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Crystal River Fishing Report |
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Crystal River Fishing Report for March 19th 2019 |
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Fishing report for March 19th for the Crystal River area
waters of the Nature Coast. It has been generally
warm and the fish have been biting well with the
abundance of small bait fish bunching up in the
shallower waters. The bite has been really good for
redfish and trout the last few days with reports of
some monster gator trout. Some nice Snook have made
it to the boat and they are a blast to catch.
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Crystal River Fishing Report for March 14th 2017
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Fishing report for March 14th
for the Crystal River area waters. It has been
really warm and the fish have been going crazy with
the abundance of bait fish gathering in the
shallows. The bite has been really good for redfish
and trout the last few weeks. However this is
probably going to change a bit.
Now we have a very strong cold front getting ready
to hit the area for the next few days. Temps are
supposed to dip down in the upper 20’s to the lower
30’s for the next couple of days. The high
temperatures are only supposed to be 50’s and 60’s.
We will see how this strong cold front affects our
fish’s habits.
Check back next week and lets see how things went
and are going. |
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| Crystal River
Fishing Report for October 19th 2016 |
October is the month when we
usually start to cool off a little bit. This October
has been a little different with temperatures
ranging from the upper80’s in the daytime and mid
70’s at night It is also the beginning of fall on
Crystal Rivers Nature Coast. The first real North
Easterly winds will start blowing in the cooler
temperatures, and the water temps will starting to
cool off. Fish will start to move. This means Trout
move on the shore line, Spanish Mackerel will start
migrating South, Snook will be moving into the back
country, and schools of Red fish will be abundant.
October in Crystal River is a very productive month
for anglers. It is not uncommon to limit out on
Trout and Red Fish this time of year. I recommend
trying a Cajun thunder popping cork, 18 to 24 inches
of 15 pound leader, to a jig head with a white Gulp
or a live shrimp. For years this method seems to
have been the best for the Trout while fishing
Crystal River spots I fish.
For Red fishing
I still use and suggest you try using a 10 pound
test braid line, tied line to line, to 20 pound
leader. For the hook I use a 3/0 circle hook baited
with a piece of cut mullet.
Remember to fish
when you can. Bent Rods and Tight Lines.
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| June 2015 Fishing Report |
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John and Dick met me at
the dock at 8am on a Wednesday morning. We
got loaded in my Gulfshore 20 and headed
down the Crystal River, then pealed off into
Salt River. Turned to the West at Coon Gap,
kept going to the West until we reached 8
to 10 foot of water. We drifted around on
the Grass flats for a couple of hours
catching Trout and a variety of other fish.
John said he wanted to keep 6 Trout for
dinner that night. We caught and released a
dozen or so more. I told John and Dick that
the tide was getting right to catch some
Reds. I fired the engine up, we headed back
for the Mangroves. Made a couple of stops
and caught and released some nice fish. I
navigated the boat to a place where I had
seen some really big Reds. We got into
position, put the Power Pole down made a
long cast. Within 2 minutes Dick's rod was
bent double with a 35 inch Red. Dick's fish
was running straight towards John's line.
John reeled in as fast as he could to keep
the lines from getting tangled. As soon as
Dick's Red ran from the school John casted
back up to the school of Reds. Bam John was
hooked up!Both anglers were fighting over
the slot Reds. We knew both Reds were big.
It was a battle keeping the lines from
tangling, as the Reds were zigging and
zagging. Dick landed his fish first,
35inches and 13 pounds. John wrestled with
his Red for awhile. When he finally landed
it, 39 inches and 18 pounds. What a fight in
2 feet of water, with light tackle. Red fish
like this will be around the whole month of
June, along with many other species of fish
that will make everyday on the water a new
adventure.
Capt Kelly Kofmehl |
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| May 11th 2015 Crystal
River Fishing Report |
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May is one of the best months to fish
here on the nature Coast. Fishing is way
hotter than the weather. All the migration
patterns are in full swing. From Tarpon to
Spanish mackerel ,all of the palagic fish
are heading back north for the summer. The
red fish bite will be hot. With full bag
limits and plenty of over slot fish released
alive. Red fishing has to be my personal all
time fish to target. |
Mary and Lisa with
an over slot red
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The main reason being, you can fish for
them here all year long, with the warmer
months being the best time to target them.
Red fish can be targeted with many different
kinds of bait. Live pinfish, shrimp, cut
bait, to almost any kind of artificial you
can imagine to throw. Anything that will
work for bass on your favorite fresh water
fishing hole will work for the Reds. Top
water in the first couple of hours in the
morning is about as much fun as you can
have. Reds primarily feed on the bottom.
Their mouth is designed that way. This is
why they "tail" when feeding on the flats.
Head down and tail up rooting around on the
bottom for small crabs, shrimp and other
shellfish. When they feed on the surface it
is a whole different ball game. Red fish
have to come up over the top of their prey,
this makes quite the show on the surface.
The biggest mistake most people make is
setting the hook when they see the "blow
up", and end up pulling the bait away from
the fish, you have to set the hook until you
can feel the pull on your line.
Then the
battle is on. Enjoy your time on the water,
take time to enjoy the pristine waters of
the Crystal River and Ozello area. |
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Capt. Kelly Kofmehl
352-302-5861
Inshore and flats
fishing
Www.spottailscharters.com
Www.young-boats. Com
Www.okuma-fishing.com |
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| April 2015 Fishing Forecast
and Report |
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April is a month that most
of the fish on the Nature Coast are on the
move. Big Trout will be dropping off of the
shore line to the deeper flats off of
Crystal River. Snook are on the move as
well. Leaving the warm waters of the spring
fed rivers to the back waters of Ozello and
the Mangrove creeks. As the water heats up
Red fish are getting more aggressive.
Its not very that I will brag on a
specific bait, but there is a lure out
on the market now that has been slaying
Big Trout. Unfair lures PAR70SU 01 live
glow and PDG70SU 11black orange. When I
do a fishing seminar the first question
that I get asked, what are you throwing!
Well there it is. Red fish and Trout are
hitting this bait like a freight train
on the flats from Steinhatchee to
Ruskin, This I can speak from personal
experience. Talking to some of the guys
from Texas they are loving it too. Snook
find it just as irresistible. So there
is part one to the most frequent asked
question that comes up in most
conversations I have with fellow
anglers.
When fishing for Trout on the flats
in 6 to10 foot range, it is a good idea
to keep a rod that is a little heavier
for the migrating Cobia that might pass
by. I keep mine loaded with a Savage
Gear soft eel, they can't resist it.
Spanish mackerel, another one of the
many species that is likely to take a
bait while fishing in this area. They
have razor sharp teeth making it hard to
keep your hook on the end of the
fluorocarbon leader. Instead of wire
line I use a 2x long hook, this produces
more strikes than the wire while giving
some protection against those chompers.
All of the fish that I mentioned are
great at dinner time. Nothing is better
than wild caught seafood, except the
wild caught seafood you caught yourself.
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| Spring has sprung, get on
the water and enjoy a day or just a few
hours. With family, friends, or just a
little quite time. Slow down and enjoy our
back yard. |
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Capt. Kelly Kofmehl
inshore and flats fishing
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| October 2014 |
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The cold fronts have
started pushing their way down into
Central Florida. Bringing some much
needed relief from the heat of summer.
The water temps continue to slowly
drop,and the trout and redfish bite is
heating up. Trout have moved on to the
flats of the Nature Coast. Spanish
mackerel and Bonita are on the move back
south for the winter. As as they head
south they come close to the shore
following the baitfish. I have been
seeing pods of Spanish mackerel off of
the Crystal River channel bars and along
the edge of the spoil banks West of the
power plant.
I Will be targeting
trout and redfish in the month of
November. I can target the Trout when
the tide is not right for Red fishing.
This time of year I like to use a
popping cork with about 24 inches
fluorocarbon leader to a 1/8 ounce Jig
with a soft plastic artificial bait.
Live shrimp is also a good choice under
the popping cork. Look for patches of
the yellow bottom with kelp Grass
scattered throughout it. Work around the
edges of this bottom for Trout with the
popping cork. I like to drift fish this
way to cover more bottom. Trout Will be
in pods. You might drift for 10 minutes
without catching a keeper trout then you
will hit a spot where you catch two or
three keepers in a row. After you have
drifted through the fish and don't get
you anymore for a few minutes go back
around in repeating your drift. You can
expect to catch Mackerel, Sea bass,
Cobia and other fish while drifting.
When the tide reaches the point to go
and fish your favorite redfish hole
hang on because they are very aggressive
with the cooler water temperatures and
get ready for some drag screaming runs.
November is a very good month to get
your limit of trout and redfish in one
day.
Stone crabs season has
been open for about 20 days. The claws
go very nice when you have company and
for Thanksgiving. Call the Crab plant in
Crystal River to order them for your
feast. 1-352-795-4700
Capt Kelly
Kofmehl
1-352-302-5861
www.spottailscharters.com
www.Okuma-fishing.com
www.Young-boats.com |
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Brent and Tharin with some of the Reds
and Trout on a recent trip |
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An over slot Red Fish that we released
unharmed |
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Back deck of a Stone Crab boat |
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| April 2014 |
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I met Gary Yackel and
his family at the dock at 8 on a
Saturday morning. We took off, down the
river. I knew that the CCBA fishing
tournament was the same day. I headed
straight to my pinfish traps, when I
slowed down at the first trap I looked
behind me and there were 2 boats
following me. I thought to myself, I
know how this day is going to turn out.
We took off through the mangrove
littered creeks ran about a mile, a wake
popped up on the North shore line of the
creek that we were in. Gary saw it also,
he has fished enough with me to know
that their was something to the wake. I
shut the boat down and let the fish
settle. Put the Minn Kota in the water
and slowly eased up the narrow ditch
that the fish entered. Slowly and
quietly we pushed forward until I could
see about 40 big Reds in the back of a
pond that ditch opened into. |
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I launched 2 live
pinfish into the middle of the school.
It was only about 3 minutes, it felt
like 30, before the drag started
screaming off of the reel that Gregg was
holding. The oversized Red put up a hard
fight, then it decided to head out the
creek where the boat was anchored. As
the Red came towards the boat it turned
and went under 3 mangrove roots. I told
Gregg to open the bail on the reel, to
give the large fish a free spool. I
quickly slipped my shoes off and the
wallet out of my pocket and into the
water I went with rod in hand. I was
able to slide the rod under the roots as
the red shot under the the boat and out
the creek. As soon as the line was free
from the mangroves I handed the rodback
to Gregg , so he could finish the fight
with the 32 inch Red. The dayturned out
to be a good day fishing with some big
Trout for dinner.
Capt Kelly
352-302-5861 |
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| March 15 2014 |
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I was poling my Gulfshore 20 into a
narrow Mangrove creek, when a school of
over slot red fish started pushing a
wake 40 yards up the creek. I told my
client, Robert, There thy are, get
ready. I knew where the fish were going
to settle, so that's where we placed the
large, live shrimp that
Robert was
using for bait. 60 seconds later the
fish spook and come pouring out the
creek like a bunch of Texas long horns
on stampede. I tell Robert there they go
look at all of them, as they blast out
the creek 10 feet from the side of the
boat. I'm looking at the fish as they
rocket by, That's when iI see it,
Robert's line is going with them! I
start shouting out of excitement, REEL!
The bull on the other end of Roberts
line took him around the boat 3 times.
All I could hear, besides screaming
drag, was Robert. " Lord please don't
let this line break. When we got the
fish in the boat it was 33inches and
weighed 12.5pounds.
We have also
been able to do some sight fishing for
Trout getting our limit on most of the
trips over the last 30 days. Fishing has
been on fire, and will be as water temps
are warming up. Book your adventure now.
Capt Kelly
352-302-5861 |
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| Nov 15 2013 |
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November makes me think
about turkeys, pumpkins, family and
hunting. My Family always spends
Thanksgiving in the woods at our hunting
camp. Good times and great food, with
friends and family. But I have to come
out of the woods and fish; I can never
stay away from the salt water of the
Nature Coast for any length of time.
What I have been doing lately and it
will work right through November, is a
new bait that I have been trying and
having a lot of success with. It is the
3D TPE Shrimp, made by Savage Gear. On a
recent trip with clients I was trying
the Savage shrimp while my clients were
throwing another bait. We were using
Cajun Thunder popping corks with about
an 18in leader and the jig on the bottom
of the rig. It is rare that I fish with
my clients, but they insisted that I
did. I wanted to try the bait, so I
stayed in the back of the boat while the
2 of them fished out of the front. It
was about 30 minutes into the trip when
I was
asked if they could use one of
the Savage shrimp as well, of course my
answer was sure you can. I wanted to try
the unproven bait before I gave it to
someone to use. In my book it is now a
proven bait.
With the cooler nights
of November and the waters cooling down,
the Red fish bite will be a little more
aggressive. We have had a good summer
with the Reds and with most of the fish
that we have caught being at the top end
of the slot or bigger. The fall months
should be the same. Mackerel and other
striking fish that migrate South for the
winter are on the move as well. Some
large schools have been spotted in about
30 feet of water. There will be smaller
schools within a couple miles off of
the shore line. The Gag Grouper bite has
also been strong in shallow water. All
of these fish will stay strong until the
water temps fall below 60 to 65 degrees.
This Thanksgiving season lets all take
time to be thankful for the things that
we have been blessed with; we all have
something.
Capt. Kelly Kofmehl |
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| Oct 15 2013 |
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The night time temps
are starting to drop just a few degrees,
giving us here on the Nature Coast the
hint that fall is just around the
corner. October is the month of several
changes here in the small stretch of
paradise that i get to call home. First
Stone Crabs are back in season. They
will be on the market and ready to be
consumed on October 15. With the Crystal
River Stone Crab Jam the first Saturday
in Nov. Another change is the opening of
a new store here in Crystal River,
Sodium Fishing Gear. I had the
opportunity to sneak a peek in the store
the other day. Brandon and Casey not
only have fishing apparel from head to
toe, but they also have rods, reels
coolers, a full line of Carbon Marine
products, Fly fishing gear and much
more. Stop in and support one of the
"local" businesses.
On my trip
yesterday I was polling my clients down
a shoreline, I could see fish working in
front of the boat about 150 yards. I
told my guys to get ready to throw. When
I was able to maneuver the boat into
casting position I told Bo and Jordan to
throw in front of the school of Reds.
One
guy made a perfect cast and the
other was behind the school. About 2
seconds after the first bait hit the
water, drag was rippin off the Okumareel.
We were able to catch 3 Reds out of that
school before they just blew out on us,
the first one was 30 inches, the second
31 inches and the third was 32. What a
awesome bunch of fish. They defiantly
had all of our hearts pumping for a
while. |
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Trout will be back
inshore once again in some larger
numbers making it possible to catch a
limit without having to run way out into
the open bay, as the water temps begin
to drop a few degrees. I have been
eagerly awaiting this event to happen. I
typically fish with a popping cork rig
this time of the tear. Last October we
did very well on the Trout and I have
already noticed some early arrivals.
Capt. Kelly Kofmehl
www.spottailscharters.com
352-302-5861 |
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| Sept 15 2013 |
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As
day light started to to break in the
East, I picked up my client. The sky was
black out to the west. We left the dock
at 6:30 am and headed down the Crystal
River. Grabbing for our rain gear in the
idle zone. We ran a couple of miles and
only a sprinkle or two. Then the bottom
fell out of the sky. We had to idle for
about ten minutes or so. When we came
out of the rain we were almost to the
first spot that I wanted to fish. I got
the boat anchored and made the first
cast and within about 5 seconds the drag
on my Okuma Cedros 30 spinning reel was
screaming. At the first sign of the big
Red fish I knew that he was over the
slot, 28.5 inches. The next cast was a
19 inch Red, then a 11 inch mangrove
snapper. The bite was finished at spot
number one. Spot number two, we set up
and threw out some cut bait, fish were
striking everywhere I looked. The action
was hot as the weather. We were able to
fill our Red fish bag limit and release
6 or 8 more fish. we landed 8 Blue fish,
and about that many Jacks. I asked my
client, Dan, if he wanted to go to
another spot and see what was going on
there and he said sure. Spot number 3
was a winner as well. 2 more top slot
Reds and the last cast a 33 inch Snook.
I had Dan back to the dock by 10:30 and
started to clean his fish. These are the
kind of days are what can be expected
through
out the month of September. |
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As the full moon
begins to build this month some of the
big Trout will start to move back
inshore to fatten up for the winter
months to come. I love fishing in
September when schools of Red fish show
up and Trout come back. Look for action
packed, drag rippin days for this month.
The action will be hot. If you want to
get in on some of this give me a call.
Capt. Kelly Kofmehl
www.Spottailscharters.com
352-302-5861 |
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| Aug 15 2013 |
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As July
begins to rap up and we roll into August
the biggest thing going is still the
hunt for Scallops. I have watched as
many boats as I can remember seeing
coming to the pristine grass flats of
the Nature Coast to hunt for these tasty
treats. I'm not sure where all of the
scallops keep
coming from but there
seems to be no end to them. On a recent
charter, my clients were able to gather
their limit in an hour and a half. Some
days it takes a little longer. I have
also noticed a considerable difference
that a mile can make in the size of the
meat. One of the best pieces of advise
that I can give is to make sure that you
have a good mask. I was standing on the
bow of my boat today looking down in the
water, I counted eight scallops in a ten
foot radius, I called one of my divers
over to the boat and watched as he swam
over them and only saw one. I started
pointing them out him. This is the same
crew that did so good a couple of days
before. He
had started having trouble
with his mask leaking a little and was
having a hard time seeing them. I
started to wonder how many he had
actually swam right by and not seen.
This is one of the reasons that you not
only need a good mask but one that fits
well.
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On the fishing side of
things, we have been able to scrap a few
Red Fish along. They have been a little
slow to bite, I have been able to catch
just as many on top water and spoons as
I have on bait. Throwing the artificial
has allowed me to cover more water
faster with my clients. The Black Drum
bite has stayed strong all summer and
should stay that way until we start to
get some cold fronts this fall. My
clients have caught good numbers of drum
in the 50 pound range. It is an awesome
site to see them tailing on the some of
the many oyster bars that litter our
coast line. To see that massive tail
come out of the water while they are
feeding on top of the bars, then to
sneak up on them and place your bait
right next to a 50# fish is quite the
rush when your line comes tight. The
battle is on. These are just a few of
the exciting fisheries that are going on
on the shore line off of the mouth of
the beautiful Crystal River. A place
that I am truly blessed to call home.
Capt Kelly Kofmehl
Inshore and
Back Country fishing
www.Spottailscharters.com
352-302-5861
www.okuma-fishing.com
www.young-boats.com |
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| June 15 2013 |
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Nothing goes together
like the 4th and Scalloping! Diving
Scallops during the day then coming in
and watching the Crystal River fireworks
after dark form the boat is one of the
traditions that my family has kept to as
long as I can remember. This is a
tradition that I have been sharing with
my kids as well, and they love it. From
the teenagers to the youngest at the
ripe old age of 3. My little guy loves
to go and get in the water with the rest
of the family. He is not big enough to
dive the scallops yet so what we do is
we get a float that he can set in and
tie a string to it and Dad drags him
along as he dives. Remember safety first
while on the water this summer and
always keep an eye on the weather. There
is one thing that I have learned out of
all these years on the water, you may
have the experience of a lot of years
operating a boat but the boat you are
passing, it may be their first time on
the water.
On the fishing side of
things. The Trout bite has stayed strong
as the water temps have gone from warm
to hot. The Trout have moved from the
shallow flats to the flats of the Nature
Coast that are in 6 to 10 foot of water.
The two methods that have been working
the best for me are: popping cork with 3
feet of leader, and a jig with a soft
plastic bait with some scent on it. The
other that has worked so far is a jig
with a soft plastic with scent like a
Gulp, bouncing it along the bottom. This
all works the best when the tide is
moving. The fish don't seem to be biting
when the tide is slack. A lot of small
Trout mixed in, makes me feel good about
the Trout fishing In the future.
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Black Drum and
Sharks are two of the big fish that will
be here for a drag rippin summer. The
largest Black drum that some of my
clients have been able to land has just
been over 40 pounds, with 30 pound fish
very common. The size limit on the Black
Drum has slot of 14 to 24 inches with 1
over 24 inches and a bag limit of 5. The
slot Drum are very tasty, they have a
meat comparable to Red Fish. However the
over slot fish tend to have worms in
them. The big ones fight hard and make a
great picture for a trophy to remember
them by. When targeting the large Drum I
free line a blue crab with a circle
hook. I have also caught them on shrimp
and gulps. A good leader is necessary
as they feed around and on live oysters
which are very sharp and will cut your
line.
Capt. Kelly Kofmehl
www.Spottailscharters.com
Inshore
and Flats Fishing
352-302-5861
www.young-boats.com
www.Okuma-fishing.com |
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| May 15 2013 |
It is May 14 the cold fronts
are still rolling down from the North. It was 46
degrees here this morning. It is good news for the
Trout bite keeping them on the inshore flats of the
Nature Coast. We are still catching limits of trout
most of the days that the weather will allow us to
fish.
I think the best news that I can share
with you is the arrival of the Mighty Tarpon! Yes
the Silver King is back on their migration around
the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. I have been
checking areas weekly for the last 30 days looking
for some early arrivals, and have been seeing one or
two here and there. Today was the first day that I
have found any groups with some real numbers to
them. The first pod had approximately 40 fish in it.
Then a few hours later the next group had a few less
in it. This means that things are only going to get
better for the next 30 to 60 days!
If you are
interested in keeping up with a more up to the
minute reports on what we are catching like my
facebook page- Spottails Charters. I will be posting
pictures and videos for you to view. If you would
like to try your hand at catching some of these
giant fish that put up huge, drag screaming runs,
acrobatic leaps in the air, and just plan raw power
give me a call 352-302-5861
Capt Kelly Kofmehl |
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| April 15 2013 |
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At the time of
writing this fishing forecast report the
Fishing with Mel Tournament has just
been completed. I fished the same
clients in the tournament that have
fished with me for the last 3 years,
Vic, Scott, and Randell Buttermore, form
Ocala. We had a great day fishing,
catching Trout, Red Fish, and Mackerel.
First fish on the boat was a perfect
27in Red, then a nice Trout. as the day
went on we caught several more Reds and
Trout. we decided to run out in the bay
and see if we could catch a Mackerel. We
only caught 1 and several more small
Trout. Time started to run short so we
headed to the weigh in. Scott took 3rd
in the Red Fish division , Vic took 1st
in the inshore slam, combination of 1
Trout, 1 Red fish, and a Mackerel.
Randell took 3rd in the junior division
with a nice Red. It turned out to be a
great day for the Buttermore family and
Spottails Charters.
Looking forward
to the month of May all I can think
about is the arrival of the Mighty
Tarpon. I will continue to fish for all
of the other inshore species that the
Nature Coast has to offer, but I can add
the Silver King to the list. Also Shark
fishing will heat up, with the big Bulls
following the large schools of Tarpon.
There are many options to try to target
in the month of May, but the one that
gets me the most fired up is with out a
doubt is Tarpon. If you want to try your
hand at Tarpon, Fly fisherman or bait,
first time or old pro, give me a call
and we will go on an adventure
of a
life time on the Crystal Clear waters of
the Nature Coast. |
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| April 2013 |
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April has
to be my absolute favorite month to
Trout fish. The mild temperatures make
fishing an absolute pleasure this time
of year, they also make the Trout very
active, bringing bag limits of the tasty
treats home for most fisherman. In April
Trout will hit almost anything thrown at
them form shrimp and cut bait, to the
soft and hard plastic baits. It is also
a prime time for Fly fisherman to try
their hand at a bag limit of big Trout.
Most of the Trout that I catch this time
of the year are top slot to over the
slot fish, not very many of under size
fish, this is one of the reasons April
is my favorite time to fish for them.
Also look for schools of Spanish
Mackerel to start to show up out on the
edges of the flats and out in the bay.
Mackerel can be brought into casting
range with chumming. Chum blocks can be
purchased at most of the bait and tackle
shops around Crystal River, and are very
effective when
targeting them.
Mackerel shrimp will hit, everything
likes shrimp especially me, and small
spoons. Most of the people that I know
like to smoke their Mackerel and eat it
like that or make a smoked fish dip with
it.
The Redfishing will
also be strong in April. They will be
more active as the water temps are
heating up. if you have followed any of
my articles over the last couple of
years you will know that I love to Red
fish. The tournaments are all starting
up this time of year from the Mel Tillis,
April 13, to the CCBA ( Citrus County
Builders Assoc.)April 27 and 28 so come
out and join the fun both are a lot of
fun for the whole family.
Hope
to see you there.
Capt. Kelly Kofmehl
www.spottailscharters.com
inshore
and back country fishing
|
|
Capt Charlie Harris and Capt Kelly
Kofmehl guided a group of 4 to their
limit if Trout and a 6.5lb Pompano |
 |
|
Craig and Marsha with their limit of
Trout caught while fishing with
Spottails Charters |
 |
|
Carl Waldron brought his son Hunter to
fish with Capt. Kelly and caught their
limit of Trout and a several Reds |
|
| |
| February 2013 |
 |
On a recent trip fishing the crystal
clear inshore waters of the Nature Coast
the Trout bite was Awesome. We left the
dock around 8:30 in the am. The fog was
so thick that one could only see a about
100ft, as we idled down the Crystal
River we passed about a half dozen
Manatee tour boats headed up the river.
We left the Crystal River and jumped
into Salt River. The tide was extremely
low and still going out, so I lifted the
jack plate and jumped the Gulfshore 20
on top, still foggy but I could see
200ft now. |
| I ran into some pot
holes that I have had been holding a few
nice Trout. I get the boat shut down in
the first hole and sure enough the first
cast, boom Trout. When my client got him
to the boat it was a 14 incher, 1 inch
to small. We fished around that area
catching about 35 Trout and some Blue
fish, but only had about 3 keepers. By
now the tide was starting to turn at one
of my favorite "hot spots" so0 I told
the guys lets go. When we got there, it
was perfect, no wind and the tide just
right. I jumped up on the poling
platform and I could see Trout every
where, and not just Trout but big Trout.
My clients, Bruce and Mike, were ready
for action. Making a slow drift, we got
our baits in front of the Trout, we
caught the other 13 Trout we needed to
finish out our limit in about 20 minutes
bringing the half day to an end with a
bang. Everyone was happy and enjoyed the
beautiful scenery of the Nature Coast on
the ride back to the dock. |
|
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| January 2013 |
 |
As the new year rolls in
so has the Sunshine. On the Nature we
are experiencing unseasonably warm days
and nights, record high temperatures
have been set. So you say what does this
mean to me? I'll tell you what it means,
it means that the fishing is hotter than
the weather! The bite has been off of
the charts. The big part of the story is
Pompano. My clients have been taking
these tasty treats for the gulf home
more days than not. Pompano were one of
the most sought after fish for the
restaurants, for their flavor and an
even thickness of the fillet. These
tasty treats put up one of the hardest
fights, pound for pound, of any other
fish in the gulf.
Of course the
trout and red fish bite has been strong
as well. Catching limits of trout on the
days that I am targeting them. I look
for this trend to continue for the next
few weeks. The red fish are dropping out
on to the flats where the pristine
waters of the Nature Coast flow in and
out with the tides An added bonus for
all of you bird watchers, huge flocks of
migratory ducks, white pelicans, and
many other migratory birds are being
seen every day along with pods of
Porpoises. Come and experience some of
this action while the temperatures are
so mild. Call to book your next
adventure. |
 |
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|
| |
| December
2012 |
 |
The first 6 days of
December have been unusually warm, in
years past we normally have a strong
cold front in the first week of the
month. What all of this means that the
water temps have risen on the near shore
waters of the Nature Coast about 6
degrees, this has triggered the Trout
and Red fish to move back on the flats
with a big appetite. Making the fishing
of the mangrove creeks and the flats
just off of the mouths of the creeks
fantastic. With limits of Trout and Reds
being caught most of the recent trips.
We have also have been able to land some
mixed bags consisting of Sheephead and
some Mangrove Snapper while fishing for
Reds and Trout. The weather man is
saying that the warm weather will
continue for at least another week or
so. It is a great time to book your next
adventure with Spottails Charters while
the temps are unseasonable mild.
Capt
Kelly Kofmehl
352-302-5861
www.crystalriverfishingguides.com
|
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November 2012 |
 |
With Santa
on his way with all the gifts for the
boys and girls, it is a wonderful time
of the year to be fishing the Nature
Coast. With the many Spring fed rivers
of Citrus county there is always
something to fish for. The water
temperature of the springs at the head
waters of the Crystal River are 72
degrees year round, making them a prime
area for Red fish, Snook, Mangrove
Snapper, Sheephead, and Trout on the
cold winter days. Lady fish fill the
rivers and are willing to bite just
about any bait that you want to throw.
This is prime time to take a kid
fishing. Action filled trips with
shorter amounts of time on the water are
sure to put a smile on a young ones
face. If you are into Fly fishing it is
an excellent time to stay in practice
for the rest of the year. Be on the look
put for large Jacks while fishing in the
rivers for some drag rippin action. I
have to admit that December is a rod
bending, action filled month.
The Spring feed rivers will also be full
of Manatees, making a sighting of a few
of these gentle giants on the top on any
ones list of things to do. Migratory
birds of all kinds can be spotted, form
the Bald Eagle to many different species
of Ducks.
Not many
places on the Planet can compare with
the fishing and the scenery , of the
Nature Coast of Florida in the winter
months. To book a trip filled with rod
bending action and beautiful
surroundings like no other give me a
call. |
 |
 |
|
| |
| October 2012 |
 |
As Summer
rolls out and Fall rolls in, the cooler
Temperatures are most welcome after a
long, hot, wet summer. The cooler temps
have the fish of the Nature Coast on the
move once again. November is a great
month to fish for the fact that you may
see schools of fish moving around the
flats that you might not see any other
time of the year. And if you can see
them then you will have the opportunity
to catch them. There are many species
that move South for the warmer waters
such as Pompano, Permit, Cobia, and
Mackeral just to name a few... Mullet
are in large schools fattening
themselves for their journey offshore
for their spawn, otherwise known as the
Mullet Run.
Trout are back on
the shore line and the shallow flats,
feeding on shrimp and small fish. My
favorite way to rig for Trout this time
of year, is to use a popping cork with
about 2 feet of 20 pound leader tied to
a jig, and baited with a gulp or a live
shrimp. Sometimes the Pinfish are still
to aggressive for these baits, I will
switch to a bait without as much sent
such as a D.O.A. shrimp or a Zoom jerk
bait. On the other end of the line I
like a Okuma Citrix 7 foot rod and a
Cedros 30 spinning reel. My Cedros reel
is loaded with 10 pound test Vicious
braided line. Fall Trout seem to feed
the best on the young flood, or the
beginning of the incoming tide to about
half way in. |
 |
 |
| Redfish are also
on top of the list of fall fish to
target. On some of the low tides due to
the Northeast winds this time of the
year, they can be a little more
difficult to find, but there are still
plenty of them around and they will be
hungry. I like to use the time proven
Gold Spoon to cover a lot of ground
while in search of the Red Drum with the
spot on his tail. With the cooler
weather it is a great time to get on the
water and experience a Sunrise or a
Sunset on the crystal clear waters of
the Nature Coast. |
|
| |
| |
| September 2012 |
 |
Most of September
I have been targeting big Reds on the
flats of the Crystal River. I have the
opportunity to fish some new clients as
well as fishing people that have been
fishing with me for years. Locals as
well as people that come from out of
town, and even people that come from out
of state to fish the crystal clear
waters of the Nature Coast. On one of my
recent trips my clients came across the
state from Oak Hill,( Mosquito Lagoon).
They were surprised at the clarity of
the water due to the Red Tide that they
had been suffering from in the Lagoon.
We managed to start the day off right
with a double hook up at the very first
stop we made. Little did we know that
was setting the president for the day,
as it was full of doubles. Fishing was
off the chart that day. It was a great
day for me as well, my clients caught a
lot of Reds and I got to spend time with
some really good people that were just
happy to be on the water, and enjoy the
sites. From the clear water, the
mangrove islands, the mullet jumping
every where we looked, to the Porpoises
chasing the mullet and catching them in
the air. It was a slice of paradise. And
this was just one of many trips that
happened like this month. I am looking
forward to October with the cooler
nights, fishing will only keep getting
better.
|
 |
 |
|
| Big Trout have started
coming shore just as I predicted in last months
article. Limits have been reached on most days for
the guys targeting them, and it will continue
through October. It is so exciting for me to watch
the changing of the seasons and the patterns of the
fish change as well. Mullet are bunching in large
schools fattening themselves for the fall run. I was
red fishing on the flats and have also caught some
Blue fish, what a great fight they are able to give
you on light tackle. Pods of Jacks are moving in and
out with the tides, striking at the bait fish on top
of the water. With all of the different fish moving
it is a lot to try and take in but it is nice to set
back and try, and just enjoy a day on the water. |
| |
| August 2012 |
 |
The Red fish bite has been a little
slow but has started coming on pretty
strong, with limits of reds on most
every charter in the last couple of
weeks. We also have been catching some
of the over the slot Reds, which make
for line rippin, drag screamin' runs and
pictures that will last a life time. So
far this month I have had a lot of
people ask for Shark trips, more than I
can ever remember doing in any
particular month. You want to talk about
screaming drags on some heavy rods, wow
is all I can say! We have caught Sharks
of every size and kind. Bull and Tiger
Sharks up 7 feet, both being know man
eaters. Also the smaller sharks that are
excellent table fare, Sharks that
primarily eat crabs, have a beautiful
fillet with no bones. |
 |
The weather has been great with a
light sea breeze almost every day
keeping it from being to hot.
Capt.
Kelly
Spottailscharters.com
352-302-5861 |
|
| |
| July Scallop Report |
 |
Scallop season started with a bang,
with most of the boats being able to
dive their limits of the tasty muscles
in the time frame of a couple of hours.
There are still plenty of Scallops left
on the shallow grass flats of the Nature
Coast to be captured by those wishing to
pursue them. The best time to dive for
them has been at low tide, where even
the youngest of hunters can help gather
their dinner for the night. The water
off of Crystal River has been
surprisingly clear, after all of the
rain that we had from Tropical Storm
Debbie, making the turquoise-blue eyes
of the scallops an easy target for the
divers. Call to book an adventure that
you will remember for years to come. |
|
| |
| June 2012 |
 |
I was running the trolling motor
very slowly, being very careful not to
make any noise. Looking in front of the
boat about 40 yards I see a giant tail
come out of the water, This fish is
feeding. I new that I had a good shot at
catching this fish. I maneuvered the
boat in the best position to make the
cast with the crab that I was using for
bait. As the crab lay on the bottom my
line was slack. Small taps started,
feels like Pin fish. My line started
coming tight, I slowly lifted the Okuma
Cedros rod. |
| The Huge Black Drum was
tugging and pulling my line. I finally
landed the giant of the flats, Though
these over sized Drum are not good table
fare, they are certainly excellent fun
to target for photos and memories.
During the course of the day I saw many
of the Drum, catching 3 of the giants. I
was sure that I could have caught many
more than 3, but I was on a mission for
Red fish this day. The Drum in the
picture was he first catch of the day,
it weighed just over 35lbs. If you would
like to catch one of thee Giants on
light tackle, or have a different
adventure that will produce memories
that will last a life time, call and
book a trip. 352-302-5861, and ask for
Capt. Kelly |
|
| |
| May 2012 |
| |
|
 |
I was reeling in a Rapala slash
Xterme Action SlashBait slowly this
morning just after Daylight. I felt the
line tighten up on my rod, the first
thought that ran through my mind was
that the lure was bouncing on the
bottom. Drag started to scream off the
reel, my heart started pounding. Seconds
into the fight the 100 pound Tarpon
leaped 6 feet into the air. The drag was
singing, as line ripped off my reel. The
Silver King sky rocketed a total of 6
times, before he threw my hook! What an
exciting start to very productive day.
Tarpon season is in full swing here on
the Nature Coast. They are being caught
on Spinning tackle as well as Fly rods,
Also the Redfish bite is still strong,
catching limits of big Reds and then
catching and releasing some on most of
the recent trips. The bite has been
strong through out most of the day. Most
of the Trout have dropped out on the
deeper flats, where one can still scrap
out some very nice fish in the upper
slot size, with lost of action from
other species to go along with them. |
If you would like to go
on one of thee exciting adventures of a
life time give me a call and book your
next trip, it is not just a fishing trip
when you go with Spottails Charters it
is an Adventure.
Capt Kelly Kofmehl |
|
| |
| April 2012 |
 |
On Saturday, April 14 Capt. Kelly
successfully guided Vic Buttermore for
the 1st place win in the Redfish
division, and Randell Buttermore for 1st
place in the junior division, with large
Redfish, during the Mel Tillis
tournament out of Homosassa, Fl. The
Charter was a huge success for the day.
The Buttermore's caught many Reds the
day of the tournament. 3 of the Reds
were over the slot limit with the
largest of them being 33inches. Also
caught were some Trout that made a tasty
treat for the end of the day
festivities. |
If you want some Drag
screaming excitement give me a call @
352-302-5861 and book your next
adventure.
Capt. Kelly Kofmehl |
|
| |
| March 2012 |
 |
The month of March means one thing
to me, Trout and big Trout. In years
past Trout have been closed for the
month of February, so traditionally the
month of March has been the time to
start Trout fishing. Usually the cold
fronts are starting to lose some of
their punch. Days on the water are more
easily planned without the the big
weather swings.
|
 |
The next couple of
months have to be my favorite time to
fish, not to hot not to cold. Lots of
big Trout on the flats. The start of
tournament season for Trout and Redfish.
And limits of fish on the cleaning table
at the end of the day. We are still
having to measure the fish, but not as
one might
think, in the Spring we
must be careful not to get to many over
the slot. Here on the Nature Coast you
are allowed 5 Trout per person, 15 to 20
inches, with only 1 of the 5 allowed to
be over the 20inch mark. When I target
Trout in the spring months my favorite
thing to use is top water lures. To see
the strike and then to feel the line
come tight, fish on! Many other
techniques are just as effective such as
live shrimp, jerk baits, and mid water
lures. One of the most common mistakes
that a lot of anglers make is to fish
with their drag to tight when fishing
for these larger Trout. Trout have a
soft mouth that tears easily, making it
easy for the Trout to throw the hook
when giving those big head shakes.
|
 |
| It is already shaping up
to be a record setting year with limits
of big Trout being caught threw the
whole month of February. Things will
only get better as the Gulf water
temperature warms up and so does the
fishing. Call and reserve your back
country and flats fishing trip on the
pristine waters in the heart of Nature
Coast here in Crystal River. |
|
| |
| Jan. 2012 |
 |
The last week of December the
weather was warm and the fishing was
hot! My clients were able to catch there
limits of reds when the tides got right
to fish for them. I took my son (Kelly
jr.) fishing on the Friday before
Christmas break was over. He caught
several reds before coming in. He caught
the 30in red in the photo on a 5in gulp
jerk bait, nosed hooked with a smell
live bait hook, with an Okuma C3x rod
and an Okuma trio reel spooled with 10lb
power pro line, and 15lb leader.
|
| Now that we are in the
new year the weather is in for a cold
change. Cold North winds are being
predicted for the first part of the
week, with temperatures as low as the
high 20's for the first of the week. I
will be fishing around the river and in
the back bays near the warmer spring
waters. Small shallow running plugs will
work on trout as well as live shrimp.
Fish the deeper channels and around the
rocky points in the river. Mangrove
snapper will be close to the warm water
of the springs. When I target the mangos
I use a small jig head with a live
shrimp. |
|
| Dec. 2011 |
Another week of winter low tides and north east
winds to come. Look for trout to be found in the
deeper holes around the mouth of the Crystal river,
St. Martians river, and Fish creek. Look for the
holes with the hard bottom in them. This will be
indicated by the kelp, or rock, grass in and around
the hole. Some of these holes can be found between
two oyster bars, or gaps in the bars. Zoom glow jerk
baits nose hooked, twitching very slow has been very
productive for me. Also using live shrimp works
well.
The red fishing has also been good. We
have caught some nice reds in some of the same holes
as the trout. The best results have been on shrimp.
We also have been successful using cut mullet in
strips, on a circle hook, and just letting the bait
lay on the bottom. Mangrove snapper have started
moving into the rivers. They can be found around the
rocky points where the tide has washed out a deep
pocket, and up in the bays around the springs. I use
a small jig head tipped with shrimp, light leader
(10 to 15lb test) and retrieve the bait super slow
if I move it at all.
The forecast this coming
week is for more strong northeast wind. So these are
some tips to keep you on the water being as
successful as you can and enjoying the time that you
may have. |
| Nov. 2011 |
 |
Warm days and cold days. Is it
winter is it fall? Fishing in Crystal
river with the Northeast winds and no
water can be very productive. This has
to be one of favorite times of the year
to fish. Limits of reds and trout in the
same day. With these low tides the fish
fall into the small channels
and sand
holes that are scattered all around the
Crystal River area. No matter the bait
of choice, the colder the water gets the
slower you gotta work it. We are
catching limits of reds and trout in the
same day regularly. It is a good time to
come and see what catching is all about. |
|
| Oct. 2011 |
 |
|
October is the month of is the first real month
of fall on the nature coast. The first real
Northeasters blowing in the cooler temperatures, and
the water temps starting to cool off. This means
Trout on the shore line, Spanish Mackerel migrating
South, Snook moving into the back country, and
schools of Red fish. October in Crystal River is a
very productive month. It is not uncommon to limit
out on Trout and Red Fish in a full day charter. In
the past few weeks I have found using a Cajun
thunder popping cork, 18 to 24 inches of 15 pound
leader, to a jig head with a white Gulp or a live
shrimp to be the best for the Trout while fishing
the Crystal River area.
Red fishing I will
use 10 pound test braid line, tied line to line, to
20 pound leader. For the hook I use a 3/0 circle
hook baited with a piece of cut mullet. |
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201 Northwest 5th Avenue
Crystal River
Florida 34428
1-352-445-2755
352-302-5861 |
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