Nature Coast, Captain William T

For mid February the inshore bite has been very good. The cold fronts that we get are not severe enough to knock the water temperature down to bad and then they rebound quickly within a few days after the front. The trout bite has been most consistent around the creeks mouth and outside bays or points. Suspending plugs and jerk baits are working best. There are a few trout offshore around rocks and other structure but it is a hit and miss with these fish because they tend to move allot. The ones I have caught have been on 1/8th oz. jig heads with dark colored soft plastics. The most action on the rocks has been from blue fish, spanish mackerel, sheepshead and grunts. I use a 1/8th oz. jig head tipped with shrimp for bait and cast it next to the structure. If the blue fish and macks begin to cut you off, tie on a 1/0 long shank Eagle Claw hook and thread the shrimp on from the tail but leave some of the hook shank exposed to prevent from being cut off.

The redfish bite is best on the incoming high tide. I have been catching them on jerk baits or live shrimp. This Sunday the 19th is the annual Homosassa Guides Association fish fry at MacRae’s. We will begin serving at 12 noon and serve until we are out of fish. A plate will be $8.00 and have fish, hushpuppies, bake beans and coleslaw. There will also be raffle items and a live band. Most of our proceeds will be donated to a local charity or organization. High incoming tide this weekend will be in the morning. W

Capt. William Toney is a full time 4th generation fishing guide from Homosassa. Experience some of Florida’s best inshore fishing and beautiful unspoiled backcountry. His boat is a custom built 23 foot Tremblay and uses G-Loomis rods with Shimano reels. Trout, redfish and shore lunch are Capt. Williams specialty’s but many other species are caught or targeted.