Tarpon, redfish and Scallops Rule!!!!

Report Date: July 1, 2009

Tarpon, Redfish and Scallops Rule...

The Brants from Melbourne with a big Redfish...

Summertime on the Nature Coast flats is Tarpon, Redfish and scallop time!! The tarpon showed up in full force this year and hopefully will stick around longer than last year. Captains Mike Locklear, Jim Long and Charlie Harris have hooked and brought to the boat some impressive fish. The big schools of redfish were just beginning to show up . Once the waters clear up, we’ll have a better handle on them.. There are plenty around but you’ll have to hunt for them. Rocky points, grass shorelines, rocky bottom and oyster bars are prime hot spots. The spoil banks north of Crystal River yields plenty of reds this time of year. Try using gold/silver spoons or soft jerk baits like the Saltwater Assassins in white, rootbeer, new penny or pumpkinseed or top water plugs early and late like the Mirrorlure Top Dog, She Dog or Top Pup in red/white or black/orange or green/white. The Berkley Glup series have become a super weapon for catching most any variety of fish lately. I just wish they weren’t so darn expensive.

If the hurricanes and tropical storms leave us alone along the Gulf coast this year, and the red tide doesn’t show up, we should have a fantastic summer of fishing!
But, those are variables we can’t control. So, keep a close eye on the weather channel.



Scallop season opens July 1st and scallopers should have good success on the grass flats off Crystal River and Homosassa. However, with the large number of boaters after these tasty morsels, the boat ramps can get crowded, so, come early or plan to spend some time in line. Or better still, give me a call or email, and book a trip and leave the driving to us. We have some good “secret” spots. Bring a picnic lunch, the family and plan a half day snorkeling trip on the clear Homosassa/Crystal River flats. We provide all gear if you don’t have your own.

Trout fishing will continue to be spotty. With the 85 to 90 degree waters inshore most trout are in 8-12 ft of water. However there are some good ‘uns still close in. Best time to catch a trout is early morning until about 9 oclock or on overcast days when the water is cooler. If you just want to catch trout, try throwing a Cotee jig with a Saltwater Assassin in Electric Chicken color and fish it deep just off the grass.

There will be plenty of big tarpon still around on the Homosassa/Chaz flats. They can still be caught on the flats with fly or spinning gear and later in the month in the Rivers and deep holes fishing with cut bait. It is a wait and see game, but well worth the wait when you hook up with one of these giants.

Grouper and offshore fishing has been good lately and should continue through this month, depending on the weather. Mostly coming from deeper water of 40- 60 feet. However, some good reports of catches in the 25 ft area trolling plugs.

Be safe out there. It can get mighty hot, so take plenty of water, gatoraid, or whatever to stay hydrated. Also, this time of year thunder storms can come up from nowhere. So, use caution when you see a thunderhead close. Keep your radio tuned to the local weather channel. Catching one more fish or scallop isn’t worth it.

Big Redfish Double!!!

As we celebrate July 4th our Independence Day, let’s all remember our men and women overseas and around the world who serve every day to help us preserve that independence and freedom. May God speed and protection be with them and bring them home safely soon. I, for one, am Proud to Be An American!!!!!! May you have a blessed Independence Day…..

Take a youngster fishing, ‘cause a child’s smile and a good day fishin’ is the best medicine for whatever ails ya.

Until next time…..

Captain Ed Lewis

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