Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing | Homosassa River

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Homosassa
$450 - $600 price range

Summary

Looking for a day of fishing on Florida's Nature Coast? Join Capt. Duane Tibbetts for a 6-hour private trip on the Homosassa River. We'll head out at 8 AM, perfect for up to 4 anglers wanting to explore these peaceful inshore waters. You'll have a shot at hooking popular fish like Redfish and Speckled Trout, with the chance for bigger catches like Cobia or Tarpon depending on the season. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this trip offers a nice balance of relaxed fishing and exciting action. We'll cruise through nearby nature reserves, giving you a taste of Florida's beautiful coastal environment. The trip runs from September through June, priced at $600 for two people. It's a great way to spend a day on the water, wetting a line and soaking in the scenery of this special stretch of coastline.

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing | Homosassa River

Catches on the Coast

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!

Full Day Fishing: Homosassa River Adventure

Get ready to wet a line on the beautiful Homosassa River! Capt. Duane Tibbetts is your go-to guide for a full day of inshore fishing action along Florida's stunning Nature Coast. This 6-hour trip is perfect for groups of up to 4 anglers looking to land some of the area's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, you're in for a day of rod-bending fun.

Trip Overview

We'll push off from the dock at 8:00 AM sharp, giving us plenty of time to hit the honey holes before the sun gets too high. The Homosassa River and surrounding nature reserves are a fish-filled playground, and Capt. Duane knows just where to find the bite. You'll be targeting popular inshore species like redfish and speckled trout, with the chance to tangle with some bigger boys like cobia and tarpon, depending on when you visit. This full-day trip runs from September 1st to June 30th, so you've got plenty of time to pick your perfect fishing day. At $600 for two people, it's a steal for a private charter with a top-notch guide who'll put you on the fish.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll be fishing the inshore waters, which means calmer seas and more consistent action. Capt. Duane's got a bunch of tricks up his sleeve to help you land the big ones. We might start by drifting live bait along grass flats for trout, then switch to sight fishing for tailing redfish in the shallows. If the cobia are running, we could find ourselves casting at these bruisers as they cruise by the boat. The captain's got all the gear you need, from light tackle for finesse fishing to heavier setups for when the big boys come to play. Just bring your sunscreen, some snacks, and a cooler for your catch – we'll take care of the rest.

Top Catches This Season

Anglers have been crushing it on the Homosassa lately. The redfish bite has been on fire, with lots of slot-sized fish and some over-slot bulls mixed in. Speckled trout have been thick on the grass flats, and we've been finding some real gators in the 20-inch range. When the water warms up, the tarpon migration brings silver kings in the 80 to 100-pound class right to our doorstep. And let's not forget about those hard-fighting cobia – they've been showing up more frequently, giving anglers a real workout.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast on light tackle. They'll hit just about anything shiny and move like greased lightning. Look for them busting bait on the surface – when you find one, you've usually found a whole school. They're great eating too, so be sure to keep a few for the grill.

Tarpon: The silver king is the holy grail for many inshore anglers. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. They start showing up in late spring and stick around through summer. Hooking one is thrilling; landing one is an accomplishment you'll never forget.

Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these spotted beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They've got a soft mouth, so a gentle touch is key when fighting them. We catch them year-round, but the bigger gator trout tend to show up in cooler months. They're suckers for a well-presented live shrimp or a topwater lure at dawn.

Redfish: Reds are the bulldogs of the flats. They pull hard and don't give up easy. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up. Sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is about as exciting as it gets. They'll crush a live pinfish or a well-placed artificial.

Cobia: These brown bombers are migratory, showing up in spring and fall. They're curious fish, often swimming right up to the boat. Cobia fight like crazy and can top 50 pounds. They're suckers for a live eel or a big jig. When they're around, be ready for some serious pull on your line.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Capt. Duane tend to become repeat customers. It's not just about the fish – though there are plenty of those. It's about the whole package. The Nature Coast is a slice of old Florida that's getting harder to find. You might spot manatees, dolphins, or all sorts of birds while we're out there. The captain's knowledge of the area and its history adds a whole other layer to the trip. Plus, with a full day on the water, there's time to really dial in the bite and try different spots and techniques.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to bend a rod and fill the cooler, this full-day trip on the Homosassa is calling your name. Remember, we're talking about a private charter here – just you and your crew with Capt. Duane's undivided attention. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce the kids to fishing, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends, this trip checks all the boxes. The $600 price tag for two people is a bargain for six hours of guided fishing in one of Florida's top inshore spots. And with the option to bring up to four anglers, you can split the cost and make it even more affordable. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and commit when you're ready. The fish are biting, and Capt. Duane's ready to put you on 'em. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your adventure on the Homosassa River today!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Redfish

Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing. These prehistoric gamefish can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds, though 80-100 pounders are more common. Their armor-like scales and massive underslung jaws make for an impressive sight. You'll find tarpon rolling and gulping air in coastal rivers, bays, and beaches. They migrate through our waters from April to October, with peak action in summer. Look for them around bridges, channel edges, and sand bars. Tarpon fishing is all about the challenge. Their acrobatic leaps and long, powerful runs will test your skills and equipment. Landing one is a true trophy, though we practice catch and release to protect the fishery. For the best shot at a tarpon, I like to drift live mullet or crabs in likely areas. Be ready for explosive strikes and immediate jumps. A bow to the king when they leap helps keep them hooked. Patience and persistence are key - it may take all day for that one epic battle.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of inshore fishing here. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically run 1-5 pounds, though gator trout over 20 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grassy flats, channels, and around structure like docks and oyster bars. They prefer depths of 3-6 feet and like moving water. Fall through spring are peak seasons as they school up in deeper holes. Trout are fun on light tackle and make excellent table fare. Their soft mouths mean a gentle hookset is key. They're known for their subtle strikes and head-shaking fights. For consistent action, I like to drift grass flats with live shrimp under a popping cork. The pop imitates feeding fish and draws strikes. You can also have a blast with topwater lures at dawn and dusk. Watch for subtle swirls as they attack your bait.

Spanish Mackerel

Cobia are powerful fish that'll give you a real workout. These solitary hunters can grow up to 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most we see are in the 30-50 pound range. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water during spring and summer. They migrate south for winter, so our peak season is March through October. Sight fishing for cobia is a blast - we scan the surface for their distinctive shark-like dorsal fins. Once spotted, they're aggressive strikers but smart fighters. Bring your A-game, as they'll test your gear and stamina. Cobia put up an impressive fight and make excellent table fare. Their firm, white meat is prized for its mild flavor. For the best shot at landing one, I like to use a bucktail jig in the 4-8 oz range. Let it sink, then retrieve with sharp jerks to trigger their predatory instincts. Be ready for explosive strikes and long runs when they take the bait.

Tarpon

Redfish are one of our most popular targets here on the Nature Coast. Also called red drum, these copper-colored beauties typically run 5-15 pounds inshore, though they can grow over 40 pounds. Look for their tell-tale black spot near the tail. You'll find reds in shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangroves - anywhere from 1-4 feet deep. They love structure and often hang around docks, pilings, and grass beds. Fall and winter are prime seasons as fish school up. Redfish put up a great fight on light tackle. Their powerful runs and head shakes make for an exciting catch. Plus, they're excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. For best results, I like to sight fish for them with shrimp imitation lures or topwater plugs. Look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. A stealthy approach is key - these fish spook easily in clear water. Be ready for explosive strikes when they pounce on your lure.

About the Capt. Duane Tibbetts

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Get ready for a laid-back day on the water with this 6-hour fishing trip along Florida's stunning Nature Coast. Ideal for up to 4 anglers, we'll set out at 8 AM to explore the peaceful inshore waters of the Homosassa River and nearby nature reserves. You'll have a chance to catch popular species like Redfish and Speckled Trout, with the possibility of landing bigger fish like Cobia and Tarpon depending on the season. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to fishing, this trip offers a perfect blend of relaxation and angling action. Available from September 1 to June 30, it's priced at $600 for two people. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable. So grab your gear, bring your friends, and let's make some memories on the beautiful Homosassa River!

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