Fishing and scalloping in Steinhatchee, Florida
Steinhatchee, Florida has always been a fisherman's paradise. The mouth of the Steinhatchee
River, called Deadman's Bay since the 1830's, was the home to thousands of Native Americans.
Early explorers wrote of large mounds of oyster and muscle shells along the banks of the
Steinhatchee River. Early settlers told friends and relatives in far off places about the
plentiful supply of fish and wild game found in the Steinhatchee area.
The Steinhatchee River is one of several rivers that empty into Apalachee Bay of the Gulf of
Mexico along Florida's Big Bend. For thousands of years the Suwannee, Wa-cissa, Econfina,
Steinhatchee, Fenholloway and St. Marks rivers have deposited soils rich in minerals and
foodstuffs into Apalachee Bay. These deposits have formed one of the richest and most
productive eco-systems in the world. The slope of the Gulf bottom is very gradual making
the water shallow for vast distances. The mean tidal range of approximately three feet
means there is always shallow water for great fishing. The fertile grass flats support
a variety of species of fish, including shellfish, making this part of Florida an
incredibly exciting fishing ground.
Most anglers choose saltwater species but area rivers and countless creeks provide an
abundant supply of freshwater fishing. Offshore fishing for grouper and Sheepshead is
popular along Taylor County's 60-mile coastline. In addition to rock-based natural reefs
in waters from 25 to 65 feet deep, there are three artificial reefs 10 miles offshore
from Steinhatchee. Regardless of the season, fishing can be great fun in Taylor County.
Here is what you can expect.
SPRING (April, May, and June) offers some fantastic fishing in the Steinhatchee area.
As the water warms on the grass flats of Deadman's Bay, 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. Anyone with a small
boat can reach prime fish country easily and safely from the Steinhatchee River. Such
live baits as shrimp and pinfish will readily seduce these fish as will a wide array of
artificials including topwater plugs, crankbaits, spoons, spinnerbaits, jigs, and a
variety of soft plastic grubs. 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. Hire a guide for your first trip out and you
will begin to understand and appreciate the delights and rewards the flats have to offer.
Locate the latest 'hot' spots and purchase the latest 'hot' baits by inquiring at any of
the many local marinas.
Spring also offers some fantastic fishing offshore. Grouper, Black Seabass, and Red Snapper
can be caught on the bottom in about 35-foot to 55 foot 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° F. Trolling rigged baits
or large flashy lures will often bring a sizable hit. Some of the rigged baits include a
tinsel duster on a blueback or ballyhoo or you can try trolling a chrome-colored Stretch 25+ lure.
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, and Shark.
Summer is SCALLOPING TIME in Steinhatchee. In fact, Steinhatchee is 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! The only equipment you need is a mask, snorkel, fins, and a
mesh bag to hold the scallops. Other equipment that can be of help is a dip net, a five-gallon
bucket and lots of sunscreen. 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. Once a few scallops are seen lying on top of the sea
grasses, drop the anchor, put up a dive flag and start collecting. It's easy, fun, and can be
enjoyed by all ages.
FALL (October, November, and December) brings another awesome run of fish. Expect the Spotted
Seatrout, Redfish, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel to congregate on the flats. Offshore Grouper
again will pickup along with Black Seabass, Red Snapper and another Kingfish run. As the water
temperature 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. Steinhatchee is also a great place to learn salt-water fly fishing
techniques from local guides with years of experience.
WINTER (January, February, and March) brings even more awesome Grouper fishing. Our coastline is
loaded with ledges located approximately 25 miles out from the Steinhatchee River mouth. Some
favorite hot spots are the Super Ledge (29° 22.817'N 83° 45.675'W) and the Crack
(29° 23.819'N 83° 42.722'W). Many other fantastic grouper 'bottoms' can be found by trolling
in the same general area and reading your bottom machine. Optimally, trolling four Mann's Stretch
30+ lures covers the most area and tends to land the largest of groupers. 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 becomes the home for Sheepshead, a tasty little fighter
that can measure up to ten pounds.
Editor's Note: This information was provided to us by our great friends at the Sea Hag Marina
in Steinhatchee!