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Caught a 20inch 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 and Perciformes order. These powerful gamefish typically range from 30-61 inches in length and can weigh between 10-45 pounds when fully grown. - Found in shallow coastal habitats including flats, backcountry waters, and nearshore environments. - Easily identified by their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail.
Fishing Charter by Captain Heath Stone in August
Meet your Captain Heath Stone
- Top-tier fishing experience with a veteran angler!
Summary
Thursday June brought perfect conditions for our half-day inshore fishing charter in Homosassa, FL. Launching at 8:00 am under partly cloudy skies, we set out to explore the rich flats and backwaters that make this area a premier fishing destination. The morning started with sight fishing on the flats, where we methodically worked the shallow water looking for signs of redfish. Our patience paid off when Marcel hooked into a beautiful 20-inch redfish—a perfect example of the quality fish found in these Homosassa waters. We alternated between sight fishing the flats and trolling deeper channels to cover more water, making the most of our time on the water with Red Fin Addict Inshore Charters. If you're looking for an action-packed inshore fishing experience targeting redfish in Homosassa's productive waters, our half-day trips offer the perfect opportunity to create lasting fishing memories.
Fishing Charter with Heath Stone – Rates & Booking
Captain Heath Stone of Red Fin Addict Inshore Charters on Thursday June offers half-day inshore fishing trips that put you on Homosassa's famous redfish population. Our morning trips launch at 8:00 am and provide 4 hours of guided fishing, with all tackle, bait, and licenses included. We specialize in light tackle and sight fishing techniques perfect for the shallow flats of Homosassa. Our boat comfortably accommodates up to two anglers, making this an ideal trip for solo anglers or pairs looking for personalized attention and maximum fishing time. As a licensed guide with extensive local knowledge, Captain Heath knows exactly where to find the fish based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns.
Highlights of This Inshore Fishing Trip
This half-day trip focuses on Homosassa's premier inshore fishing opportunities, with redfish being the primary target. The partly cloudy conditions we experienced actually enhanced our sight fishing success, providing just enough cloud cover to keep fish active while still allowing us to spot them on the flats. The 20-inch redfish caught during this trip represents the quality of fish available in these waters.
One of the advantages of fishing with Red Fin Addict Inshore Charters is our versatility. We alternate between sight fishing the shallow flats and trolling deeper channels as conditions dictate, maximizing your chances of success regardless of weather or tides. Our light tackle approach ensures an exciting fight, even with modest-sized fish, creating that heart-pounding experience anglers live for.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Homosassa thrive in the shallow grass flats and oyster bars that characterize this stretch of Florida's Nature Coast. These fish are particularly active during summer months when water temperatures are optimal. Captain Heath specializes in sight fishing for redfish, which involves carefully poling across shallow flats while looking for their copper-colored bodies or tell-tale tails breaking the surface as they feed.
For tackle, we typically use light spinning gear with 10-15 lb test line, allowing for both sensitivity to detect subtle strikes and enough strength to handle these powerful fighters. Live bait such as shrimp, pinfish, or finger mullet works exceptionally well, though artificial lures like soft plastics and gold spoons are also productive. The summer months in Homosassa offer some of the best redfish action of the year, as these fish actively feed in preparation for their fall spawning season.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our fishing charters include a shallow-water skiff perfectly designed for navigating Homosassa's intricate flats and backwaters. We provide all necessary fishing gear including quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Anglers should bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to document your catch. Morning departures offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures and active fish, making our half-day AM trips particularly popular. We practice catch and release for most species, ensuring sustainable fishing for years to come, though we're happy to clean and package any legal-to-harvest fish you wish to keep.
Fishing in Crystal River: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) belong to the Sciaenidae family of the order Perciformes. These distinctive gamefish are immediately recognizable by their copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot (sometimes multiple spots) near the tail. In Homosassa waters this June, anglers target these prized fighters for their strong pulls and relatively accessible habitat.
Redfish Overview
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore gamefish. They're known for their strong fights, willingness to take a variety of baits, and their distinctive appearance. Anglers value them both as sportfish and, in some regions, as table fare where regulations permit harvest.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Mexico, with particularly strong populations along the Gulf Coast. Around Homosassa, they thrive in shallow grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and tidal creeks. They prefer waters ranging from 1-4 feet deep and can often be spotted tailing (feeding with their tails breaking the surface) during low tide periods.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches in length and weigh anywhere from 10-45 pounds. The 20-inch specimen caught during this trip represents a juvenile "slot-sized" fish. Larger specimens, often called "bull reds," are typically breeding-age adults that move offshore to spawn.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders primarily consume crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, as well as small fish including mullet and pinfish. They often feed by tipping head-down in shallow water, using their sensitive barbels to locate prey in the bottom sediment. This feeding behavior creates their famous "tailing" display that sight-fishing anglers look for.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late August through October in nearshore waters. During this period, large breeding adults form schools and move toward inlets and passes. The younger "slot-sized" redfish remain in the backcountry and inshore waters year-round, making them consistently available to anglers regardless of season.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several approaches prove effective for targeting redfish. Sight fishing with light tackle is particularly popular in Homosassa's clear shallow waters, using gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, or weedless-rigged shrimp imitations. Live bait fishing with shrimp, pinfish, or cut mullet works extremely well when fished near oyster bars or mangrove shorelines. In June, anglers around Homosassa often find redfish concentrated on shallow flats during morning high tides, when cooler water temperatures make for more active feeding.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish are considered excellent table fare, with firm, white flesh that's mild and sweet. They're versatile for cooking—blackened, grilled, or baked—and contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, most anglers in Homosassa practice catch-and-release to preserve this valuable resource, and size regulations often protect breeding-age fish.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Homosassa?
A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and pinfish are top natural baits. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and shallow-running plugs produce consistent results.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Homosassa?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, especially those adjacent to deeper channels. Oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths are also productive areas, particularly during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish has white, firm flesh with a mild, sweet flavor that's excellent for a variety of cooking methods. However, always check current regulations as size and bag limits are strictly enforced.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Homosassa?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round, spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. Early morning and evening hours, especially during moving tides, are prime fishing periods.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium-light to medium spinning tackle with 10-20 lb test line works well. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining sensitivity for detecting subtle strikes.
Q: Do redfish have teeth?
A: Redfish don't have sharp teeth but rather crushing plates in their throats used for grinding shellfish and crustaceans. This makes them relatively safe to handle, though their gill plates can be sharp.
