Extended Half Day Fishing Trip In Homosassa
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and speckled troutCaptain provides expertise for cobia and tarpon opportunitiesSmall group experience accommodating up to four anglers maximum
When you're looking for world-class inshore fishing along Florida's Nature Coast, Captain Duane Tibbetts knows exactly where the fish are hiding. This 6-hour adventure kicks off at 8:00 AM and takes you deep into the pristine waters around Homosassa, where the spring-fed rivers meet the Gulf of Mexico. You'll be fishing some of the most productive inshore waters in Florida, targeting everything from aggressive redfish to massive tarpon. With space for up to 4 anglers but priced for 2, this trip gives you plenty of room to work the water without feeling crowded. Available from September through June when the fishing is at its peak, this is your chance to experience why Homosassa has earned its reputation as one of Florida's premier fishing destinations.
Captain Duane runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting you on fish while showing you the natural beauty of the Homosassa River system. The morning start gives you the advantage of cooler temperatures and active fish before the afternoon heat sets in. You'll be working the grass flats, oyster bars, and spring holes that make this area so special. The crystal-clear water here is fed by natural springs, creating perfect habitat for baitfish and the predators that follow them. Don't be surprised if you spot manatees, dolphins, or even the occasional alligator while you're working your way between fishing spots. The peaceful nature reserves surrounding the area mean you're fishing in relatively untouched waters where the fish populations stay healthy year after year. Captain Duane provides all the tackle and bait you'll need, so you can focus on learning the water and perfecting your technique.
The beauty of Homosassa fishing lies in the variety of techniques that work here. You'll be using live bait like pinfish and shrimp around the structure, while also throwing artificial lures when the fish are actively feeding. Captain Duane knows every oyster bar, grass bed, and drop-off in the area, and he'll adjust the approach based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that day. The shallow flats are perfect for sight fishing when conditions are right - there's nothing like watching a big redfish cruise through two feet of clear water before it crushes your bait. Around the deeper holes and channels, you'll be targeting sea trout and larger predators that use these areas as ambush points. The spring runs offer cooler water that attracts fish during the warmer months, while the transition zones where fresh and salt water mix create feeding opportunities you won't find anywhere else. Don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing - Captain Duane will walk you through each technique and make sure you understand why certain baits and presentations work in different situations.
Spanish Mackerel are some of the most fun fish you'll encounter on this trip, especially during the cooler months when they move into the inshore waters in massive schools. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs that will test your drag system. They're aggressive feeders that will hit both live bait and small spoons or jigs, and they're excellent table fare if you want to take a few home. The best action usually happens from October through March when the water temperatures drop and the mackerel follow the baitfish into the shallows.
Tarpon fishing in Homosassa is legendary, and for good reason. These silver kings can range from juvenile fish in the 20-50 pound range all the way up to monsters exceeding 150 pounds. Peak season runs from April through July, when the big fish move into the area to spawn. There's nothing in fishing that compares to watching a 100-pound tarpon launch itself out of the water right next to the boat. They're catch-and-release only, but the memories last forever. Even the smaller tarpon will give you a fight you won't forget, with their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are year-round residents that provide consistent action throughout the season. The better fish typically run 2-4 pounds, with trophy specimens pushing 6-8 pounds. They love the grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving tides when they position themselves to ambush passing baitfish. Trout are excellent eating and relatively easy to catch once you learn their habits, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Homosassa inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-40 pounds in these waters, with some real giants pushing 45+ pounds. They're year-round residents that provide incredible fishing opportunities in both shallow and deeper water. Reds are known for their bulldogging fights and their willingness to eat a variety of baits. During the fall months, you might encounter massive schools of big redfish that create some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere in Florida.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up any time from March through November. These brown sharks of the inshore world typically run 20-50 pounds and are incredibly curious fish that will often approach the boat to investigate. They're excellent table fare and put up a strong, steady fight that showcases their power. Cobia often follow rays and sharks, so keep your eyes open for movement on the flats - that dark shadow might be your next personal best.
At $600 for two anglers, this 6-hour adventure offers incredible value for accessing some of Florida's best inshore fishing. Captain Duane's local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish makes this a customer favorite that books up quickly during peak season. The extended half-day format gives you enough time to really work the water and target multiple species without the full commitment of an all-day
Hit the productive waters around Homosassa aboard our reliable 2004 Carolina Skiff, a proven 24-footer that knows these flats like the back of your hand. With a 115HP Mercury pushing you through the shallows, you'll reach those prime redfish and cobia spots where the big fish hang out. The GPS keeps you on track while the fish finder shows what's swimming below. This flats boat handles the skinny water perfectly, getting you close to structure and grass beds where speckled trout love to feed. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working the deeper channels for cobia, this skiff puts you right where the action is along Florida's Nature Coast.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that average 3-6 feet and 50-100 pounds. They're loners, not schoolers, found around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 15-50 feet of water. Spring migration from March to May is prime time when they head north to spawn. Anglers love them because they're aggressive fighters and some of the best eating in the Gulf - firm, white meat like a cross between grouper and mahi. They'll hit bucktail jigs, eels, live crabs, and even topwater lures. Best tip: look for them following rays and sharks on the surface - cobia use bigger animals to stir up food. When you spot one, get a jig or eel in front of it quick.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are copper-colored bruisers with black spots near their tails that average 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and shallow structure in 1-4 feet of water - so shallow their backs sometimes show. Fish them year-round, but fall and winter offer the best action when they school up. Reds are favorites because they fight like bulldogs, make great eating with mild, sweet meat, and you can sight-fish them in skinny water. They'll eat live shrimp, crabs, cut bait, and topwater plugs. Local trick: look for nervous water or wakes on the flats - that's usually reds pushing bait. Cast ahead of them and let your bait sink to the bottom.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout, as we call them locally, are spotted silver fish that typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. Best action is dawn and dusk, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Trout are popular because they bite well, fight decent for their size, and make some of the best eating you'll find - white, flaky meat that's perfect fried or grilled. They'll hit live shrimp, jigs, and topwater plugs. Key tip: fish the edges of grass beds where they ambush baitfish. Work your lure slow and steady - trout don't like fast presentations and will often follow before striking.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silver fish with yellowish spots that usually run 1-2 feet and weigh 8-11 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, especially around structures and grass flats. They're some of the quickest swimmers out there, hitting at about 18 mph when they want to. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are up. People love targeting them because they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills up perfect. They'll hammer live shrimp, small jigs, and spoons. Pro tip: when you see birds working bait on the surface, there's usually spanish mackerel underneath. Cast past the school and work your lure back through it.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though they can hit 8 feet and 280 pounds. These prehistoric fish love shallow flats, channels, and around structure in 3-15 feet of water. Peak season here runs April through July when they migrate through for spawning. What makes them special is their aerial show - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and can swim 35 mph. Most folks catch and release since the meat is bony and not great eating. They'll eat live crabs, pinfish, and mullet. My advice: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to keep slack in the line, or they'll throw the hook every time.
Homosassa