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The weather has been hot but the fishing has been even hotter! The Redfish spawn is upon us, bringing in large numbers of quality Redfish. Also the Mangrove Snapper bite has been great on the offshore rock piles. Below I will go over some tips you might find useful to take advantage of the wonderful fishing that Crystal River Florida has to offer in August.
Redfish Report
Although the hot weather can make redfish hard to catch in the heat of the day, it makes them fairly predictable this time of year. Getting out on the water early when it is cooler will pay off! If you cant make it out early here are 3 tips to find the big feeding Red fish in the heat of the day. #1 Target areas that are shaded from the sun such as overhanging mangroves and dense vegetation. #2 Current! Generally speaking the more moving water you have the cooler the water temps will be and in turn more likely the Redfish will be to feed, particularly on an incoming tide when cooler water from the gulf is rushing in. #3 Fish with cut bait on the bottom and have some patience. When the Gulf temps get hot the Redfish in Crystal River tend to get heat stressed and less active so bottom fishing is a great way to entice the less active Redfish.
Recommended Bait and rigging
Cut Mullet, Ladyfish or cut Pinfish rigged on a Knocker Rig with a #5 circle hook and a 1/8th ounce egg weight.
Regulations
1 fish per person or 4 per vessel between 18 and 27 inches
Mangrove Snapper Report
Mangrove Snapper are not only fun to catch but delicious to eat! This time of year they can be caught in many different areas up and down the coast of Crystal River. When looking for the right area to fish for them keep an eye out for any rock piles, cracks or structured bottom that give them a place to hide from larger predator fish. One of my favorite places to target Mangrove Snapper is the "Foul Area" just off the coast between Crystal River and Homosassa. This time of year you can easily catch your limit within just a few hours.
Recommended Bait And Rigging
Live or fresh shrimp rigged on a 1/16 or 1/8 ounce jig head with 10 to 15 pound fluorocarbon leader or live shrimp rigged on a #2 J hook or circle hook.
Regulations
5 fish per person 10 inch minimum length
Gag Grouper season is right around the corner!
Gag Grouper season was cut short this year by new regulations implemented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The season changed from June 1st - Dec 31st to Sep 1st - Nov 10th. This change was made to help the long term sustainability of the Gag Grouper fishing in Crystal River Florida as well as the rest of the state of Florida. Although this change in season has upset many anglers, it is in the best interest of the population and will make the upcoming season even better! So, make sure you get out on the water and take advantage of the world class Gag Grouper fishing that Crystal River has to offer.
Book a Crystal River fishing charter today!
If you are looking to get in on the action make sure and check out our website and charter options. We offer half day and Full day fishing charters out of the beautiful Crystal River Florida! For more info click the link below.
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