May 2015: Redfishing

May started off with great RED FISHING !  The bite was strong with all the inside spots holding many fish.  Rocky points, oyster bars, mangroves, and the shore line all provided safe haven for the spot tail drum.

All size fish were plentiful, from 12" cobbs to 30" big dogs.  The big schools haven't moved in yet, but there are plenty of fish to keep the rods bent.  Live shrimp and fresh cut bait worked the best, but artificials are also producing.  Top water plugs, gold spoons, jerk baits and jigs will all produce when fished around the same areas.

The trout bite inshore has been very slow, finding many short trout and not many keepers.  I try to stay away from the undersized ones because they are so easy to hurt even when avoiding touching them upon release.  The place to be for the larger trout is out in the deeper grass in 8' to 12' of water.  Work your favorite color lure slow near the bottom for the best results.  You will also catch sea bass, Spanish mackerel, blue fish, lady fish, blue runners and shark.  There is plenty of action to satisfy the young anglers, and also the young at heart.

Also, out in the deeper water, the shallow rock piles are still producing snapper, grunts, flounder, sea bass and more.  Live shrimp is all that's needed to keep the action going.

Back inside, the tarpon have shown up and will be here thru July.  Watch for rolling fish and position yourself in front of them in order to present your fly, plug or live bait.

The illusive Cobia bite has also picked up with many fish in the 30 Lb+ range. Chumming for these guys is always a good way to better your odds of success. Present a dead bait free lined or under a cork in your chum slick and hold on !  Heavier tackle is a must for these hard fighting fish.  Be ready for shark, Spanish mackerel and others to join the party as you wait on your cobia.

As always, thanks to all my fishing guests and friends for another wonderful month of fishing memories.

April 2015 - Catching !

There was no fooling around this month, just catching !  With fantastic weather, good tides and great anglers, April 2015 will go down in the books as one to remember.

Inshore the Red fish action was on fire.  On the incoming tide all the spots had fish on them.  The trick was locating the area that held the larger fish.  Sometimes the small details make all the difference, so keep that in mind as you move from spot to spot.  Fresh live shrimp and pin fish free lined was all we used to entice the Reds to feed.  Fresh cut bait works well when you don't have any live shrimp.  Lady fish, pin fish, and even the misunderstood "lizard fish" all work well.

Homosassa Red Fish

The trout action is still slow inshore, but it was happening out in the deep grass areas in 8-12 feet of water.  Mirror Lure "Little John" is still my go-to bait in any of the darker colors' bourbon, root beer or watermelon are all good choices.  Use a 1/16 oz - 1/4 oz jig head, depending on the depth and tide conditions, and work it real slow for the best results.

Good days catch - Trout and Reds (Crystal River )

The action on the shallow rocks was still in full swing.  Snapper, grunts, sea bass, flounder and Spanish mackerel were all waiting to provide rod bending action.  Live shrimp free lined on a 1/8 oz jib worked the best here.

Spanish Mackerel

You can fill your cooler pretty fast, so remember to keep just what you need for the table, and release the rest.  As always, thank you to all my guests for another awesome month on the waters of Crystal River and Homosassa.