Inshore

Trout- Trout have been a bit on the scattered lately. The best trout bite has been on the incoming tide. Mirrolure Little Jons in root beer or gold on a 1/8 jig head has worked the best in 5-6’ of water. Aggressively jigging these baits with long pause between “pops” has been the best way to trigger a strike

Redfish- We have had to cover ground for redfish lately. Unlike earlier in the season, they’re a bit scattered, making them a little frustrating some days. The redfish bite has definitely improved over the past week or so. Live shrimp, Mudminnows, or pinfish are great choices for bait. As always, a good pair of polarized glasses and casting practice help tilt the odds in your favor for putting bait in front of a shallow water red.

Offshore

Cobia—Cobia are continuing to trickle into Crystal River. While the reports are becoming more and more frequent, with some up to the 50-pound mark. As the water continues to warm this spring, we should see cobia in our cooler with more regularity. Any type of structure beyond 10' of water is a good place to start looking for them. Be sure to check out our last cobia article for cobia tips

King Mackerel—Kings are in! We have been finding most of our kingfish from 20’ of water on out. While targeting rock piles, a freelined pinfish or threadfin herring has been the ticket to adding a "smoker" to the mixed bag trip. Trolling big Rapala lipped plugs has been a great resource for us to actively fish between spots and get some dramatic aerial strikes from kings as they hit plugs and launch skyward. 

Mangrove Snapper & Hogfish—The rockpile duo is still making its way into the mix. Both mangroves and hogfish have been reliable targets for mixed-bag trips in the 40’ and deeper range. Shrimp on a jighead with a long leader has been the ticket. 

Looking ahead: 

There are lots of options offshore! Not only do we have more sunlight and better weather, but multiple species are opening up for harvest.

Amberjack—Greater Amberjack or AJs are some of the best fighting fish on the reefs and wrecks. The season opens for the month of May.  Most of our amberjack fishing is conducted on wrecks and piles in water deeper than 50 feet. Live pinfish or vertical jigging are the tried-and-true methods for getting these reef donkeys to bite. 

Cobia fishing will continue to improve and come into full swing in May and June. Fishing for cobia on weekdays is often easier than on weekends. While the fish are still around, weekends can become a zoo with boat traffic rivaling Orlando's I4.

Snook—When most folks think of snook, they think skinny water, and that's often the case, but in Crystal River, in the late spring, the fish will move offshore. These large schools of spawning snook are often found holding on rockpiles in 20-30 feet of water. You can really catch some bruisers by pitching them a live pinfish or pigfish. 

Red Grouper - Will remain open through the end of June. Look for these guys in 100’ of water and deeper. Might be able to scrape up a keeper or two in 60-80’ but for consistently look deeper.

Red Snapper - These open for harvest June 1st. You should be able to get them as shallow as 80’ in early june. Don’t be afraid to drive around the spot until you “mark them” before fishing!

Are you looking to land a stud cobia or are you interested in putting your light tackle skills to the test with some backcountry redfish? Either way, we have the knowledge and vessels to get you there. Reach out to us today and start your Crystal River fishing adventure with High Octane.