Ready to tangle with some of Florida's hardest-fighting inshore species? This full-day charter in Homosassa puts you right in the action, chasing after redfish, sea trout, and snook in the area's rich backwaters. Captain Brandon knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working topwater for explosive snook strikes, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that'll keep you coming back for more.
We'll be hitting the water at the crack of dawn, leaving the dock at 7 AM sharp. This early start gives us the best shot at catching these fish when they're most active. The boat's set up for two anglers, but we can squeeze in up to four if you've got a crew. Just remember, it's an extra $50 per person beyond the first two. We'll be out for a solid 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. Captain Brandon's got all the gear you need - rods, reels, bait, and tackle. He'll even cover your fishing license for the day. Just make sure to pack some grub and plenty of water - it can get hot out there!
This isn't your average bait-and-wait fishing trip. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. Expect to do some sight fishing in the shallows, especially for those big reds. We might throw some topwater lures for snook around mangrove edges or work jigs in deeper channels for trout. The captain's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like working docklights for nighttime snook or targeting oyster bars during the falling tide. He'll clue you in on reading the water, spotting fish, and making those crucial presentations that turn follows into strikes.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the bread and butter of Homosassa's inshore fishing. They love to cruise the flats, often with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. When hooked, they'll give you a run for your money, often making powerful runs towards structure. The slot size here is 18-27 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into an overslot bull red that'll really test your drag.
Sea Trout: Often overlooked but always fun to catch, sea trout are abundant in these waters. They're suckers for a well-presented jig or live shrimp. While they might not pull as hard as a red, their acrobatic leaps and delicate mouths make for an exciting fight. The bigger ones, which we call gator trout, can push 5 pounds or more and are prized catches.
Snook: If you're looking for a real challenge, snook are your target. These ambush predators love to hang around structure - mangroves, docks, you name it. They're known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. Catching a big snook on light tackle is a thrill that's hard to beat. They're temperature sensitive, so we target them more in the warmer months, but Homosassa's springs keep some around year-round.
Homosassa's inshore waters are a fish-rich environment that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The mix of saltwater and freshwater creates a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse fishery. You're not just casting into the void here - on a good day, you can actually see the fish you're targeting. That visual aspect, combined with the technical challenge of presenting your bait just right, makes for an addictive fishing experience. Plus, with Captain Brandon's local knowledge, you're always adapting to the conditions, learning new spots, and refining your techniques. It's the kind of fishing that keeps you on your toes and makes every trip a new adventure.
If you're an experienced angler looking to up your game or just want to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, this Homosassa charter is calling your name. Remember, a 15% deposit locks in your date, so don't wait too long - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Bring your A-game, a good attitude, and get ready for a day of world-class fishing. Who knows? You might just land that trophy red or monster snook you've been dreaming about. So what are you waiting for? Let's get those lines wet and make some memories on the water!
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats - stocky, powerful, and always ready for a fight. In Homosassa, we typically see them in the 18-27 inch range, tailing in water so shallow their backs break the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats, especially on higher tides. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish are famous for their strong runs and dogged battles. They're not the fastest, but they just don't quit. Sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water gets the adrenaline pumping like nothing else. For best results, try a gold spoon or weedless jerk bait. Work it slow - redfish often track a lure before committing. Between their great fight and excellent table fare, redfish are a must-catch on any Homosassa trip.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite target in Homosassa's grass flats and shallow bays. Most run 14-20 inches, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them around oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass edges, especially early morning and evening. They'll smash topwater lures, but a live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. Sea trout fishing is good year-round, but fall and winter concentrates them in deeper holes and channels. These fish are known for their light, flaky meat - perfect for a fish fry. When you're on a hot bite, sea trout will hit lure after lure. Just remember to ease off the drag - their soft mouths tear easily. For consistent action and tasty fillets, sea trout are tough to top in our inshore waters.
Snook are one of Florida's most prized inshore gamefish. These sleek, powerful predators typically run 24-36 inches but can reach over 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in our shallow estuaries and backwaters. Spring through fall is prime time, as they move inshore to spawn. Snook put up an epic fight - expect drag-screaming runs and acrobatic leaps. Their delicate white meat also makes excellent table fare when in season. To land a big one, try freelining live bait like pinfish or mullet around mangrove points on an incoming tide. Just be ready for that first explosive strike - snook hit hard and fast. With their size, fight, and eating quality, hooking into a snook is always a highlight for anglers visiting Homosassa.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Tohatsu
Maximum Cruising Speed: 31
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90