Extended Half Day Fishing Trip In Homosassa
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and speckled troutAccommodates up to four anglers in peaceful Homosassa River watersSeasonal opportunities for larger species like cobia and tarpon
Captain Duane Tibbetts knows these Homosassa waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why the Nature Coast is a top-rated fishing destination. This 6-hour inshore adventure kicks off at 8:00 AM sharp and runs from September through June when the fishing is absolutely prime. You'll cruise the crystal-clear waters of the Homosassa River system and surrounding nature preserves, where redfish cruise the flats and speckled trout stack up in the deeper holes. At $600 for two anglers, this trip delivers serious bang for your buck – whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet in the saltwater game.
Captain Duane runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun out there. You'll launch from the peaceful Homosassa area and head into some of the most productive inshore waters Florida has to offer. The Nature Coast is famous for its spring-fed rivers and pristine backcountry, where the water stays clear year-round and the fish are always hungry. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – with just two anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. The captain knows exactly where the fish are holding based on tide, weather, and season, so you're not just casting blind. Expect to cover different types of water throughout the day, from shallow grass flats where redfish tail in two feet of water to deeper channels where the big trout hang out.
Captain Duane comes prepared with top-quality gear and a tackle box full of proven local favorites. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll be using everything from live shrimp under popping corks to artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. The beauty of Homosassa fishing is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to a tailing redfish with a gold spoon, the next you're working a DOA shrimp along a mangrove shoreline for trout. When cobia season heats up, the captain switches tactics to target these brown torpedoes with live bait and heavier tackle. Tarpon fishing requires a whole different approach, with circle hooks and proper technique to handle these silver kings safely. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, though you're welcome to bring your own favorite setup if you've got one.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Homosassa fishing, and these copper-colored fighters never disappoint. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats during high tide, tailing in skinny water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Slot-sized reds in the 18-27 inch range are common, with plenty of oversized bulls that'll test your drag system. They're year-round residents here, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're most aggressive.
Speckled trout, or "specs" as locals call them, are another customer favorite that keeps anglers coming back. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots love the grass flats and deeper potholes throughout the river system. Winter months bring the biggest gator trout, with fish over 20 inches not uncommon. They're excellent table fare and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle.
Spanish mackerel show up in big schools during the cooler months, providing fast-paced action that's perfect for newer anglers. These speedsters hit small jigs and spoons with reckless abandon, often doubling up boats when the bite is on. They're fantastic eating and great for getting kids hooked on saltwater fishing.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your trip legendary. These curious fish cruise the flats and often approach the boat for a closer look. When hooked, they make powerful runs and never give up easy. The Nature Coast produces some genuine monsters, with 30-40 pound fish possible during peak season from March through May.
Tarpon are the ultimate prize for many anglers, and Homosassa's spring-fed waters attract these silver kings in impressive numbers. While landing one of these 100+ pound fish isn't guaranteed, the chance to hook into the "poon of a lifetime" keeps experienced anglers coming back. The fights are absolutely epic, with multiple jumps and runs that can last 30 minutes or more.
Captain Duane's extended half-day trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is world-class. This customer favorite combines the best of Homosassa's inshore fishing with personalized service that bigger operations simply can't match. At six full hours on the water, you get plenty of time to target multiple species and really dial in the bite. Whether you're after a limit of trout for the dinner table, that trophy redfish for the wall, or the chance to tangle with a tarpon, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait – the best dates disappear quickly, and Captain Duane's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself.
Get ready to fish the productive inshore waters of Homosassa aboard our reliable 24-foot Carolina Skiff! This 2004 flats boat draws shallow and gets you into those skinny water spots where the redfish and trout love to hang out. With a solid 115HP Mercury pushing you along, you'll cover plenty of water during your 6-hour adventure. The GPS keeps you on track while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. Built tough for Florida's Nature Coast conditions, this skiff handles the Homosassa River flats like a dream. Perfect for up to 4 anglers looking to target everything from speckled trout to seasonal cobia and tarpon. Whether you're sight casting the shallows or working deeper channels, this boat puts you right where the fish are biting along Florida's pristine coastline.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are dark brown, shark-looking fish that can reach 30-50 pounds and 3-4 feet long. They're loners that cruise around structures like channel markers, crab traps, and weed lines in 15-40 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving shallow to spawn. What makes them exciting is their size, strength, and curiosity - they'll actually follow your boat and inspect lures before deciding to eat. Plus, they're top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Since they're solitary, spotting them is key. My best tip: always have a bucktail jig ready because when you see one, you've got maybe one good shot before they disappear.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or Red Drum, are bronze-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most fish we catch run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, though bigger ones patrol deeper waters. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Fall through spring offers the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and that they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. They're also smart fish that'll test your skills. Here's what works: approach quietly and cast beyond where you see them, then work your bait back slowly. Spooked reds won't bite, so stealth beats speed every time.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout, as we call them locally, are beautiful silvery fish with black spots that average 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes and channels. What makes them special is their delicate bite and excellent table fare - they're one of the tastiest fish in these waters with sweet, flaky white meat. They can be finicky, so light tackle and quiet presentations work best. My go-to trick is using a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the sound draws them in, and that natural bait seals the deal.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silvery fish with yellow spots that typically run 1-2 feet and weigh 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface around grass flats, oyster bars, and structures in 10-30 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months from fall through spring when bait schools are thick. What makes them fun to target is their speed and aggressive strikes - they hit hard and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we catch, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. My local tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast and cast small spoons or jigs right into the action. These fish move quickly, so work the school while it lasts.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the "silver kings" that can reach 4-6 feet and 80-200 pounds around our waters. These prehistoric giants cruise shallow flats, channels, and around structures in 2-15 feet during spring and early summer. Peak season runs April through July when they're moving through for spawning. What draws anglers from everywhere is their raw power and acrobatics - they'll jump 6 feet out of the water trying to throw the hook. It's pure adrenaline watching a 100-pound fish go airborne. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating and take years to mature. Here's my best advice: when you hook one, bow to the fish during jumps by dropping your rod tip toward them - it keeps tension off and prevents break-offs.
Homosassa