April 15th 2013 Homosassa Fishing Report and Fishin with Mel Tournament
At the time of writing this fishing forecast report the Fishin with Mel Tournament has just been completed. I fished the same clients in the tournament that have fished with me for the last 3 years, Vic, Scott, and Randell Buttermore, form Ocala. We had a great day fishing, catching Trout, Red Fish, and Mackerel. First fish ont he boat was a perfect 27in Red, then a nice Trout. as the day went on we caught several more Reds and Trout. we decided to run out in the bay and see if we could catch a Mackerel. We only caught 1 and several more small Trout. Time started to run short so we headed to the weigh in. Scott took 3rd in the Red Fish division , Vic took 1st in the inshore slam, combination of 1 Trout, 1 Red fish, and a Mackerel. Randell took 3rd in the junior division with a nice Red. It turned out to be a great day for the Buttermore family and Spottails Charters.
Looking forward to the month of May all I can think about is the arrival of the Mighty Tarpon. I will continue to fish for all of the other inshore species that the Nature Coast has to offer, but I can add the Silver King to the list. Also Shark fishing will heat up, with the big Bulls following the large schools of Tarpon. There are many options to try to target in the month of May, but the one that gets me the most fired up is with out a doubt is Tarpon. If you want to try your hand at Tarpon, Fly fisherman or bait, first time or old pro, give me a call and we will go on an adventure of a life time on the Crystal Clear waters of the Nature Coast.
Capt. Kelly Kofmehl
1-352-445-2755
For Florida Keys Fishing
Don't forget about Scalloping. 2013 Scallop Season Starts July 1st.
March Homosassa Fishing Report
April has to be my absolute favorite month to Trout fish. The mild temperatures make fishing an absolute pleasure this time of year, they also make the Trout very active, bringing bag limits of the tasty treats home for most fisherman. In April Trout will hit almost anything thrown at them form shrimp and cut bait, to the soft and hard plastic baits. It is also a prime time for Fly fisherman to try their hand at a bag limit of big Trout. Most of the Trout that I catch this time of the year are top slot to over the slot fish, not very many of under size fish, this is one of the reasons April is my favorite time to fish for them.
Also look for schools of Spanish Mackerel to start to show up out on the edges of the flats and out in the bay. Mackerel can be brought into casting range with chumming. Chum blocks can be purchased at most of the bait and tackle shops around Crystal River, and are very effective when targeting them. Mackerel shrimp will hit, everything likes shrimp especially me, and small spoons. Most of the people that I know like to smoke their Mackerel and eat it like that or make a smoked fish dip with it.
The Redfishing will also be strong in April. They will be more active as the water temps are heating up. if you have followed any of my articals over the last couple of years you will know that I love to Red fish. The tournaments are all starting up this time of year from the Mel Tillis, April 13, to the CCBA ( Citrus County Builders Assoc.)April 27 and 28 so come out and join the fun both are a lot of fun for the whole family. Hope to see you there.
Capt. Kelly Kofmehl
inshore and back country fishing
February 2013 Homosassa Fishing Report
On a recent trip fishing the crystal clear inshore waters of the Nature Coast the Trout bite was Awesome. We left the dock around 8:30 in the am. The fog was so thick that one could only see a about 100ft, as we idled down the Crystal River we passed about a half dozen Manatee tour boats headed up the river. We left the Crystal River and jumped into Salt River. The tide was extremely low and still going out, so I lifted the jack plate and jumped the Gulfshore 20 on top, still foggy but I could see 200ft now. I ran into some pot holes that I have had been holding a few nice Trout. I get the boat shut down in the first hole and sure enough the first cast, boom Trout. When my client got him to the boat it was a 14 incher, 1 inch to small. We fished around that area catching about 35 Trout and some Blue fish, but only had about 3 keepers. By now the tide was starting to turn at one of my favorite "hot spots" so0 I told the guys lets go. When we got there, it was perfect, no wind and the tide just right. I jumped up on the poling platform and I could see Trout every where, and not just Trout but big Trout. My clients, Bruce and Mike, were ready for action. Making a slow drift, we got our baits in front of the Trout, we caught the other 13 Trout we needed to finish out our limit in about 20 minutes bringing the half day to an end with a bang. Everyone was happy and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Nature Coast on the ride back to the dock.
Capt. Kelly Kofmehl
352-445-2755
Homosassa Fishing Report January 13th 2013
As the new year rolls in so has the Sunshine. On the Nature we are experiencing unseasonably warm days and nights, record high temperatures have been set. So you say what does this mean to me? I'll tell you what it means, it means that the fishing is hotter than the weather! The bite has been off of the charts. The big part of the story is Pompano. My clients have been taking these tasty treats for the gulf home more days than not. Pompano were one of the most sought after fish for the restaurants, for their flavor and an even thickness of the fillet. These tasty treats put up one of the hardest fights, pound for pound, of any other fish in the gulf.
Of course the trout and red fish bite has been strong as well. Catching limits of trout on the days that I am targeting them. I look for this trend to continue for the next few weeks. The red fish are dropping out on to the flats where the pristine waters of the Nature Coast flow in and out with the tides An added bonus for all of you bird watchers, huge flocks of migratory ducks, white pelicans, and many other migratory birds are being seen every day along with pods of Porpoises.Come and experience some of this action while the temperatures are so mild. Call to book your next adventure.
Capt. Kelly Kofmehl.
352-445-2755