We’re going to have to change the sport at Anglers Inn from fishing to catching. The 2023-2024 season started hot and January kept the action going with big fish and plenty of them.  

Our Mexico guests certainly enjoyed their time on Lake El Salto and Lake Picachos. The bait selection for these anglers fell right in line with the tried and true lures that have proven so successful for years. Watermelon Senkos, black/blue 10-inch PowerWorms, shad-colored 4- to 6-inch swimbaits, 6- to 8-inch watermelon lizards and deep and shallow cranks accounted for so many of the catches. While fishing topwaters, the favored selection included Berkley Choppos, Whopper Ploppers, spooks and poppers. White seems to be the most popular color. Lake levels are right where they should be for January.  

Don’t forget, no need to pack rods, we have St. Croix BASS X rods for your use at no charge and pack light. We provide daily laundry service for free.  

From our January Lake El Salto trip guests’ reports   

Chris Graciano was accompanied by Dr. Randy Estrada, Gary Crouse, Derrick Yoshinaga, Jeff Fogel and Jim Valladares. Favored baits by the group included topwater walking baits and poppers, deep crank baits, chatterbaits and swimbaits, in light colors to match the tilapia and shad along with black/blue PowerWorms. “This trip exceeded all our expectations,” said Chris. “We definitely hit the trifecta with the awesome fishing, delicious food and outstanding service. The camaraderie -  priceless!”

Jack Gotwalt and friend Bill Palm caught plenty of their fish in the 7 to nearly 10-pound range on topwater poppers and shad-colored swimbaits. “We’re already planning our return next January,” said Jack.

Ken Murata and Jim Taibi may claim they only wanted to fish but it sure looks like Jim enjoyed the food as well. But then, who doesn’t!

From our January Lake Picachos trip guests’ reports    

Pat Sleeper returned to Lake Picachos for her annual January jaunt to Anglers Inn just weeks after her successful December trip. It was her best Lake Picachos trip. “I caught this 14-pound, 3-ounce bass while fly fishing. I was stripping an intermediate line with a chartreuse bead head on a size 8 black leach,” reported Pat. “I was using a 15-pound tippet as requested by my guide Diego when I landed this beauty. It was an overcast day, though the clouds had disappeared for a bit at the time of my catch and landing of this wonderful bass. Trust me when I say it put up quite a fight, but fun!!! I can't wait to go back!!!”

Repeat guests Mark and Kim Owens proved that Lake Picachos is more, much more, than a numbers lake. Big fish for the couple topped out at 14.14 pounds. “Yes, I did get my personal best, and finally got into the teen club!” exclaimed Mark. “This was our 20th season at Anglers Inn and we are booked for next year already. If you love to fish, El Salto and Lake Picachos are a must. We caught 881 fish in 4 and a half days of fishing. My wife is very competitive, and yes, we count every fish!!! Her big fish was an 8 pound with sevens on down. She caught two fish on one cast with a crankbait, multiple times. It's that good of fishing. I would put her up against anyone out there. We bass fish twice a week here at home. Hardcore for sure. The accommodations and the service are perfecto!!! I will be dreaming of this trip for a long time. Thanks Billy, for having the vision.”  

Added Kim: “Mark caught his big fish on the last cast of the last day. YES, every cast counts!!! Our guide was more excited than we were, if you can believe that. Best fishing of our lives!!! Crazy.”

Joe Del Re brought down a group and had great success on numbers. Seven of the ten men and women anglers had very little experience but all caught 65 to 100 fish per day. “Everything was perfect from the van driver, to all of the staff ,” reported Joe. “The service was spectacular.”

Isaiah and Angel Martinez were accompanied by Jesse Lopez, Alex Lepe and Dan Silva. The group found watermelon lizards and Senkos to their liking. “Can’t wait to go back! Great service and awesome experience,” said Isaiah.

Crystal River with Suite Life on the Water

January is Florida Manatee Festival month in Crystal River and 2024 was the 37th annual event produced by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce. Anglers Inn Floating Suites proudly sponsored the two-day outdoor show featuring a custom booth. Anna Davis, Anglers Inn Customer Service, and George Large, Anglers Inn University, greeted many of the 25,000 on hand. A drawing will be conducted soon from entries taken at the booth for a two-night stay at the Anglers Inn Floating Suite docked at Pete’s Pier.

Crystal River’s January fishing was great as usual.

Amazon River Adventures

The 2023-2024 Peacock Bass Season for Anglers Inn has ended with amazing catches and a wonderful experience for all. Weather for the season was as expected with sunny days intermixed with rainy sessions.

While Peacock Bass are the main attraction, the Amazon Basin in Brazil’s rainforest offers so much more.

The Anglers Inn Journal

Don’t forget to read The Anglers Inn Journal, or read it again! The premier issue can be found here.

Anglers Inn University

Anglers Inn University classes are conducted until April. Industry expert George Large will take you through any of the six courses offered at our campus at Pete’s Pier this winter. Go to Anglers Inn University Crystal River Campus to learn how to take your fishing experience to the next level. It’s a great way to introduce fishing to a friend, child or significant other.

Our sponsors

Anglers Inn is proud to be associated with the following manufacturers: Abu Garcia,Berkley, Fishing Tackle Retailer, Huk, Humminbird, MinnKota, Mossy Oak Fishing, Old Town, Penn, Plano and St. Croix Rods.

Friday 5s on anglersinn.com

Don’t forget to check our Stories section of our News tab for our Friday 5s. These short narratives are a part of our social media program and readers can go to one location to see the entire inventory as the Friday 5s stories continue to grow in number and popularity. Friday 5s help our guests plan for their trips, guide them on packing needs and answer questions we typically receive. Friday 5s are featured in our social media posts every other Friday.

Friday Flicks

Introducing our new Friday Flicks presenting new and archived short videos produced at our destinations. Check our social media for Friday Flicks every other Friday, taking turns with our Friday 5s.

Social Media

Make it your routine to check Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) for updated posts on the happenings at the various Anglers Inn destinations and services. We typically post Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Every other Friday we feature our Friday 5s, top five things you need to know about a wide range of topics. On the following Friday, check out our Friday Flicks.