4.8(6 Reviews)Full-Day Homosassa Redfish & Black Drum Charter
4.8(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Full-day inshore charter targeting redfish and black drumAll tackle, bait, and equipment provided by experienced captainEight-hour guided trip accommodates up to two guests
Looking for a serious fishing adventure that'll put you on the water for eight solid hours? This full-day Homosassa charter departing from Weeki Wachee is exactly what you need. Captain Tim knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the best inshore fishing Florida's Nature Coast has to offer. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives and breathes fishing, this trip delivers the goods with multiple target species and plenty of action to keep your rod bent all day long.
Your day starts bright and early at the Weeki Wachee launch, where you'll meet Captain Tim and get the rundown on what's biting. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation – Tim adjusts every trip based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that particular day. You'll be fishing aboard a well-maintained inshore boat that's perfect for navigating the shallow flats and deeper channels around Homosassa. The boat comfortably handles up to two anglers, which means you're getting personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod space. All your tackle, bait, and equipment come included, so you can focus on what matters most – catching fish. Just bring your snacks, drinks, and a cooler if you want to take some dinner home.
Homosassa's inshore waters offer incredible variety, from grass flats loaded with redfish to deeper holes where black drum stack up. Captain Tim switches techniques throughout the day based on conditions and what's working. You might start the morning sight-fishing for reds on the shallow flats using live bait or soft plastics, then move to bottom fishing for black drum and grouper as the sun gets higher. The area's structure includes oyster bars, grass beds, and rocky bottom that holds different species at different times. Tim knows when to fish the incoming tide on the flats and when to hit the deeper water during slack periods. You'll learn proper presentations for each species, from the subtle hookset needed for trout to the solid strike required when a big drum picks up your bait.
"fun time! knows the water and finds an ideal time to fish baised off tides and weather! we caught atleast 50+ fish! 3 on at the same time a few times!!" - Jared
"I've taken different charters over the years. Tim is by far one of the best I've ever had the privilege to fish with. He's knowledgeable and very informative. When you love your job, it's not work. Tim is a prime example of this statement." - Adam
"Captain Tim was the best!!! He was so fun and helpful for the only lady on the boat. It was also my first time. He made me feel very comfortable and encouraged! I had a great time!!" - Emily
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and keep things exciting throughout the day. These chrome rockets typically range from 1-3 pounds and hit fast-moving baits with aggressive strikes that'll wake you up in a hurry. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and late afternoon being prime time. They school up around structure and baitfish, making them perfect targets when you need consistent action. What makes them special is their willingness to bite when other species get finicky – they're the perfect fish to keep your confidence up and your cooler filling.
Snook are the ultimate inshore game fish, combining size, fight, and pure attitude into one package. These ambush predators love hanging around structure like docks, mangroves, and oyster bars where they can surprise their next meal. They're incredibly line-shy and structure-oriented, making them a true test of your fishing skills. Fall and spring offer the best opportunities, though they bite year-round if you know where to look. Landing a slot-sized snook is like winning the lottery – they jump, run, and do everything possible to throw your hook.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world, using their massive shoulders and stubborn nature to test your drag system. These bottom dwellers can range from small puppy drum to monsters pushing 30+ pounds that'll make your arms burn. They're year-round residents that love crabs, shrimp, and cut bait presented right on the bottom. What makes them special is their fighting style – no flashy jumps, just pure power and determination. When you hook into a big drum, you'll know immediately that you're in for a battle.
Tarpon are the silver kings that turn every angler into a kid again. Even smaller tarpon in the 20-50 pound range will jump repeatedly and run line off your reel like it's going out of style. Summer months bring the best opportunities, though resident fish are around much of the year. They're incredibly acrobatic and have mouths harder than concrete, making them tough to hook and even tougher to land. The moment you see that silver flash break the surface, you'll understand why people travel from around the world just for a shot at these fish.
Redfish are Florida's signature inshore species, combining beautiful copper coloring with hard fighting and excellent table fare. These drum family members patrol the flats in schools, creating sight-fishing opportunities that'll get your heart pumping. They're year-round residents that respond to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Reds fight dirty, using their broad tails and powerful bodies to make long runs toward any available structure. The thrill of watching a red pick up your bait in crystal clear water never gets old.
This full-day Homosassa charter offers everything serious anglers want – knowledgeable guidance
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of the flats - thick, powerful fish that can range from 5 pounds up to 30+ pounds. The bigger ones get tough to eat, so the 10-15 pounders are perfect. They cruise oyster bars, mud flats, and shallow grass beds using those barbels under their chin to root for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love is their bulldogging fight - they don't jump but pull hard and steady. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater, which is pretty cool. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom works best. My trick: look for "mudding" - cloudy water where they're rooting around. That's your target zone.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing - bronze-colored fish with distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 18-27 inches, though big bulls can hit 40+ inches. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing here, but fall and spring are prime when they school up. What makes reds so popular is their strong, stubborn fight and willingness to eat almost anything. Great table fare too - sweet, flaky meat. You'll often see them "tailing" in shallow water with their backs exposed. My go-to technique: sight fishing with live shrimp or gold spoons. When you spot one, cast ahead of where it's moving and work the bait slowly. They spook easily in skinny water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators with that distinctive black lateral line and sloped forehead. They average 18-28 inches but can push 40+ inches. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. They love structure and current breaks. Best fishing is spring through fall, especially around new and full moons when they spawn. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong fight - they'll head straight for cover when hooked. They're temperature sensitive, so they move to deeper water or springs when it gets cold. The meat is outstanding - flaky and sweet. Here's the key: cast your bait or lure past them and work it back slowly. Snook face into current, so approach from downstream and be ready for that aggressive hit.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast-swimming silver fish with yellow spots that typically run 1-2 feet and weigh 2-3 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface around structure, bridges, and grass flats. They're one of the fastest fish out there, hitting at 18+ mph. Spring through fall are prime months here in Homosassa waters, especially when baitfish are active. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll make blazing runs and jump when hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that grills perfectly. My tip: use small spoons or live shrimp and fish fast - these guys won't chase slow-moving baits. When you see birds diving, get there quick because the mackerel are likely feeding underneath.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the "silver king" - massive fish that can reach 100+ pounds and jump 6 feet out of the water when hooked. They average 50-80 pounds in our waters. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and over grass flats in 6-20 feet. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through. What makes tarpon legendary is their aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly, trying to throw the hook. It's pure adrenaline. Most folks release them since they're bony and not great eating. They're ancient fish that can live 50+ years. Best approach is live bait like crabs or mullet, but artificials work too. Here's the deal: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip. It prevents the line from breaking on their gill plates.
4.8 out of 5.0fun time! knows the water and finds an ideal time to fish baised off tides and weather! we caught atleast 50+ fish! 3 on at the sa...
I've taken different charters over the years. Tim is by far one of the best I've ever had the privilege to fish with. He's knowled...
Captain Tim was the best!!! He was so fun and helpful for the only lady on the boat. It was also my first time. He made me feel ve...
Awesome trip! Everyone else n our group had the best experience. Tim worked hard and we caught fish and had tons of fun. We'l...
Caught a lot of fish just not the size or species we were after . Captain tried hard to put us on fish but they were not cooperati...
Homosassa