Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing | Homosassa River

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Homosassa
$450 - $600 price range
Updated Date: August 21, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a great day on Florida's Nature Coast with Captain Duane Tibbetts. This 6-hour trip takes you through the peaceful waters of the Homosassa River and nearby nature spots. You'll be casting for popular fish like Redfish and Speckled Trout, with chances for bigger catches like Cobia and Tarpon depending on the season. It's perfect for groups of up to 4 anglers, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. The trip kicks off at 8 AM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy both relaxed fishing and some exciting action. You'll get a real feel for the local waterways and might even spot some wildlife along the shores. It's a solid mix of laid-back fishing and the thrill of reeling in something big. Just remember, this trip runs from September through June, so plan accordingly for the best fishing windows.

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing | Homosassa River

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

Fresh shellfish haul on calm waters.

Impressive redfish catch on a sunny day.

4 spotted weakfish and spanish mackerel fish caught in FL

Fresh speckled trout haul.

Huge jack crevalle catch!

Reel in the Big Ones: Homosassa Inshore Fishing

Ready for a day on the water you won't forget? Join Captain Duane Tibbetts for a 6-hour extended half-day trip that'll have you casting lines and hauling in fish before you know it. We're talking prime inshore action along Florida's stunning Nature Coast, where the fish are biting and the scenery's something else. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're cruising down the Homosassa River as the sun's coming up, rod in hand, ready to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. We're talking redfish, speckled trout, and if the season's right, maybe even a shot at some big boys like cobia or tarpon. Captain Duane's got room for up to four anglers, so bring your buddies or make it a family affair. The trip kicks off at 8 AM sharp, giving you plenty of time to get on the fish before the heat of the day sets in. At $600 for two people, it's a steal for six hours of guided fishing in some of the best inshore waters around.

How We Roll on the Water

We'll be working the flats and backwaters, using a mix of live bait and artificial lures to entice the fish. Expect to do some sight fishing in the shallows, where you might spot tailing redfish or cruising trout. Captain Duane's got all the gear you need, from light tackle spinning rods to heavier setups if we're chasing the big boys. We'll drift, we'll anchor, we'll pole the flats – whatever it takes to put you on the fish. And don't worry if you're new to this; the Captain's got patience for days and he'll have you casting like a pro in no time.

Fish Tales and Hot Spots

Every trip's different, but one thing's for sure – there's always action on these waters. We might start the day working oyster bars for redfish, then move to the grass flats for some trout action. If the tide's right, we could find ourselves sight-casting to cobia cruising the flats. And let's not forget the possibility of hooking into a high-flying tarpon – now that's a fight you won't soon forget!

The Local Lineup: Fish We're After

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite around here. They love to hang around structure and can often be spotted tailing in shallow water. Fall and winter are prime time for reds, but we catch 'em year-round. They put up a great fight and taste even better on the grill.

Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these guys are more than just pretty spots. Trout are abundant in the grass flats and can be caught on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics. They're most active in the cooler months and make for some fun light tackle fishing.

Cobia: When these brown bombers show up, it's game on. Cobia are known for their strength and stamina, often putting on aerial displays that'll have your heart racing. We typically see them from spring through fall, and they're a prized catch for both their fight and their table fare.

Tarpon: The silver king is the holy grail of inshore fishing. These prehistoric beasts can top 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps and long, powerful runs. Late spring and summer are prime tarpon time, and hooking one is an experience you'll never forget.

Spanish Mackerel: Fast and ferocious, these toothy critters are a blast on light tackle. They show up in big schools, usually in the spring and fall, and when they're biting, the action can be non-stop. They're also delicious when fresh off the grill.

Time to Get Your Lines Wet

Look, there's a reason folks keep coming back to fish these waters with Captain Duane. It's not just about the fish – though there are plenty of those. It's about that feeling you get when you're out on the water, the sun on your face, rod in hand, waiting for that next big strike. It's about the stories you'll tell and the memories you'll make. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and Captain Duane's ready to put you on 'em. Book your trip now and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are hard-fighting fish that show up in our waters from spring through fall. They can grow huge - 50+ pounders aren't unheard of, though most run 20-40 pounds. You'll often spot them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, or even big rays and sharks. Sight fishing for these bruisers is a real thrill. They're curious fish, so once you spot one, a well-placed live bait or large jig often seals the deal. Spring is prime time as they migrate north. Cobia put up a stubborn fight, with powerful runs and even some jumps. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat. A good pair of polarized glasses is key for spotting them. When you do hook up, be ready for a battle - these fish don't give up easily.

Redfish

Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers put up a great fight and taste delicious too. Most run 3-8 pounds, but bulls over 20 pounds show up in the fall. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, often in just a foot or two of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. Sight fishing for tailing reds is a blast - look for their fins or tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs. Live bait works great, but artificial lures like gold spoons or soft plastics produce too. When you hook one, be ready for some powerful runs. A stealthy approach is key in the shallows. Try working potholes in grass flats or casting to sandy spots for best results.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a staple in our inshore waters year-round. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially early and late in the day. They love to ambush bait, so working a soft plastic or topwater lure with a twitching retrieve is deadly. Live shrimp under a popping cork is another go-to tactic. Fall and winter are prime seasons when the big ones group up. Sea Trout put up a decent fight and make excellent eating too. For the best action, fish the moving tides and focus on depth changes or current seams. A slow, steady retrieve often outperforms a fast one with these guys.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are fast-swimming predators that show up in our waters from spring through fall. They typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around bait balls. These fish love to chase lures and put up an energetic fight on light tackle. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Trolling small spoons or jigs at a good clip is a reliable way to hook up. For the best action, look for diving birds - that's a sure sign Spanish are feeding. These fish make excellent table fare too, with firm, flavorful meat that's great grilled. Just remember to keep 'em on ice, as their quality degrades quickly in the heat.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the ultimate inshore gamefish around here. These prehistoric-looking monsters can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other when hooked. We find them rolling in the backcountry from late spring through summer, often in just a few feet of water. They're not the easiest to land, but that's part of the fun. Light tackle and fly gear work great. Live bait like pinfish or crabs are killer, but artificial lures can produce too. The best fishing is often early morning or evening when they're most active. Patience and stealth are key - these fish spook easily. When you do hook up, hang on tight and get ready for some spectacular jumps. It's all catch-and-release, but the fight of a lifetime is guaranteed.

About the Capt. Duane Tibbetts

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Hop aboard for a laid-back 6-hour fishing trip on Florida's Nature Coast. We'll cruise the calm waters of the Homosassa River and nearby nature spots, giving you plenty of time to reel in some local favorites. Redfish and speckled trout are常年可抓,while lucky anglers might land a big cobia or tarpon in season. This extended half-day outing is perfect for groups of 2-4, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet. We set out at 8 AM, so you'll have the whole morning and early afternoon to soak up the scenery and test your fishing skills. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Homosassa while trying your luck at hooking some prized catches. Just remember, the $600 deposit for two people is non-refundable, so make sure you're ready for a full day of fishing fun when you book.

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