4.8(6 Reviews)Full-Day Fishing Charter Homosassa Redfish & Black Drum
4.8(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Fullday inshore charter targeting redfish and black drum speciesEighthour guided trip includes all tackle and equipment providedAccommodates two guests with experienced captain from Weeki Wachee
Get ready for an epic 8-hour fishing adventure in the legendary waters of Homosassa, Florida. This full-day charter with Seize The Bay Fishing Charters puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive inshore fishing grounds. Captain Tim knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod before. You'll be targeting powerhouse species like redfish, black drum, snook, tarpon, and a whole lot more in the crystal-clear flats and grass beds that make this area famous among serious anglers.
Your day starts early with a departure from Weeki Wachee, giving you access to the prime fishing grounds around Homosassa's world-class inshore waters. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – with just 2 guests max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Captain Tim provides all the tackle, bait, and equipment you'll need, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. The 8-hour timeframe gives you real opportunity to explore different spots, adjust tactics based on conditions, and maximize your chances with the tides. You'll cover everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper channels where black drum and cobia patrol. Bring your own snacks and drinks to stay comfortable during the long day, and don't forget sunscreen and a hat – the Florida sun doesn't mess around.
Captain Tim runs a variety of proven techniques depending on conditions and what the fish are telling him. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water one minute, then dropping live bait near structure for black drum the next. The tackle setup changes throughout the day – lighter spinning gear for trout and mackerel, heavier rods when tarpon show up, and everything in between. Live bait is often the ticket here, with pinfish, pilchards, and shrimp accounting for most of the action. When the fish are aggressive, artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can create some heart-stopping strikes. The key is reading the water, understanding the tides, and being ready to switch gears when conditions change. That's where having an experienced captain makes all the difference – Tim knows when to move spots, when to change baits, and when to stick it out because the bite is about to turn on.
"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
Redfish are the bread and butter of Homosassa inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot-sized fish and the occasional bull red that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter fishing can be phenomenal when you find them schooled up in deeper channels. Redfish are aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. What makes them special is their fighting ability – they use that broad tail and stubborn attitude to make every hookup memorable. Plus, they're excellent table fare when you decide to keep a few within the slot limit.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that'll give your arms a workout. These bottom-dwellers can range from smaller 2-3 pound fish up to true giants pushing 20+ pounds in Homosassa's waters. They love structure – rocks, oyster bars, and bridge pilings – where they root around for crabs, shrimp, and mollusks. The best bite often happens on moving water, especially incoming tides that push bait toward their feeding areas. Black drum require patience since they're methodical feeders, but once you hook one, you'll understand why anglers specifically target them. That first run will surprise you, and the fight stays strong right to the boat.
Spanish mackerel add speed and excitement to any fishing trip in these waters. These torpedo-shaped predators typically weigh 1-3 pounds but make up for size with pure aggression and blistering runs. They're most active during warmer months, often found around bait schools in open water near grass beds and channels. Spanish mackerel have razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast reflexes, so wire leaders are essential. They'll absolutely crush fast-moving lures like spoons and small jigs, creating some of the most explosive strikes you'll experience. They're also fantastic eating when prepared fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Snook represent the holy grail for many inshore anglers, and Homosassa's waters hold some true quality fish. These ambush predators love structure and moving water, positioning themselves near docks, mangroves, and channel edges to attack passing baitfish. Snook are famous for their acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times and using their gill plates to throw hooks. They're strictly catch-and-release during closed seasons, but when open, they provide some of the best eating you'll find in saltwater. The key to snook fishing is presentation – they can be finicky and often
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the flats, commonly running 10-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50-plus around Homosassa. These bottom-feeders have crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, making them serious pullers once hooked. Look for them on shallow muddy flats, oyster bars, and around creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them drumming underwater. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and the mystery of never knowing if you've hooked a 15-pounder or a 40-pounder until it's boatside. Smaller ones eat great, but the big ones are better released. My go-to tip: use fresh crab on a circle hook and let it sit still on the bottom. These fish are methodical feeders, so patience pays off when targeting drum.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Homosassa flats fishing, running 18-32 inches with that signature black spot and copper-bronze coloring. These drum family members cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - hunting crabs and baitfish around oyster bars and grass flats. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring bring the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes reds special is their power and determination - they'll make drag-screaming runs and never give up easy. Plus, slot-sized fish are fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. The sight fishing is addictive too, watching them tail in inches of water. My best advice: when you spot a red, lead them by a few feet with your cast and let your bait settle to the bottom. They're spooky in skinny water, so quiet approaches and accurate casts make all the difference.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore prize fish around Homosassa, typically running 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and sloped head. These ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they can surprise baitfish. You'll find them in everything from brackish creeks to saltwater flats, usually in 1-6 feet of water. Spring through early fall brings the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they get more aggressive. What hooks anglers is their explosive strikes and hard fights - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw your hook. The meat is top-notch too, sweet and flaky. One thing I always tell clients: cast past the structure and work your lure back through it. Snook sit tight to cover, so you've got to put your bait right in their kitchen.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds around Homosassa. These silver speedsters with yellow spots love to school up and feed near the surface, making them exciting targets on light tackle. You'll find them around structure in open water, flats, and oyster bars - they're not picky about depth as long as there's baitfish around. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up and they move closer to shore. What makes them special is their blistering runs and aerial shows when hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Here's a local tip: when you spot diving birds or surface activity, get there fast but drift to the school quietly - throttling up to them will scatter the whole bunch and kill the bite.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings that turn grown anglers into kids again - nothing matches watching a 100-pound fish launch 8 feet out of the water. Around Homosassa, most fish run 50-150 pounds and show up in spring through summer when water temps climb. They cruise shallow flats, deeper channels, and river mouths, often rolling on the surface to gulp air. The fight is pure magic - long runs, multiple jumps, and battles that can last an hour. Most folks release them since they're not great eating and slow to mature. The real reward is the photos and bragging rights. Late spring into summer offers the best shot when they migrate through our waters. Here's what I've learned after years of chasing them: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to give slack, or that big mouth will throw your hook every time.
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