A good Fall run of spanish mackerel, bluefish, blue runners, jack crevalle and bonito have made they’re way south to the Big Bend. One of the most productive ares are near the spoil banks in Crystal River. Look for balls of bait dimpling the surface and birds diving on the water. More south towards Homosassa there will be less baitfish activity but shallow rocks or channel markers will hold enough bait to draw in the pelagic species. Use a 30lb. floro carbon leader with a glow soft plastic and chartreuse jig head to cast with a fast retrieve to get the strike. This is a fun way to have a lot of action and put a few good eating fish in the box. The way my dad would cook mackerel was with a baking sheet rubbed with olive oil, then with the skin down and lemon pepper coated fillet, broiled at 300 degree for 10 or 12 minutes. It was good eats and fun for us catching them. A few triple tail are hanging around the markers or buoys. Best way to get them is to run your vessel close enough to take a good look and if one is spotted shut down a safe distance so that you can set up a wind or tide drift to get in casting range without cranking the outboard. A cork with a shrimp on a jighead will catch them most anytime the cast is true. Incoming tide will be early morning this weekend.
- Nature Coast - March 23, 2024
- William Toney - February 29, 2024
- Nature Coast - February 14, 2024
