As February approaches, I will be looking at 25 years of guiding on the Big Bend. I cannot say I did it all on my own, there are much better guides than me who have helped and pushed me in the right direction.

Some of the guides who taught and encouraged me live close to the Homosassa River, some from Tampa, and some from the Indian River. When Ron Tremblay and I met during the summer of 1999 he started building my vessel in the fall, and from that point on I knew this would consume my life and I was married to being a guide.

To put some fish in the box, stop fishing in the river and move back out to the outside creeks and major river mouths. Work the shallow edges with a D.O.A. jerk bait nose hooked with an Owner 3/0 bait SSW Hook.

The trout this time of year will lay shallow on the limestone shallows that will collect heat while exposed. The trout will lay on the rock on the incoming tide, warming themselves.

The approach will make or break an angler because clear shallow water the fish always have the advantage. Small increments with your vessel are the key to catching quality sea trout at anchor. Cast as far as possible, and when you get a hook up, anchor down. 

The best spots are at any western point where you can look over your shoulder and see the Gulf.

High incoming tide will 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. A third-generation fishing guide in the Homosassa area, a member of the Homosassa Guides Association, and author of the Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report each week in 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

If you enjoy Captain Toney’s weekly Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report, please be sure to tell your friends!