This 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 without drilling through ice.

The hot spots will be the three spring-fed rivers in Citrus County; the Crystal River, Homosassa River and Chassahowitzka River. These rivers keep consistent water at 70 degrees flowing from the springs and the cold Gulf waters will push game fish up into our rivers.

Their tree lined banks protect from north winds and, looking for those areas with wind protection and deep water will be the places to target. It’s an easy bait to use if the Bait Houses 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. 

Without getting in a boat, there are a few fishing spots along the banks 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 is that when you get cold, a brisk walk to the heated vehicle is really nice.

Sometimes the fishing is good and sometimes it’s not, but the cool thing is that you’re fishing and you’re spending time outdoors.

Incoming tide is going to be late afternoon this weekend. 

Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report from Captain William Toney

To schedule a fishing charter or shore lunch excursion with Captain Toney, visit his website. He is a third-generation fishing guide in the Homosassa area, a member of the Homosassa Guides Association, and he provides the Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report each week to NatureCoaster.com.

To read about our Shore Lunch excursion with Captain Toney, click here.

If you want to learn more about how to catch Nature Coast fish from Captain Toney, subscribe to his videos at https://inthespread.com