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Caught a trophy redfish Inshore in Homosassa
Redfish Fishing in Homosassa
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These powerful gamefish are highly sought after by anglers visiting Florida's Gulf Coast. In Homosassa waters, Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 45 pounds, with trophy specimens occasionally reaching even larger sizes. - Redfish are easily identified by their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. - Their habitat includes shallow flats, backcountry areas, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. - These fish are known for powerful runs when hooked, making them an exciting catch on light tackle.
Fishing Charter by Captain Heath Stone in August
Meet your Captain Heath Stone
- Top-tier fishing experience with a veteran angler!
Summary
Our Friday April fishing charter in Homosassa delivered non-stop redfish action on the pristine flats. Setting out in the afternoon with ideal conditions—clear skies and calm waters—we combined sight casting and trolling techniques to maximize our chances. The highlight came when we landed a beautiful 22-inch redfish using light tackle, showcasing why Homosassa's inshore waters are renowned among anglers. With diverse waterways offering everything from skinny water flats to deeper channels, our half-day trip provided the perfect mix of technical fishing and steady action. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to test your sight casting skills or a newcomer wanting to experience the thrill of landing redfish, these crystal-clear Florida waters offer some of the best inshore fishing opportunities around.
Fishing Charter with Heath Stone – Rates & Booking
Captain Heath Stone of Red Fin Addict Inshore Charters offers Friday April half-day afternoon fishing trips targeting the productive inshore waters of Homosassa. Our PM charters typically run 4-5 hours, giving you prime afternoon fishing time when the flats are most active. All tackle and fishing licenses are included, making your experience hassle-free from start to finish. Our local knowledge of Homosassa's diverse waterways ensures you'll be positioned where the redfish are biting, whether that's sight casting in skinny water or working productive channels. We welcome anglers of all skill levels and provide personalized instruction throughout your trip.
Highlights of this Homosassa Fishing Charter
The crystal-clear flats of Homosassa provide ideal conditions for sight fishing, one of the most exciting ways to target redfish. During our trip, we experienced consistent action throughout the afternoon, with several redfish spotted cruising the shallows. The 22-inch redfish we landed put up an impressive fight on light tackle, demonstrating why these fish are so popular among sport anglers.
Beyond the fishing itself, the natural beauty of Homosassa's waterways creates a stunning backdrop for your adventure. The pristine ecosystem supports abundant marine life, and it's common to spot various bird species, dolphins, and even manatees during your trip. Our afternoon charters take advantage of optimal light conditions for spotting fish, giving you the best chance at a successful day on the water.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Homosassa's shallow flats and backcountry areas, making this region one of Florida's premier redfish destinations. These copper-colored gamefish are identified by their distinctive tail spot and powerful runs when hooked. Spring is an excellent time to target redfish in these waters as they actively feed on the flats, often tailing in water so shallow their backs break the surface. For the best results, we focus on incoming tides when redfish move onto the flats to hunt for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. The clear water conditions in Homosassa make sight fishing particularly effective, allowing us to spot fish from a distance and make precise casts.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our fishing charters utilize a specialized flats boat designed to navigate Homosassa's shallow waters while providing a stable fishing platform. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 3 anglers, making this an ideal outing for small groups or families. We recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. A small cooler for beverages is welcome, and we provide an ice-filled fish box for your catch. Morning charters typically begin around sunrise, while afternoon trips like this one start after lunch, taking advantage of optimal tidal movements. Photos are encouraged throughout your trip, and we're happy to help capture your memorable catches.
Fishing in Crystal River: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family in the order Perciformes. Distinguished by their copper-bronze coloration and one or more black spots near their tail, these powerful gamefish are a prized target for anglers visiting Homosassa waters in April. Their remarkable strength and fighting ability when hooked make them a bucket-list species for many fishing enthusiasts.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are a premier inshore gamefish found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast. Known for their strong pulls and occasional tailing behavior in shallow water, redfish offer anglers an exciting visual fishing experience, especially in Homosassa's crystal-clear flats. Their popularity stems from both their sporting qualities and excellent table fare.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in diverse environments including shallow grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and backcountry estuaries. In Homosassa, they're commonly found in water depths of 1-4 feet, particularly around structure that provides both protection and feeding opportunities. Younger redfish (often called "rat reds") typically inhabit shallow backwaters, while larger bull redfish may venture into deeper nearshore waters.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. In Homosassa waters, anglers most commonly catch specimens in the 20-30 inch range, with trophy "bull reds" exceeding 30 pounds occasionally landed in deeper channels and nearshore areas. The 22-inch redfish mentioned in this trip represents a quality inshore catch.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders with a diet consisting primarily of crustaceans (crabs and shrimp), small baitfish, and mollusks. They often feed by rooting along the bottom, creating visible "mud plumes" that experienced anglers can spot from a distance. During low light conditions or high tide cycles, redfish frequently move onto shallow flats to feed, sometimes with their backs and tails exposed above the waterline (known as "tailing").
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall (August to November) in deeper offshore waters near passes and inlets. During spring months like April, redfish in Homosassa are usually in their post-spawn phase, actively feeding and regaining energy, making this an excellent time to target them on the flats as water temperatures climb into the ideal 70-80°F range.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For Homosassa redfish, sight fishing with light tackle is particularly effective. Gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits on lightweight jigheads, and weedless-rigged artificial shrimp all produce excellent results. Live bait options include select shrimp, finger mullet, and pinfish. When redfish are actively tailing, a stealthy approach is crucial—position ahead of their feeding path and place your cast quietly beyond the fish, then retrieve it across their line of sight. In April, anglers around Homosassa find redfish gathering near the edges of grass flats during incoming tides, particularly when water temperatures reach the low-to-mid 70s.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish are considered excellent table fare with firm, white, mild-flavored flesh that's lower in fat than many other fish species. They're versatile for cooking—whether grilled, blackened, baked, or used in fish tacos or chowders. Redfish are rich in protein, B vitamins, and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. In Florida, slot-sized redfish (18-27 inches) typically provide the best eating quality, with larger specimens often released to protect breeding stock.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Homosassa?
A: Live shrimp, cut pinfish, and scented soft plastics like Gulp! shrimp are all top producers for Homosassa redfish. In clear water conditions, gold spoons and weedless soft plastics in natural colors (white, brown, or green) work exceptionally well.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Homosassa?
A: Redfish in Homosassa are typically found on shallow grass flats, around oyster bars, along mangrove shorelines, and in creek mouths. During lower tides, focus on deeper potholes within flats or channel edges adjacent to shallow water.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent to eat with a mild, sweet flavor and firm white flesh. It's versatile for various cooking methods and particularly delicious when blackened or grilled with the skin on.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Homosassa?
A: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are prime seasons for redfish in Homosassa. The best daily times are typically early morning and late afternoon, especially during moving tides. In April specifically, the warming waters activate redfish feeding behavior, making it an excellent month for targeting them.
