With the Gulf water temperature approaching 80 degrees, a few new species will be passing through the neighborhood.

Kingfish are one that I don’t see a lot of coming to the docks on the Big Bend, but we do have them. The ones that I’ve caught have been around the 30-foot range. There was a large spring, and they were milling around it. I cast a Drone Spoon and after a few casts, I was hooked up. The ones we caught were not “smokers”, but we did grill and smoke some fresh for kingfish dip. Just like their smaller cousins the spanish mackerel, these fish are to be eaten fresh, do not freeze them. 

Cobia are the next one to pass through. I wish there was a rhyme or reason on how I caught most of the larger fish, but all I can say is to be prepared because I’ve caught them inshore trout fishing and out deeper near a wreck. Cobia love structure channel markers, high profile rocks, deep cuts between bars and wrecks. They will respond to chum bags and a live pinfish is the best bait.

A medium/heavy spinning outfit is the best tackle for them. I like 30ib. Power Pro with a 60 lb. floro carbon leader. A 5/0 Owner cutting point hook will stick them good when they take the bait. If the cobia is interested in the bait but hesitant to take it let it fall toward the bottom and if the fish follows it down be prepared to set the hook.

The incoming tides this weekend will be early morning or late evening.

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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