Nature Coast Fishing Report – February 2022
Florida’s Nature Coast is a maze of rivers, creeks, ponds and ditches that are extremely difficult to navigate even in the best of times but even more challenging in the winter months. When we have the North or Northeast winds it pushes all the water out and doesn’t let the tide come back in, so extra caution is definitely in order. The plus side to the negative tides is that it’s an excellent time to learn the area and where not to go! The negative tides will show you where the rocks, oyster bars and deep holes are located and that knowledge is valuable. Having Florida Marine Tracks (FMT), will also shorten the learning curve and help save your lower unit and props. After all it’s not if but when you are going to hit bottom here in Old Homosassa.
Outgoing tides are usually best to work during the winter months as the tide pulls the warmer spring waters out and that’s where you’ll find the fish. Fish get cold too. When they are cold they are not aggressive so working your baits slow is a must, the slower the better this time of the year. Look for deep holes lined with oysters or channel ledges and you’ll find Redfish, Sheepshead and Black Drum. Sometimes casting a live shrimp into the deeper holes and not even moving it at all works best, the fish will smell the shrimp and hook themselves.
Another positive to this time of the year is that the waters are crystal clear which makes for excellent site fishing. Nothing is more exciting than watching the bite! Redfish will be stacking in the shallow creeks and it’s an excellent time for fly fishing the Bronzed Bombers. Hit the head waters of the spring fed rivers to hide from the cold and the wind with artificials for some good action on Snook, Ladyfish, Jacks and maybe even a Bass.
Scallop Season opens here in Citrus County on July 1st and hopefully we will have another banner season just like last year. The reservations are rolling in fast and furious, actually we’ve never had this many so far in advance. Not to worry with our fleet of boats and the most experienced Captain’s around we can handle any size group or party and we usually have availability, (even at the last minute), for whenever you want to experience what’s best described as an “Underwater Easter Egg Hunt”!! You can book your reservation at www.HomosassaScallops.com. Scalloping is part snorkeling experience, part treasure dive and part saltwater fishing experience that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages. Spend quality time with your family or friends and create memories that will last a lifetime! Let’s go SCALLOPING!!!
We are pleased and proud to announce the re-launching and updating of our NEW mobile-friendly website at www.HomosassaRedfish.com. When you get a chance please take a look at the NEW site, you might find pictures or videos of yourself from past adventures with us! Especially notice the “Local Resources Page” under the About drop down menu as this information will surely help on your next visit to Old Homosassa! Your input, comments and suggestions would also be greatly appreciated. Also if you find any mistakes or additions we should make, we’d be happy to know! Hope you enjoy our NEW site and we’re looking forward to seeing you all again very soon!! Let’s go CATCHING!!! Be safe, stay warm, have fun and tight lines, Captain ”Red ED”