Trout in Steinhatchee Part 2: Fishing Adventures Florida Season 3 Episode 10

Trout in Steinhatchee – Cold-Water Trout and Redfish Action

Trout in Steinhatchee can be unpredictable when a sharp change in weather sends water temperatures tumbling, and that is exactly the challenge facing Captain Sergio Atanes in this episode. Fishing with Ron and local guide Captain Nile Bryant, Sergio works the waters around Steinhatchee, Florida, searching for speckled trout and redfish after an overnight temperature drop changes the bite. What begins as a difficult session soon turns into an absorbing lesson in adapting to cold water, tide and fish location.

Trout in Cold Water

The day starts with the crew finding plenty of small redfish but only the occasional trout. With the water around ten degrees colder than the previous day, the usual grass-flat fishing is made difficult by a negative tide and exposed shallow water. Captain Nile explains how the fish tend to gather in deeper holes and ditches when conditions change so dramatically, giving Sergio and Ron a better chance of finding concentrated fish. That approach pays off. Among a steady run of small redfish, the anglers begin to connect with trout, including a quality fish measuring around 21 inches. The action shows how quickly a challenging day can improve once the right depth and location are found. For anyone interested in Trout in Steinhatchee, the episode gives a useful look at how local knowledge can make the difference when the weather refuses to cooperate.

Artificial Lures and Paddle Tails

The fishing is done with artificial lures, with paddle tails playing an important role. Sergio picks up trout by simply retrieving a paddle tail slowly and letting the lure provide the action rather than aggressively jigging it. Later, while fishing the river, he experiments with lure colour, moving away from a strawberry glitter pattern and considering a more natural shrimp-like presentation. The move into the river also brings slightly warmer water, along with oyster bars, cuts and sheltered areas that provide relief from the wind and cold. Those few extra degrees appear to help, and the crew continue to find both trout and redfish. It is a practical example of why small changes in water temperature and habitat can matter when targeting inshore species.

Steinhatchee Trout and Redfish Action

Captain Sergio Atanes keeps the focus on finding fish and adjusting to the conditions rather than waiting for the bite to come to him. Ron and Captain Nile Bryant join him throughout the session, with Nile sharing local insight into Steinhatchee’s grass flats, tidal movement and deeper holding areas. Despite the cold, wind and tougher fishing, the crew put together a rewarding day with numerous redfish and several trout. Trout in Steinhatchee may not always be straightforward, but this episode shows the value of persistence, local knowledge and changing tactics when conditions turn difficult. Watch the full video to see how Sergio, Ron and Nile work through a challenging Florida winter session and eventually uncover some excellent inshore action.