Full Day Fishing Trip in Florida - Redfish, Flounder and More
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and flounderCaptain Quintin Valls guides up to four guests aboard 24foot motorboatDeparture at 7:00 AM from MacRea's marina in Homosassa waters
Captain Quintin Valls knows these Homosassa waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish for a solid 8 hours of world-class inshore action. This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking about a full commitment to fishing – the kind of trip where you can really settle in, work different spots, and adapt to what the fish are telling you. Departing at 7:00 AM from MacRea's of Homosassa, you'll spend the day aboard Captain Quintin's 24-foot Tremblay, a boat built for Florida's skinny water fishing. With room for up to four anglers but priced for two, you've got plenty of space to cast without getting tangled up with your buddy.
The beauty of an 8-hour charter is the flexibility it gives you and Captain Quintin. Morning bite not happening where you expected? No problem – you've got time to move and find where the fish are feeding. The Homosassa area is famous for its crystal-clear springs and grass flats that hold serious populations of redfish, sea trout, snook, sheepshead, and flounder. Captain Quintin will read the conditions – tide, wind, water clarity, bait movement – and adjust the game plan accordingly. Some days that means working the deeper channels for big trout, other days it's poling the flats looking for tailing reds. The relaxed pace means you're not rushing from spot to spot; instead, you're really learning the water and understanding why fish position themselves where they do. This hands-on approach makes you a better angler, whether you're a weekend warrior or someone just getting serious about inshore fishing.
Captain Quintin runs a clean operation with quality gear, but the real value comes from his local knowledge and willingness to teach. Depending on what's biting, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks for sea trout, pitching jigs into mangrove pockets for snook, or working soft plastics along grass edges for redfish. The 24-foot Tremblay is perfect for this style of fishing – shallow enough draft to get into the good stuff, but stable enough to fish comfortably all day. The boat's setup allows for both casting and some light trolling when moving between spots. Captain Quintin will match your tackle to the conditions and target species, explaining why certain lures work better in different situations. If you're using live bait, he knows where to find the freshest shrimp and pinfish. Artificial lure guys will appreciate his selection of proven patterns that consistently produce in these waters.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Homosassa fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the grass flats and oyster bars throughout the area. Most of the slot fish – that sweet spot between 18 and 27 inches – are perfect eating size and put up a memorable fight on appropriate tackle. Redfish feed year-round here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're actively cruising the shallows. What makes catching them so addictive is the visual aspect; you'll often see them tailing or pushing wakes as they root around for crabs and shrimp. The take is aggressive, and once hooked, they make strong runs that test your drag system.
Sea trout are another customer favorite, especially the bigger "gator" trout that Homosassa is known for. These fish relate to grass beds and drop-offs, often feeding in predictable patterns if you know how to read the water. Spring months bring some of the best trout fishing as they move shallow to spawn, but skilled anglers can find them year-round by adjusting depth and presentation. A 20-inch trout is a solid fish; anything over 24 inches is a trophy that'll have you grinning for days.
Snook fishing in Homosassa offers a different kind of challenge. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangroves, creek mouths – anywhere they can pin baitfish. They're incredibly line-shy and have mouths like sandpaper, so your tackle and technique need to be on point. The reward is worth it though; a slot snook is one of the best eating fish in Florida waters, and their acrobatic fights make every hookup memorable. Summer months are prime time, but don't count them out during warmer winter days.
Sheepshead are the technical fighters of the group. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles around structure. They're notorious bait stealers, requiring quick reflexes and sensitive tackle to detect their subtle bites. Once you dial in the technique, sheepshead provide consistent action and excellent table fare. Winter months are peak season when they school up around bridges and deeper structure.
Summer flounder add variety to the mix, especially during their seasonal migration. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy areas waiting to ambush prey. They require a different approach – often bouncing baits along the bottom or working soft plastics with a lift-and-drop retrieve. A keeper flounder is always a prize catch, and they're fantastic on the dinner table.
This full-day charter represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. Eight hours with Captain Quintin means you're not just fishing – you're getting a master class in Homosassa's inshore waters. The private boat setup ensures you're fishing at your own pace without worrying about other customers' skill levels or preferences. Whether you're a local angler looking to up your game or a visitor wanting to experience Florida's renowne
Captain Quintin's 1989 24' Tremblay is built for serious inshore fishing around Homosassa's productive waters. This classic motorboat runs on a reliable 175HP Yamaha that gets you to the best fishing spots without burning through fuel. The boat's shallow draft design lets you work the flats and backwaters where redfish and snook like to hang out, while the stable hull keeps you comfortable during those long fights with stubborn fish. Equipped with GPS to mark your hot spots, VHF radio for safety, and a fish finder to locate schools of trout and flounder, this boat has everything you need for a successful day on the water. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to cast and move around while fighting fish, and there's enough space for tackle, coolers, and your catch. Whether you're sight-fishing the grass flats or working structure for sheepshead, this dependable fishing platform will get you there and back safely while giving you the best shot at filling the cooler.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the gold standard of inshore fishing around Homosassa. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots typically run 20-30 inches in our shallow waters, often feeding in water so thin their backs stick out. Look for them on oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines, especially during moving tides. They bite year-round here, but fall and spring are prime when they're most active in the shallows. What makes reds special is that explosive strike followed by a bulldogging fight - they'll strip drag and test your tackle. Plus they're excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. The sight-fishing opportunities are amazing too, watching them cruise the flats with their tails up. Pro tip: when you spot a tailing red, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily if you land right on top of them. Gold spoons and soft plastics are hard to beat.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are bread-and-butter fish around Homosassa's grass flats. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-18 inches and are perfect for light tackle action. You'll find them over seagrass beds in 2-6 feet of water, especially around potholes and drop-offs. Spring through fall are prime, with early morning and evening producing the most action. What guests love about trout is they're willing biters and great for beginners, plus they fight well on light gear with nice head-shaking runs. The meat is mild and flaky, though it's delicate so don't overcook it. They school up, so where you catch one, there's usually more. My favorite technique is drifting the flats with soft plastics on jig heads - a white or chartreuse paddle tail bounced near the bottom works great. Listen for that distinctive "drumming" sound they make when you're in a good area.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our inshore waters, sporting those distinctive black and white stripes along with human-like teeth that'll make you do a double-take. These crafty fish typically run 2-5 pounds around Homosassa's docks and bridges where they pick barnacles and crabs off the pilings. Winter and spring are peak times when they're easier to pattern. What makes them challenging is they're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble your shrimp clean off the hook if you're not paying attention. But land one and you've got some of the best eating fish in the gulf, with sweet white meat that's worth the effort to clean. My trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp, getting as close to structure as possible, and setting the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They've got those powerful jaws, so don't hesitate when you feel them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore game fish, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches around Homosassa, though bigger ones lurk in deeper holes. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. They love structure and current breaks. Spring through fall are prime times, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs - they'll test your drag and try to cut you off on oyster bars. The meat is excellent too, white and flaky with a mild flavor. Pro tip: when fishing around structure, keep your rod tip high after the hookset and apply steady pressure to pull them away from cover before they wrap you up.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise that lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These "door mats" typically run 15-20 inches, but the big girls can push 6-8 pounds and make for great table fare with their sweet, white meat. You'll find them on flats, around grass edges, and near channel drops in 3-15 feet of water. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What guests love is the surprise factor - one minute you're drifting over what looks like empty bottom, then your rod tip starts bouncing. They don't fight like a snook, but landing a nice flounder is satisfying. My go-to trick is using a circle hook with live shrimp or mullet, and fishing it right on the bottom. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, just start reeling steady - no big hookset needed.
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