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Fishing Report for Homosassa, Florida
Capt. Mike Locklear
December 10, 2003
Homosassa - Saltwater Fishing Report
Mixed Bag For Northern Visitors
As I approached the newly renovated Riverside Villas, three guys were anxiously awaiting my arrival on the river front dock. I introduced myself to Brian Fitzpatrick, Rich Crocker and David Mauro of Westford, Massachusetts.
We loaded my 23 footer with a cooler full of beverages and enough deli food from Publix to feed a small army. They brought triscuits, wheat thins, cheddar cheese spread, garlic olives, pretzels, pistachios and potato chips just to mention some of the snacks.
As we departed MacRae’s Bait House with a 150 shrimp and ice Richie asked me if they could fish the flats and catch redfish. My reply was we can try for anything you want to do. My suggestion though was to target sheepshead for our primary species. The trio has been coming to Homosassa for several years and had been trying out different guides in the area. They had never fished for sheepshead before so they were willing to give it a try.
Our first stop was a redfish hole in the Homosassa River. The first cast produced a nice redfish for Brian. All three guys reeled in 8 redfish in about 10 minutes fishing. Each redfish was 3 inches under the 18 inch minimum size limit. Brian caught 5 of the 8 reds and declared he was the king of the redfish.
The next stop was near the river mouth and was for spotted sea trout. They caught six in just a few minutes. Richie had the best touch on catching the most trout. However, none were big enough to keep, so we quickly departed for the flats.
The morning air had a chill to it. As a cold front was approaching, the weather would be changing rapidly as the skies went from cloudy to sunny. It took most of the day for the sun to come out and the wind finally calmed around noon from a southeaster of 10-15 knots. The westerly sea breeze never reached us and the tide was down about as low as it gets as we came by Shell Island.
With aid from my global positioning system (GPS) we found the sheepshead hole located in about 5 feet of water. With two anchors, I made sure the guys could all reach the spot easily from the side of the boat. Bits of shrimp were tossed over the side to get the fish interested. It was here that we would spend the rest of the morning fishing.
Using 10 pound Power Pro braided line and a 2 foot section of 25 pound test line I pre-rigged a 1/8 ounce egg sinker and a plain shank 1/0 hook. The guys began fishing on the bottom near the edge of the hole using the smallest live shrimp available.
Bent rods and zipping drags were immediate and the action was excellent. It takes some knack to hook sheepshead because they are picky eaters. They just don’t run with the bait, so you have to get the slack out of the line and feel them bite ever so softly. Because of the teeth and molars they have throughout their mouth, a hard hook set is recommended.
A special treat from several hard hitting gag grouper added pleasure to the excitement each angler felt. Richie had a huge time reeling in the largest grouper, a 7 pound gag on light tackle. Several drag screaming runs were made by the 27 inch grouper before coming to boat side.
David caught the biggest sheepshead, a feisty 7 pounder and this fish too, put on a show peeling line off the drag several times as it ran from side to side. Brian and Richie also caught some nice sheepshead in the 4 pound range.
With plenty of fish in the cooler, the guys asked Brian make a sandwich for all of us. Fresh rolls from Publix and Boarshead Turkey with cheddar cheese was a treat for all. The mayo and grey poupon was spread on to add flavor. Some sliced pickles were added and the guys even brought desert, chocolate covered hazel nuts from Italy.
With the tide coming in and the wind near calm, we decided to go inshore to the creeks and try our luck for redfish. I had spotted some redfish earlier in the week that were schooled up but would not bite due to the chilly water conditions.
Even though the water was still a chilly 59 degrees at Marker 26, I knew the water would be slightly warmer and perhaps the reds would feed a little. Well, they did for just a little while. David hooked and landed a 26 inch redfish that weighed 7 pounds. Rich had missed a big one we all thought, but later he managed to catch a small red that we released.
That brought our fishing trip to an end with more than 30 quality fish, some released and some kept for dinner.
Once back at the dock, a near full rack of beautiful fish some great photos were taken of the happy anglers. Donnie and I fillet, skin and boned all the fish. We packed all the fish up in zip locks except for the redfish, grouper and a few small sheepshead fillets.
I thought I needed to return the favor with all the food they brought by suggesting a fresh cooked meal consisting of their catch.
We transported the fresh bags of fillets across the river to the newly renovated
K.C. Crump Restaurant and made arrangements with the manager, Greg.
After a shower, we returned for a feast of blacken redfish, stuffed grouper Oscar and fried sheepshead prepared by the chef. After the delicious meal which included a big garden salad and rice, we said our goodbyes and have a trip planned for next year.
Remember the Holidays by giving yourself or your family and friends a gift certificate for a fishing trip. It makes a great gift and can be used anytime next year after its purchase.
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