Ocala and Marion County Area Fishing Report Jan. 19, 2022

1. Yankeetown/Waccassa: No update.

2. Crystal River/Homosassa: Capt. William Toney writes that this has been one winter where so far there has been very few negative tides — maybe a few days that made you think about running certain places, but all in all, good water. Having good incoming tides on the Big Bend makes fishing easier for most anglers. A few anglers that look forward to extreme winter lows fish from airboats or air-cooled motors, and that can be fun in the deep backcountry. This past week the area experienced a cold front tidal push that put some water up and over some sea walls. So, that can have an effect on where the fish will be. Most of the time Toney said he finds them right back where they were the first time he caught them before the flood. Only thing that he watches for is floating debris like fire wood from the islands and 2x6's from docks.

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Toney has been catching redfish in the rivers with live shrimp along with black drum and the occasional keeper mangrove snapper. On the outside edge he said he had good luck sight casting redfish on the lee side of the keys that are facing the southern sun and block the slight north wind. When Toney fishes this way he takes his time to scan every inch of bottom because the fish will lighten on the sand or muddy bottom and blend in. Take your time and let the fish make the first move. When you make a cast make the bait land light in the water. It's easier said than done but by feathering the line and not "sky bombing" the bait, this can be achieved.

The nearshore rocks should be primed for sheepshead. Toney said he would start around eight feet if the wind allows him to make the run. The tides will be spread out this weekend so look for very early morning or very late evening incoming.

3. Withlacoochee: No update.

4. Orange Lake/Lochloosa: Visit https://lochloosaharbor.com for updates.

5. Ocklawaha River: Liz at Fat Daddy’s reports that cooler waters are bringing in more specks, and fishermen have been using minnows and jigs to catch them. Those looking to catch bass have been using mostly shiners.

6. Salt Springs: According to Liz at Fat Daddy’s, anglers have been out often looking for specks. The baits of choice generally have been minnows and jigs. Some bass are being caught with shiners, too.

7. Forest Lakes: Liz at Fat Daddy’s reports that most anglers have been seeking specks of late. They have been around more as the water has begun to cool. Minnows and jigs have been the baits of choice. Some have been fishing for bass, using mostly shiners as bait.

8. Lake Weir: Liz at Fat Daddy’s reports that specks have been biting of late with minnows and jigs being the baits used most often. Some anglers have been fishing for bass, and the primary bait of choice has been shiners.

9. Harris Chain: According to BassOnline.com, bass often can be found here in the open water. The canals have them at times, too. Many catches often weigh in between nine and 11 pounds. Specks also have been found here since the weather cooled the water.

10. Panasoffkee/Tsala: No update.

11. Astor Park: No update.

12. Ponce Inlet: According to www.floridasightfishing.com, redfish have been biting all over Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach. Most big bull redfish have come in upward of 20 pounds with some coming in as big as 40 pounds. A lot of snook also have been caught in New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet with most using live bait but some using soft plastics. Generally, the snook have been between 26 and 34 inches. Several tarpon in the 50-75 pound range have been caught in New Smyrna Beach, as well.

Tip of the week: According to saltstrong.com, fishing at structures with live or frozen shrimp is the most reliable fishing technique for Florida anglers in the winter. Fish in these areas tend to be less affected by the constantly changing weather as they do fish on the flats and in other areas. Also, no matter which way the wind is blowing, docks in protected areas can usually be found that will offer anglers the chance to catch a few fish. Finally, water clarity is much less of an issue with sheepshead, drum, and other bottom fish.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala and Marion County Area Fishing Report