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Nature Coast

Loaded landscape

By DAVID A. BROWN
Published June 9, 2007

Look at a nautical chart of Hernando and Citrus counties and a rugged, mostly undeveloped coastline offers a rustic contrast to southern neighbors. Particularly in the area of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge through Homosassa, a smattering of islands and loosely connected landmasses provide abundant contour and plenty of "fishy" habitat.

The only downside of this target-rich environment is everything appears worthy of a cast. With the right combination of conditions, that approach may produce the occasional lucky strike, but a more targeted effort makes better use of your time.

Working from the Gulf inward, the most consistent strategy involves fishing island points. These contour angles provide redfish and trout with ambush points to grab crabs, shrimp and baitfish as they flow with the tide.

You'll catch more fish by casting uptide so baits and lures move in the natural direction. Casting downtide and retrieving against the water not only makes it harder to properly present baits, but means your offering may sneak up behind a fish looking into the current and spook your quarry.

Moving throughout these rock-laden shallows requires caution, so go slow unless you're absolutely certain of a clear running path. Typically, you'll do well to pick an area, shut off the outboard and poke your way from point to point with a trolling motor or push pole.

Light jigs with natural-colored tails such as root beer, chartreuse and white do a good job of tempting predators that seek crustaceans and finfish in this environment. Keep your rod tip high and jig moving to avoid rocky snags.

Work with the tides and leverage the water movement for optimal access. Rising water allows you to push farther into the coastal labyrinth, but make sure you know the day's tide schedule, particularly the outgoing cycle(s), to avoid groundings.

The last half of an incoming tide through the first half of the outgoing stage allows anglers to move past the outer islands and into shoreline marshes. Redfish, black drum, sheepshead and mangrove snapper are the usual mix here.

For reds and drum, a fresh shrimp threaded tail-first onto a 1/4-ounce jig head usually draws plenty of attention when bounced along the bottom. Redfish are more likely to work current areas, while black drum favor the stillness of backwater holes.

Sheepshead anglers fare well with nuggets of freshly cut shrimp fished on light wire hooks and just enough slit shot weight to reach the bottom. Snapper are mostly an incidental catch, but don't be surprised if one takes a liking to your shrimp.

Again, watch the water and leave sufficient time to exit any creek, cut or slough you explore. Even if you suffer no boat or motor damage, a low-tide stranding leaves you vulnerable to excessive sun exposure, dehydration and merciless marsh insects.

Record-setting voyage

Last Saturday, we reported on the adventurous voyage of Spring Hill boat builder Ralph Brown, who drove his 21-foot flats skiff from Atlantic Beach, N.C., to Bermuda, then to New York Harbor. Joined by his brother Bob, Ralph intended to set a world record for the longest unescorted oceanic crossing in a flats boat.

On June 2, the World Record Academy informed Ralph his trip had been certified and approved as a record.

Flats boats generally are described as low profile, single-engine vessels built to operate in less than a foot of water. Brown said the 21-foot Intruder model he and his brother drove runs in less than 6 inches.

Ralph Brown is president of Dream Boats Inc. in Hudson. For information on the oceanic crossing, visit www.dreamboats.net.

Celebrate the sport

The timing of Brown's record announcement could not have been more appropriate. June 2 marked the start of National Fishing and Boating week, an annual period of awareness and celebration ending Sunday.

Those looking to form positive memories during this final weekend and beyond might consider hosting a new angler for a day on the water. TakeMeFishing.org, an online fishing and boating resource, urges recreational fishermen to take the anglers' legacy pledge.

Aimed at ensuring the growth of recreational fishing, this oath states: "I, as an Anglers' Legacy Ambassador, do pledge to introduce at least one acquaintance to fishing each year who has not yet had the pleasure of participation.

"To deliver a quality introductory experience by sharing my patience, skills, knowledge and equipment.

"To help the first-time angler understand, appreciate and value what fishing is all about. And I promise to do these things because I want to give back what someone once gave to me - the special gift of fishing."

To take the pledge, visit www.anglerslegacy.org.

[Last modified June 8, 2007, 21:03:05]