Crystal waters, endless horizons, and a bounty of marine life await anglers along Florida’s Big Bend. Stretching from the Panhandle to the Nature Coast, this region offers a diverse ecosystem teeming with prized game fish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the sport, there’s something here for everyone. Join us as we delve into the tactics, best times, and prime locations for targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters.
1. Redfish
Best Time to Target: Fall
The fall months bring a flurry of activity among redfish in the Big Bend area. As water temperatures begin to cool, these hard-fighting fish become more active and gather in schools along flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars. October through December is prime time for targeting redfish.
Baits and Tactics:
For live bait enthusiasts, nothing beats a lively shrimp or finger mullet rigged on a circle hook under a popping cork. Artificial lures such as gold spoons, soft plastic paddle tails, and topwater plugs also produce excellent results. Target shallow flats during high tide and deeper channels during low tide for optimal success.
Best Places to Catch:
Notable spots for redfish include the grass flats around Homosassa, the oyster bars near Steinhatchee, and the mangrove shorelines of Cedar Key.
2. Spotted Sea Trout
Best Time to Target: Spring
Spring signals the start of the spotted sea trout’s feeding frenzy along the Big Bend coast. From March to May, these voracious predators can be found prowling shallow grass flats and sandy bottoms in search of baitfish and shrimp.
Baits and Tactics:
Live shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards are irresistible to hungry sea trout. When using artificial lures, opt for soft plastic jerkbaits, suspending twitch baits, and popping corks rigged with shrimp imitations. Cast around oyster bars, tidal creeks, and grassy potholes for the best results.
Best Places to Catch:
Prime locations for targeting spotted sea trout include the flats around Suwannee, the grassy areas near Horseshoe Beach, and the tidal creeks of Steinhatchee.
3. Snook
Best Time to Target: Summer
Summer brings warmer waters and ample opportunities to hook into snook along the Big Bend coastline. From June to August, these elusive game fish can be found lurking around structure such as mangroves, docks, and rocky outcrops.
Baits and Tactics:
Live bait enthusiasts can’t go wrong with live pinfish, mullet, or finger mullet presented near snags and structure. Artificial lures such as bucktail jigs, swimbaits, and suspending plugs are also effective, especially during low light conditions or at night. Focus your efforts around mangrove shorelines, bridges, and dock pilings for the best chance of success.
Best Places to Catch:
Key spots for targeting snook include the mangrove-lined creeks of Crystal River, the bridges spanning the Withlacoochee River, and the docks around Yankeetown.
4. Flounder
Best Time to Target: Spring/Fall
Flounder are a year-round resident of the Big Bend waters, but spring and fall offer the best opportunities to target these tasty flatfish. From March to May and September to November, flounder can be found ambushing baitfish and shrimp along sandy bottoms and channel edges.
Baits and Tactics:
Live mud minnows, finger mullet, and shrimp are top choices for enticing flounder. Anglers can also have success using jig heads tipped with soft plastic baits bounced along the bottom. Look for flounder near sandy drop-offs, channel edges, and around structure such as docks and bridges.
Best Places to Catch:
Prime flounder grounds include the channels near Cedar Key, the sandy bottoms of Waccasassa Bay, and the mouths of tidal creeks around Horseshoe Beach.
5. Tarpon
Best Time to Target: Summer
Summer heralds the arrival of the silver king along the Big Bend coast. From May to September, tarpon migrate through these waters in search of baitfish and crabs. These powerful fish can be found cruising along beaches, inlets, and nearshore reefs.
Baits and Tactics:
Live mullet, crabs, and threadfin herring are top choices for targeting tarpon. When using artificial lures, large swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and topwater plugs can elicit explosive strikes. Look for rolling tarpon in shallow coastal waters, along channel edges, and near structure such as bridges and jetties.
Best Places to Catch:
Notable tarpon hotspots include the beaches of Homosassa, the channels near Yankeetown, and the rocky outcrops of Crystal River.
6. Sheepshead
Best Time to Target: Winter
Winter is prime time for targeting sheepshead along the Big Bend coast. From December to February, these delicious panfish gather around docks, bridges, and rocky structures to feed on crustaceans and mollusks.
Baits and Tactics:
Live fiddler crabs, shrimp, and sand fleas are irresistible to sheepshead. Anglers can also have success using small jigs tipped with shrimp or pieces of crab. Look for sheepshead around pilings, docks, and rock piles, and be prepared for subtle bites requiring quick reflexes.
Best Places to Catch:
Key locations for targeting sheepshead include the docks of Cedar Key, the bridges spanning the Suwannee River, and the rocky outcrops near Steinhatchee.
7. Grouper
Best Time to Target: Summer/Fall
Summer and fall offer prime opportunities to hook into grouper along the Big Bend coastline. From June to October, these voracious predators can be found lurking around offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges.
Baits and Tactics:
Live bait such as pinfish, grunts, and mullet are irresistible to hungry grouper. Bottom fishing with heavy tackle and stout hooks is the preferred method for targeting these bruisers. Drop your bait down to the bottom near structure and be prepared for a powerful strike.
Best Places to Catch:
Notable grouper grounds include the wrecks and reefs offshore of Homosassa, the ledges near Seahorse Reef, and the artificial reefs off Cedar Key.
8. Red Snapper
Best Time to Target: Summer
Summer is synonymous with red snapper season along the Big Bend coast. From June to August, these prized table fare can be found congregating around offshore reefs, wrecks, and artificial structures.
Baits and Tactics:
Live bait such as pilchards, pinfish, and cigar minnows are top choices for targeting red snapper. Dropping a baited rig to the bottom near structure and allowing it to drift naturally in the current is a proven tactic. Be prepared for aggressive strikes and powerful runs from these hard-fighting fish.
Best Places to Catch:
Prime red snapper spots include the reefs and wrecks offshore of Steinhatchee, the artificial structures near Cedar Key, and the ledges of Seahorse Reef.
9. Cobia
Best Time to Target: Spring/Fall
Spring and fall offer prime opportunities to target cobia along the Big Bend coast. From March to May and September to November, these migratory fish can be found cruising along the coastlines, around buoys, and near offshore structures.
Baits and Tactics:
Live bait such as eels, pinfish, and threadfin herring are irresistible to cobia. When using artificial lures, large swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and topwater plugs can elicit strikes. Look for cobia around channel markers, buoys, and nearshore reefs, and be prepared for powerful runs and acrobatic leaps.
Best Places to Catch:
Key cobia grounds include the buoys off Crystal River, the nearshore reefs near Yankeetown, and the artificial structures off Horseshoe Beach.
10. Triple Tail
Best Time to Target: Spring/Summer
Spring and summer offer prime opportunities to target triple tail along the Big Bend coast. From March to August, these elusive fish can be found floating near surface debris, buoys, and channel markers.
Baits and Tactics:
Live shrimp, pilchards, and small baitfish are top choices for enticing triple tail. Anglers can also have success using artificial lures such as bucktail jigs, swimbaits, and small plugs. Look for triple tail around floating debris, buoys, and channel markers, and be prepared for subtle takes requiring finesse.
Best Places to Catch:
Notable triple tail spots include the buoys off Cedar Key, the markers near Steinhatchee, and the floating debris around Horseshoe Beach.
11. Mackerel
Best Time to Target: Spring/Fall
Spring and fall offer prime opportunities to target mackerel along the Big Bend coast. From March to May and September to November, these speedsters can be found blitzing baitfish along beaches, inlets, and nearshore reefs.
Baits and Tactics:
Trolling with shiny spoons, plugs, and feather jigs is a proven tactic for targeting mackerel. Anglers can also have success casting flashy lures such as Gotcha plugs and small bucktail jigs into feeding frenzies. Look for diving birds, breaking water, and surface activity to locate schools of mackerel.
Best Places to Catch:
Key mackerel grounds include the beaches of Homosassa, the passes near Yankeetown, and the reefs offshore of Cedar Key.
Remember to always check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website to verify bag limits, size limits, and closed seasons. Tight lines and happy fishing!