I feel like a broken record when it comes to the harsh weather and how it controls my fishing charters. I think everyone will agree that this winter can’t end fast enough.

The shallow edges of the exposed rocks on the outside keys are where I’m doing my best with sea trout. I like to move in short increments because most of the trout are in tight schools. My go-to bait is the D.O.A. 5.5 glow jerk bait with a 3/0 bait style hook right through the tip of the nose of the lure.

For redfish, sheepshead, and black drum, get as far back into the creeks as possible without getting stuck and having to camp out. With the negative tides, these fish will be in deeper channels and holes. Live shrimp and mud minnows are the best live baits. For a soft plastic, I like the MirrOlure LIL John in watermelon red flake with a red 1/8 oz. jig head. Anchor on the shallow side of the deep water and make a long cast into the hole of the channel to find the action.

On the nearshore rocks, there has been a good white grunt bite with a few sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and hogfish in the mix. Live shrimp is the best bait on a 1/8 oz, jig head.

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.

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