, spoons and jerk baits. A couple of oversize, a few under, with the majority in the slot. Click here to read the full forum report




Muddy Water, Big Drum Florida Sportsman member: Scott Crown I told myself that when I hit this one bar, if there is a drum on it, I was going to get him. It was protected from the wind and would allow me to make a perfect cast. Sure enough, I round the corner and the tail was a waving. Click here to read the full forum report




Backwater Snook and Reds Florida Sportsman member: Ruff One With the tide getting lower every second, Duane say “Lets hit some redfish spots closer to home base”. Off we go on another wild ride and before you know it we are sitting on some rocks with redfish swirls looking us in the face. Pitch a spoon and a nice redfish is going home for dinner. Click here to read the full forum report




Yankeetown Drummin' Florida Sportsman member: anglerbros 7286 The fishing really picked up with the incoming tide, as we released a few slot reds and one over slot. We also caught three black drum, all were great fights in the kayak. All fish were caught less than a mile from the ramp and on live shrimp. Click here to read the full forum report




Grinding it Out Florida Sportsman member: HammerheadTed Robbie went out with me for some topwater casting practice. Low outgoing to start and the incoming the rest of the morning. Robbie must of practiced ahead, because he hit a nice 36 inch snook at the first stop. Click here to read the full forum report




Cedar Key Florida Sportsman member: Scott Crown Well with in three casts with the skitter walk, I get smashed and a school stands the water up. Josh throws in and we are doubled up. Mine came in at 29 inches and his was 26 1/2, that set the tone for the day. We hit five or six spots and every spot had a school on it. Click here to read the full forum report




Snook and Scallops Florida Sportsman member: HammerheadTed We went to Sandy Hook yesterday so we decided to go Scalloping again on this beautiful day. After a late start, we motored out to the boat pack and found all the scallops I care to clean in a reasonable time. There are still plenty out there and they were big! Click here to read the full forum report




Crystal River Mixed Bag Florida Sportsman member: huntentails We started with an outgoing tide and a slight east wind. First cast was a great snook, but was lost before it was boated for a photo session. We had to make a move a few hundred yards to get away from the bluefish as they were just tearing up anything we threw. Click here to read the full forum report




Cedar Key Reds and Trout Florida Sportsman member: me3260 Live shrimp and cut ladyfish were the bait of the day. We caught a few on Gold Spoons, but the water is so dark, the only hits we got on spoons were throwing over a white sand bar, and reeling back across. Click here to read the full forum report




Big Bend Snook Florida Sportsman member: HammerheadTed By now I am fishing spots where I've never fished before. Paid off with this massive 39 inch snook that was the toughest I've ever caught. 3 jumps and 3 long runs and somehow she didn't wrap herself up in the sargasm. Missed another big one a few casts later and left early with the grandkids visiting at home. Click here to read the full forum report




Big Bend Giant Florida Sportsman member: Biggary16 I called Pete (Snookspanker) to try for some snooks with the morning high tide. He liked the tide today too so we went out for a quick trip. He stuck a giant one within the 1st half hour. The shoulders and the girth of this 40 plus incher was unreal. Click here to read the full forum report




First Snook Florida Sportsman member: Lake13 We both were looking for our first snook and just pounded till we both got one. 14 hours of fishing for one fish apiece. Couldn't be happier though. What a beautiful area and we will both be back. Click here to read the full forum report




Jumbo Drum Florida Sportsman member: Biggary16 We had some gulps so we messed around with some big drum pulling us around for a while. The last one that I caught was a behemoth and that was enough for me. We got out of there before the storm and made it home still dry. Click here to read the full forum report




Crystal River Reds and Scallops Florida Sportsman member: T-Bonefc After 15-20 minutes we shot further south and joined a small community between the C.R. crowd and Homosassa . The scallops were much better here in numbers. Still small for the most part but it is what it is in the beginning of the season. Click here to read the full forum report




Poling to the Reds Florida Sportsman member: Dveres95 We started the day out in Mason Creek and worked south toward Chassahowitzka, with a high morning tide we got deep into the back country to a flat that is very active and holds big redfish. Click here to read the full forum report




Catching in the Creeks Florida Sportsman member: Billy We managed a few reds and maybe a half dozen snook that actually made it to the boat. We kept hooking up the snook but a bunch simply either cut us off or came unbuttoned before we could get them to the boat. Click here to read the full forum report




Yankeetown Variety Florida Sportsman member: Biggary16 My brother was in town so we hit Yankeetown early. Got a nice snook on topwater that started the day out great. Had a couple other snook blow ups. Then went looking for reds. Click here to read the full forum report




Early Morning Snookin' Florida Sportsman member: HammerheadTed Robbie had the big fish of the day on first and after a good battle, it gill plated the line, but we saw enough to know it was a big one. Then I got a fat 32 inch fish, which was a welcome relief. Click here to read the full forum report




Low Water, Big Snook Florida Sportsman member: StandOutI2 I heard drag screaming and saw a wake that looked like a torpedo going through the water. Had to pull the powerpole up and chase it for a little bit then finally it stopped making the long run and came close enough for me to realize it wasn't the big red I thought it was. Click here to read the full forum report




On the Reds Florida Sportsman member: bigkahuna Forum member bigkahuna and wife got into the redfish in the big bend region, as well as a few bonus snook. Nice! Click here to read the full forum report




Yankeetown Redfish Bite Florida Sportsman member: StandOutI2 My step dad picked up a couple more shorts. Well, the school died down and we started working to another area. My mom was real quiet in the back of the boat and said she sees something. So she throws to it and sure enough, it's a nice 27″ red! Her biggest to date. Click here to read the full forum report




Calling in “Sick” Florida Sportsman member: hausw Not more than 5 minutes later I hooked into a much larger one and battled him for almost an hour. Hoisted him in the boat for a few pics and released him. After that I was exhausted and called it a day. Click here to read the full forum report




Mason Creek Reds Florida Sportsman member: Dveres95 We caught all our Reds on gold spoons, the fish were concentrated in the deeper mud troughs between the islands, which still held 2 to 3 feet on the dead low. It has been a great past month in the creek and it's only looking better. Click here to read the full forum report




Yankeetown Redfish Florida Sportsman member: StandOutI2 Well, got back to our normal spots on the incoming and noticed there wasn't a whole lot of water moving. Turned around and went back out the way we came still on the incoming and boom, started seeing reds everywhere. Click here to read the full forum report




Big Bend Inshore Bite Florida Sportsman member: ripnlips Forum member and the Big Bend's weekend 4caster ripnlips has been on the fish. Catching snook, trout, redfish and more. Click here to read the full forum report




Windy Day Success Florida Sportsman member: Billy It was windy. Even in the creeks it was a chore to have any kind of boat control but we stuck it out for a few hours. Tide was rushing in heavy and flooded a bunch of areas we usually fish. We had to change up a bit but it all worked out. Click here to read the full forum report




Working the Docks Florida Sportsman member: Bassin Assassin Switched to the smoke/gold halo color and was slowly swimming my lure near the bottom in the front of a dock, it got blasted. Set the hook on a solid fish. Got it away from the dock. After a nice aerial display and some good runs, Pat got her in the net. She measured 28 inches. Click here to read the full forum report




Crystal River Snook Bite Florida Sportsman member: Biggary16 Hammerhead Ted and I got out there early to catch the outgoing tide. Ted is the king of topwater snookin and he hooked a giant one on his 3rd or 4th cast. He fought it for a long time but it scraped his 40 pound leader up and broke off. Click here to read the full forum report




Fun with Friends Florida Sportsman member: Billy A great day on the water with a couple excellent fisherman and lots of laughs. Almost all fish came on top water and a Redfish Magic type lure. We'll definitely do this again. Click here to read the full forum report




Big Bend Mixed Bag Florida Sportsman member: ripnlips Forum members ripnlips and Swampthing07 got into a nice mixed bag of fish from triple tail to black drum. Swampthing07 wife Kayla got in on the action too. Click here to read the full forum report




Successful Scouting Florida Sportsman member: CarneLoco We saw some big tails pop up in about 3 foot of water. Have heard of big black drum in these areas, but had no live crabs. Could have swore a few were reds mixed in. After many very good casts from both of us, Libby had a monster on. 15 minutes and a few laps around the bout she had her first black drum landed. Click here to read the full forum report




Big Bend, Big Reds Florida Sportsman member: Jim311 I pushed in further into the creek. I spooked one nice red which I didn't even see until he'd spooked. Then I hooked up again, and again it was another super hard fight. This fish was bigger though, over 32 inches. It had a head on it the size of a football, a real stud fish. Click here to read the full forum report




Crystal River Snookin' Florida Sportsman member: HammerheadTed We caught fish everywhere we went including some places that haven't produced the last couple years. Robbie got 4 lower slot and under slot reds and several jacks. I missed a big snook early, but disappointment didn't last too long when i got a 31 inch snook at the next place. Click here to read the full forum report




Sheepshead, Snook and Snapper Florida Sportsman member: ripnlips Sheepshead Snapper and Snook have been the targeted species lately. Seems like the sheeps are finally spawning out on the rocks reefs and ledges just offshore. They are willing to bite if you get good enough weather to get out there. When the weather gets bad we have been getting snapper and snook in the river. Live shrimp has been the bait of choice. Click here to read the full forum report




Big Bend Bruisers Florida Sportsman member: Scott Crown We hit the first spot, the water was clear and they were schooled up. Watched a school of over slots swim down the bank. Then got to watch the whole school fight over my fluke, simply awesome to watch. Click here to read the full forum report




Homosassa Redfish Florida Sportsman member: floridafan Pulled in about 60 mostly undersized reds but managed 4 keepers between 20 to 24 inches. We each had a run 10 fish in 10 casts for me and 11 fish in 11 casts for my son, both at the same time! 21 fish in less than 10 minutes! Click here to read the full forum report




Crystal River Inshore Florida Sportsman member: ripnlips Sheepshead are starting to show up in their normal wintertime spots. We're still getting a by-catch of gag grouper too. All on 8 pound braid and live shrimp. Click here to read the full forum report




Afternoon Redfish Bite Florida Sportsman member: Scott Crown