Being a full-time guide and on the water most of my life has helped me become a very good caster. Knowing how to cast is just as important as finding fish. Helping anglers learn to cast better is a big part of my job.

In my line of work, nothing else satisfies me more than helping someone new to the sport learn how to cast and catch their first fish onboard my vessel. 

Spinning reels are pretty much the norm today for inshore fishing and what I prefer in rod length here on the Big Bend is 7″ 6″. The extra 6″ will add more distance to your cast and when fishing on the flats for trout distance is important.

A 3000 series spinning reel will hold plenty of braid and have enough stopping power for most inshore species.

The dynamics for a good cast is opening the bail (the thin wire that wraps the line around the spool),  bringing the rod over your shoulder, and releasing the line from the tip of your finger around the 10 o’clock position with your head and shoulder being at 12 o’clock – all in one smooth motion.

It takes some practice, but the reward is landing more fish on your line.  I could break all this down in 50 ways to Sunday, but this I hope will get you going in the right direction. 

On the incoming tide, look for good trout fishing on the rocky shorelines and points. Redfish will be mixed in with them especially if there are jumping mullet.

Snook will be around points or bends on the outside keys with good water flow. If you decide to night fish for them, green dock lights and white overhead dock lights are good spots.

Incoming tide will be late afternoon this weekend. 

Homosassa Weekly Fishing Report from Captain William Toney

To schedule a fishing charter or shore lunch excursion with Captain Toney, visit his website.

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