Kicking off the New Year with about the same weather pattern since October, so expect much of the same. Easy days and working days. Easy days this month will be when the tides are highest and the working days will be when it’s windy after a front. Easy days are the warm-up about the 3rd day after a front with an incoming high tide. The outside edge along the rocky keys and creek mouths are the best spots.

I will use both artificial and live bait. This time of year never leave the dock without a few dozen live shrimp. Cool water can make the fish lethargic and live shrimp in front of a trout, redfish, sheepshead, or black drum will rarely get passed up. For artificial baits, it’s hard to beat a soft plastic with 1/8 oz. jig head. Good colors are watermelon red flake, red and silver flake, glow and gold, glow and chartreuse, and new penny.

On the working days, the rivers can be your best friend. The deep holes near the channel are good places to fish and if you took your time and fished your way to the Gulf, I would bet it may take 4 or 5 hours and an angler will most likely have dinner in the fish box. Live shrimp is the best bait.

For shorebound anglers, the Big Bend offers many opportunities for those who do some research. Some of the best sources for info on these spots are local tackle shops, county visitor bureaus, and the all-telling internet. In Florida you do need a bank fishing license that is free, go to MYFWC.com to get it. A bucket, shrimp, a handful of tackle, a sense of adventure, and you’re in for a good day.

High incoming tide will be mid-day 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.

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