Nature Coast, Capt William Toney 11/30/2016

Dry and rainless conditions have made for a great transition into December for fishing. Hunting not so much but there is time for change before the end of the season. The trout bite will move with the weather, if it is cool then fish in the creek mouths on moving water but if it is warm ( like this week ) the adjacent bays with good rock grass will be the best places to start. The best color has been either glow or watermelon red flake. The glow bait that I use the most is a D.O.A. 5.5 jerk bait with a Owner 3/0 bait hook right through the nose of the bait. The water melon red flake is MirrOlure product called the LiL’ John. Different variations of these baits in color can produce on any given day so I have clients use a different color bait. If one catches a fish I call it luck, if the angler catches two before anyone else then I switch to that color. Simple science.

The red fishing has been good on the incoming tide on the outside keys and points. Cut pinfish and live shrimp is the best bait. Some of the near shore rocks are starting to have some sheepshead mixed in with short grouper and big grunts. Shrimp is the best bait but have a big rod with a pinfish for the chance at a keeper gag grouper. The action of light tackle fishing will bring in the boss of the rock.

A push of some pompano has made its way to the trout flats. This week my client lucked up with two on a popping cork rig. As the water cools more will made their way near shore. Pompano will bite free lined shrimp and soft plastic jigs. If you catch one, more than likely there will be more in the area. Watch for them to skip in your boat wake as you make a wide berth around the intended fishing spot. High incoming tide will be late afternoon this weekend.