Meet River, an 8 year old fishergirl with a taste for crappie, and some expert knowledge at her side. River’s father Austin Pons, Captain & owner of No Pressure Charters, was the former mate of none other than legendary Captain Tim Garrett’s the Waterproof. As the daughter of two Captains and being surrounded by the local fishing community, it was fate she would be quick on her feet, knowing her way around the boat from a young age.
Before her first crappie adventure at 4, River was no stranger to the offloading ritual back at the house, her mother Michelle adds how many times she had personally overseen the haul often helping where she could. When River first went fishing for crappie with Capt. Tim, the tradition was shared, spending the offshore off season sitting back relaxing while crappie fishing is a great switch from life out on a sport fisher. Even though River prefers offshore fishing for snappers, she is unwavering in her belief that she will always prefer crappie fishing when she is with Capt. Tim. When it's time to go, Capt. Tim arrives well stocked for their adventures- they share all sorts of snacks from white cheddar popcorn, cheetos, and chocolate covered pretzels. He makes great use of the downtime he gets to spend hanging out and laughing with River, teaching her all he can about specks along the way.
Fishing the many freshwater lakes Volusia County has to offer, River and Tim alternate between live minnows and lures, awaiting a bite. River notes that while she thinks crappie fishing is easier than offshore fishing- it does require a lot more of her patience. She offers sage advice to young anglers looking to land more fish, “You have to sit pretty still- and when you try to reel them in, do it really slow!”
River’s biggest crappie weighed in at a solid 2 pounds, so it's safe to say this little lady knows what she's talking about. She also knows exactly what she's going for, and knows that a batch of freshly fried fish and good company is never too far away.
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