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There is still some time left to enjoy the small game season in the Citrus Wildlife Management Area that ends this month.

The oak hammocks mainly on the south end of the management area hold good numbers of grey squirrels, that offers hunters some great opportunities. If you think your a good shot, squirrels will put you to the test as I found out on a recent squirrel expedition with Capt. Ray Markham. Ray and I would move though the woods together and it worked in our favor because one of us could keep an eye on the squirrel while the other moved in for the shot. I used my Ruger 10/22 rifle and I did achieve one good head shot but if a squirrel took off through the limbs it was hard to get a decent shot. Capt. Ray had the right gun for this chore with his .410 shotgun. We had a productive morning before the wind kicked up and bagged enough squirrels for a decent meal.

On the Nature Coast waters trout fishing is about as good as it gets with the best bite being on the incoming high tide. Rocky points and submerged rockpiles are the best spots for big trout. D.O.A. glow 5.5 jerk baits and MirrOlure Provokers in pumpkin seed/ chartreuse tail.

Good numbers of redfish have been around Pea Pass and the Ozello Keys. The best bait has been Eppinger Rex 1/4oz. spoon. On the nearshore rocks good numbers spanish mackerel are being caught on live shrimp after they are chum up with White Marsh chum bags.

Look for incoming tide this coming weekend in the afternoon with a new moon on Wednesday. Capt. William Toney www.homosassainshorefishing.com