When redfishing around Homosassa I use two different methods depending on if it’s the outside keys or the edges and backcountry.

On the outside keys the bottom is more forgiving with grass and some scattered hard bottom. In this setting I like to free line my bait because of the fishing pressure this area gets. A more natural presentation works better here, and the snag free bottom is friendly to live pinfish or shrimp moving with the current down the mangrove edges.

If you move further east the points and shorelines become very rocky and putting a bait on the bottom will result in snags and hang ups. For fishing in this area, I use a cork and jig head placed about 17″ below the cork. Live shrimp is my bait of choice with the tail pinched off and threaded on the hook tail first. The reason I use a jig head is because the weight of it keeps the bait just below the cork and just above the rocks. 

For some hot water trout action move south of the river and use a popping cork with a dark color soft plastic. Look for water about 4 feet deep with rock grass and fish the high outgoing tide. When the tide changes the bite will end.

Incoming tide this weekend will be late afternoon leaving a late morning low for scalloping. 

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