Fishing after a front, during a full moon, and moderate west, northwest, and east winds is a chore. I’ve endured many springs like this over the years and it reminds me of my good friend, industry partner, and
mentor, Captain Mark Zorn (Z Man – not the lure).

Captain Mark Zorn and I have fished together through the Plantation of Crystal River with Bob Chappell and Roger Batchelor in the old days. This is where I learned to be competitive in the guiding industry because Z Man always was the top dog. Many times I would try to follow his drift and pattern his routine but it never worked, no matter how hard I tried.

As he and I fished together at the Homosassa Fishing Club I found myself not trying to beat him, but instead, trying to mimic him in his guiding skills.

As a mentor Z Man taught me to always put the client first. Know your anglers’ skills and adapt to their expectations. Put your ego in your back pocket and don’t let it interfere with the day’s work. I now
want to wish Captain Mark Zorn a very nice and well-deserved retirement. Thank you for always being who you are and the one and only Captain Z.

The trout bite has been tight so if you are catching a few, stick to the area. The red fishing is most consistent in the last hour of the incoming tide and I’ve done best with live or cut pinfish a few keys
in the backcountry. The nearshore rocks have been at best O.K. but if you’re in the 8 to 10-foot range looking for trout etc… make sure to have a heavy spinning reel to handle a keeper cobia.

Incoming tide will be in the 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!