CONTRIBUTING CAPTAIN REPORT Capt. Mario Castellos Crystal River Report for 10/13//2014 This is the time of year that we see the transition from summer patterns to fall patterns and this means we also see the massive schools of small white bait that seems to be everywhere you go. This bait migration brings opportunity to catch inshore and offshore species in the same location. Everything gets tuned into these baitfish schools and it makes for non stop action especially on light tackle. Our near shore grouper bite in this area is no secret. This time of year we catch big gag grouper in as little as 6 feet of water on some of our numerous near shore rock piles and ledges. These fish are a blast to catch on light tackle spinning gear as well as conventional. We have been starting with cut bait to get the bite fired up and then using either live grunts or pinfish. Another good way to fire up the bite is to use a 3/8 oz jighead with a large soft plastic like a DOA Cal 5.5 or a Mirrolure Lil John XL in white. Short fast pumps will get them away from the rocks once you get them hooked up on light tackle since you will be fishing more horizontal than vertical. This method is very similar to fishing a jetty or a bridge. Our redfish bite continues to be consistent along the rocky shorelines and mangrove islands from Yankeetown to St Martins Keys. They can be caught either with live shrimp or artificials like the DOA Cal Shad Tail on a 1/8 oz jig. During low light conditions they can also be caught on topwater baits such as the Mullet 90 by Unfair Lures. This is the most visual way to target them because they often push a wake while running a topwater bait down. The bite is also very violent since the redfish usually needs to get on top of the bait to eat it. We have also been seeing pompano skipping in our boat wake while running from one redfish hole to the next. It’s never a bad idea this time of year to have someone looking behind you while on plane. It could be an opportunity to catch a few of these tasty fish. Small nylon jigs work well for the Pompano but a live shrimp has been working even better. If you would like to come and enjoy everything that this area has to offer please visit The Plantation on Crystal River’s website at plantationoncrystalriver. Tall Tales Charters Captain Marrio Castello 352-454-7719 talltaleschartersfl
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:18:46 +0000
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