Morning Inshore Fishing Charter Homosassa
If you're looking for some solid inshore action targeting redfish and black drum, this 4-hour morning charter out of Weeki Wachee is exactly what you need. Captain Tim knows these Homosassa waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting anglers on fish regardless of skill level. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler chasing that next keeper redfish, this trip delivers consistent results. All your tackle, bait, and equipment come included, so you can focus on what matters most – getting tight to some quality inshore gamefish.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning starts with Captain Tim picking you up with live wells already stocked and ready to roll. This isn't one of those rushed cattle-boat operations – with just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Tim's approach is hands-on but never overbearing. He'll set you up with the right rigs, show you proven techniques, and adjust his coaching based on your experience level. New to inshore fishing? He'll walk you through everything from bait presentation to fighting fish properly. Been doing this for years? He'll put you on structure and let you work your magic while he focuses on reading conditions and finding the next productive spot.
Tackle Setup & Techniques
Captain Tim runs a well-maintained boat equipped with quality spinning and conventional gear matched to the target species. For redfish and black drum, you'll typically be working with medium-heavy spinning setups loaded with 20-30 pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders. Live bait is the name of the game here – fresh shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait depending on what's working that day. Tim often starts the morning with a bait run, giving you extra time on the water while stocking up on the freshest offerings. Techniques vary based on conditions, but expect to do plenty of sight casting to tailing reds, working grass flats with live bait under popping corks, and bottom fishing structure for black drum and other species.
Customer Stories
"Great experience, my 16 year old and I caught about 40 redfish. Highly reccommended." - Matt
"Tim. Was. Awesome. He went above & beyond to get us on some fish. He even let us tag along to catch bait in the morning to give us some extra time out on the water. Got some reds, catfish, jacks -- the works! Definitely going to catch Tim again next time I'm out there, and hopefully it'll be prime tarpon season." - David
"Captain Tim always puts us on the fish! I've booked multiple trips with Seize The Bay and he never disappoints! Snook, Redfish, Trout, Jacks; he knows the spots. Not little fish either, slot or over. I'll definitely be fishing with him again. Highly recommend!" - Noah
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The backbone of Homosassa inshore fishing, these copper-colored fighters are available year-round with peak action during cooler months. Reds here typically range from 18-27 inches, perfect slot-sized fish that fight hard and taste even better. They're ambush predators that love grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow structure. What makes catching reds so addictive is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging runs – once hooked, they'll use every bit of structure to try breaking you off. Tim knows exactly where these fish stage up based on tides, temperature, and bait movement.
Spanish Mackerel: These silver bullets show up in good numbers during warmer months, typically spring through fall. They're speed demons that hit fast and fight even faster, making multiple runs and aerial displays that get everyone on the boat excited. Spanish mackerel are perfect for lighter tackle and provide non-stop action when schools move through the area. They're also excellent table fare when prepared fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish cakes.
Snook: The holy grail of Florida inshore fishing, snook are ambush predators that lurk around docks, mangroves, and structure waiting to crush unsuspecting baitfish. These fish are catch-and-release only during certain seasons, but their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights make them a favorite target regardless. Snook are notoriously line-shy and structure-oriented, so having an experienced captain who knows their haunts makes all the difference. When you hook into a quality snook, expect powerful runs toward cover and gill-rattling jumps.
Black Drum: These bruisers are the powerhouses of the inshore flats, with fish ranging from 20-40+ pounds not uncommon in Homosassa waters. Black drum are bottom feeders that cruise shallow flats and deeper channels looking for crabs, shrimp, and shellfish. They're notorious for their slow, methodical bites followed by freight-train runs that test your drag system. What anglers love about black drum is their sheer pulling power – once hooked, they use their broad sides and stubborn nature to wage lengthy battles that leave your arms burning.
Tarpon: The silver king needs no introduction among serious anglers. While not as common as other species year-round, tarpon show up in Homosassa waters during their seasonal migrations, typically late spring through summer. These prehistoric fish can exceed 100 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays and marathon fights. Even smaller tarpon in the 30-80 pound range provide world-class fishing experiences. Captain Tim knows the seasonal patterns and will target tarpon when conditions align, giving you a shot at one of Florida's most prized gamefish.
5.0(18 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Homosassa
Four
