NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING FORECASTS

 

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING FORECASTS

 

North Central Florida is a coastal paradise cradled by the gentle waves of the Gulf Coast, offering saltwater fishing enthusiasts a pristine escape. Spanning from Hamilton to Sumter counties and including charming coastal towns like Cedar Key, this region is a treasure trove of saltwater fishing opportunities. Whether you're casting a line from the piers of Cedar Key, exploring the expansive estuaries, or heading offshore for a deep-sea adventure, North Central Florida promises a memorable and bountiful saltwater angling experience.

 

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING FORECASTS

Please keep in mind the migratory patterns of fish along with near shore and offshore currents. Search nearby locations for a full picture on forecasts for the area you're looking to fish.

 

JANUARY NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Grouper

Speckled Sea Trout

Black Snapper

Mingo Snapper

Red Snapper

White Snapper

Trigger Fish

Good

Sheepshead

Flounder

Red Drum (Redfish)

Black Drum

 

FEBRUARY NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Grouper

Speckled Sea Trout

Black Snapper

Mingo Snapper

Red Snapper

White Snapper

Trigger Fish

Good

Sheepshead

Pompano

Flounder

Red Drum (Redfish)

Black Drum

 

MARCH NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Grouper

Scamp Grouper

Spanish Mackeral

Speckled Sea Trout

Pompano

Black Snapper

Mingo Snapper

Red Snapper

White Snapper

Trigger Fish

Bonito

Good

Sheepshead

Wahoo

Red Drum (Redfish)

Black Drum

Cobia

Blue Fish

 

APRIL NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Grouper

Bonito

Cobia

Black Drum

Red Drum (Redfish)

Scamp Grouper

Spanish Mackeral

Speckled Sea Trout

Pompano

Black Snapper

Mingo Snapper

Red Snapper

White Snapper

Trigger Fish

Sheepshead

Good

Wahoo

Red Drum (Redfish)

Black Drum

Bonito

King Mackerel

Amberjack

Bluefish

 

MAY NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Coming Soon!

Good

Coming Soon!

 

JUNE NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

June is an exciting month for saltwater fishing in North Central Florida, with prime conditions in both Crystal River and Cedar Key. These areas offer diverse fishing opportunities, targeting a variety of species from inshore to offshore waters.

Top Species and Locations:

Crystal River:

Tarpon: June is prime tarpon season, especially around the flats and river mouths. Anglers should use heavy spinning gear and fly rods with appropriate lures like the Tarpon Toad for fly-fishing or D.O.A.'s Bait Buster for spin casting.

Cobia: Found near the reefs and limestone outcroppings, cobia can be targeted using chum lines and free-lining live baits like pinfish. Heavy tackle is recommended to handle their strength.

King Mackerel: Mid-depth offshore waters are hotspots for king mackerel. Techniques include trolling with lipped plugs and light chumming while drifting dead baits.

Grouper: Red grouper are abundant around the offshore limestone bottoms. Best caught using bottom fishing techniques with heavy tackle in 50-60 feet of water.

 

Cedar Key:

Redfish and Trout: Inshore fishing for redfish and trout is excellent in Cedar Key’s grass flats and oyster bars. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times, using live bait or artificial lures.

Black Drum: Often found around structures and deeper channels, black drum can be caught using shrimp or cut bait.

Flounder: Target flounder near the sandy bottoms and shallow flats using jigs tipped with shrimp or minnows.

 

Fishing Tips:

Timing and Tides: Plan your trips around high tides and early morning or late evening for the best action. Check local tide charts for precise timings.

Gear and Bait: Use appropriate gear for the target species, such as heavy-duty rods for tarpon and grouper, and medium-light setups for inshore species like redfish and trout. Live bait, such as shrimp and pinfish, is highly effective, but artificial lures can also be very productive.

North Central Florida’s saltwater fishing in June offers a vibrant and rewarding experience for both novice and experienced anglers. Crystal River and Cedar Key provide a variety of fishing environments, from shallow flats to deep offshore waters, ensuring an exciting adventure no matter where you cast your line.

For more detailed information, including specific gear recommendations and seasonal tips, you can visit sources like Sport Fishing Magazine and local fishing reports from Cedar Key and Crystal River.

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JULY NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

July is an exciting month for saltwater fishing in North Central Florida, offering a variety of target species and excellent fishing locations. The warm summer waters bring a bounty of fish closer to shore and into the estuaries, providing both inshore and offshore anglers with plenty of action.

 

Target Species Listing

Inshore: Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Snook, Tarpon

Nearshore: Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel

Offshore: Grouper, Snapper (including Red Snapper), Mahi-Mahi, Cobia

 

Best Locations

Steinhatchee: Known for its excellent inshore fishing, Steinhatchee is a hotspot for Redfish and Spotted Seatrout. This area is also popular for scalloping during July, providing a fun and rewarding experience for families.

Cedar Key: The tidal flats and salt marshes around Cedar Key are perfect for targeting Redfish and Trout. Offshore fishing near Cedar Key can yield Grouper and Snapper.

Suwannee River: The mouth of the Suwannee River offers prime fishing grounds for Redfish and Trout. The estuary system here is rich with marine life, making it an angler’s paradise.

Crystal River: Another excellent spot for both inshore and offshore fishing. Inshore, you can target Redfish and Snook, while offshore adventures can bring in Grouper and Snapper.

Inshore Fishing

The inshore waters around North Central Florida are teeming with Redfish and Spotted Seatrout in July. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to fish these species, as the cooler parts of the day make them more active. Look for them around mangroves, oyster bars, and grass flats. Snook can also be found in the troughs along the beaches, providing thrilling fights for anglers.

Nearshore Fishing

For those looking to venture a bit further from shore, Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel are prevalent nearshore targets. These fast and aggressive fish can be found around structures such as reefs and wrecks. Trolling with spoons or live bait can be very effective.

Offshore Fishing

Offshore fishing is highly productive in July, with Grouper and Snapper being the primary targets. Red Snapper season is typically open, providing a great opportunity to catch these prized fish. Additionally, Mahi-Mahi and Cobia can be found in the deeper waters, offering a variety of options for offshore anglers.

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AUGUST NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

North Central Florida offers a rich and diverse saltwater fishing experience, particularly during the month of August. This region, which includes the charming coastal towns of Cedar Key and Steinhatchee, is known for its productive inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers can expect to encounter a variety of species, making it an excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts.

Cedar Key

Redfish

In Cedar Key, August is prime time for targeting Redfish. These fish are commonly found in the shallow waters around the islands and marshes. Look for schools of Redfish near oyster bars and grass flats during high tides.

Speckled Trout

Speckled Trout are also abundant in Cedar Key. Anglers can find them around seagrass beds and sandy potholes. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish for Trout, using live shrimp or soft plastic lures.

Spanish Mackerel

The waters off Cedar Key are teeming with Spanish Mackerel in August. These fast and aggressive fish are often found near the deeper channels and around the edge of the grass flats. Trolling with shiny spoons or small live bait can yield excellent results.

Steinhatchee

Flounder

Steinhatchee is a hotspot for Flounder during August. These bottom-dwellers can be caught around sandy and muddy bottoms, especially near the mouths of creeks and rivers. Using a combination of live bait and jigs works well for Flounder fishing.

Black Drum

Black Drum are frequently caught in Steinhatchee's inshore waters. These fish are often found around docks, bridges, and other structures. Fresh dead shrimp and cut bait are effective for catching Black Drum.

Tarpon

August is an excellent month for targeting Tarpon in Steinhatchee. These powerful game fish are usually found in deeper channels and around large bait schools. Live mullet or pinfish are ideal for attracting Tarpon.

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SEPTEMBER NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

September in North Central Florida brings an abundance of saltwater fishing opportunities for sports fishing enthusiasts. With hotspots like Crystal River, Steinhatchee, and Cedar Key, this region offers diverse and vibrant fishing experiences, including catching species such as Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Snook, and Flounder. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times to fish, taking advantage of cooler waters and heightened fish activity. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer, this is the perfect time to plan your fishing adventure and explore these rich waters. Check out our specific pursuit pages for detailed guides and regional insights on accommodations, side excursions, and charters to ensure an unforgettable fishing experience!

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OCTOBER NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Coming Soon!

Good

Coming Soon!

 

NOVEMBER NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Coming Soon!

Good

Coming Soon!

 

DECEMBER NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST

Excellent

Coming Soon!

Good

Coming Soon!

 

 

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS

Florida's freshwater fisheries comprise more than 8,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and approximately 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals—with no closed seasons. The recreational fishery resources alone in these waters provide entertainment for more than 1.2 million anglers annually.