I think Florida is having a real winter this year.

In past Christmas’ we would be swimming in the pool, wearing shorts and t-shirts. Don’t think that will be the case this year.

There is a great sheepshead bite going on now in our rivers and nearshore rocks.

The Homosassa River holds the state record for the largest sheepshead! That fish was over 15 pounds and was caught just west of Hell’s Gates.

I had a client catch one at a rock off Pine Island that was 13 pounds years ago. The fight was like a grouper in open water. It was so clear on that winter day that we could watch the fish fight in the 10-foot depths!

One thing that has not changed since then is the way to catch them. Nearshore rocks out to 18 feet will hold sheepshead till around March. Full moons are better and incoming tides make a better bite.

If the water is clear you can see them on the structure, and if it’s dirty high profile structure is better. They bite fresh or live shrimp best and when the grass porgies move in, it’s time to move out!

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and, after opening presents, high incoming tide will be mid-morning.

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