Nature Coast, Capt William Toney 4/5/2016

Nice weather and great fishing is what’s happening here in Homosassa. We are expecting a significant cool down by this weekend and even though I do not like the wind that comes with it, it is a good thing. The cool weather helps keep our inshore waters cool and that helps keep the trout close in. As the inshore waters warm trout will move to deeper water and that’s not to bad of a thing but the closer to shore they are the less gas we have to burn. That’s good for everyone.

Look for big trout on the rocky points and submerged shallow rock piles this week on the incoming high tide. Best bait is the D.O.A.  5.5 glow jerk bait with a Owner 3/0 bait hook through the nose of the bait. A little deeper, try going to the Bombing Range that is about 3 miles north of the Bird Rack. There are many rocks in this area and even on high tide it is possible to hit one in 5 to 6 feet of water. The best bait is a MirrOlure LIL’ John in bourbon or watermelon red flake. Be prepared to catch lots of small gag grouper and occasionally one that almost rips the rod out of your hand. Gag grouper is closed so make sure to release everyone very carefully for a sandwich at a later time.

Sight casting redfish has been very productive. In the Ozello area. Live shrimp are the best bait. Spanish mackerel are showing up in the 8 to 10 foot range. A few triple tail have been caught so pay attention to the buoy’s and channel markers when you ride past. A new moon high incoming tide will be in the afternoon this weekend. Capt. William Toney www.homosassainshorefishing.com