Nature Coast, Capt William Toney 8/2/2016

It has been some hot business out in the Gulf the past few days. With water temps around 90 degrees one of the best bites I’ve experienced in this heat is trout. I find it hard to believe myself but in the last three trips over 100 keeper trout have made it to my boat. Now you would like to know where, but I will not disclose that. This is the bottom I’ve targeted. Look for yellow bottom with rock grass and moving water. At slack tide eat lunch or ride around and cool off. Even on slick calm days as long as the tide is pushing the boat there is a bite. The best bait has been the MirrOlure LiL John in watermelon red flake on a D.O.A. red 1/8 oz. short shank jig head.

There has been a few schools of redfish showing up west of Ozello. On calm days at the first start of incoming tide look for a “ push “ in the water and if one is spotted let the fish work their way towards the key to settle in. If you pressure the school they will not settle down and your lucky to catch any fish from that school. The best bait has been pinfish or select shrimp. The near shore rocks are alive with mangrove snapper and grunts. No need to run deep, the structure in 8 to 12 feet is good. The incoming tide is the best bite and live shrimp is the best bait. I have noticed some fun sized tarpon on my ride out in the mornings. I have not had a chance at them but these are the spots where I’ve been watching them. The Blue Sign in Mason creek, the power line hole in Little Homosassa River, the deep swash in Stokes Bay and all through the channel in the Homosassa River from Tiger Tail to Gustaf Bay. Look for high incoming tide this weekend in the afternoon, go scallop in the morning and fish in the afternoon. W