Kingfish: Known for its ferocious appetite, kingfish is a popular catch in Steinhatchee. It is most abundant during the summer months and can be found in deep waters around 30 feet.
Tarpon: Also known as the silver king, tarpon is a highly prized inshore species that can be found in Steinhatchee. These fish can grow to be quite large, making them a formidable opponent for even the most skilled anglers.
Redfish: A productive catch throughout the year, redfish can be caught using a variety of techniques such as light tackle casting and flat trolling.
Snook: Florida has five different species of freshwater snook: common snook, tarpon snook, sword spine snook, and large-scaled fat snook. The most abundant and well-known of the five is the common snook. While they used to be most prevalent in the hottest part of the summer, snook can now be found almost anywhere, at any time. They are a favorite of anglers because they are a bit of a challenge, as they’re known for their hard runs and inshore fighting. Plus, they taste delicious.
Sea Trout: Sea trout can be found anywhere near grass flats, mudflats, and oyster bars, as well as in creek mouths, under mangroves, under docks, and in turning basins. If you find a school of sea trout, it’s not hard for even a beginner to catch one every few minutes.
Gag Grouper: Gag grouper are the most widely distributed of all the species of Florida groupers. They are large bottom fish that can be found around reef ledges, caves, and cracks. Adult gags can be found in the shallows. They can be caught on any fresh cut bait.
Snapper: A popular nearshore fish, snapper is seasonal and may not be available year-round. When in season, it can be caught using dead baits such as mullet heads or half mullets.
Spotted Sea Trout: Known for its delicious meat and fight, spotted sea trout is a popular catch in Steinhatchee, especially in the flats.
Grouper: Grouper is a popular target for anglers fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, and it is also found in Steinhatchee. They are usually found in deep waters and in structures like rocks, shipwrecks, and ledges.
Speckled Trout: Spotted or speckled trout can be caught by anglers of any level. Trout fishing is plentiful in Florida, and they are easy to catch as they are willing to strike artificial lures. You can also use jumbo live shrimp or a live mullet to catch larger speckled trout or gator trout.
Flounder: Flounder are abundant in Florida, and are a favorite of anglers. Florida has two species of flounder: Gulf flounder, which is smaller, and Southern flounder, which is bigger. You can find them in brackish and saltwater environments in inlets, around docks, near tidal creek and river mouths, and in sandy potholes in grass flats. You can also find them around nearshore structures like wrecks, reefs, and piers.
Cobia: You can find cobia in Florida from October or November until March or April. They are warm water fish that migrate year-round from the Northern Gulf to the Southern Gulf and back. They are found in nearshore and inshore waters with bays and inlets, around buoys, pilings, and wrecks. Live crabs and small fish are the best bait. They are fairly easy to catch for beginner and expert anglers, and they are delicious and healthy.
