High east winds are making the Big Bend look like winter instead of Fall. After getting away from last week’s Harvest Moon, the tides are low in the middle of the day with no moon to help push in the tide.

My best bet has been to target sea trout that are moving into the bays and flats near most of our river mouths. To target the upper slot fish, look for live “yellow” bottom and set your vessel’s drift to intersect as much of that on as long a drift as possible. On a sunny day, it’s easy to see it but with overcast conditions, it can be hard to spot. Some of the drifts I’ve been successful at lately have been on the south side of the Homosassa Chanel, west of the St. Martin’s Keys, east of the Bird Rack, and just west of Mangrove Point. 

The best bait has been the MirrOlure LIL John or Provoker in watermelon red flake under a popping oval cork. I tie the jig about 18″ to 20″ under the cork with a loop knot for maximum action. Always cast downwind ahead of the vessel’s drift – anything behind is “used ” water. 

Don’t be shy about working the cork with a double pop and pause to get the bite. Always have the net handy and don’t try to lift the trout into the boat, with a soft mouth they are likely to shake off the hook. The limit is 5 per licensed angler between 15 and 19 inches and one per vessel that is over 19″. If you are fishing with a guide or Captain, they cannot keep their limit. 

 High incoming tide will be early morning 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.

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