Trout fishing at this time is an early morning outgoing tide or deeper water fishery. On an early morning outgoing tide, try the westward side of the bars that run north and south of the mouths of the big rivers like Crystal, Homosassa and Chassahowitzka Rivers. You can spot the trout by the rippling tide running across the bars or sometimes schools of bait showering on top of them. One of my favorite baits to use is the D.O.A. 5.5 glow jerk bait. Cast the bait and work it up-current towards the bar. Most of the strikes will be about ten yards from the edge of the bar and it’s possible to anchor down and catch multiple fish before the tide slows or the sun gets high. 

Redfishing is best during the incoming tide. Reds will move with the incoming tides towards the keys and, as the water fills in, they will move into the shadows of the mangroves. Shrimp will work for sight casting, but cut or live pinfish is better for waiting on the fish to bite because the pinfish filled waters make short work of the shrimp. 

The nearshore rocks are holding some large white grunts that are fun to catch and good eating. To catch them is as simple as putting a shrimp on a jig head and casting near the structure. I like to keep the largest of them that can be fillet. The fillets are white and fry up well to make fish tacos. Other fish near the rocks could be mangrove snapper, sea bass, flounder, and spanish mackerel.

Incoming tide this weekend will be early morning. 

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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