Get ready for a day of rod-bending action on the shallow flats and mangrove-lined shores of Homosassa, Florida. This private charter puts you right where the fish are biting, with an experienced local captain who knows every hidden honey hole. Whether you're chasing tailing redfish or sight-casting to snook, this trip delivers non-stop inshore excitement from sunup to sundown.
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the anticipation building. We'll cruise through Homosassa's scenic waterways, keeping our eyes peeled for fish activity. Your captain will get you set up with light tackle perfect for inshore species. We'll hit prime spots like grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines where gamefish love to ambush prey. Expect a mix of techniques from drifting with live bait to working artificial lures. The shallow waters here are crystal clear, so you might even spot your target before you cast. It's the kind of fishing that keeps you on your toes and gets your heart racing when a big one hits.
Homosassa's inshore waters are teeming with prized gamefish year-round. We'll be targeting the "Big Three" of Florida inshore fishing: redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout. These bruisers put up a great fight on light tackle. Redfish love to tail in shallow water, giving you a chance at some exciting sight fishing. Snook are ambush predators, so we'll work the mangrove edges where they lurk. Seatrout often school up, so when we find them, the action can be non-stop. Depending on the season, we might also tangle with hard-fighting jack crevalle or tasty flounder. The variety keeps things interesting – you never know what might be on the end of your line next.
Fishing Homosassa's inshore waters is addictive, plain and simple. The scenery alone is worth the trip – crystal clear shallows, lush mangroves, and the chance to spot manatees or dolphins. But it's the quality of the fishing that really hooks people. This isn't about sitting and waiting – it's active, engaging angling where you're constantly working your bait and searching for fish. The excitement of seeing a redfish tail in skinny water or a snook blast out from under the mangroves never gets old. Plus, with a full day on the water, we have time to really dial in the bite and put you on fish consistently. It's the kind of trip where time flies by and you're already planning your next visit before you hit the dock.
Spotted Seatrout: These speckled beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They love to hang around grass flats and channels, often in schools. Seatrout put up a great fight on light tackle, with acrobatic jumps and head shakes. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round. Anglers love targeting them because they're abundant and respond well to a variety of techniques from live bait to topwater lures.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. They're famous for their powerful runs and their distinctive black spot near the tail. In Homosassa, we often find them tailing in shallow water, which makes for some heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round. Landing a big red on light tackle is an experience you won't forget.
Crevalle Jack: These hard-fighters are like freight trains with fins. When a jack hits your lure, hold on tight – they're known for blistering runs that can smoke a reel. We often find them busting bait on the surface, which makes for some exciting topwater action. Jacks aren't known for their table fare, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the strongest fish in these waters. They're most common in the warmer months and always deliver an adrenaline rush.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are like the sports cars of inshore waters. They're fast, aggressive, and love to hit lures at high speed. Spanish mackerel often travel in schools, so when we find them, the action can be non-stop. They're seasonal visitors, typically showing up in spring and fall. Anglers love targeting them for their hard fights and their excellent taste on the grill. Trolling or casting small, flashy lures is the ticket to hooking these toothy predators.
Southern Flounder: These masters of camouflage are the ninjas of the inshore world. They lie flat on the bottom, almost invisible until they ambush their prey. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, but the reward is one of the tastiest fish in the sea. We typically target them around structure like docks or in deeper holes. Fall is prime time for flounder as they move to spawn, but we catch them year-round. Landing a big "doormat" flounder is always a highlight of any inshore trip.
If you're itching to bend a rod and feel the tug of some hard-fighting inshore species, this Homosassa fishing charter is calling your name. We provide all the gear, licenses, and know-how – you just bring your sense of adventure. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip offers the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. The crystal-clear waters, abundant fish, and breathtaking scenery of Florida's Nature Coast are waiting. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing some of the best inshore fishing the Sunshine State has to offer. Grab your spot on the boat and get ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The fish are biting – are you ready to join them?
Crevalle Jack, or "jacks" as we call them, are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. They average 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can grow up to 4 feet and 60 pounds. You'll find them in seagrass beds, flats, and around structures like reefs or oil rigs. These fish are here year-round, but really fire up in summer. Jacks are pure muscle and will test your gear and stamina. They're not prized for eating, but the fight makes them a favorite among sport fishermen. When targeting jacks, look for birds diving or bait getting pushed to the surface. They hunt in schools, creating a frenzy. Use medium to heavy tackle - these guys pull hard. Topwater lures, spoons, or live bait all work well. Here's a local secret: if you smell something like watermelon, there's probably a school of jacks feeding nearby. Cast into the commotion and hang on!
Spanish Mackerel are speedsters, darting through our waters at up to 5.5 meters per second. They typically measure 1-2 feet and weigh 8-11 pounds. Look for them in schools near the surface, often around structures in open water or near shore. These fish love warm water, so summer and early fall are your best bets. They migrate south for winter, following baitfish. Anglers prize Spanish Mackerel for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating - great on the grill or smoked. To catch them, try trolling or casting from piers and beaches. Light to medium spinning tackle works well. Use shiny lures like spoons or jigs that mimic their favorite prey - small baitfish. Here's a tip: if you spot birds diving, there's likely a school of mackerel feeding below. Cast into the frenzy and hold on tight!
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly into sandy or muddy bottoms. They're usually 15-18 inches long but can reach up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait for prey like shrimp, crabs, and smaller fish. Fall is prime time for catching flounder as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild white meat. They're not known for putting up a big fight, but the challenge is in finding and enticing them to bite. For best results, try drift fishing or still fishing near the bottom. Use light to medium tackle with a slip lead rig. Live bait like bull minnows or mullet works great. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel in steadily. Patience is key with these sneaky bottom-dwellers.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore waters. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some giants can reach 40 pounds. You'll find them in grassy flats, around drop-offs, and near structures like docks or oyster bars. These fish are here year-round, but fall and spring offer the best action. Trout are known for their speckled patterns and delicate white meat. They're not the hardest fighters, but their willingness to hit lures makes them a favorite for light tackle anglers. To catch trout, try drifting grass flats with live shrimp under a popping cork. Soft plastic jigs and topwater lures also work well, especially at dawn and dusk. Here's a local trick: if you find mullet schools, trout are often feeding nearby. Cast to the edges of the mullet and be ready for a strike.
Redfish, also known as red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically run 28-33 inches long and can weigh up to 50 pounds. You'll find them in shallow water, often tailing in just 1-4 feet deep. Fall is prime time for reds as they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their strong fights and excellent table fare. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. When sight fishing for reds, watch for their copper-colored backs or tails breaking the surface. Use light tackle with artificial lures like gold spoons or soft plastics. Live bait like mullet or shrimp also works well. Here's a tip: If you spook a school, don't give up. They often circle back around after a few minutes. Stay quiet and keep your eyes peeled for their return.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150