Florida Fishing Reports-Crystal River/Homosassa

Report Date: March 15, 2004

Florida Fishing Report for:
Crystal River, Chaz, & Homosassa, Fl.

Catching Report - April 2004


The trout bite continues to be hot. Over the last couple of weeks, spotted sea trout have been plentiful on the pristine, clear grass flats of Crystal River, Homosassa, Chazz and down to Bayport. Many limits have been filled with many released unharmed.
They seem to favor grub tail jigs or Salt Water Assassins sea shad, pinfish, green, or candy corn color. White and pink or rootbeer worked slowly over the grass and rocky bottom with a red or white 1/8 oz Cotee jig will get nice results, too.

Next time out, try using some of the suspending "twitch baits". We have caught a lot of big trout and reds on these, lately. Several lure companies make them.
However, Mirrolure has their Catch 2000' series which work great. These lures are neutral bouyant and can be fished over shallow water using the "twitch, twitch, reel" method. Dynamite!

Spanish Mackerel have shown up early and in large numbers off Crystal River to Bayport. Check out deep grass flats or rocky areas. Trolling a silver spoon or casting plugs works well for these sky rockets. Or drift with a chum block out and cast into the chum line with shrimp. Look out for cobia. They love to come to a chum bag. Frank Klien of Clermont and his brother in law, Buster hung into several nice cobia this way recently.

Some good numbers of Redfish have been caught lately. Some days reaching 20-30 in the 20-35 inch range. Poundage wise that would be from 4 to 15 pounds. On light spinning or fly rod these spotted tail rascals do put of a fight. Artie Hubner and Jusin Penuel of Ocala fished wih me recently and caught reds on gold spoons and jerk baits.
As spring turns into summer, the redfishing will only continue to get better. Check your line and drags, cause these rascals can test them both.

Last trip out, we caught everything from Trout, Big Reds to 13 pounds, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Lady Fish , Jack Crevalle, Shark and Grouper. A mixed bag indeed! From now on through the summer, you can expect to repeat this feat.

I've noticed more big reds and schools of reds on the outer points and grass edges of islands, lately. As they make their transition from the back country, you can quickly notice these back country reds by their dark copper color. The ones staying on the outside are lighter in color. Live bait like jumbo shrimp, pinfish or chubs work great now.

April 20th is the unofficial day the ol? timers say the first Tarpon show up in our area. . Then watch out May through June!!

Tarpon, Cobia, big Reds, trout and more are waiting for you on the flats. Give me a call or email to book your next trip.

And remember, Take a youngster fishing, because a child?s smile and good fishing is the best medicine for what ails ya!

Until then,
"May God bless you with golden sunsets, gentle breezes to your back, big fish, calm seas and tight lines"

Captain Ed Lewis

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