Flats Fishing in Homosassa

Flats Fishing in Homosassa

Summer time fishing in Homosassa, ( pronounced home-uh-SASS-uh ), is one of the best times to target large Redfish. Not only has the fishing been hot so is the water with the Gulf of Mexico water temperature, reaching 85+ degrees and the inside backwater creeks now at 90+ degrees. Swarms of bullish Redfish patrol the outside edges of the spoil islands and hunt crustaceans around the numerous oyster bars. Watch for Cobia riding the backs of Stingrays looking for an easy meal. Speckled Sea Trout are being caught on the deeper (9-10 feet), grass flats. Though an occasional “gator” Trout, over 20 inches, can be caught in the shallow backwater creeks. Spanish Mackerel are best targeted when using a chum block to lure them close to the boat. Free lining shrimp into the chum slick is great for sometime multiple hook-ups, and exciting rod bending action.

Captain Bill H., fishing out of Chassahowitzka, on Monday, 6/22, reported that his party caught 6 Redfish, releasing two slot size fish. He said the Reds are scattered and he had to move to 5 or 6 places to find one fish. They caught their two largest Reds, 25 ½ & 24 ½ inches at their last stop on cut Ladyfish. They also caught one nice Sheepshead and 2 Mangrove Snappers, 12 & 11 ½ inches coming back in with happy clients and a cooler full of fish.

Captain Billy N., fishing out of Crystal River, reported catching 4 Tarpon, Snook, Redfish and a Goliath Grouper on a night trip under the last full moon. Tarpon season is still going strong with numerous reports of the Silver Kings being caught in the Chassahowitzka River using Catfish tails as bait.

Homosassa Bay, Chassahowitzka Point and the St. Martin Keys offer some of the best Scalloping destinations in the state of Florida. Scallop season opens July 1st and runs through September 10th. Last year was a banner season with most clients getting their limit within a couple of hours. The only trick to catching Homosassa Scallops is finding them. Find one, and you’ll usually find allot more! Harvesting bay scallops is simple and relaxing, snorkeling in waist or chest deep, gin clear water over pristine grass flats. Because of the coloration of their shells, Scallops blend in with the turtle grass but once your eyes are “trained” what to look for it’s fun and easy for everyone. Check our Recipe Page for some delicious ways to prepare your catch. Many of our clients enjoy spending half a day fishing and the other half day scalloping. Call now, 352-382-3939, or visit our site at www.HomosassaRedfish.com, to reserve your charter as prime dates are filling up fast. Let’s go CATCHING, Captain Red ED

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 27 – Homosassa River Fireworks Festival

July 1 – Scallop Season Opens

August 7, 8, &9th – Visit with us at the Mid-South Hunting & Fishing Extravaganza in Memphis, Tennessee. www.tnwfhuntandfish.org