Nature Coast, Capt William Toney 6/21/2016

Hard east wind and full moon have made for some extra low tides for this time of year. It’s welcomed because the alternative is very hot windless days. When his weekend rolls around be ready for crowded boat ramps and scallop season. The same areas that were productive last year are good starting spots. This is just a few suggestions for a safe and enjoyable experience. Give yourself plenty of time to launch your boat. Plan on getting it ready (vessel) before you get in line at the ramp. These are some good local pull off spots that will help move things along so you will not be “those guys” at the ramp. Publix parking lot in Homosassa Springs ( Hardees breakfast) is a wide open lot and also behind Burger King (breakfast) at the Bank of America light. The speed limit into town is 35 and 25 so pack the boat so nothing will blow out like so many plastic water bottles, noodles and floats that litter the Gulf after a crowded weekend. If you would like to get closer the Yulee Sugar Mill State park has some room for a few boats.  On the way out it can get congested at the area around the boat ramp at MacRae’s so plan your exit route the same way. If most things in the boat can ride a minute or so down the road, securing the boat without blocking traffic or “those guys” giving you grief will be a easy experience at some of the pull offs just down from the ramp. Got any questions I could help you with please call me 352 422 4141. We would like all the anglers who come to Homosassa to have a good time!

Fishing for redfish is fantastic. High incoming tide is best. The best bait is live shrimp, cut pinfish and gold spoons like the Eppinger Rex. Western facing points are best. The snook bite is very good look for them at the same area as redfish. D.O.A. CAL Shads in glow (305) or MirrOlure LIL Johns in watermelon red flake will get the bite. The inshore rocks are providing the best inshore action with grunts, spanish macks, mangrove snapper, flounder, small gag grouper and blue fish. Live shrimp on a jig head will get the bite. High incoming tide will be very early morning or late afternoon with a midday low perfect for collecting scallops.