A picture perfect day out of Crystal River and Dan, Erin and Mark had an outstanding charter. We left from Pete's Pier Marina just after 8am and began the day jigging trout right were I left them yesterday. It was a little breezy for the first couple hours of the morning which made the boat positioning a challenge, but the crew had their sea legs and did great. Using MirroLure Lil Johns, DOA cal shad tails and gulp shrimp was what the trout were in the mood for. The winds slacked off around noon and we made our run offshore. I targeted some under cut ledges today and the sheepshead bite was excellent. We totaled close to thirty sheepshead for the afternoon and kept a bakers dozen, while releasing the others. Live shrimp once again was the bait of choice for the sheepshead and I thank you all for the fantastic day. Here's our mixed bag catch of trout, sheepshead, grunts and sea bass... Capt. Dan
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After a week off the water, today was my homework day and l was ready to find some fish. Having several charters lined up, I always like to do the best I can for my clients and have a pattern established. Leaving just after 9am, I spent the morning jigging for trout with MirrOlure Lil Johns and totaled nine keeper trout which all were safely released. The trout were holding tight around the structures and the gulf water temperature was 57 degrees. I didn't check on the winter sheepshead, but they are pretty predictable and let's see what tomorrow brings. For those of you that don't know, I'm obsessed with fly fishing and today I brought one of my 8wt fly rods along. I normally don't fly fish on my group charters do to casting restrictions, but for one on one trips, we can make it happen. (In the near future I'm going to expand more on the fly fishing side). That said, I pulled up to a shallow shell bar and sight fished a couple trout; with one just over 20" and a under slot red fish on one of my home made Homosassa special flies. It's always enjoyable catching fish, but when it's on the fly, it's that much more rewarding. Well, that's today's recap and we'll see you soon... Capt. Dan
If you've wondered where I've been? I just returned from a great winter week family vacation in the South Central Pennsylvania area. A major change from the Florida weather l'm accustomed to; we experienced snow flurries, 17degrees mornings and highs in the low 30's. It was a great vacation seeing the vast farm lands and experiencing the world renowned 96th annual Farm Show. It was a little to cold for me to wet a line (it would have probably frozen) but I checked on several of the famous Pennsylvania trout streams, that I'll test my skills on in the future. I made a stop at the Yellow Breeches Outfitters (1-717-258-6752), a very knowledgeable and friendly fly shop and made some new friends. A beautiful outfitter shop with fly tying materials, books, clothing, flies, etc.. it had it all. Thank you Rowland for your time and hope to see you down here in the Crystal River/Homosassa area sometime. I did make a stop at the legendary Letort Spring Creek Run and I must say, this beautiful small stream, although intimidating for the fly fisher, is one of the most beautiful places I've seen. Thank you to all the friends and family for making this vacation so memorable and if your in the Boiling Springs area of Pennsylvania, stop by the Yellow Breeches Outfitters and say hello... Capt. Dan
Today was our 4th annual kids fishing trip with the 5th graders from Homosassa Elementary School. Myself and the rest of the 16 members of the Homosassa Guides Association donated our time, to give these youngsters a great fishing trip to remember. It's fun fishing, but a little science and math is involved as well. Recording the air and water temperatures, measuring and weighing the fish and enjoying the different types of wildlife; the day is a great exerpience. I had Mrs. B's group on board the these young lady anglers had a ball. Were anchored up, found a school of trout of all sizes and it was fish after fish. We recorded over 40 trout and everyone caught plenty. I thank everyone for making the event a great success and nothing is better than seeing these young anglers catch their first fish. Here's my crew with one of our Little Homosassa trout... Capt. Dan
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