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Fishing Report for Homosassa, Florida
Capt. Mike Locklear
January 17, 2001
Homosassa - Saltwater Fishing Report
Maybe the cold weather is nearly over. In years past, January would always be the
coldest month and it has proved to be that way again. I can not remember it ever staying
this cold in Florida for so long. We have had lower temperatures like back in 1989 when
the mangroves got zapped. ‘83 was a bad year as well with fish kills. ‘78 was a bad one
too.
The upcoming weekend looks promising. Water temps in the gulf are still chilly but are
on the rise. I heard another front is on the way, so it could be false hope. If you like
fresh water fishing, specks or speckled perch AKA crappie are in their prime along the
shallow water edges of the inner lakes.
Bass fishing is heating up as the females are beginning to fan out areas for a bed to
spawn. If you want to catch a big bass this is the time to go. I recommend Angler’s
Resort or Dunnellon Bait and Tackle in Dunnellon for information or local guides.
On the Homosassa River, there has been pretty good fishing now that there are live
shrimp available for bait. Catches of big sheepshead, black drum and reports of many
undersized redfish have been caught and released. MacRae’s Bait House in Homosassa
is the hub of activity where a public boat ramp serves as a shoving off point.
Just Monday, I ran a charter for David and Royal Robbins of St. Louis, MO. They were
taking a break from the 50 below freezing weather (if you figure in the wind chill). They
caught several black drum and a redfish. Traffic in the river was too heavy to suit me, so
we headed out into the gulf. It was a chilly ride. Once we arrived to the GPS hole it only
took a few minutes to hook up with some nice sheepshead in the 3 pound range. We
caught 8 sheepshead in all, fishing three holes. Believe it or not they are good eating.
Back at the dock, I filleted them out with my new knife kit that I got for Christmas. The
no see-ums were very visible and hungry. The warmer weather brought them out. David
stood beside me and helped to feed them. I told him I appreciated that.
If you are located within 50 miles you might want to consider signing up for my Salt
Water Workshop in conjunction with the Citrus County Parks and Recreation on January
27. You will learn the basics and secrets of salt water fishing in the Citrus County area.
Subjects discussed will be: 2001 fishing regulations, geography of the rivers and
waterways in relation to where the fish are; fish identification; techniques of how to
catch all types of inshore and offshore species of fish; proper handling and releasing of
fish, and proper equipment from the tackle box to boats/motors.
There will be some free tackle given away for everyone by major tackle manufacturers
and everyone will take home a packet of information that will include maps, tide tables,
boat ramp locations, fishing knot book, fishing laws and regulations and fish
identification pamphlets.
To sign up you must register with the Citrus County Parks and Recreation at
352-795-2202. They are open from 8-5 Monday through Friday. The three hour
workshop begins at 9:00 AM at the Homosassa Lions Club in Homosassa Springs. The
cost is $25.00 per person. The class is limited to 50 students. Another class is scheduled
for Wednesday, February 28 between 2:00-5:00 PM.
More Fishing Reports:
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