Getting closer to the end of winter makes me happy! There are still a few sheepshead on the nearshore rocks and the incoming tide is the best bite. Using a live shrimp cast it close to a high profile structure in 8′ to 18′ depth of water. With a sheepshead bite it feels as though you may be hung on the bottom but with a slight tug, if that’s the case set the hook. In the rivers you have a chance at catching a few sheepshead using live shrimp on the bottom. Deep holes on cold days is the best place and time to target them. On the edge of the Gulf look for trout sunning on the hard shallow bottom and ribbon rock. Ribbon rock is hard limestone that has eroded to the point it looks as though a lava flow on the Gulf floor. Most of it that I’ve seen is south of the Homosassa River. D.O.A. 5.5 jerk baits with a loop knot tied 3/0 Owner hook is a great bait to target them. My retrieve is a twitch twitch pause. Most times the strike is just a tick but set the hook and stay tight. Trout will run toward deep water and normally that’s where the vessel is. The signature move for the trout is to run toward you and when you come tight to the line they shake at the surface and throw your hook. It’s important to stay tight. Incoming tide will be early morning this weekend.
- Nature Coast - March 23, 2024
- William Toney - February 29, 2024
- Nature Coast - February 14, 2024
