Crystal River mid March

atocha

Heading camping on crystal river mid March. Never been to the area. Looking to do some inshore fishing.
What's biting and what do you guys use? Not looking for secrets or steal spots, just want to catch some fish, and have some fun with the family. Will probably stay on shore, might rent a pontoon for all of us to fit on and stay in the river.
Thanks for any info, looking forward to our trip.

troutman57

atocha wrote: »

Heading camping on crystal river mid March. Never been to the area. Looking to do some inshore fishing.
What's biting and what do you guys use? Not looking for secrets or steal spots, just want to catch some fish, and have some fun with the family. Will probably stay on shore, might rent a pontoon for all of us to fit on and stay in the river.
Thanks for any info, looking forward to our trip.

I suggest you look back in the archives to last march and read the reports for that month there should be some very good info there. March fishing in this area is usually spectacular for trout mackerel and reds but it is a boat fishing thing. I would suggest you hire a guide or rent a boat.

pottydoc

Kyle, what's a trout mackerel? I've heard of Spanish, cero, and kings, plus a few more that are from other places, but never a trout mackerel. Can you post a pic I'll pm Waldner and get him to id it .Or Doc can take a look at it, and confirm it's an elusive trout mackerel.

troutman57

pottydoc wrote: »

Kyle, what's a trout mackerel? I've heard of Spanish, cero, and kings, plus a few more that are from other places, but never a trout mackerel. Can you post a pic I'll pm Waldner and get him to id it .Or Doc can take a look at it, and confirm it's an elusive trout mackerel.

Trout, mackerel LOL you must be bored :grin

troutman57

Wasn't this you PD?
:drink

capt louie

troutman57 wrote: »

Wasn't this you PD?
:drink

:Spittingcoffee

Vertigo

If you're camping, mainly what's biting in March on the Nature Coast is sand gnats. Bring plenty of Deet. There are not that many spots to fish from shore, but a jon boat, or even a kayak or canoe can get you to a lot of good inshore spots. Renting a boat or hiring a guide is a good idea if you have the bucks.

pottydoc

troutman57 wrote: »

Wasn't this you PD?
:drink

That would be the always lovely Mrs. PD She looks waaaaaay better in a pic, or in person for that matter, than I do. Plus, it was only a decent trout mackerel. If it had been a nice cobe, a big grouper, or maybe a slot red, then I'd be holding it.

ANUMBER1

Vertigo wrote: »

If you're camping, mainly what's biting in March on the Nature Coast is sand gnats. Bring plenty of Deet. There are not that many spots to fish from shore, but a jon boat, or even a kayak or canoe can get you to a lot of good inshore spots. Renting a boat or hiring a guide is a good idea if you have the bucks.

There's some really cheap cutrate guide services available on this site.

T Top

ANUMBER1 wrote: »

There's some really cheap cutrate guide services available on this site.

:rotflmao
:rotflmao:rotflmao

Fishin Rod

ANUMBER1 wrote: »

There's some really cheap cutrate guide services available on this site.

Careful A-one, you're treadin' on thin ice here......

huntentails

Fishin Rod wrote: »

Careful A-one, you're treadin' on thin ice here......

Yep ya see all the problems it caused in the south already :shrug:huh:rotflmao :wink

angler18

ANUMBER1 wrote: »

There's some really cheap cutrate guide services available on this site.

I don't know if I would say cheap, or cut-rate, but there are a few good guides that post here every so often. Mario (ripnlips) charters out of that area, and will for sure show you and teach you how to catch fish there. There are a few others, but I have not had any personal experience with them. I have heard good things about Dan Clymer too.


And most importantly, bring plenty of bug spray!

ANUMBER1

Mario and Dan are good guides..