FISHING REPORTS
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                                                                                                                           John Kyriszis, Owner
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Capt. Ernest Brundage Homosassa Area Report
October 07
The red fish are on the bite along the outer bars and keys of Homosassa. A hard bottom
and grass flat where the current is strong is where we are finding them. Cut mullet
chunks and gulps seem to be their preference. Fish the incoming tide in the morning for
best results. Most fish we have caught have been in the slot or just over (18” to 27”). Last
trip netted 6 reds average per person for two anglers all over 20 “.

Last week was my first attempt at a Kayak mother boat program, we loaded three kayaks
and three anglers into the 21’ skiff for a 40 minute ride to St. Martins Keys. The kayaks
were deployed and I sat back and watched them fish bringing them fresh bait and
picking up their catches on occasion. It went real well for the first trip Bruce Butler, Wally
Wyatt, and Rich Coutu spent 4 hours fishing from their kayaks. Bruce caught a 27” red to
bring home for supper after my close scrutiny and tail pinching I approved. Rich caught
several reds over 20” till he settled on a 24” to bring home. Wally caught several trout
and small reds but released all.

Bonnet head sharks and small black tip have been giving us a lot of fun lately. I’m
planning charters to target shallow water shark trips in the future.

November
Mackerel are showing up on the flats giving a variety while fishing for sea trout. Cajun
corks with shrimp, Berkley gulps, or jigs have been very productive along with top water
plugs in calm waters. Backcountry trout have been in the 18 to 20” range and a good
sign to come.
Our red fish have gotten a little picky wanting shrimp and gulps with no interest in cut
mullet or live pinfish. They are still on the bars and mangrove points along the edge of
the gulf and in the start of the backcountry.
Lou Hardick had a battle with a 36” + red in about 10” of water but lost it with a cut off.
Two days later a 29” 10lb re was caught by Dennis Beckendorf visiting from Minnesota.
Another somewhat unusual catch for late November was a 26’ cobia in the flats by Steve
Sunten.

December 07 fishing report
On afternoons with incoming tides produced a lot of in slot redfish on the rock and oyster
bars in the outer areas of the Homosassa backcountry.
The large trout seemed to be fickle with a lot of under size fish being caught before any
with any size could be found , but mackerel, bluefish and pompano made up for it.
The cold fronts and water temperature changes made for a challenging month but what’
s new.

The Spring Hill kayakers came out with me on the 22nd of December for a full day
outing. We loaded four kayaks and four anglers on board and proceeded to the mouth of
Mason Creek were I off loaded them half frozen from the cold ride out. These fellows
come armed to the teeth with gear, well organized and well prepared. They filled there
limit of redfish all in the mid 20” range, I landed one as well.

The pompano was a great addition to the targeted species list. Everyone who had never
landed one was well surprised at the fight they gave. Three generations of the Eaves
Family from North Carolina was here fishing with me for three days. And both boys (8
years old and cousins) landed nice size ones in the 3 to 4 pound range. A few times
being grabbed by there belt loops by their Dads to keep them on board. It was a
pleasure and a lot of fun watching them fish.

January Fishing Report  
Mason Creek and Chassahowitzka
Typical to January it was difficult to keep your planned trips due to the cold fronts and
lack of water due to strong north winds. In these conditions the trip either has to be
cancelled or delayed.

This month the best days are usually 1 to 2 days before or after the fronts and with the
colder weather afternoon have produced the most redfish.
I found them a little scattered in the backcountry and on the oyster bars and mangrove
islands at the edge of the gulf. Although the redfish bite is not any thing like August
through November the fish are scrappy, very deep in color and either in slot or larger.
Trout were plentiful even in the back bays in 2 to 3 foot of water and on bars mixed with
reds.
Towards the middle of the month the fronts were spread farther apart to allow better
opportunities and the bite got going.
I am looking forward to February I will be targeting redfish and it should be fantastic.
February and March Fishing Report
The reds & trout were plentiful and increased in size and numbers in late February.
We were releasing the trout in February and looking forward to the March opening.
The weather was typical low tides cold weather and strong winds were responsible for
some cancellations and re-scheduling. All in all it was a productive two months in the
backcountry and flats around the reserve and the St. Martin Keys
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