Meet Captain Duane Tibbetts

Captain Duane Tibbetts has a deep-rooted passion for fishing that began in his childhood growing up in Florida. Over the years, his experience has grown to include both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Nearly 49 years ago, inspired by his father-in-law—a fishing guide himself—Duane earned his Captain’s License. This milestone launched a rewarding career guiding anglers through some of Florida’s best fishing waters. He especially enjoys helping guests target Redfish when conditions are right and teaching beginners how to cast and reel with confidence.

With over three decades of guiding experience, Captain Duane has become a trusted local expert based in Homosassa. The area’s vast network of rivers and waterways provides access to some of the finest inshore fishing opportunities and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. His enthusiasm for fishing shines through as he watches clients land their catches and share in the excitement of the day. Duane takes pride in making every trip enjoyable, whether it’s a family outing or a serious fishing expedition.

In addition to fishing charters, Captain Duane offers scalloping trips where guests can dive with provided gear to gather fresh scallops in the Gulf. Along the way, guests have the chance to see wildlife like manatees and dolphins while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. All catches are cleaned and filleted, so guests leave with fresh seafood to take home. The combination of safety, knowledge, and hospitality has made him a favorite guide for many returning anglers.

Captain Duane’s boat is a spacious 24-foot California skiff designed for shallow waters. Powered by a 115 HP Mercury engine, it’s equipped with GPS, fishfinder, and VHF radio to quickly reach prime fishing spots. The vessel comfortably holds up to four people and comes with all necessary fishing gear, bait, and lures. Guests simply need to show up ready to fish and enjoy the diverse species available, including Redfish, Trout, Pompano, Mackerel, Tarpon, and Cobia.