Winter time will heat up on the nature coast

Capt. Bear Smith
October 13, 2008
Crystal River - Saltwater Fishing Report

The summer of 2008 is gone but not forgotten. The winter is just around the corner and the fishing on the Nature Coast is going to heat up like the fourth of July. Every thing from inshore grouper that invade the shallow rocks to those huge gator trout that lurk in the deeper holes in the back country waiting for the shallow water to heat up enough so they can roam the flats in search of an easy meal. The red fish will start hanging around the oyster bars and rock piles even more because they hold heat longer than most other types of bottom and the bait fish know that and so do the most of the game fish.

After the first cold front or two the average size trout "your keepers" will start hanging around at the head of the river around the springs in Kings Bay. Most of these fish can be taken on your standard trout rigs try using a tandem love lure in a bright color with a dark jig head. You can also have a ton of fun early in the morning with top water plugs work them slow and constant to keep your preys attention. If you are fishing with Common Hooker Adventures you will find that you are going to be using a slightly heavier rod than you normally would for trout because their are plenty of tarpon that also congregate around the springs and will readily take a bait meant for a trout. the key to landing these fish is not to get over excited and let the fish wear them selves out watch for buoy lines and other small obstructions and avoid them and you can land these fish on light tackle.

Lets get back to those keeper sized gags that feed on the inshore rock piles not all of them hold fish but when you find one that does catch a few fish and leave it for the next trip "DON'T CLEAN OUT A GOOD SPOT" leave a few fish on the rocks so others will notice the area and stick around.
One of the best ways to take these fish is to anchor up current from the structure and float a pin fish over top of it let it make some noise just like you would if you were drifting a flat with Cajun Thunders for trout but only with a much heavier rod. Another way to play with the gags is to cast big lipped plugs close to the structure and swim them back to the boat the grouper will come out from their hole and clobber the plug. When this happens hold on for your life cause they will jerk it right out of your hand if your not ready.

If you are looking for some exciting rod bending drag screaming hart pounding action call Common Hooker Adventures and you could have the chance to catch a memory of a life time

Crystal River Fishing Forecast:

Capt. Bear Smith
Common Hooker Adventures
[email protected]
352 302 3664

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