Fishing before a cold front can be game on as far as winter fishing goes.

The gag grouper bite has been one of the best in recent memories. Even on wind-blown out days, anglers are catching them and not having to run far offshore to catch them. The best bait has been casting plugs and live pinfish.

The inshore bite can be either in the rivers or on the outside keys, depending on the warmth of the weather. This is the time of year that the day before a cold front is great fishing. Southwest wind pushes a big incoming tide and floods areas that fish normally cannot get to. When this happens, game fish will move from deeper waters to come feed on the plentiful pinfish, shrimp, and crabs on the rocky keys. I have found that the fish will be congregated together in a specific spot, not as spread out as in warmer months. 

Pompano have shown up in the deep holes in major creeks. A chartreuse jighead tipped with shrimp will get the bite. Make a long cast and move the bait in a vertical motion. Pompano respond well to chumming to, so I pinch the tail off the shrimp and thread it on the hook then use the tail as chum. A good way to find potential pompano holes is to study Google Earth. Outgoing tide is best.

Incoming tide this weekend will be early morning and late evening. 

Homosassa Weekly Fishing Report from Captain William Toney

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