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Caught a 22inch Redfish Inshore in Homosassa
Redfish Inshore in Homosassa
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is one of Florida's most prized inshore gamefish, known for its strong fights and reliability year-round. These bronze-colored beauties feature a distinctive black spot on their tail and can grow to impressive sizes in the productive waters around Homosassa. - Adult redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches and weigh 10-45 pounds. - They thrive in shallow water habitats including flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. - Spring is an excellent time to target redfish as they actively feed in warming waters.
Fishing Charter by Captain Heath Stone in August
Meet your Captain Heath Stone
- Top-tier fishing experience with a veteran angler!
Summary
Thursday March brought perfect conditions for our inshore fishing charter in Homosassa, FL. Captain Heath Stone of Red Fin Addict Inshore Charters guided Amy to a beautiful 22-inch redfish during this half-day morning trip. We worked the productive flats under partly cloudy skies, employing a mix of inshore flats fishing, trolling, and bottom fishing techniques. The spring bite was on, and after targeting several promising spots, our persistence paid off with that solid redfish catch. Homosassa's diverse inshore waters offer excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels looking to hook into some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish species.
Fishing Charter with Heath Stone – Rates & Booking
Captain Heath Stone of Red Fin Addict Inshore Charters on Thursday March offers half-day inshore fishing trips focused on targeting redfish and other local species. The Half Day Trip (AM) package provides 4 hours on Homosassa's productive waters with all fishing equipment included. Captain Heath brings local knowledge and years of experience to ensure you have the best chance at landing quality fish. All licenses are covered, and the boat comfortably accommodates small groups with space for casting and fighting fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to inshore fishing, this charter provides the perfect opportunity to explore Homosassa's rich fishery.
Highlights of Half Day Trip (AM) Inshore Fishing
This Homosassa inshore fishing trip delivers access to some of Florida's best redfish waters. Captain Heath specializes in light tackle fishing techniques perfectly suited to the flats and backcountry areas. Spring trips are particularly productive as redfish become more active in the warming waters.
The partly cloudy conditions we experienced created ideal fishing weather, with good visibility for spotting fish while maintaining comfortable temperatures. The shallow water flats of Homosassa provide excellent habitat for redfish, making this area a premier destination for targeting these popular gamefish. Our success with a 22-inch redfish demonstrates the quality of fishing available on these half-day charters.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Homosassa thrive in the shallow flats and backcountry areas where they cruise for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. These bronze-colored beauties with their distinctive tail spot are prized for both their fighting ability and table fare. Spring is an excellent time to target them as they move onto the flats to feed.
Captain Heath's approach involves targeting redfish during moving tides when they're most active. Using light tackle enhances the experience, as even a modest 22-inch redfish puts up an impressive fight in shallow water. Artificial lures, live bait, and sight fishing are all productive methods depending on conditions. The Homosassa flats provide ideal habitat with their mix of sea grass, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines where redfish hunt for prey.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Red Fin Addict Inshore Charters provides a well-equipped boat perfect for navigating Homosassa's shallow waters. All fishing gear is included—quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for inshore species. You'll want to bring sun protection, weather-appropriate clothing, and any preferred drinks or snacks for your time on the water.
Morning trips typically begin early to take advantage of prime feeding periods, so plan to arrive at the designated meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Captain Heath focuses on creating a comfortable, productive experience whether you're an experienced angler or new to inshore fishing. Half-day trips provide ample time to explore multiple fishing spots while keeping the experience accessible for families and those who prefer shorter outings.
Fishing in Crystal River: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. These iconic gamefish are immediately recognizable by their coppery-red backs, white bellies, and distinctive black spot near the tail—sometimes featuring multiple spots. In Homosassa waters during spring, these fish provide some of the most exciting inshore action available to anglers.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly sought-after gamefish known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, especially on light tackle. They're a premier target for inshore anglers throughout the Gulf Coast and Atlantic seaboard, prized for both their sporting qualities and excellent table fare.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in various coastal environments including flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds. In Homosassa, they're commonly found in shallow backcountry areas with depths of 1-4 feet, particularly around structure that provides both cover and feeding opportunities. They tolerate a wide range of salinities, allowing them to move between freshwater, brackish, and saltwater environments.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches in length and weigh between 10-45 pounds. The 22-inch specimen caught on our trip represents a quality inshore redfish. In Florida waters, slot-size redfish (those legal to harvest) must measure between 18-27 inches, making our catch a perfect keeper size, though many anglers practice catch and release with these valuable gamefish.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily target crustaceans like crabs and shrimp, as well as small baitfish including mullet, menhaden, and pinfish. They often feed by tipping their tails up out of the water as they root through bottom sediment for prey—a behavior called "tailing" that sight-fishing anglers look for. They're most active during moving tides when baitfish and crustaceans are also on the move.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall, with peak activity in August and September. They form large schools near passes and inlets where they release eggs that are carried by currents into estuaries. Young redfish then develop in protected backwater areas before eventually joining adult populations. Spring represents a post-spawn period when fish are actively feeding and regaining condition.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For Homosassa redfish, light tackle spinning gear with 10-15 lb test line offers the perfect balance of sport and control. Gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits on lightweight jigheads, and weedless-rigged paddle tails all produce consistently. Live bait options including pinfish, shrimp, and cut mullet are especially effective. In March, anglers around Homosassa find redfish gathering on warming flats during incoming tides, particularly around oyster bars and creek mouths where food is abundant.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white fillets that have a mild, sweet flavor. They're versatile in the kitchen—blackened redfish is a classic preparation, but they're equally delicious grilled, broiled, or baked. The meat has a medium flake and moderate fat content that keeps it moist during cooking. Nutritionally, redfish provides high-quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while having relatively low mercury levels compared to many other saltwater species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Homosassa?
A: Live shrimp, cut pinfish, and cut mullet are top natural baits. For artificial lures, gold spoons, soft plastic shrimp imitations, and weedless paddle tails in gold, white, or new penny colors consistently produce strikes.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Homosassa?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths, especially during moving tides. In spring, redfish often move onto flats that warm quickly during sunny days.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent table fare with mild, sweet white meat. It's versatile for cooking and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. In Florida, only slot-size fish (18-27 inches) may be kept, with specific bag limits applying.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Homosassa?
A: Spring through fall offers excellent redfish fishing in Homosassa. March through May is particularly productive as water temperatures rise and fish become more active on the flats. Early morning and evening, especially during moving tides, typically provide the best action.
