The beginning of the 2017 scallop season is a reminder that folks love the Nature Coast and come to Citrus County to collect their limits of tasty scallops. It would be silly to try to tell you the best area to go because the amount of boats north of the Homosassa channel should be the best indicator. A new rule in Citrus County is to not discard the clean scallop shells in the near towns waters of Crystal River and Homosassa river proper. Best to take them down river away from resorts and homes to dump them. When I was a kid we would use our oyster shells and sometimes scallop shells to fill in the pot holes on our lime rock road. Just saying.
The red fishing has been tough and traditionally during July it always has been. With some effort getting a boat limit is possible on incoming tide. Live shrimp has been the best bait. For the best action the reef’s and rock’s in the 10 to12 foot are holding grey grunts, mangrove snapper, sea bass, blue fish, spanish mackerel, flounder and the occasional keeper gag grouper. Bring plenty of live shrimp and chartreuse 1/8th oz. jig heads to catch them. High incoming tide this weekend will be late afternoon or at daylight in the morning.
- Nature Coast - March 23, 2024
- William Toney - February 29, 2024
- Nature Coast - February 14, 2024
