captain william toney

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  Saltwater Black Drum

  2018, Fishing for Black Puppy Drum

  As winter's chill descends, the inshore waters beckon with the promise of a bountiful catch. The target? Not the usual suspects, but the often-overlooked black drum, specifically the smaller, delectable "puppy" drum. These little morsels, though not as grand in size, offer an excellent flavor and texture, making them a prized catch for those in the know. The black drum, a bottom feeder like its cousins the redfish and sea trout, has a penchant for shrimp, fiddler crabs, and smaller blue crabs. This diet is what gives the black drum its unique flavor, a taste that is often underappreciated due to the smaller fillet yield. However, those who have tasted the succulent meat of the puppy drum know that size isn't everything. When it comes to black drum fishing, the key is to know where and how to target them. The deeper holes and channels, especially those near the river's edge, are often teeming with these fish. The Homosassa River, with its spring-fed headwaters maintaining a constant 72 degrees, is a prime location. As the tides move, the warm water is pulled out of the river, creating warmer swirling water in these holes and channels, attracting quality bait and, in turn, the black drum.

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  Saltwater Snook

  2018, Coastal Snook Fishing Florida

  Snook fishing in Homosassa, Florida, has seen a resurgence due to the efforts of guides like Capt. William Toney. The snook, known for its agility, thrives in the region's brackish waters, thanks to the first magnitude springs that provide warmth. Toney, a third-generation Florida fishing guide, shares his knowledge on targeting snooks using artificial lures, finding target-rich areas, and navigating productive tidal conditions.

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  Saltwater Redfish

  2018, Live Bait for Pressured Redfish with Capt. William Toney

  Capt. William Toney, a seasoned inshore fishing guide in Homosassa, Florida, guides anglers in catching redfish under high pressure using live bait and proper tackle. He shares knowledge on tide rhythms, bait presentation, and leaders, allowing anglers to become part of the cosmic dance.

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