Nature Coast, Capt William Toney 8/23/2016

Fall redfish schools are right on schedule. On all of my recent client trips we are catching double digits on the slow days. Incoming high tide is the best time to fish. North of the Homosassa River it is mostly a live bait game because of the floating grass. A free lined shrimp or live pinfish is the best bait on the north side. South of the river the grass is not as bad and the water is still stained from the tannic run off. I believe this helps with using artificial baits. Western facing points are the best place’s to start and the best baits have been a Eppinger Rex Gold 1/4 oz. spoon or MirrOlure LiL Johns in a dark color.

The trout bite is still very good for this time of year with the hot water. Look for rock grass over hard bottom or oyster and sand bars. I have been doing well with a D.O.A. CAL Shad in avocado/red glitter with a 1/8 oz. red jig head.

The mangrove snapper bite is good on the shallow rocks. Live shrimp is the best bait. The snook bite has also been good on deep cuts near rocky shorelines. Scalloping seems to be getting a little more tough and taking more time to get a limit in the area west of St. Martins Keys, I’ve heard rumors about better luck to the south. High incoming tide will be in the morning this weekend. W