Coffee with the Captain
Sheepshead season is in full swing! This past weekend I the privilege of taking Otterman and his wife, Thais and two young boys, Andrew and Henry, sheepshead fishing. I nicknamed him Otterman as he was a professional scuba instructor and standing 6'6” he swims like an otter with a speargun. They brought another dad, Kevin, with his son, Cooper. All the boys were friends.
The weather was perfect. The sea condition was a little too perfectly calm which has never proven to be great for fishing biting. I scoped out one additional sheepshead hot spot in route. No dice. We moved on to my primary spot but the sonar didn't show much activity. It was a lazy tide.
Sheepshead prefer to spawn during a strong tide as it promotes egg dispersal lessening predation. We moved a few more miles out to target sea bass.
I noticed a lot of good bottom had been erased by Helene. I did manage to find some good bottom and released the boys on it. The boys were high energy entertained, like the rest of us. We drifted around for about four hours then the tide lulled. The fish did likewise. So we headed shoreward for sheepshead.
After locating a fresh spot of activity, I asked the trolling rods be brought in then mentioned sheepshead. The boys jumped up and down in excitement reminding me of Whack a Mole. They hadn't ever caught a sheepshead. Sheepshead can be tricky to catch.
I don't have a Spot Lock trolling motor but in 27 years of offshore fishing, I've become fairly accurate.
“We're not going to keep the females”, I said. The boys didn't pay attention to that announcement until the first big female was brought aboard. Excitement exploded until I said, “That's a girl sheepshead.” What does that mean? Was written all over the boys faces. “We're going to toss all her and all girls back.” But, but, but...that's the biggest one! “Do y'all want to catch sheepshead when y'all grow up? YES! We are releasing the girl
#BigFish #BigFun #BigBendCharters
#sheepshead @topfans Steinhatchee Marina at Deadman's Bay Steinhatchee Fishing Simply Steinhatchee
Tight Lines! Blue Skies! Too busy catching to photograph everything, but the smiles say it all! Pesky extinct gags interrupted Sheepshead, seabass, Florida snapper, red grouper, amberjack and the piscatorial delight, hogfish!
Don't forget to book for Gag season, Sept 1-15th. Amberjack season is Sept 1-Oct 31. Red Snapper should open June 1. (Subject to change by the gooberment...)
Steinhatchee Marina at Deadman's Bay Steinhatchee.com Steinhatchee Travel Guide Simply Steinhatchee Steinhatchee River Rentals Brian Gina Smith Steinhatchee Fishing
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2024!
Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Rick Hardee, Frank L. Fowler, Shawn Pugh, Douglas Parsons, George Howard, Russ Armstrong, Robert Stone, Buddy Holbrook, Mike Brantley
Drop a comment to welcome them to our community, @topfans
Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Frank L. Fowler, George Howard, Russ Armstrong, Robert Stone, Buddy Holbrook, Paul Greenwell, Mike Brantley
The recent Ladies' day event was a testament to the power of collaboration and determination of a group of ladies. We learned new skills, accomplished our fishing goals, and created lasting memories. Captain B highlights the infectious energy and teamwork that women bring to the sport, ensuring a positive and empowering experience!
Pam McKnight Mary Rebecca Julie Jansen Brian Gina Smith Cherokee Strickland @followers @topfans Steinhatchee Marina at Deadman's Bay
With Bruce's Weather Page – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
Capt Brian has been offshore fishing the Gulf for over 30 years, 24 years out of Steinhatchee. Never know what else might bite! Offering trips from 6-12 hours!
