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Top-Rated Inshore Fishing | Homosassa Adventure
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Homosassa
- $450 - $600 price range
- Updated Date: August 21, 2025
Summary
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Rods Bent, Fish On!
Solid speckled trout catch on a sunny day.
Nice snook catch with clear waters behind!
Adorable young angler with a fresh speckled trout.
Strong redfish catches by proud anglers.
Fresh shellfish haul on calm waters.
Impressive redfish catch on a sunny day.
Fresh speckled trout haul.
Huge jack crevalle catch!
Fresh speckled trout catch with proud anglers.
Perfect catch of redfish and speckled trout!
Solid speckled trout catch on a sunny day.
Nice snook catch with clear waters behind!
Adorable young angler with a fresh speckled trout.
Strong redfish catches by proud anglers.
Fresh shellfish haul on calm waters.
Impressive redfish catch on a sunny day.
Fresh speckled trout haul.
Huge jack crevalle catch!
Fresh speckled trout catch with proud anglers.
Perfect catch of redfish and speckled trout!
Solid speckled trout catch on a sunny day.
Nice snook catch with clear waters behind!
Adorable young angler with a fresh speckled trout.
Strong redfish catches by proud anglers.
Half Day Fishing Bonanza in Homosassa
Get ready for a fun-packed 4-hour fishing adventure in the beautiful waters of Homosassa! Capt. Duane Tibbetts knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to share his favorite spots with you. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is perfect for anyone looking to reel in some excitement and maybe even dinner.
Trip Overview
Starting bright and early at 8 AM, you and up to three buddies will hop aboard Capt. Duane's boat for a morning of non-stop action. We'll cruise through the scenic backwaters and venture into the inshore Gulf of Mexico, giving you a taste of the best fishing grounds Homosassa has to offer. The captain's got all the gear you need - rods, reels, bait, and lures - so all you have to do is show up ready to cast a line. Don't forget to pack your favorite drinks and snacks to keep you fueled up while you're reeling in the big ones!
What to Expect on the Water
Once we push off from the dock, Capt. Duane will get you set up with the right gear for the day's conditions. We might start off drifting live bait for some monster redfish, or maybe we'll troll for cobia if they're running. The captain's always got his ear to the water, so he knows where the fish are biting. As we move from spot to spot, you'll get to try different techniques - from sight casting in the shallows to working deeper channels. And don't worry if you're new to this - Capt. Duane's got plenty of tips and tricks up his sleeve to help you land that trophy catch.
Top Catches This Season
Homosassa's waters are teeming with game fish, and every season brings its own exciting catches. From September through June, you've got a great shot at hooking into some hard-fighting redfish, speedy Spanish mackerel, and the ever-popular sea trout. If you're lucky, you might even tangle with a high-flying tarpon or a bruiser of a cobia. The variety here is what keeps anglers coming back year after year - you never know what might be on the end of your line!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch, known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps. They typically show up in the spring and fall, cruising in schools near the surface. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the name of the game here. Anglers love the thrill of the chase and the tasty fillets these fish provide.
Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the holy grail for many inshore anglers. These prehistoric powerhouses can grow over 100 pounds and put up a fight like no other. Late spring and early summer are prime time for tarpon in Homosassa. When one of these giants takes your bait, hang on tight - you're in for the battle of a lifetime!
Sea Trout: A staple of inshore fishing, sea trout are abundant year-round in Homosassa's grass flats and oyster bars. They're perfect for anglers of all skill levels, eagerly hitting both live bait and artificial lures. The "gator" trout (big ones over 20 inches) are prized catches that'll test your skills and make for great photos.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. You can find them tailing in shallow flats or hanging around structure in deeper water. Fall is a great time to target big bull reds, but you can catch them year-round. Their powerful runs and delicious meat make them a top target on any trip.
Cobia: Also known as ling or lemonfish, cobia are hard-fighting fish that can reach sizes over 50 pounds. They typically show up in spring and early summer, often following large rays or hanging around buoys and markers. Sight-casting to these curious fish is an exciting challenge that'll get your heart racing.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with Capt. Duane rave about the non-stop action and his knack for putting them on fish. He's got a way of making everyone feel comfortable on the boat, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. The beautiful Homosassa scenery doesn't hurt either - you might spot manatees, dolphins, or ospreys while you're out there. And let's not forget the bragging rights that come with landing a trophy fish!
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing Homosassa has to offer, don't wait to book your trip with Capt. Duane Tibbetts. At just $500 for two people, it's a great value for a morning of non-stop action and memories that'll last a lifetime. Remember, the $100 deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to your fishing adventure. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so grab your spot now and get ready to reel in the big ones!
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are hard-fighting fish that'll test your tackle. Adults average 3-4 feet and 30-50 pounds, but 100-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 20-100 feet of water. Spring and early summer are best as they migrate through. Anglers love cobia for their powerful runs, acrobatic jumps, and excellent eating quality. They can be finicky, so seeing one doesn't guarantee catching it. For best results, have a variety of lures ready - big jigs, live eels, and swimbaits all work well. A local trick is to chum with cut fish to bring them to the surface. Be ready for a long fight - cobia have incredible stamina and often make multiple runs before you can get them boat-side!
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore targets. Adults typically run 20-30 inches and 6-12 pounds, with some giants over 40 inches possible. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near mangroves, often in water less than 3 feet deep. They're here year-round but really bunch up in fall. Anglers love sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water - it's like hunting. They put up a strong, dogged fight and taste great too. To catch them, try working gold spoons or scented soft plastics along shorelines. A local secret is to use cut mullet or ladyfish on the bottom during high tide. When you hook one, keep your rod tip up to avoid getting broke off in the oysters!
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here. Most run 15-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. 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 spring and fall. Anglers love sea trout for their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table fare. They put up a decent fight too, often making short runs and head shakes. To catch them, try working soft plastic jigs or topwater plugs over grassy areas, especially early morning. A local trick is to use a popping cork rig with live shrimp - the noise attracts trout from a distance. Just remember to set the hook quick, as they have soft mouths!
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are fast, streamlined fish that typically measure 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often in coastal waters 20-40 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months, usually April through October here. Anglers love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their tasty white meat is great grilled or smoked too. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat at about 5-7 knots. When you see birds diving or bait fish jumping, that's a good sign Spanish Mackerel are feeding nearby. Cast metals lures or live bait into the frenzy and hang on - these fish hit hard and run fast!
Tarpon
Tarpon are the ultimate gamefish - big, powerful, and acrobatic. Adults average 4-5 feet long but can reach over 7 feet and 200 pounds. You'll find them in our shallow coastal waters and backwaters, especially around mangroves, bridges, and deeper channels. Spring and early summer are prime tarpon time as they migrate through. Anglers come from all over to battle these "silver kings" - hooking one is exciting, but landing it is a real accomplishment. They're famous for their spectacular leaps and long, drag-screaming runs. We catch and release tarpon, so it's all about the thrill of the fight. For best results, use stout tackle and large live baits like mullet or crabs. Be patient, make a good presentation, and get ready for the fish of a lifetime when that tarpon inhales your bait!
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
