HOMOSASSA March Fishing Report

Hello Citrus County anglers; March is here, and it’s trout time. This month is one of the most productive months of the year to tackle that “Gator” trout you’ve been after. Trout are typically not on the grass flats, but on hard bottom such as rocky points, rock and oyster bars, creek mouths and also, “yellow” limestone bottom. Slow suspending baits, soft plastic jerk baits and hard baits such as the MirrO’dine and Unfair Lures Rip-N-Slash are some of the favorites to tie on. Usually the incoming tide is best and when the gulf hits the 64 to 68 degree mark, it’s time to go trout fishing.

Spanish mackerel are also roaming around, and they are always a fun fight on light tackle. Anchoring up, chumming, and free lining a live shrimp, is a great way to hook up. Also, looking for surface activity is exciting as well and a silver spoon will keep the rod bent immediately. Be sure to attach some light wire or a long shank hook, or your tackle shop bill will be going up throughout the day.

Sheepshead are still on the scene, if one wants to venture a bit offshore. High profile structures are where you want to concentrate your efforts. A live shrimp or piece of fresh shrimp is all that is needed for success. Keep an eye out for tripletail too. They are always a possibility, and this month I have caught my largest ones to date. Triple tail lay on the surface and can actually be seen quite easily. A properly presented shrimp doesn’t get refused, and I must say tripletails are one tasty treat.

With the warming temperatures and spring tides coming – the red fish will be more accessible. You can always have success with live shrimp, but now is the time to use an artificial. The ever-reliable gold spoon is a spring time favorite for red fish. Put down the trolling motor or push pole your boat, and ease along a rocky shore line. This is saltwater bass fishing as its finest. By doing so, it allows you to cover a lot of water, find new productive shore lines and hopefully, find an area that holds fish, time and time again. Good Fishing!