Nature Coast: Capt William Toney 3/7/2016

Even if the wind beats you down the great trout fishing will bring you up. This week look for some of the best inshore trout fishing of the month. The new moon incoming tides will be blessed with warm weather so this will be a trout catching week. The best areas will be the spoil islands out of Crystal River, just south of the Ft. Island Beach, Mangrove Point, south of St. Martins River, south of Mason Creek and inside of Chassahowitzka Point. The western facing points on the incoming high tide will be the top spots. The best baits are the MirrOlure LIL’ Johns on a 1/8 oz. jig head north of the Crystal River and for all points south my favorite bait is a nosed hooked 5.5 D.O.A. glow jerk bait.

Not to leave out our other inshore species like redfish that sometimes are right in with the trout. I have had the best luck on redfish with a gold spoon like the Eppinger Rex or free lining live shrimp. The sheepshead bite is starting to fade out but with live shrimp on the 10 to 12 foot rocks there are a few to be caught. Spanish mackerel are showing up and be prepared to loose a few jig heads fish around the rocks. Best way to catch them is with a Eagle Claw 1/0 long shank hook free lined with a live shrimp. High incoming tide this weekend will be in the afternoon. Capt. William Toney www.homosassainshorefishing.com