Nature Coast, William Toney

Winds, full moon and all the above has made me have to work for fish this week. Trout are scattered from the bars west of Fort Island Beach, south at Crawl Key in Chassahowitzka and deep 2.5 miles past Homosassa marker #2. This is the best way to put some in the box, if the anglers on board catch two keeper in a row milk that spot for all it’s worth! Fish are scattered but patience and good company can make a enjoyable day on the water. Best baits inshore have been D.O.A. glow jerks bait, popping corks with a dark colored soft plastic and red jig head. Deep water use a 1/8th oz. red jig head with a MirrOlure LiL’ John in bourbon or watermelon red flake.

The redfish bite for me has been tough. Most of the keepers my clients have caught have been on shrimp on the coastal keys ( on the edge of the Gulf waters ) under a cork. Look for cobia on the near shore rocks and grunts, sea bass, trout and sharks. Soft plastics and shrimp on a jig head have been the best bait.

On May 18th I will be doing a seminar at the Old Homosassa Learning Center. The location is at 10950 W. Yulee Drive in Homosasssa and will begin at 7 p.m.It is free to the public and light refreshments will be served.  Check out www.homosassaCivicClubinc.org or email HomosassaCivicClub@gmail.com. I promise to spill my guts and make this a good learning experience for all anglers. Incoming tide will be at dark in the morning and late evening this weekend. W