One thing that makes a good fishery is clean water and seagrass. On the Big Bend, we have both and a good fishery.

In June of last year, the State created the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve that encompasses 700 square miles along Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties. Protecting our seagrass will make sure our commercial, recreational, and tourism industries will flourish into the future.

Our local waters generate more than $600 million annually, provide over 10,000 jobs, and support hundreds of businesses. During this next year, there will be a series of public input meetings so we have the means to draft a management plan to fit our coastal communities. These are some contacts to become involved: Joy Hazell –  jhazell@ufl.edu. or Holly Binns –  hbinns@pewtrust.org and the project’s website is pewtrust.org/floridaseagrass. `

Trout fishing has been good out near the Bird Rack using glow or whitetails over the yellow bottom.

The inshore grouper bite is still good using shallow running plugs, pinfish, or sardines in the 6 to 14-foot range.

Incoming tide will be mid-morning 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.

If you want to learn more about how to catch Nature Coast fish from Captain Toney, subscribe to his videos at https://inthespread.com