Captiva Fishing, SeaTrout, February 17!

Sanibel Fishing Charters, February 17, 2021: SeaTrout, Catch & Release!

Red Tide/Algae & Daily Salt Water Quality Update Here.
Blue-Green Algae & Daily Fresh Water Quality Update Here.
Captiva Fishing: Please Click For Rates & To Book A Captiva Fishing Charter Or Call 239-472-8658.
Seatrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
Seatrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, February 3, 2021.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Saturday, February 1, 2021.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Saturday, February 1, 2021.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Sunday, November 29, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Sunday, November 29, 2020.
Baby SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Sunday, October 4, 2020.
Baby SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Sunday, October 4, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, July 22, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, July 22, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, July 10, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, July 10, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, June 27, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, June 27, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Thursday, May 14, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Thursday, May 14, 2020.
Charlie, Big Sea Trout, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service, Monday, February 5, 2018, [File Photo: 3-3-14].
Troutzilla: Monster Sea Trout caught off oyster bar, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service. March 13, 2013.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Monday, July 1, 2019.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Tuesday, July 9, 2019.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Monday, February 11, 2019.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Monday, February 11, 2019.

Sanibel Island Fishing Charters, February 17, 2021

Please Click To Rent Homes Direct From Captiva Homeowners; No VRBO Booking Fees.
Vote Water! Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island.

Vote Water For Florida’s Future!

Captiva Fishing Guide Report: Stay Safe – February 17, 2021, SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Captain Joe’s Charters – no significant Red Tide presence, and a lot of good fish in the gulf, bay, and passes; Sharks, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Snook, and Seatrout are currently present.

Redfish & snook are regulated as catch & release at this time.

Already seeing some positive impact.  Some very nice big redfish and big snook around. Trout are also coming back.

The Caloosahatchee freshwater releases are also not an issue right now, but still a huge long-term problem.

Extremely frustrating.  We need wholesale changes in the Florida state government.  It is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is a Big Sugar control everyone issue.  It is stunning how we continue to let the sugar industry and the agriculture north of Lake Okeechobee to damage the water and all of Florida.

Please click here to Book A Charter or call 239-472-8658.

We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.

Sea Trout & Redfish, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, December 28, 2018.
Sea Trout & Redfish, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Friday, December 28, 2018.

SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, August 15, 2019.

Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Sanibel Island Fishing Charters: SeaTrout, October 15, Catch & Release.  Please also visit the SanibelFort MyersFlorida Fishing Report and Cuban Fishing sites.

Seatrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Thursday, May 16, 2019.
Seatrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Thursday, May 16, 2019.

Sea Trout caught in Redfish Pass, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.  Redfish are back and looking good; for more information just use the search box and search on any species for recent fishing reports, background on any species, and other recent fishing, water quality reports, and information.

SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Tuesday, December 31, 2019.

Online on-demand workshop available. Provide input on this fishery. Workshop information. Comment online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Thursday, August 15, 2019.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Thursday, August 15, 2019.

Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Sanibel Island Fishing Charters: SeaTrout, Grass Beds, Catch & Release.  Please also visit the SanibelFort MyersFlorida Fishing Report and Cuban Fishing sites.  Better water moving north of Sanibel up through Captiva & North Captiva.

SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Saturday, February 24, 2018.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Saturday, February 24, 2018.

Please also visit the SanibelFort MyersFlorida Fishing Report and Cuban Fishing sites.  Better water moving north of Sanibel up through Captiva & North Captiva.

Please click here to Book A Charter or call 239-472-8658 and here for Live Sanibel Traffic Cams.

SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Sunday, February 11, 2018.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Sunday, February 11, 2018.

FWC Commission Spotted Seatrout Update, February 22, 2019

At its February meeting in Gainesville, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced a proactive change to conserve spotted seatrout impacted by the prolonged red tide in southwest Florida while continuing to offer quality fishing opportunities.

Currently, anglers may harvest a single spotted seatrout per day that is larger than 20 inches. Starting Friday, Feb. 22, recreational anglers will no longer be allowed to harvest any spotted seatrout over 20 inches total length when fishing in state or federal waters from the Pasco-Hernando county line south to Gordon Pass in Collier County. This rule change will remain in effect through May 10, 2019. Red drum and snook are currently catch-and-release only in this region through May 10 as well.

While these species need additional time to recover, the red tide that was impacting southwest Florida has subsided.

Silver SeaTrout: Cynoscion nothus

“Appearance:

Also known as white trout.

  • Grayish back, silvery sides and white belly
  • Faint rows of spots may be present on upper sides
  • All fins are pale yellow, except for the darker, dusky dorsal fin
  • Pair of large canine teeth at tip of upper jaw
  • Eyes large and snout short
  • 8 to 9 soft anal fin rays
  • Bottom half of tail more elongated than upper half

Similar Species: Sand seatrout, C. arenarius (more yellow color and larger size)

Size: Usually less than 10 inches (1 pound). Smallest seatrout species; usually no more than 1/2 pound (less than 10 inches).

SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Tuesday, June 11, 2019.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

Habitat:

Most common over sand or sandy mud bottoms offshore along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida. Migrate into bays during cold months.

SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Friday, March 23, 2018.
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Friday, March 23, 2018.

Behavior:

Spawn offshore in deep water during spring, summer and fall. Feed on small fish and shrimp.

Additional Information

State Record: This species is not currently eligible for a state record. ”

Recreational Regulations  

Please see FWC for more information on Silver SeaTrout.


SeaTrout, Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, March 8, 2018.
SeaTrout, Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Spotted SeaTrout

Cynoscion nebulosus, the spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, is a common estuarine fish found in the southern United States along coasts of Gulf of Mexico and the coastal Atlantic Ocean from Maryland to Florida. These fish are also found in estuarine locations around Cape Breton Island of Nova Scotia, Canada.

SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Friday, February 16, 2018.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Friday, February 16, 2018.

While most of these fish are caught on shallow, grassy flats, spotted seatrout reside in virtually any inshore waters, from the surf of outside islands to far up coastal rivers, where they often come for shelter during cold weather. Contrary to its name, the spotted seatrout is not a member of the trout family (Salmonidae), but of the drum family (Sciaenidae). It is popular for commercial and especially recreational fishing in coastal waters of the southeastern United States. Adults reach 19-32 inches in length and 3-15 pounds in weight.

Big Sea Trout, Captiva Grass Flats, June 13, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.
Big Sea Trout, Captiva Grass Flats, June 13, Sanibel & Captiva Islands & Fort Myers Charters & Fishing Guide Service.

Spotted seatrout live in the top of the water column and are most numerous along the coasts of the southeastern states, such as Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. They are also common along the coasts of North and South Carolina and Virginia. Estuarine coasts are prime settlement areas. They are uncommonly seen north of Delaware Bay and along the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Seatrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, June 26, 2018.
Seatrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, June 26, 2018.

Spotted seatrout is the common name endorsed by the American Fisheries Society. However, this fish has many other common names, including speckled trout, speck, speckles, spec, truite gris (Louisiana French), trucha de mar (Mexican Spanish), spotted weakfish, spotted seateague, southern seateague, salmon, salmon trout, simon trout, winter trout, seatrout, Nosferatu fish, and black trout. Particularly large ones are nicknamed gator trout.[1]

SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, April 5, 2018.
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Thursday, April 5, 2018.

The spotted seatrout has prominent canine teeth. Like other fish of the family Sciaenidae, it has an elongated, soft dorsal fin with scales; it is separated from the spinous dorsal fin by a deep notch. It usually has two anal spines and the lateral line extends to the tip of the caudal fin. The back has distinct spots scattered on it, including on the dorsal and caudal fins.

SeaTrout, Cayp Costa, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, April 1, 2018.
SeaTrout, Cayo Costa, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, April 1, 2018.

Unlike some other members of the family Sciaenidae, the spotted seatrout does not have any chin barbels. In stained water, this fish’s background may take on a golden hue. Its shape and coloration is reminiscent of a brown trout. This fish is closely related to the weakfishCynoscion regalis.

SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Monday, January 7, 2019.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Monday, January 7, 2019.

The average size of spotted seatrout is 0.5-1.0 kg (1-2 lb), but in most areas fish up to 2.5 kg (5 lb) are fairly common. Fish weighing 3.5-4.5 kg (8-10 lb) are rare. The world record is 7.9 kg (17 lb 7 oz).

SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, February 20, 2018.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, February 20, 2018.

Small trout eat large amounts of shrimp and other crustaceans. As they grow larger, their diets shift toward fish, the larger, the better. Studies in Texas and Mississippi show that really big trout strongly prefer to feed on mullet; a large trout will find the largest mullet it can handle and try to swallow it. Often the mullet is half or two-thirds as large as the trout.[2]”  Please see more information here.

More SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Monday, February 26, 2018.
More SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Monday, February 26, 2018.

“Online on-demand workshop available. Provide input on this fishery. Workshop information. Comment online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

Spotted Seatrout

Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles

Spotted Seatrout: Cynoscion nebulosus

Florida Regulations:

Regulations Northeast zone Northwest zone Southeast and Southwest zones
Minimum Size Limit More than 15 inches and less than 20 inches total length (may possess one over 20 inches included in bag limit)
Daily Bag Limit 6 per harvester per day 5 per harvester per day 4 per harvester per day
Season Open year-round

Gear Requirements: Allowable Gear: Hook and line; cast net

Two SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Wednesday, February 28, 2018.
Two SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Wednesday, February 28, 2018.

Spotted Seatrout Management Zones:

 SpottedSeatroutZoneMap.jpg

  • Northwest: Escambia County through Fred Howard Park Causeway near Pasco County.
  • Southwest: Fred Howard Park Causeway through Monroe County line at Card Sound.
  • Southeast: Miami-Dade County at Card South through Volusia County.
  • Northeast: Flagler through Nassau counties.

State Waters Harvest Seasons

SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, February 25, 2018.
SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Sunday, February 25, 2018.

Habitat and Fishing Tips:

Seatrout are found inshore and nearshore in and around seagrass meadows, mangrove-fringed shorelines, deep holes and channels and above oyster bars. Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish or pigfish (grunts) near the bottom to entice trout out of grass-bed holes. Attaching a float will allow these baits to drift over the grass beds as you search for trout. Casting with soft-bodied jigs, top-water poppers and spoons can be effective.

SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, April 10, 2019.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, April 10, 2019.

Trout are very delicate, so returning unwanted or illegal fish promptly to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population. Spotted seatrout are a good eating fish.

SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, January 22 2020.
SeaTrout, Sanibel Island Fishing, Catch & Release, Captiva Island, Wednesday, January 22, 2020.

State Record: 17 lb 7 oz, caught near Ft. Pierce

Florida Rules

Spotted Seatrout Management in Florida

Spotted seatrout is managed for both commercial and recreational fishing in Florida.  Management in Florida began for spotted seatrout in the late 1980s when the fishery was declining. At the Nov. 2011 Commission meeting, the FWC made several changes to how spotted seatrout are managed, including splitting the South management zones in two and going from a total of three management zones (Northeast, Northwest and South) to four management zones (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest.)

Big SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Thursday, February 9, 2018.
Big SeaTrout, Grass Beds & Oyster Bars, Catch & Release, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Sanibel Island, Thursday, February 9, 2018.

The management goal for spotted seatrout in Florida is a 35% spawning potential ratio (SPR). Stock assessments were conducted in 2003 and 2006 that showed the spotted seatrout population as relatively stable. The 2010 stock assessment includes data through 2009 and it showed that the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest zones are exceeding the 35% SPR management goal. The Northwest area is hovering right at 35%.

Sea Trout, Grass Beds, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Friday, July 2, 2016.
Sea Trout, Grass Beds, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Friday, July 2, 2016.

At the Nov. 2011 Commission meeting, the following rules were approved, becoming effective February 1, 2012:

Recreational

  • Removal of season closures
  • Northeast bag limit increased to 6 fish
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, April 10, 2018.
SeaTrout, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

Commercial

  • Southeast and Southwest region defined
  • Increase in seasons
    • Southeast: May 1- Sept 30
    • Northeast: June 1- November 30
    • Southwest and Northwest: June 1- October 31
  • A commercial vessel limit of 150 with two or more licensed fishermen are aboard
  • Sale of seatrout inventory will be allowed for 30 days after the season closes”

Source & more information @ FWC.

Sea Trout & Jack Crevalle, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Friday, June 17, 2016.
Sea Trout & Jack Crevalle, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Friday, June 17, 2016.

Please click here to Book A Charter or call 239-472-8658 and here for Live Sanibel Traffic Cams; Captiva Island Fishing Charters, SeaTrout, Grass Flats & Oyster Bars.

We’re located in Castaways Marina, Santiva, Sanibel Island, just before the Blind Pass bridge to Captiva Island.

Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Tuesday, 6-30-15, Sea Trout 2, Grass Flats ~ #Sanibel #Captiva
Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Tuesday, 6-30-15, Sea Trout 2, Grass Flats ~ #Sanibel #Captiva

After a fierce storm, Turner Beach, the beach adjoining the Pass, is frequently covered with a bounty of shells from Olives to Fighting Whelks to the more common Conchs. The fishing is also renowned with sharks in the summer, tailing redfish on the bayside flats and snook under and off the Blind Pass bridge. Because Turner Beach faces Westward, the sunsets are spectacular and a popular viewing point for residents and visitors alike.

SeaTrout, North Captiva, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, March 27, 2018.
SeaTrout, North Captiva, Catch & Release, Sanibel Island Fishing Charters & Captiva Island Fishing Charters, Sanibel Island, Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

And you can like us on Facebook.

Fair winds and following seas,

Captain Joey Burnsed ~ please click calendar at the upper right or call 239-472-8658 to book a Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Boca Grande or Fort Myers fishing guide trip or shelling charter.

Sea Trout, Grass Beds, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Wednesday, March 9, 2016 ~ #Sanibel #Captiva.
Sea Trout, Grass Beds, Sanibel Fishing & Captiva Fishing, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, ~ #Sanibel #Captiva.