5.0(1 Reviews)Homosassa Inshore Fishing for Big Reds & Snook
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8hour inshore charter targeting redfish, sea trout, and snookCaptain Brandon provides advanced techniques and local fishing patternsAll equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included for two guests
Want to test your skills against some of Florida's toughest inshore gamefish? This 8-hour private charter with Captain Brandon puts you right in the heart of Homosassa's legendary backwater fishery. We're talking about waters where monster redfish cruise the flats and snook ambush baitfish in the shadows. Starting at 7 a.m., you'll spend a full day working the productive spots that separate the weekend warriors from the serious anglers. This isn't a hand-holding trip – it's designed for skilled fishermen who want to push their limits and learn advanced techniques that actually work in these waters.
Captain Brandon knows these Homosassa waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing the local secrets that make the difference between a good day and an epic day. You'll start early to beat the crowds and catch fish during their most active feeding periods. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need – plus your fishing licenses are covered. We're targeting the holy trinity of inshore fishing: redfish, sea trout, and snook. The trip accommodates 2 anglers in the base price, but you can bring up to 4 total at $50 per additional person. Fair warning though – you'll want to pack sun protection, drinks, and snacks because once you start hooking into these fish, you won't want to head in early. The 15% deposit locks in your date, and trust me, prime slots fill up fast during peak season.
This charter focuses on technique refinement and pattern recognition that separates amateur hour from pro-level fishing. Captain Brandon breaks down the subtle differences in bait presentation that trigger strikes versus spook fish. You'll learn to read water structure, understand tidal movements, and recognize the feeding signs that most anglers miss completely. We work everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges, adjusting tactics based on conditions and fish behavior. Expect to throw both live bait and artificials – the captain matches the approach to what's working that day rather than sticking to one method. You'll pick up tricks for working mangrove shorelines without hanging up every cast, plus the proper rod angles and retrieve speeds that make snook commit when they're being finicky. These aren't YouTube tips – they're battle-tested techniques developed through thousands of hours on these specific waters.
"Best Day Ever! The fishing charter was more than exceptional. Captain Brandon Huggins was very personable and shared his knowledge of fishing in the area. We are very pleased with the trip and would recommend to anyone of any age." - Susan Watson
Redfish are the backbone of Homosassa's inshore scene, and these copper-colored bruisers will test every ounce of your drag system. These fish average 20-30 inches but don't let that fool you – a slot red in shallow water fights like something twice its size. They feed aggressively during moving tides, especially around oyster bars and grass edges where they trap baitfish. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action, though summer fishing can be fantastic if you know where to look. What makes reds so addictive is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight style that keeps you honest from hookset to boat.
Sea trout might not have the glamour of reds or snook, but they're incredibly fun on light tackle and absolutely delicious on the table. Homosassa's grass flats are loaded with quality trout that average 15-18 inches, with plenty of gator trout mixed in that push 20+ inches. They're most active during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes and channels. Trout have soft mouths, so you'll need to adjust your hookset and fighting technique – it's all about smooth pressure rather than brute force. Their willingness to hit topwater plugs early and late in the day makes them a favorite target when other species go quiet.
Snook are the ultimate prize for serious inshore anglers, and Homosassa's backwaters hold some absolute giants. These ambush predators lurk around structure like docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings, waiting for the perfect moment to explode on unsuspecting baitfish. They're incredibly line-shy and structure-oriented, which means precise casts and quick reactions separate success from heartbreak. The summer months bring the most consistent action, though winter can produce some of the largest fish of the year. What makes snook so special is their combination of size, fighting ability, and pure attitude – they'll jump, run, and do everything possible to throw your hook. Landing a quality snook requires patience, skill, and just a little bit of luck.
Ready to step up your inshore game and learn what Homosassa fishing is really about? Captain Brandon's private charters book up quickly, especially during prime fishing seasons when the bite is hot. This trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – access to productive waters, proven techniques, and the kind of local knowledge that takes years to develop on your own. The 8-hour format gives you enough time to really dial in patterns and put multiple species in the boat. Whether you're looking to improve your skills or just want to fish with someone who knows how to find them consistently, this charter delivers the goods. Grab that 15% deposit and lock in your dates – the fish are waiting, and Captain Brandon knows exactly where to find them.
Your fishing platform for the day is a reliable 1998 19' Carolina Skiff that's been thoughtfully upgraded to handle Homosassa's inshore waters with confidence. This proven workhorse can accommodate up to four anglers and cruises at speeds up to 27 knots thanks to its dependable 90HP Tohatsu engine. The skiff's shallow draft design lets Captain Brandon access those productive backwater spots and grass flats where redfish, sea trout, and snook like to hang out. You'll have GPS navigation to pinpoint the best fishing zones and VHF radio for safe communication on the water. The onboard live well keeps your bait fresh and active throughout the 8-hour charter. Built for serious fishing rather than comfort cruising, this Carolina Skiff puts you right where the action is without the bulk of larger boats that can't reach the skinny water hotspots around Homosassa's legendary inshore fishery.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are sight-fishing gold - those copper backs cruising skinny water flats from 6 inches to 4 feet deep. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but the big bulls offshore can hit 40+ pounds. They feed year-round in our waters, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively hunting crabs and baitfish. Reds are fighters that use their broad tails to pull hard and stay down, plus that distinctive black spot near the tail makes them easy to identify. The firm, mild meat makes excellent table fare too. The key to catching reds is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. Live shrimp under a popping cork works great, but don't overlook topwater plugs early morning when they're aggressive and feeding shallow.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or specks as we call them, are schooling fish that cruise grass flats and sandy bottoms in 2-8 feet of water. They average 14-18 inches but spring and fall bring those fat 20+ inch gator trout that really bend the rod. These fish bite year-round, but cooler months see them school up tight in deeper holes and channels. What guests love about specks is their willingness to bite and that soft mouth that makes every hookset feel solid. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find inshore. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic jig along grass edges at first light or dusk. Keep it simple - a steady retrieve with occasional twitches. When you find one speck, work the area thoroughly because where there's one, there's usually a dozen more waiting.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators that love cover - mangroves, docks, and structure where they can dart out at baitfish. Most run 18-28 inches around Homosassa, but the big females can push 30+ pounds. They're temperature sensitive, so spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps stay above 60 degrees. What makes snook special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll take you straight into structure if you let them. The meat is firm and sweet, making them a prized table fish. Here's a local trick: cast live shrimp or pinfish right along the mangrove edges during moving water. Let it drift naturally with the current rather than retrieving it fast. Snook want an easy meal, not a workout chasing your bait.
5.0 out of 5.0Best Day Ever! The fishing charter was more than exceptional. Captain Brandon Huggins was very personable and shared his knowledg...
Homosassa, FL