by Capt.Kelly Kofmehl
The night time temps are starting to drop just a few degrees, giving us the hint that fall is just around the corner here on the Nature Coast. October is a month of several changes here in the small stretch of paradise that I get to call home. First, Stone Crabs are back in season. They will be on the market and ready to be consumed on October 15th kicking off with the Crystal River Stone Crab Jam the first Saturday in November. Another change is the opening of a new store here in Crystal River, Sodium Fishing Gear. I had the opportunity to sneak a peek in the store the other day. Brandon and Casey not only have fishing apparel from head to toe, but they also have rods, reels, coolers, a full line of Carbon Marine products, fly fishing gear and much more. Stop in and support one of your local businesses.
On my trip yesterday I was polling my clients down a shoreline; I could see fish working in front of the boat about 150 yards. I told my guys to get ready to throw. When I was able to maneuver the boat into casting position I told Bo and Jordan to throw in front of the school of reds. One guy made a perfect cast and the other was behind the school. About two seconds after the first bait hit the water, drag was rippin’ o the Okuma reel. We were able to catch three reds out of that school before they just blew out on us; the first one was 30 inches, the second 31 inches and the third was 32. What an awesome bunch of fish. They definitely had all of our hearts pumping for a while.
Trout will be back inshore once again in some larger numbers making it possible to catch a limit without having to run way out into the open bay, as the water temps begin to drop a few degrees. I have been eagerly awaiting this event to happen. I typically fish with a popping cork rig this time of the tear. Last October we did very well on the trout and I have already noticed some early arrivals.
Capt Kelly Kofmehl Inshore and Back Country Fishing www.Spottailscharters.com 352-302-5861 www.okuma- fishing.com www.young-boats.com