The tarpon fishing in Crystal River has been nothing short of phenomenal lately. These silver kings are in full migration mode, and their presence is impossible to miss. Around the recent moon phases, feeding activity has peaked, with fish aggressively striking bait in a frenzy of predatory behavior. Outside of feeding windows, the tarpon can be seen engaging in their classic migration “dance,” rolling and daisy-chaining in pods, a spectacle that’s become a daily occurrence on the water. Anglers have been treated to some of the best action anywhere in the world. Crystal River has truly lived up to its reputation as the premier tarpon destination, not just for numbers but for size. Massive fish, some of the largest found anywhere are patrolling the flats and channels, and they’re in a cooperative mood. Happy, rolling fish have been more than willing to eat, and experienced guides have been putting clients on multiple shots each day. Clients have been thrilled with the results, jumping countless tarpon and successfully bringing many to hand after thrilling battles. Whether it’s the electric moment of the eat, the aerial acrobatics that follow, or simply watching pods of giant fish in clear water, this season has delivered unforgettable experiences. If there was ever a time to chase tarpon in Crystal River, it’s now, these are the days anglers dream about. I have some dates remaining the last week of June if tarpon are on your bucket list!

As soon as the trees and flowers start blooming, lake norman starts heating up. Both literally and philosophically! As water temps rise, bait balls make there way to the top part of the water column in deeper water neer creeks and fingers where the striped bass, spotted bass and hybrid bass go into an absolute feeding frenzy. I’ve fished all over the world and have guided for a long time and seen some crazy cool bites… this is one of my favorites. When it turns on you’re into fish consistently for some time! If you have big hybrid bass and striped bass on your bucket list, the end of March to early April is the time to do it!! Then we are onto bedding bass which is another entire post in itself! We hope to see you soon here at Turtlehead Charters!

To say I’ve spent every moment of free time on the water figuring this fishery out is a vast understatement! The transition from full time inshore saltwater guide to freshwater bass fisherman has had its ups and downs. I’m happy to say that the time on the water has paid off and clients have been extremely happy. It takes a lot of work to stay on these fish and how theyre feeding ad the water temos change, especially when we are throwing artificial only! Learning lake Norman has been a blast! Everyone has been easily limiting out and the bite has been outstanding! This month we are targeting big hybrid bass, striped bass and the spotted/largemouth bass have been large and pletniful! We are catching them suspended, deep, shallow, on ledges, humps, docks, brush piles, rocks you name it! The morning bite has been the best with late afternoon being right behind it! If you’re looking for a great place to fish, let’s get out on lake norman together! I’m loving every moment of this new chapter, bass fishing has stolen a part of my heart and I’m excited to be here meeting new people and fishing a new fishery!