Late summer/early fall is by far my favorite time of the year to fish. The weather is starting to become more bearable, the fish are fatter, and bait is absolutely everywhere. During this transition in weather, there are a few key changes worth noting to help you land more fish. With the incredibly...

September and October can hold some of the best fishing you will find. With scallop season ending on September 25th, now is the time to get them before it is too late. However, with scallop season ending, it generally means fishing on the grass flats will return to normal and start to pick up. Trout...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the holidays. Family, friends and the fish are in close. This is prime shallow-water grouper time, and the lengthy offshore boat rides are not necessary to put keepers in the cooler. The upcoming cold fronts will have the fish on the move, and the...

During this transition in seasons, the one thing I key in on more than anything else is what the bait is doing. Right now, along the Panhandle, bait is all over the place. We’re finding pilchards, small threadfins, anchovies, glass minnows, finger mullet, and of course, pinfish all over the flats...

It all depends on the lady’s mood. If Mother Nature cooperates, as she usually does this time of year, light-tackle prospects are excellent along the Forgotten Coast in November and December. Most of the action will focus on our bread-and-butter game fish, speckled trout and redfish. Providing...

Summer's here and the time is right for chasing scales along the Big Bend and Forgotten Coast. The only dilemma facing anglers is deciding which species to target, since the next few months showcase the realm of possibilities. Take sea trout, for starters. With our expansive grass flats and relatively...

This is truly the finest time of year for any Floridian who has spent time outdoors. The sun is starting to shine warmly on our faces as we watch the bays and passes come alive with activity. The turkeys are gobbling down in the swamps and the gulls are calling as they are nimbly diving on schools of...

It’s an epidemic as spring fever hits the Big Bend/Forgotten Coast the next couple of months. Now that Old Man Winter has finally loosened his icy grip, anglers are taking to the water in droves, even if that means skipping school or calling in sick to work. Fishing is just that good. For starters...

Well, for March and April, I only have to write half of a forecast-because, since February 1st every fish I target is closed by the National Marine Fisheries Service until April 1st. So, March's plan is to talk to all of you about getting active in protecting our right to simply go fishing and bring...

Getting' Busted and Doubling Up The times are changing. Yes, I am referring to the time within the seasonal cycle with which you are currently reading this, however I am also referring to other cycles, which are in constant revolution around us. Cycles that may not be as obvious as the weather...

The new year marks the most challenging season for anglers taking to the water along the Forgotten Coast. Regular cold fronts, windy conditions and chilly water temperatures often give the fish lockjaw. But they have to eat sometime and when they do, the action can be fast and furious for short bursts...

Nov/Dec '09 4cast Capt. Si Nelson The holiday season is upon us and nothing is more appreciated by the true angler than days off of work and on the water. The cold weather in November and December can make for some raunchy conditions, but that's no excuse to shirk on your participation...

Fishing Forecast Nov/Dec 2009 Capt. Dave Lear Big Bend/Forgotten Coast These next two months are some of my favorite times to be on the water. With less pressure and cooperative fish, the odds of success greatly increase. But the weather plays a big factor. If the temperatures stay mild, look for...