Archive for the ‘Grouper Fishing’ Category

Beat the Heat and Swim for your Supper

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

 

July 1st marked the opening of Homosassa scallop season.  The scallops were not thick in the shallower water (4-5 ft range) most reports of bag limits of scallops have been found in deeper water.  The full moon combined with plenty of summer rains (fresh water influx) most likely are the reasons scallops are hanging out in the deeper water.  On the bright side of life, there were little to NO jellyfish around to battle with so far this year. 

 

Inshore fishing on the Homosassa Nature Coast

I’ve been doing well targeting Redfish lately.  On a recent trip with Larry and Jane Hobbie and their friends John and Kathy Cormer from Portland Oregon we had our limit of four Redfish with the majority being in the top of the slot limit range (26 inches)  Trout have moved into cooler water and we’re still doing well in the 10 foot range. 

 

Offshore Grouper on the Nature Coast

Summer weather patterns (afternoon coastal thunderstorms) have made it difficult to access offshore fishing.  Typically it’s best to head to the 50 foot range in July to find the best grouper bite. 

 

 

Thanks for visiting the website call me anytime (352) 303-9399.

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Posted in Capt Don Chancey, Florida Redfish, Florida Trout, Grouper Fishing, Scalloping Adventures | No Comments »

Water Temperature Lowering Offshore and Inshore Bite is Growing

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

Offshore Grouper:  The weather is cooling down, the water temperature is lowering and the offshore bite is growing.  Now is the time to experience Florida Gulf Coast Fishing at it’s finest offshore and inshore in Homosassa and Crystal River.  Gag Grouper have moved in just a bit closer so we don’t have to travel as far to get great Hook up’s.  My tactics are two-fold this time of year for fishing for offshore grouper.  First tactic, TROLL TROLL TROLL, with a big lip deep diving plug.  Second tactic (if the grass makes trolling too difficult)-BAIT THE BOTTOM.  To get the groupers interested in your live pinfish or defrosting sardine, you’ve got to get the scent in the water and get them feeding.  Often people make the mistake of chumming too high in the water column and don’t get the fish excited down where they live, in the rocks.  But that’s not such a bad thing this time of the year because you may excite the Spanish Mackerel and get a random King Mackerel to the boat (they typically use the middle to upper reaches of the water column for their swimming and feeding activities)
Inshore Redfish and Trout:  It’s a great feeling with the Trout bite turns on.  On my latest trips inshore we’ve been able to limit out on trout most every trip.  My wife who is a competitive soul loves it when she can beat the boat and make sure she’s top catch when we’re out fishing.  I’m a bit better than she is, but I don’t let it show too much as she’s quite the fishing enthusiast and I love watching her smug smile after a great day on the water.  The Redfish schools are also moving together and moving around on the rocky shorelines and potholes in the spotty limerock  bottom of Homoassa.  The St. Martens keys have been where most anglers are having their luck with Reds, but remember if you’re out there to keep quiet as they are sound sensitive and move if there’s too much boat activity in the area.   

Thanks for taking time to read my fishing report , call me soon-call me often this is the time to go fishing on the Nature Coast.  Capt Don

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Posted in Capt Don Chancey, Flats Chance Charters, Florida Gulf Coast Fishing, Florida Redfish, Grouper Fishing, Gulf Coast Scallop Season, Offshore Florida Gulf Fishing, Scalloping Adventures | No Comments »

Fishing for Fun and Swimming for Dinner

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008

Scallop Season Opens July 2008

 

The crowds have dwindled after the opening Holiday weekend of scallop season, so now is the time to book your inshore scallop trip with Capt. Don.  Don was out the first few days of the season and each one of his customers had as many scallops as they wanted to clean and a super good time on the water.

 

Don has had both inshore and offshore trips in late May and done well with trout and redfish inshore and Grouper offshore.  Trout have moved into a little deeper water as the Gulf temperature had increased, but the right bait and the right tide have been productive for the inshore species. 

 

Offshore Don has decreased the amount of trolling (too much grass) and increased the amount of bottom fishing for grouper.  As of now the Federal Regulations for grouper have not changed, we will know something about the number of grouper that can be kept in early August.  However, a change that went into effect June 1st is that all bait fish tackle must use circle hooks which actually works well for grouper fishing as it keeps the fish from swallowing the hook down too far and typically the fish hooks itself when it tries to flee back into it’s hiding hole (rocks).    Now the key is to keep it from going TOO far into the hiding hole…. 

 

Thanks for visiting the website call Don anytime (352) 303-9399.

Marla Liane Chancey (the fisherman’s wife)

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Posted in Capt Don Chancey, Flats Chance Charters, Florida Gulf Coast Fishing, Florida Redfish, Florida Trout, Grouper Fishing, Offshore Florida Gulf Fishing | No Comments »