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Premium Inshore Fishing | Homosassa's Best
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Homosassa
- $450 - $600 price range
- Updated Date: August 21, 2025
Summary
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Gulf Coast Giants
Gulf Coast Action: Advanced Fishing in Homosassa
Ready to put your angling skills to the test? Captain Duane Tibbetts is your go-to guide for an action-packed half day on Homosassa's inshore waters. From September through June, you'll be targeting some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish, including hard-fighting cobia, acrobatic tarpon, and bull redfish that'll make your drag sing. This trip is tailor-made for experienced anglers looking to level up their game and tangle with some serious Gulf Coast contenders.
What to Expect on the Water
Forget about leisurely drifting - this 4-hour trip is all about maximizing your time and opportunities. You'll be working a variety of techniques, from live bait presentations to finesse lure fishing, all aimed at outsmarting the wary predators that call these waters home. Captain Duane knows these grounds like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right on the honey holes where the big boys hang out. Be ready for sudden hookups, blistering runs, and the kind of arm-burning battles that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Techniques That Land Lunkers
This isn't your average cast-and-hope outing. You'll be employing proven local tactics that get results. Expect to throw live pinfish or mullet on circle hooks for those trophy redfish, work topwater plugs for explosive trout strikes, or slow-troll live eels when the cobia are on the prowl. Captain Duane provides all the quality gear you need, from light tackle outfits for finesse work to stout rods capable of turning a tarpon's head. He's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so come prepared to learn some new skills that'll serve you well long after the trip ends.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These toothy speedsters are a blast on light tackle. Expect fast-paced action as schools blitz through bait pods, often leaping clear of the water during the fight. Their razor-sharp teeth make wire leaders a must, but their flaky white meat makes excellent fish tacos.
Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the ultimate inshore game fish. Tarpon in Homosassa can reach sizes over 150 pounds, and their acrobatic leaps and dogged stamina will test even the most skilled anglers. Prime time is late spring through summer when these prehistoric giants roll into the shallows.
Sea Trout: Don't let their name fool you - gator trout are ambush predators that put on a show. Look for them around grass flats and oyster bars, where they'll crush topwater lures with reckless abandon. The biggest specimens, pushing 5+ pounds, are wary and require stealthy presentations.
Redfish: Homosassa's redfish population includes everything from school-sized rats to oversized bulls pushing 40 inches. These copper-colored brutes are known for powerful runs and their ability to bust through mangrove roots. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is a heart-pounding experience.
Cobia: Often mistaken for sharks at first glance, cobia are hard-fighting bruisers that can top 50 pounds in these waters. They're curious fish, often following the boat or hanging around structure. Once hooked, be prepared for long, determined runs and some serious pull.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Homosassa's inshore waters offer a unique combination of habitat and fish variety that keeps seasoned anglers on their toes. One minute you might be sight-casting to redfish in gin-clear shallows, the next you're battling a freight train of a cobia that appeared out of nowhere. The area's countless islands, grass flats, and rocky outcroppings create a diverse fishery that rewards skill and adaption. Plus, with Captain Duane's decades of local knowledge, you're not just fishing - you're getting an insider's look at one of Florida's best-kept angling secrets.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're an experienced angler itching for a real challenge, this half-day advanced trip with Captain Duane Tibbetts is your ticket to inshore fishing nirvana. With only two spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention and the flexibility to target whatever's biting best. September through June offers prime conditions for a variety of species, so there's always something worth chasing. Don't miss out on the chance to test your skills against some of the Gulf's hardest fighting fish - book your adventure today and get ready for some serious rod-bending action in Homosassa!
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are one of those fish that'll make you do a double-take. These brown torpedoes can top 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll often spot them cruising near the surface around structures like buoys, wrecks, or even big rays. Spring and early summer are best as they migrate up the coast. Anglers love cobia for their hard fights and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, keep your eyes peeled and be ready to cast when you see one. A big bucktail jig or live eel is hard to beat. Let it sink, then work it erratically. When a cobia hits, it's game on - they'll test your drag and your arms. My secret weapon? A big soft plastic swimbait in white or chartreuse. Cobia can't resist it when you burn it past their nose. Just be ready for an explosive strike!
Redfish
Redfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers with the tell-tale spot on their tail can reach over 40 inches in the big bulls. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, often in less than 2 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime as they school up, but we catch 'em year-round. Anglers love sight-fishing to these brutes - it's a rush when you see that big red nose down on your bait. They pull like freight trains and taste great too. To catch 'em, try a gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a light jighead. Work it slowly along the bottom with occasional hops. When a red inhales it, you'll feel the thump. Set hard and hang on! My go-to trick is chumming with cut mullet to bring them in close.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are a staple of inshore fishing here. These spotted beauties usually run 1-3 pounds but can get up to 5 or more. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on in fall and spring. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and tasty white meat. To catch 'em, try a popping cork rig with live shrimp or a soft plastic under it. Work it with sharp jerks to make noise. When you feel that thump, set the hook! Another hot technique is throwing topwater plugs at dawn and dusk. That walk-the-dog action drives trout crazy. My secret weapon? A gold spoon slow-rolled just above the grass - they can't resist it.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are fast-swimming predators that'll test your skills. These silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and a few pounds. We find them in schools near the surface, often around structures or current breaks. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Plus, they're tasty on the grill. To catch 'em, try trolling small shiny lures or spoons at a good clip - these fish like it fast. When you spot a school busting bait on top, cast into the frenzy with a Gotcha plug or small jig. Spanish Mackerel hit hard and fight above their weight class, making for exciting light tackle action. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Tarpon
Tarpon are the kings of inshore fishing around here. These silver giants can top 100 pounds and put on a show with their spectacular aerial leaps. You'll find them rolling in coastal waters, channels, and even up rivers. Spring and early summer are prime, but we get shots at them most of the year. Anglers come from all over to tangle with these prehistoric beasts - it's a bucket list fish for sure. They're pure muscle and will test your endurance. We usually sight-cast to them with live bait or big flies. When you're hooked up, keep that rod tip high and hang on tight. These fish can empty a reel in seconds. My best tip? Be patient on the hookset. Let that tarpon turn and really eat the bait before you come tight. It's all catch-and-release, but the memories last a lifetime.
About the Capt. Duane Tibbetts
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
