CRYSTAL RIVER

Hello from Crystal River, and the fishing has been great here. This time of year, you can target redfish, trout and snook. With the warmer water temps and spring in full effect, the fishing is great.

The reds have been doing good on live pinfish and live shrimp. For the pinfish, I prefer free lining, using a 30 to 40 lb. leader on a circle hook. For the shrimp, I’ll use a light 1/16 oz jig. I focus on areas that have good moving water and mullet.

The trout has been really good this year. I mainly use all artificial when targeting trout. DOA jerk baits are always my first choice along with mirrordines. Sometimes I’ll use a popping cork with a shrimp on a jig. I fish trout shallow, 1 o 3 feet of water on the beginning of the incoming, and last part of the outgoing. I focus on hard spotty bottom. Also, a good tip when working your baits is, work them slow.

The snook bite had been great and are one of the best fighting fish out there, long runs and jumps. When targeting snook, I use live pinfish this time year. The key to snook is to always have an idea where they are holding. Never let them see you and be patient. I use a 40 lb. leader on a 4/0 circle hook, and make long casts on them.

Capt. James Kerr 352-362-6893 Citrusfishingchaters.com