This fishing report is intended for the tough anglers out there who want to get out in some real Florida arctic. It may be better weather for duck hunting but with family coming in from out of state there is opportunity to go fishing on the Big Bend with drilling through ice. The hot spots will be the three spring fed rivers in Citrus County, the Crystal River, Homosassa and Chassahowitzka. These rivers keep consistent water 70 degree flowing from the springs and cold Gulf water will push game fish up our rivers. The tree lined banks protect from north winds and looking for these areas with wind protection and deep water will be the places to target. It’s an easy bait to use if the Bait House have it and live shrimp is best. I use a 1/8th oz. jig head for my hook and I pinch the tail of the shrimp off, then thread it on tail first. Our rivers are very rocky so it’s best to let the bait settle on the bottom, the take the slack out of the line. A fish will take off with it so you will feel the bite but if you slowly reel it across the bottom plan on losing some tackle.
With out getting in a boat there are a few bank fishing spots down Ozello Trail , Ft. Island Trail and the Barge Canal. Live shrimp is the best bait and the good thing about these bank fishing spots are that when you get cold a brisk walk to the heated vehicle is nice. Sometimes the fishing is good and sometimes its not but the cool thing is that you’re fishing and spending time outdoors. Incoming tide is going to be late afternoon this weekend.
- Nature Coast - March 23, 2024
- William Toney - February 29, 2024
- Nature Coast - February 14, 2024
