Private 6-Hour Inshore Fishing in Homosassa
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and snookAll equipment, licenses, and fish cleaning services includedSmall group experience limited to two guests maximum
Looking for a fishing trip that combines world-class inshore action with the laid-back charm of Florida's Nature Coast? Sassa Fishing Company's private 6-hour adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the state's most productive shallow water fishing. Homosassa's crystal-clear springs, winding mangrove creeks, and expansive grass flats create the perfect storm for targeting trophy redfish, snook, and seatrout. This isn't your typical crowded charter – it's just you, your fishing partner, and miles of prime water where the fish bite and the scenery doesn't quit.
Your day kicks off in waters that have been drawing serious anglers for decades. Homosassa's unique geography gives you access to shallow bays where redfish cruise in packs, mangrove shorelines where snook ambush baitfish, and grass flats where seatrout feed aggressively. The calm, protected waters mean you'll spend more time fishing and less time fighting rough seas. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand – every oyster bar, every creek mouth, every flat that holds fish when the conditions are right. We're talking about a top-rated fishing destination that consistently produces, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. All your gear is included, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, plus your Florida fishing license is covered. Cold water and ice are on board, and if you want to take your catch home, we'll clean and fillet everything at no extra charge.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. On the grass flats, we'll work topwater plugs early in the morning when the fish are feeding shallow, then switch to soft plastics and live bait as the sun climbs higher. Around the mangroves, it's about precise casting – dropping baits right along the roots where snook and redfish hide in the shade. The oyster bars and creek mouths are ambush points where we'll drift live shrimp or pinfish through the current. Your captain will have multiple rods rigged and ready, so you can switch techniques quickly when the fish tell you what they want. The beauty of this fishery is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to a tailing redfish on a shallow flat, the next you're working a creek bend for a monster snook. Light tackle is the name of the game, which means every fish feels like a trophy when it hits.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Homosassa's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push well over the slot limit into true trophy territory. They're year-round residents here, but fall and winter months see them schooling up in larger numbers along the flats and creek mouths. What makes reds special is their fight – they'll make blistering runs and use their broad tails to bulldoze through the grass. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within the slot.
Snook are the inshore slam's trickiest member, and Homosassa's mangrove country is prime habitat. These silver-sided fighters are ambush predators that love structure – dock pilings, mangrove roots, and creek bends are all snook magnets. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round by anglers who know where to look. A good snook will test your drag and your nerve, often making multiple jumps before you get them to the boat. They're catch-and-release only during certain seasons, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Seatrout, or specks as the locals call them, are the most cooperative fish in these waters. They school up over grass flats and are willing biters for soft plastics, live shrimp, and topwater lures. Spring and fall see the best action, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 15-inchers to gator trout pushing 20 inches or more. They're perfect for beginners but still provide plenty of excitement for experienced anglers. Their sweet, flaky meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Sheepshead are the inshore challenge fish – notorious bait thieves with crushing jaws and a stubborn fighting style. They hang around structure like dock pilings, bridges, and oyster bars, where they feed on barnacles and crabs. Winter months bring the best sheepshead action, and while they're finicky biters, a good sheepie is hard to beat on the dinner plate. Their black and white stripes make them easy to identify, and their strong bite requires sharp hooks and quick reflexes.
Southern Flounder are the flat-dwellers that provide surprise strikes when you least expect them. These master camouflage artists bury themselves in sandy bottoms and grass flats, waiting to ambush passing baitfish. They're most active during cooler months and can be targeted with live bait, soft plastics, or even topwater lures worked slowly over likely spots. A nice flounder will give you a hard pull and some head shakes, plus they're among the best-eating fish in the Gulf.
This private 6-hour trip gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace without dealing with crowded party boats or strangers. Homosassa's inshore waters offer consistent action throughout the year, with seasonal patterns that keep things interesting. Your captain provides everything you need to succeed, from local knowledge to quality equipment, so you can focus on what matters – catching fish and making memories. Whether you're after your first redfish or chasing a personal best snook, these waters deliver the goods. Don't pack heavy – bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and maybe some snacks.
Your fishing machine for the day is a custom 24-foot Carolina Skiff built by Young Boats, designed specifically for prowling Homosassa's shallow waters. The elevated center console tower gives you a clear view of grass flats and redfish tailing in skinny water, while the powerful Yamaha 150hp four-stroke gets you to the best fishing spots quickly. Twin 10-foot Power-Poles let you lock down silently over productive areas without spooking fish. When stealth mode is needed around mangroves, the wireless trolling motor keeps you ghost-quiet while stalking snook. The boat's loaded with Lowrance and Simrad electronics including fish finders to locate schools, plus GPS and radar for safe navigation. Comfortable padded seating accommodates your group, and the onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The JL stereo adds some tunes between bites, and with a VHF radio for safety, you're set for a productive day targeting redfish, seatrout, and whatever else Homosassa's waters serve up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our flats - copper-colored beauties with that distinctive black spot near the tail that fools predators. These bruisers average 18-27 inches in our shallow waters, perfect slot-size fish that put up serious fights. You'll find them tailing in 1-3 feet of water around oyster bars, grass edges, and mangrove shorelines. They're here year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What guests love is their power - they'll peel drag and make long runs that test your skills. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, mildly sweet meat. My go-to strategy: look for nervous water or actual tails breaking the surface on the flats. A gold spoon or live shrimp bounced along the bottom near structure is deadly effective, especially on an incoming tide.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our grass flats - beautiful fish with spotted sides that provide steady action year-round. Most run 12-16 inches, but those 20+ inch "gator trout" are real trophies that'll make your day. They cruise our shallow grass beds and sandy potholes, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best fishing when they're most active, though summer nights can be fantastic. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and excellent table fare - tender, flaky meat that's perfect for dinner. They're also great for kids and beginners since they're aggressive feeders. Pro tip: work your bait or lure slowly along the grass edges at dawn or dusk. A popping cork with live shrimp underneath is hard to beat in 2-4 feet of water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese "convict fish" with their black and white stripes are some of the smartest fish we target - and the most frustrating! They average 1-3 pounds but we regularly see 5-8 pounders around our docks and bridge pilings. What makes them special is those human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs off structures. Winter and early spring are prime time when they gather in big schools before spawning. Guests love the challenge since sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with light, nibbling bites. The reward is sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any fish in these waters. My best advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to the structure, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard. They've got tough mouths that require a solid hookset.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore gamefish - sleek, powerful, and smart as they come. These golden beauties with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-24 inches, but the big gals can push 30+ and really test your drag. They love our mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is peak season, especially around the full and new moons when they're most active. What guests love is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll run straight for cover and test every knot. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: cast your lure or live bait right against the structure and let it sink naturally. Snook won't chase far from cover, so accuracy beats distance every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, unique fish are masters of disguise - they bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush prey with both eyes on one side of their head. Most run 15-18 inches, but we see some pushing 25+ inches in our deeper channels and grass flats. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Fall through early spring is prime time when they move through our area heading to spawn offshore. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're sneaky bait thieves who'll nibble without committing. My tip: use a light slip sinker rig with live shrimp or mud minnows, and when you feel that subtle tap, wait a beat before setting the hook. They need a second to fully take the bait.
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