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Be sure to take a look at the Photo Gallery for more memories !
 

 

April:  Citrus County fishing in on fire this time of year !  March was a very erratic month weather-wise, however April brought warming water temps and lighter winds that made for some picture perfect fishing out of Crystal River and Homosassa.

Along with the warming water temperatures came some very exciting in-shore action. Many species were landed including Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Spotted Sea Trout, Cobia, Shark, and also Snook.  Snook are becoming more commonly caught in this area of Florida's Nature Coast.  These fish and others will continue to bite through the summer.

Like last month, Speckled Trout were un-stoppable, with limits on almost every trip.  In-shore the "gator" Trout were still holding on the rocky bottom in 1-3 feet of water.  Jerk baits worked slow over the yellow bottom was the key to catching these tasty and desirable fish.  All oversized fish were released to catch another day.

Out in the deeper grass, bourbon color "Mirro Lure" Little Johns worked under a popping cork provided most of the action.  Blue Fish, Sea Bass, Lady Fish and Spanish Macks, all kept our rods bent.

Speaking of Spanish Mackerel, they are everywhere, and in a feeding frenzy.  Chumming with left-over shrimp or a chum bag draws them in, and they won't refuse a free-lined shrimp or fresh-cut Blue Runner or Lady Fish.  Macks up to 32" have been caught and limits are easily boated, however remember only keep what you want to eat and release the rest.

The Redfish are picking up and next month should be excellent.  Work the rocky points and deeper holes around the islands and keys.  Live shrimp under a cork or free-lined with the current is always productive.  Soon, with continually warming water into the summer and schools of pinfish to distract the Redfish, I will switch to fresh cut mullet to target the Reds.

My personal "Thanks" to all my guests who have fished with me and I'm looking forward to more great fishing action in May.      Capt Mark

 

March:  From mid 70's and light winds around the first of the month, to ice on the boat and 20 knot winds towards the end of the month, the weather was definitely unpredictable.  March gave us some unusually cold days this year, and certainly challenged us with inconsistent fishing conditions.  Even though March was an atypical month weather-wise, the fishing was great !

Limits of big Trout were caught around the bars and pot holes using "Gulp" shrimp in the "New Penny" color, with a 1/16 oz jig head.  While fishing the shallow rocky bottoms, we landed and released several huge Gator Trout that hit the 5" jerk baits we were fishing with so hard that they completely destroyed them.  I think I released more Spotted Sea Trout over 20" in length this February and March than any other February or March in the past 20 years.

Big Sheepshead on the shallow rocks in 6-12 feet of water were always ready to strike any shrimp you put in front of them.  Many fish over 5 Lbs sure did provide some great drag-screaming action !  

Speaking of drag-screaming action- the "Mack Attack" was on, and the fish were jumping everywhere.  Smaller fish were closer in, and the big ones in the 25" to 32" range were out in the deeper grass and around the rock piles.  Free-lined shrimp on a long shank #2 hook was all you needed, besides a good drag.  A chum bag also helps keep the fish going, but is not absolutely necessary.

Again, talking about a hard-fighting fish, below is a photo of two unusually large Jack Crevalle landed out of Crystal River.  The fish on the left is 31" the one on the right is 32" in length.  What a fight these ladies had.

Back inshore, the Redfish were scattered, but the fish I've been finding have been nice ones.  Using live shrimp free-lined around the rocky points have produced fish over 30" and also many in the slot.

All in all, this March will go down as a great catching month, and I'm looking forward to fishing in April.  As always, many thanks to my guests this month, and I anticipate spending even more quality time in April on the waters of Crystal River and Homosassa.

 

February: February fishing in Crystal River and Homosassa  started out with high winds and morning temps below freezing with ice in the boat.  However, these cold mornings don't necessarily mean that there aren't fish to be caught.  We landed many Sheepshead in the shallow water rocks located in approx. 8-10 feet of water.  Live shrimp on 1/16 oz jig heads seemed to do the trick.  Sheepshead up to 5 Lbs. were boated.   In spite of the frigid weather conditions we enjoyed the great fishing that Homosassa has to offer.

 

February is usually our coldest month and fishing in Crystal River and Homosassa can present some difficulties, however none that we usually can't overcome.  All during February the weather was unpredictable, high winds, with very cold mornings and milder weather off and on.  However, the Speckled Trout were still abundant, and once again limits were the norm.  Many quality fish were landed in the 20" range.  3" Gulp shrimp on 1/16 oz red jig heads produced Trout up to 4 1/2 Lbs.    Many fish were also landed using 5" jerk baits around the bars and in 1-3 feet of water.  And "Gulp" shrimp in "New Penny" color on a red jig head  is one of my go-to baits that usually gets the fish's attention. 

And, it's always a nice surprise when my guests hooks into an unexpected Snook.  Snook are being caught more often in this area than in the past.  Check out this nice fish we landed out of Crystal River on a warm February afternoon.

We did quite a few half- day afternoon trips this month due to the cold mornings.  We also fished the afternoon tides in favor of Reds.  Many nice Redfish were landed during this month up to 30" in length.  Fishing in Crystal River never seems to disappoint, even when mother nature offers it's challenges.

I was also honored to join the guides of the Homosassa Guides Association to participate in the 4th Annual 5th Grade Class fishing and learning trip.  Each year we take the 5th grade class from the Homosassa Springs Elementary School out for a day on the water.  The class records air and water temps, and each fish was identified, weighed and measured.  They also identified birds and mammals all along the river.  It's always a great opportunity to teach our youngsters about the sport of fishing.

January:  First, I'd like to take a moment to "Thank" all of my clients for their support in 2012.  Another year of fantastic Crystal River and Homosassa fishing has come to an end.  I've fished with many dear old friends and clients, and have had the pleasure of meeting and fishing with new guests and hopefully made some new friends along the way too.

I truly appreciate your support, and  I will always strive to give you a great day on the water.  Here's to another productive and memorable year in 2013 !

Thanks again, Capt Mark         

Now- Let's Fish !   
January was and unusually warm month this year.  Although there were a few cool and windy days, all in all January offered many picture perfect days with great fishing conditions.  Many species of fish were abundant during this month including Redfish, Speckled Trout, Permit, Pompano, Whiting, Grouper, Grunts, Sea Bass, Spanish Mackerel and Sheepshead.

  

Speckled Trout were abundant and could be found in the holes and back in the creeks.  1/16 oz jigs and 'New Penney" color "Gulp" shrimp worked very slow were very productive baits.  Of course live shrimp is always a good choice.

 

The shallow water rock piles also produced a lot of action this month.  Sheepshead, Gag Grouper, Grunts, Sea Bass and Spanish Mackerel were all plentiful, and live shrimp was the bait of choice.  Limits of Speckled Trout were boated on most days, Sheepshead up to 6 Lbs, and oversized Speckled Trout up to 4 Lbs were also caught and released.

 

I always enjoy teaming up with fellow guides and this month I joined Captain William Toney as part of a 2-boat group, and fished and prepared a shore lunch with Captain Rick Spratt.   Follow this link to read this groups review of their Crystal River fishing Experience.  http://www.yelp.com/biz/captain-mark-zorn-crystal-river-fishing-charters-crystal-river