Discover Crystal River Fishing

12/06/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - June 12, 2024
Looks like some much needed rain is heading toward the Big Bend . We
need it both on land and in the water. When it rains on our shallow
flats it sweetens the water and cools it down some but not alot.
Although around the time of overcast skies and rain can trigger a good
trout bite if it's safe to head out. Most of the trout I've caught
have been around bars and cuts. There are bars just offshore of the
north side and south side of Crystal River, on the south side of
Homosassa Bay and in Chassahowitzka Bay. Whatever way the tide is
flowing, I like to target the down current side of the bar because
this is where small baitfish, crabs and shrimp will be swept off the
bar into the staging trout and other game fish. A jig is the best bait
for fishing around the bars. I've been doing well with glow and a
chartreuse jig head also watermelon red flake with a red jig head.
Early morning is best or after a hard rain storm.
The nearshore rocks are the spots to find some fast action with
mangrove snapper and white grunts. The occasional blue runner,
spanish mackerel and flounder will join the party. Live shrimp is the
best bait. Remember to keep enough that you would like to clean or as
an offshore captain told me he lets his anglers "keep all YOU want to
clean". White grunts are on the unregulated species list in Florida
but do have a size limit of 8" and weight limit of 100 pounds per
vessel. 100 pound sounds like a nightmare to me at the cleaning table.
My vessel's limit is 20 and they have to be "hogs" to go in my box.
The offshore anglers are doing very good on the red snapper but the
run to 70 and 80 feet is not for the faint of heart. Incoming tide
will be in the morning this weekend.

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/

30/05/2024

Calling all lady anglers! 🐠 June 1st is almost here, and it's almost time to 'fish like a girl' to reel in some amazing prizes at the 2024 Florida Cracker Women's Fishing Tournament! 🎣 Join us at the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort in Homosassa, Florida, for a day filled with fishing, fun, and fierce competition! Secure your spot today, tickets are selling fast at flacracker.com/fishing.

For more info..,
Florida Cracker Monkey Bar

23/05/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - May 23, 2024
I'm hoping every angler who has worked hard the last month or so has agreat weekend. Some fish for a Happy Memorial Day fish fry can be caught here on the Big Bend. The method i've use this week will change at the end of the week. Tides will be later in the day so target redfish around lunch time.
I have fished many of my nearshore rock piles and cast soft plastics for trout around the grass around them with out much success. The rocks and structure though are holding some decent mangrove snapper and some drag pulling grunts on light tackle. If your weekend has a self caught fish fry in it's plan, the rocks in 8 to 10 feet with live shrimp on a jig head will provide enough grunts, mangos and possible
flounder for a fish taco evening.
For trout move back inshore with the afternoon sea breeze and use watermelon red flake soft plastics south of Chassahowitzka Point. The passes to the west are the places to fish. If you catch a few in a row during a drift, stay and target that area. I like to use a popping cork on one rod just to see if the trout are responding to a choppy surface. It never hurts to have one angler casting a different bait.
Redfish has been one of my main targets but the fish fish on the outside bite best on the first part of the incoming tide as it fills in move more towards the outside edge and use live pinfish and shrimp under a cork to have some blacken redfish with the grunt tacos. Incoming tide will be mid-day this Memorial Day, please remember why we have this Monday off.

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/

22/05/2024

CALLING ALL ANGLERS & FISHING ENTHUSIESTS - The CCA Florida Star Fishing tournament commences on May 25th and goes until September 2. This amazing fishing competition offers prizes and scholarships valued at over $500,000, which makes CCA Florida STAR the state’s not-to-miss-summer-long fishing competition. Click on the link to find out more and to register. Events and special locations happening in Crystal River at The Plantation Resort On Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection and Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort. DON'T MISS OUT on the fishing tournament of the summer!

https://ccaflorida.org/event/star/

For more information on STAR, to become a member and register, call 844-387-7827 or visit their page CCA Florida STAR Tournament or visit their website...wwww.ccaflstar.com



Plantation Adventure Center and Manatee Tours

CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha, boasts amazing prizes, is the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida and begins May 25. A unique combination of conservation, data collection and … Continue reading "CCA Florida STAR"

15/05/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - May 15, 2024
The hunt for sea trout has been better for me nearshore in the 8 to 10
foot range. I've been using MirrOlure's LiL Johns in watermelon red
flake with a 1/8 oz. red jig head. Work the lure slowly near the
bottom with a slight upward bounce. The bite can be light so stay
tight with the line on every strike. Other fish that are also adding
to the action are Spanish mackerel, flounder, sea bass, grunts, lady
fish and small gag grouper.
A few cobia have been coming to the cleaning table and speaking with
the anglers who are catching them, it is a waiting game. Good
structure is a must and so is sorting through the many sharks, remoras
and other fish that respond to chumming. I like to have two rigged
heavy spinning rods, one with an artificial like a Hoagy and the other
with a live bait like a large pinfish. 60 pound leader is a must and
with live bait a heavy wire 6/0 circle hook is best.
The redfish are from the backcountry out to the western keys. In the
backcountry I like to use a cork with a jig head and live shrimp. The
jig head keeps the bait directly below the cork and of the rocks as
you free line it down the keys edge. Further west I prefer to use cut
pinfish or a live pinfish, free lined on a 3/0 Owner bait style hook.
These fish seem to get more fishing pressure and less tackle is
better. Incoming tide this weekend will be midday.

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/

10/05/2024

Don't mis out on the Florida Cracker 2024 Women's Fishing Tournament!
Friday, May 31, 2024 6:00 PM
Saturday, June 1, 2024 4:00 PM

Click the link to find out more...
https://www.flacracker.com/events/womensfishing2024

07/05/2024

If your desire is to go fishing during your visit to Crystal River, then The Plantation Resort on Crystal River should be on your bucket list. Out of their very own Adventure Center, you'll have an option of a variety of fishing captains to choose from, as well as boats and types of fishing charters. The Plantation Resort on Crystal River is right on the water, so the location cannot be beat, with several amazing restaurants, family-friendly guest rooms & suites, a lovely pool, and full-service spa. Consider the Plantation for your next fishing adventure!

03/05/2024

Well, this is great news...

https://weartv.com/news/local/florida-gov-desantis-announces-record-breaking-103-day-gulf-red-snapper-season

DESTIN, Fla. -- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that this year's Gulf red snapper season will last a record-breaking 103 days!Last year's Gulf red s

01/05/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - May 1, 2024
As I was preparing my boat today I broke out with some slight sweat on my brow and every year around this time it reminds me that our summer is close.. Another reminder is that tarpon are making their way north. It's always possible to catch a tarpon on the Big Bend most any time of the year but at this time of the year is when anglers target them with fly's ( fly rods ). I would compare it to being a hunter and
killing something with a rifle and for the challenge trying it with a bow. In Homosassa there are many guides dedicated to the fishery and the tradition of fulfilling a client's dream or potential world record fish.
Redfishing has been the best inshore bite as of late. I've been fishing more in the backcountry on the last part of the incoming tide. Both shrimp and live pinfish are good bait but I've also caught some good reds casting a jig into the tight pods of mullet on points with good tide flow.
Trout fishing is scattered from the passes all the way to the Foul Area. Shallow water I've done best with a glow jerk bait and as I've increased in depth depending on wind conditions the 4 to 5 foot depth I go with a popping cork over yellow bottom and deeper than that I go with a 1/8 oz. red jig head with a watermelon red flake MirrOlure provoker. Around the rocks there are some medium size grunts and a few
keeper mangrove snapper. Keep the heavy spinning rod ready for a cobia, you never know when they will come around the vessel. Incoming tide will be morning this weekend.

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/

24/04/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - April 24, 2024
Fishing after a front during a full moon and moderate west, north west
and east winds is a chore. I've endured many springs like this over
the years and it reminds me of a good friend, industry partner and
mentor. Captain Mark Zorn ( Z MAN not the lure ) and I have fished
together with him through the Plantation of Crystal River with Bob
Chappell and Roger Batchelor in the old days. This is where I learned
to be competitive in the guiding industry because Z Man always was top
dog. Many times I would try to follow his drift and pattern his
routine but it never worked how hard I tried.
As he and I fished together at the Homosassa Fishing Club I found
myself not trying to beat him, but mimic him in his guiding skills.
As a mentor Z Man taught me to always put the client first. Know your
anglers skills and adapt to their expectations. Put your ego in your
back pocket and don't let it interfere with the day's work. I just
want to wish Captain Mark Zorn a very nice and well deserved
retirement. Thank you for always being who you and the one and only
Captain Z.
The trout bite has been tight so if you are catching a few stick to
the area. The red fishing is most consistent in the last hour of the
incoming tide and I've done best with live or cut pinfish a few keys
in the backcountry. The nearshore rocks have been at best O.K. but if
you're in the 8 to 10 foot range looking for trout ect....make sure to
have a heavy spinning reel to handle a keeper cobia. Incoming tide
will be in the afternoon this weekend

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/

12/04/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - April 12, 2024
Again, another blow out day on the Big Bend. I can't remember the last
time we've had so many late fronts, it's been at least once a week. I
will say the clean days out there are very productive with big sea
trout and nice slot redfish. The only inshore species that I've been
struggling with is snook. I have caught a few, cast to a lot of them
and looked at many. Two of the top live bait for our area is threadfin
herring. It can take a lot of time and effort to sabeki them but for
snook it's a no brainer. They will go out of their way to eat this
bait. The other that's readily available at most tackle shops is mud
minnows. I've had success with them and live finger mullet, agian
finger mullet must be cast netted so they take some time to get.
One of my favorite baits for snook is the D.O.A. 5.5 jerk bait. I
spent a few days with the owner of D.O.A. Mark Nichols and he took
Seth Horne from InThe Spread and I on a tour of the facility that
makes his baits. I will say that It was impressive by the number of
soft plastics that are made there and the amount of ingenuity that
goes into all of these fish catching baits. Those of you who have read
my reports over the years probably know I talk about the 5.5 glow jerk
bait a lot, but after seeing all the colors, patterns and glitter I
felt like a hungry snook that wanted to eat everyone. Mark handed Seth
and I a bag to take some to try that I've never used before because of
my angling syndrome. I get used to thinking that this is the best one
and only color that's gonna work. I believe those of us who spend a
good deal of time fishing know what I mean. When this weather lets up
I'll let you know how they work.
If you plan on fishing this weekend the trout bite is good on the
inside. With an outgoing tide most of the day target the shallow edges
of deep water creeks or river mouths. For redfish fish the incoming
tides on the western facing points. Incoming tide will be late
afternoon.

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/

09/04/2024

CAPTAIN KATIE JO - April 4, 2024
Spring is in the air! I’ve been looking forward to warmer weather and higher water temperatures as the fish become more aggressive on the inshore bite. Redfish schooling along rocky bars and points make for a fun day of catching!

Huge schools of black drum are making their way back in from offshore and are looking for the first shrimp that swims past their face. For these fish I look for big tails flashing across the top of the water in deeper cuts where crabs will typically be.

The larger flounder will make their way near sandy bottom that has rock structure along the shoreline. A mud minnow swimming along the bottom wi definitely attract their attention.

Large schools of trout have already started making their way into the shallower flats with grass and small bait fish on them. Larger live baits are a great choice to target these fish with such as pinfish.

Regardless of what you’re targeting for the day, I always suggest taking notes on a few things when fishing.

Number 1. What is the tide and where is it at currently on the tide table that these fish are actively eating.

Number 2. What is the water temperature. This is a key factor for where the fish will be staged as they too will get cold. After all, they are Florida fish.

Number 3. Are there smaller bait fish around the area that you are fishing. If so, chances are there are bigger fish not too far away.

Captain Katie Jo
KD OUTDOORS FISHING CHARTERS
772-882-8932
www.fishcrystalriverflorida.com

04/04/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - April 4, 2024
Looking forward to some decent weather that is enjoyable to fish in
like we have earlier in the week. When the wind calms down one of my
favorite springtime fisheries is west of the St.Martins Keys in the
foul area. There are many natural rock piles and structures scattered
over miles of 6 to 10 feet of water. Many species of fish like trout,
spanish mackerel, blue fish, sea bass, pompano, jacks and lady fish
concentrate here because of the abundant shrimp. Many times I've
unhooked trout and the fish is filled to the gills with shrimp.
The fishing is fairly simple. How I work this area is to set up a
drift to try to intersect as many rocks as possible that are marked on
my GPS. If you are new to this then drifting and finding rocks on a
calm day is part of the work it takes to become successful. I use a
1/8 oz. jig head with a MirrOlure LIL John for bait. I like using this
soft plastic because it resembles a shrimp bouncing along the grass.
Having a few different colors of LIL Johns helps because the color
can change daily that the fish eat according to the conditions. Once
my anglers catch a few fish in a row I'll stay in that location by
using a marking buoy or GPS.
Etiquette for fishing the Foul Area is easy and if followed all
anglers can put some fish in the box. When approaching the fleet of
boats slow down and put the motor in neutral, then study the drift and
line up with the rest of the fleet accordingly. I try not to anchor
unless it's on a rock and I'm targeting snappers or grunts. After
drifting through the hot spot then I do my best to take a wide berth
around the other anglers before setting up another drift. Incoming
tide will be in the afternoon this weekend.

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/

01/04/2024

It may be April Fool's Day, but we're not messing around when we say Scallop Season is almost upon us. Start planning your scalloping adventure now and reserve your spot! Scalloping season begins at the start of July and goes until late September every year. Harvesting is done about 2-3 miles from shore in the gulf and can be found almost anywhere eelgrass is located.

The bag limit is 2 gallons of whole scallops per person per day; or 1 pint of scallop meat per person per day. In addition, no more than 10 gallons of whole scallops (or ½ gallon of scallop meat) may be possessed aboard any vessel at any time.

To find out more, and to book a scalloping adventure contact...
Captain Katie Jo
https://fishcrystalriverflorida.com/

28/03/2024

These two gentleman were trying to think of ways to extend their vacation, today's fishing might’ve sealed the deal ✈️🚫

When you want to go fishing, contact...
Nature Coast Fin & Feather Outfitters

25/03/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - March 25, 2024
With some uncertain weather this week be prepared for fishing or
getting on your "honey do list". The inshore trout bite has been the
best with the windy weather. Deeper troughs on the edges of rocky
keys, deep creek mouths and pocket holes of the edge of the channels
are the places to find the bite. Google Earth is a good source for
doing research about these locations. The deeper areas will appear as
a dark blue vein on the map. Some other areas to fish on a northeast
wind are inside Tin Pan Gap. Tin Pan Gap is north of the mouth of
Crystal River and up towards the Spoil Banks. The high walls of the
banks helps protect from the wind. One more area with good water is
west of C**n Gap toward Camp Island Pass.
The bait I've been using is the nosed hooked D.O.A. 5'5 glow jerk
bait in the shallow waters. If I'm targeting a hole with water that is
over four feet then I'm using a MirrOlure Provoker in watermelon red
flake. A drift bag or sea anchor is a good tool to slow down your
drift and if you don't have one a bucket with a line tied of your bow
cleat works well also'
Snook are in season so far the ones that we've caught on our charters
have not made the slot. I have lost some nice snook fishing the points
and docks in the river. The incoming tides for this Easter weekend are
early or late evening.

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/

22/03/2024

CALLING ALL ANGLERS & FISHING ENTHUSIESTS - The CCA Florida Star Fishing tournament commences on May 25th and goes until September 2. This amazing fishing competition offers prizes and scholarships valued at over $500,000, which makes CCA Florida STAR the state’s not-to-miss-summer-long fishing competition. Click on the link to find out more and to register. Events and special locations happening in Crystal River at The Plantation Resort On Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection and Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort. DON'T MISS OUT on the fishing tournament of the summer!

https://ccaflorida.org/event/star/

For more information on STAR, to become a member and register, call 844-387-7827 or visit their page CCA Florida STAR Tournament or visit their website...wwww.ccaflstar.com

CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha, boasts amazing prizes, is the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida and begins May 25. A unique combination of conservation, data collection and … Continue reading "CCA Florida STAR"

05/03/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - March 4, 2024
Moving into March creates new opportunities for inshore anglers along
the Big Bend. Snook are legal to keep this month and next. Most of the
snook I've caught have been on the edge of the outside keys along with
the trout and redfish. Most all the inshore big three trout, reds and
snook are on the points, creek mouths and submerged rock piles on high
water. The exposed rocks on low water will collect the sun's heat and
as the tide rise's game fish will move in and use this structure to
feed on the crabs, shrimp and baitfish that the tide allows them to
move in and feed. Some of the deeper creeks and swashes have some
pompano. This year I have not had a lot of luck with them but one or
two can make some fun in the boat and a fine dinner at the house.
The nearshore rocks are holding our pelagic fish like spanish
mackerel, blue fish and possible early cobia.I like to target the
structure with live shrimp on a light jig head for the most action.
White grunts, sheepshead and mangrove snapper will hit this bait but
the mackerel and blue fish will be on the same structure but in the
upper water column. Expect some cut offs and to handle that ( jig
heads aren't cheap ) go with a long shank Eagle Claw 1/0 hook. The
long shank will act as a wire leader without spooking the fish. I run
the hook 1/3rd of the way from the tail of the shrimp and turn it out
of the shrimp underside. Free lining the bait with the moving tide
will get the bite. Incoming tide this weekend will be late morning.

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/

02/03/2024

This is the smile of a happy fisherman.

For a smile this big, and for our next fishing adventure, contact... Circle Hook Fishing
DM or call to book your inshore Redfish trip. 352-303-0453 .revis .jake75

Check out their website.... https://circlehookfishingcharters.com/

27/02/2024

Great Music, Food & Fishing? Yup, all in one place at the Big Bass Bluegrass BBQ and Fishing Tournament. Coming up, Friday and Saturday, March 8th & 9th. It's all happening at beautiful Liberty Park, in charming Inverness.

Liberty Park, 286 N Apopka Ave., Inverness

To find out more...
Big Bass Bluegrass & BBQ

To Register for the Fishing Tournament, happening on Saturday March 9th
https://www.inverness-fl.gov/525/Big-Bass-Classic

23/02/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - February 23, 2024
If I was writing a country sound the first lyrics would be "some days
are good and some days are bad". That's how the fishing has been. I've been targeting sea trout on the shallow ribbon rock that is in the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. On low water the rock piles that were once a key that has been washed away from storms and large tides are exposed to the sun that is moving north. The sun warmed limestone bottom is where late winter, early spring trout will school up. In the crystal-clear water, it reminds me of a bone fish flat south of Homosassa. Poling my boat, I can spot these schools of beautiful fish as a dark patch that swings somewhat on the incoming tide. To spot them and not spook them is the Holy Grail of trout fishing on the Big Bend. Setting up on a bunch of trout is tougher then redfish because trout blend in on the yellow bottom and once you bust them it's hard to set up on them again.

Snook are open at the end of the month, and they are on the outside edge. Deep channels with a hard rock point that has moving water are a good spot to target. The nearshore rocks are a hit in miss with sheepshead, grunts and a few Spanish mackerel. Incoming tide this weekend will be in the midafternoon.

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/

15/02/2024

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY FISHING REPORT - February 14, 2024
These are just a few thoughts I have to help anglers be more
successful for our upcoming springtime fishing. The only reason I
want to talk about springtime because if you are observant, the Big
Bend trees are spreading their love in green swaths all over the
place cars, boats and peoples' noses.
The exposed rocks at low tide in the morning will collect heat during
the day. As the afternoon tide covers the shallow flats, rocks and
keys these areas will hold the heat from the earlier part of the day
and trout will school and hold on top of these hard bottom areas. This
is real structure, not turtle grass or what an angler south of use
would target. Not to say that someone would catch some trout over a
grass flat but I would bet most of them would be shorts until later in
the year.
The shallow rocks this time of year will have a few sheepshead but at
any warm calm day blue fish, trout, spanish mackerel and sea bass will
go after a soft plastic. Starting around 7 to 10 feet set up a drift
with the wind or current. Cast ahead of your drift with a soft plastic
bait in light or dark color and switch all anglers to the one that
produces the best. The fish that will bite to keep would be blue fish,
spanish mackerel, sea trout and sea bass. It's relatively easy fishing
on a warm calm day. I'm not the weather man but it's a possibility for
a wet weekend. I hope not because a sure fire way of having a fish
dinner is to come down to MacRae's for the Homosassa Guides
Association annual fish fry at 12 pm. on Sunday the 18th. If you want
to miss out on the fun stuff plus raffles then high incoming tide will
be early morning this weekend.

Learn more about Captain Toney and his fishing charters...
https://homosassainshorefishing.com/