By Capt Kelly Kofmehl
Through the middle of March and winter still has us in its grasps. Temperatures have been somewhat mild on land but still cold on the open water. We seem to be getting one cold front a week, quite a pattern. Lately we’ve been seeing a few pretty days with amazing fishing results followed by another rough couple days throwing us off all over again. As April arrives, the days of spectacular weather that gives us our name—The Sunshine State—will be here. Cool nights and warm days will have the fishing on fire in the Big Bend! The trout bite will be exceptionally good. All of the cold fronts in March have kept the water temperature a few degrees cooler than it was at this time last year. This will keep them inshore longer before they head out to spawn. I look for days filled with limits of big trout for the whole month of April. As the water temps heat up they will get more aggressive and start slamming the topwater lures.
On a recent trip, as I worked the push-pull, Robert and I navigated up a narrow mangrove creek as we noticed a large wake pushing onwards 40 yards in front of the boat. I pointed, as Robert dialed in on ‘em, I said, “there they are.” I stopped the Gulfshore 20, grabbed at my Citrix rod and threw a large shrimp to where I knew the fish would settle. 60 seconds go by, the fish spook. Redfish everywhere. Redfish charging out of the creek right down the side of the boat.
That’s when I see his line ripping through the water going down the side of the boat right along with the school of spooked fish. While the big red was taking Robert around the boat for the second time, I could hear him praying not to get broken off! Vicious makes a strong 10# braid so we were able to net the 12.5 pounder—Robert’s largest fish ever.
It was a great day to be a fishing guide out of Crystal River. The warmer days will also bring the redfish bite on strong. April will be full of action for both reds and trout. One tournament that stands out here on the Nature Coast is the CCBA Tournament on April 26 & 27. My wife and I fished it last year and had a blast! They have a kids division with a lot of great prizes too. It really is great fun for the whole family. Hope to see you there.
Capt Kelly Kofmehl
Inshore Fishing At Its Finest
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