With great winter weather fishing has been very predictable and good. This is the last leg for keeping grouper. The season will close at the end of the month and usually opens again in June. The best depth starts around 18 to 25 feet. The best bait has been frozen sardine, frozen threadfin or live pinfish. Floating grass can be around which hinders a trolling plug but if there is some clean water this is a good way to put some gags in the box.

Around the nearshore rocks there is a good Spanish mackerel bite going on. To get them close to the boat use a commercial chum block. It may take a few minutes, but the fish will show up. To catch them I like to use a 20lb. leader with a 1/0 long shank Eagle Claw hook. The hook will work as deterrent from cutting the line from the mack’s sharp teeth. A fun way to learn to use a fly rod is to bring it out when chumming for the mackerel. An 8 weight is best with a floating line. A tapered leader with a clouser minnow in white/green or white/blue tied on a long shank hook will get the bite. Fast strips are the best presentation.

Incoming high tide will be in the afternoon this weekend

Homosassa Weekly Fishing Report from Captain William Toney

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