Last Updated on August 23, 2020 by Capt. Louie
The past few weeks I have spent some time scouting around my local water. The Crystal River and Homosassa area are home to many creeks, canals and tributaries most of which remain untouched for a good portion of the year. On a few recent trips, I have been focusing on a variety of rocky, shelly areas with adjoining deeper holes. Although the water temperatures in these creeks are pushing into the upper 80’s, the fish seem to be stacked up in the deeper troughs were cool moving water seems to flow consistently.
A few days ago I came across a HUGE school of big black drum all of which were pushing 30 pounds plus working a deeper area along the rocky bank. In three feet of water these fish are big enough to have their backs and tails exposed while they feed. The first day I fished them we used live shrimp and we very unsuccessful. On the next trip I decided to bring a few live blue crabs. But before using them for bait I smashed them a little to release a little scent. With in a few minutes of push poling in this area my buddy Dan Kramer was able to hook up with a 25 pounder. After a fairly exciting fight in 3 foot of water he was finally able to land the fish. On 6 pound Spiderwire with a 30lb Berkley Big game leader these fish put up one heck of a fight.
After landing his fish, Dan hopped on the poling platform and I picked up the small spinning rod. With in minutes we were hooked up again. Only this time my fish was a little bigger. I am guestimating my fish to be in upwards of 30-35 pounds because my Boca Grip bottomed out at the 30lb mark.
Two days later fishing a quarter mile away from the same area myself and my clients Kelly and Bill Leird came across another huge school of these hefty Black Drum. I was still prepared with blue crabs and within seconds of the crabs hitting the water we had a double hookup of 30+ pound Black Drum. I have been using circle hooks when targeting these fish mainly because I want to ensure hookups and safe releases. After my group proceeded to land 6 of these hefty fish we decided to call it a half day in hopes of leaving a few for the next prospected group of anglers.
BIG BLACK DRUM are here and if you’re interested in targeting a few of these GOLIATHS feel free to contact RED HOT FISHING CHARTERS today. Remember we are in the fishing memories business.
(352) 634-4002
kylemessier@yahoo.com
WWW.REDHOTFISHINGCHARTERS.COM
