January 2015

With cold front after cold front, picking your days to hit the shallow rocks for sheepshead was a hit or miss opportunity.  On the days we could get out, the big "sheepies" were there.   Live shrimp on a jig head or knocker rig, (weight size depending on the tide) was the ticket to these striped bait stealer's. 

On the inside the snapper were in the river and bays, and the reds are right there with them.

On warmer days try the outside islands and points.  Live shrimp as always is my go-to bait, but soft plastics and top water will work in the shallow water.

The trout bite has been scattered this month, but we did find some nice ones. 

On the sunny days they are on the hard bottom and on the cloudy and cold days we found them in the holes and river channels.  Free-lined live shrimp or jigs worked slow in these areas provided the best results.  The strike will be light, so pay attention and be ready to set the hook.

I want to wish everyone a "Happy New Year", and  I'm looking forward to another great year of "catch'n" in 2015.      Capt Mark

Snapper- Homosassa

Red fish

Crystal River Trout and Sheepshead