Homosassa Potpourri
Capt. "Red Ed" Brennan
May 19, 2016
Homosassa - Saltwater Fishing Report
It's a fun and exciting time of the year to be here on Florida's Nature Coast! Grouper, Cobia, Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Grunts, Black Sea Bass, Tarpon and last but not least Scallops, Scallops, and more Scallops are all very strong possibilities in the month of June! Gag & Black Grouper season opens on June 1st and runs through December 31st, this year. Scallop season opens on June 25th and runs through September 24th. Plus the annual Fireworks on the River show is also on Saturday, June 25th. The annual Cobia Big Fish tournament is June 11 & 12th. If you want to see an unbelievable spectacle watch 200 boats run out the Homosassa River at the same time! This is absolutely our craziest, wildest and busiest time of the year on the crystal clear waters off of Old Homosassa!!
The Redfish bite will continue to be hot along the outside edges of rocky shorelines, most points and oyster bars. Try Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper in the Money Shot Violet color for best results. Remember the limit for Redfish has been changed back to one per person per day between 18 and 27 inches. Drifting the pristine flats of Citrus County will continue to produce Sea Trout with many "Gators" being caught over the 20 inch limit.
As many of you know, I've been fishing these waters since 1981 and this report was a first for me, this past Sunday, May 15th a 60 pound Sailfish was caught in the Ozello area! I saw the video! That's right a Sailfish in these shallow waters, that fish was lost big-time! To prove the point you never know what you're going to catch this time of the year in our fisherman's paradise!
The offshore bite will also be "RED" hot and we'll be slamming the Gag Groupers in 20 to 30 feet of water. Not only has the season changed for both Gag and Black Groupers, the size limit has also changed from a total length of 22 inches to 24 inches. It doesn't matter what bait you're using as its being inhaled as soon as it hits the bottom. Fishing in clear and clean water not only can you see the structure (rocks or wrecks); on the bottom you can actually see your baits hit the bottom. We always warn our guests to hold on tight as their baits reach the bottom because it doesn't take long to figure out if there's a grouper on the structure. If you want to "get your arms broken" come over and try this shallow water grouper digging!
Cobia fever has taken over here in Old Homosassa with many "Brown Clowns" already coming in to the cleaning tables! Cobia fever is when your passion becomes obsession! Last season was awesome and so far it looks like we're going to have another great year as they migrate North past our area. We've already been hunting the offshore reefs, wrecks and structure for these tasty beasts. Always watch for rays or turtles as Cobia tend to follow closely.
Scalloping is part snorkeling experience, part treasure dive and part saltwater fishing experience that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages. We are expecting another banner year for these tasty morsels. Snorkel in crystal clear water, usually waist or chest deep, over pristine grass flats and bag your limit of these delicious shellfish or as I prefer to call them "Dollops of Goodness"!
We do two Scallop charters per day, the morning charter from 7 to 11 AM and the afternoon charter from Noon until 4 PM. With our fleet of boats we can handle large groups of any size. We already have one group from the St. Pete/Clearwater area booked for 50 guests! We've also added a "VIP Vessel" to our fleet this season. Captain Sean will be running our "VIP Vessel" doing one 6 hour Scallop charter per day from 8 AM until 2 PM. Scallop in luxury! These trips can also be catered by the Wild Sassa Food Trailer (ask for menu options), menu changes with market conditions. Please check the Scallop Page on our web-site, www.HomosassaRedfish.com/scalloping.htm, for more details and rates.
With the Scallop season being closed in the Panhandle of Florida this year due to the red tide in that area we expect to be busier than ever, don't wait book your charters now. Join the excitement and start a new family tradition that will be added to your list of "must-do's" every year We have many clients that return year after year to enjoy what is best described as an "Underwater Easter Egg Hunt"!!
Upcoming Events:
June 1 – Gag & Black Grouper season opens
June 4 – I'll be the in-studio guest with the "Three Amigos", BooDreaux, Steve Chapman, and Captain Mike Ortega, on the Fishing Florida Radio Show, from 6 to 9 AM, broadcast in the Central Florida area on 740 AM – The Game. Or you can listen live on-line at www.fishingfloridaradio.com – click on Listen Live. If you'd like to call in and talk some fishing the toll free number is 800-729-8255 or locally 407-916-8255. It would be great to hear from my Orlando/Central Florida area friends.
June 11 & 12 – Annual Cobia Big Fish Tournament
June 19 – Father's Day – Gift Certificates available
June 20 – First Day of Summer
June 20 – Full Moon
June 25 – Scallop season opens
June 25 – Annual Fireworks on the River Show
A tackle box is better than an Xbox any day
Fishing is a real experience that creates memories that will last forever!
"For Real & Forever"
Let's go CATCHING/SCALLOPING,
Captain "Red ED" Brennan
www.HomosassaRedfish.com
Work: 352-382-3939
Cell: 352-476-1998
More Fishing Reports:
