First time fishing Weeki Wachee/Homosassa Area

DWHillJr7

I usually do the majority of my trout/red/snook fishing in the west central region(cockroach bay, ft desoto, terra ceia). Me and the girl are going scalloping next week and i'd love to get some fishing in as well. I'm new to the brackish/river system flats fishing and would like to know where to head and what to look for. Ill be launching just south of Pine Island and would love to primarily target trout, but still have reds and snook in mind. Thanks in advance

troutman57

This is an email I sent to another forum brother the other day. most of it answers your question.........deep water trout

1st the simple carolina rig is the way to go hands down...see the tips and tricks thread at the top of the BB Gen fishing forum....there is a pic of the rig there. Here is why it works. Since the weight is way forward of the bait the bait will ride over the seagrass and not get hung up too much. The ideal drift is exactly with the tide between .7 and 1.2 mph (i use my ipilot to help this) I used to drift out there all the time without and trolling motor but be sure you are moving. Let your baits drag behind the boat about 100 feet giving then a jig every now and then. Just drag them and you will catch fish. Try to find areas of vast seagrass to find trout. 7' is as shallow as I would go and 12' is as deep. I have had some luck just a mile outside marker 2 of Homosassa but I am still looking for better seagrass. I am going to try out past chazz marker 2 next time out, For bait fillet up small fish into two penneant shaped pcs from each side. That bait is deadly and cobia seem to like that as well. Gulp shrimp 3" or 4" is is also very good but a bit pricey. The Z Man paddle tail swim baits in white are deadly and indestructable when super glued onto the hook. They also float over the grass as an added bonus. Good luck out there and keep in mind the tide changes about 1 1/2 hours earlier. Let me know how you do and help ne find some better seagrass.