In the Fall, fish such as spotted seatrout, redfish, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, and jack crevalle, can easily be caught in shallow beach, inshore, brackish river, or backcountry waters. On the Steinhatchee Reef (29° 39.90'N 83° 37.59'W) follow the jumping schools of baitfish as well as the seagulls to locate Spanish mackerel, bluefish, trout, and other aggressive fish. As the water temp
erature grows cold around October and November, the large spotted (gator) seatrout will flood the Steinhatchee River. To be present and to participate in this phenomenon can be the fishing experience of a lifetime. The Winter months (January, February, and March) brings even more awesome grouper fishing. Due to spawning activities, Grouper can be caught in close to the shore (approximately 8 to 10 miles out) and can even be caught on the flats. The Steinhatchee Reef also becomes the home for Sheepshead. Spring also offers some fantastic fishing offshore. Grouper, black seabass, and red and Florida snapper can be caught on the bottom in about 35-foot to 55 feet of water. Spring also brings a run on king mackerel. Every spring and fall the kingfish travel through Steinhatchee on their quest to stay in the perfect water temperature, approximately 72°. Summer (July, August, and September) fishing includes a few more fish such as cobia, will often seek shelter from the hot sun by hiding in the shade of your boat. Tarpon often chase baitfish on the flats. You can also expect to catch flounder, shark, and of course, trout and redfish. Summer is SCALLOPING TIME in Steinhatchee. In fact, Steinhatchee is one of the top places in the United States for catching bay scallops. The season is open from July 1st to September 10th. Scallops are very easy to catch! Scallops seem to prefer areas of bottom covered by the thin, round bladed type of sea grass more than the flat, broad-bladed turtle grass. Patches of brown algae are also favorite hiding places. Scalloping is easy, fun, and can be enjoyed by all ages.
