Looking at a week of warmer weather will improve the bite after a cold weekend.

Anglers and boaters have asked me about the tides around Homosassa, especially when there is a high tide that never comes. With weak winter tides and a hard northeast wind, the tide goes from low to lower.

It’s the opposite for a weak tide with a southwest wind because it blows the water in making a much higher tide than predicted. To complicate things a little more, from the headwaters of the Homosassa River to marker #2 is 4 hours difference in the tides because it takes that long for the water to filter through all the creeks and backcountry.

Crystal River Bay and Chassahowitzka Bay are one hour ahead of Homosassa.

As these bays fill with water, it floods back onto Homosassa. So it’s possible on an incoming tide to be an hour ahead by running north or south of the Homosassa River. The other variables like wind direction and moon phase can play a very big role in the duration of the tide. 

For the best fishing, work the first part of the tide in 2- to 3-feet of water with a hard bottom for trout. As the tide makes high work the rocky shorelines for redfish and don’t be surprised to catch a snook.

Look for incoming high tide around midday this weekend. 

Homosassa Weekly Fishing Report from Captain William Toney

To schedule a fishing charter or shore lunch excursion with Captain Toney, visit his website.

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