Quick Cast:
 Area Reports
 Find-a-Guide
 Forums
 Tides

Departments:
 Articles
 Books
 Clubs & Orgs.
 Fishing Reports
 Feedback
 Forums
 Fly Fishing
 Guides & Charters
 Links
 Photo Gallery
 Reef Locator
 Regulations
 Software
 Survey
 Tournaments
 Travel
 Weather
 Home

Administration:
 About Us
 Advertising
 Contact
 Privacy
 Terms of Use
 Web Development

Fishing Report for Homosassa, Florida

Capt. Mike Locklear
January 1, 2006
Homosassa - Saltwater Fishing Report

Recapping 2005- A glimps into 2006

Thank God the year 2005 is over. Time goes by fast enough as it is; but last year had to be one of the toughest and most unpredictable in terms of arrivals of our west coast fishes. Kings were late and the tarpon did not hang around as usual. Any species that had to migrate through the patches of red tide were delayed, pushed further offshore or just died.

The hurricanes were murder and butchered our tourism. Full media blitz to TV viewers in the northeast were told all the fish in Florida were gone. No need in coming here. Legal battles over the gag grouper caused additional stress for an already tired fleet of hard working captains and mates.

Struggles I am no stranger to. Buying expensive gifts for Christmas had to be cut back. Thoughts about whether or not a trip to town to Wal-Mart is affordable. A check list was compiled for trying to conserve a gallon or two of costly gasoline. Low ball Greenhorn part-time guides competing for what little new business comes by does not help.

Not all was gloom and doom in ’05. I met Ken Kavanaugh who produces the Chevy Florida Fishing Report and with that extra cash in part bought a new Chevrolet Silverado. I liked the truck more than the show probably because I felt that I was a large pain to Ken. I was told by my peers that I did well. Still I was uncomfortable for the most part.

In the gulf, there were thousands of bluefish to catch and release this past spring. That’s no big deal to a meat fisherman. Well, just ask a northeastern fisherman how to prepare one. They say they are good. Well, I agree if you first bleed the fish while he is still breathing, then gut him. Then ice him down real good to keep the meat firm... Soak them in buttermilk and blacken them with sea grass. Throw the fish away and eat the grass! Just a little New Year’s humor.

Spotted sea trout action this past year was the best in years throughout the entire Citrus County Coast. The red tide did not come inshore here this year and that was a good thing. Tampa Bay can not boast the good numbers according to at least one good source.

The trout are still here, healthy and in good numbers and size. My buddy, Capt. Charlie Harris has been limiting out daily on trout for the past week. He is about the only one who has been so successful this past week.

In December, on the Homosassa River I caught my limit of 5 trout in less time that it takes to watch and episode of Tred Barta. I bought a dozen live shrimp and free-lined them with the turn of the incoming tide. More than 8 trout were released on two time used shrimp. With no landing net employed, the action was more fun and lasted longer using a lighter drag.

Between Christmas and New Year’s my parties enjoyed some nice sheepshead catches and some grouper as well. For the John Spaulding party of Atlanta, many members of his family enjoyed some fine fishing over the holidays.

For January, reds will be around in the rivers and creeks and any kind of natural live bait worked close and s-l-o-w-l-y across the bottom will produce a solid bite. The other possibles include the toothy sheepshead, small black drum, mangrove snapper and the occasional snook.

Fly and light tackle anglers who take advantage of the extreme northeasters and super low tides can reap the bounty of bronze beauties (redfish) that will be in less than a foot of gin clear waters looking for a spider crab and rooting the shell bottom for any other morsel available. It is so awesome to watch a redfish eat.

On a recent trip in the Homosassa River, my son, John caught several reds including a nice 23-inch keeper while using live shrimp at Tiger Tail Bay about a mile downstream from MacRae’s.

As the cold fronts approach this month and the winds haul to the south, the barometer will go south as well. This is when the trout will just tear a hole in anything you cast out there. Bass Assassins, Cotees, MirrOlures, Yozuris, you know the drill; will all produce.

In conclusion, my daughter Courtney learned this past week to use a shotgun and had a great time shooting. This was a fun time for both of us. And finally a belated Christmas present for her, a no good lovable yard dog (puppy), named Randy. Seems all our friends and family have one or more, so we were due for some more poop to step on and whining. Our cats don’t like this intrusion into their privacy at all even if he is a yard dog.

Finally, this New Year begins with a lot of bangs, not just from firecrackers, but bangs for ducks and lots of them are here in force waiting for the wily duck hunter in you to give me a call. You better hurry though, the season ends on January 29. Trips are limited to one or two hunters per boat and afternoons only.

Have a Happy New Year!

More Fishing Reports:

 

Referrals-Avid Angler-Social Media, Blogger, FaceBook and Fishing Reports Writer.

Contact Info:


Phone: 352-422-1927
Email the Captain
Browse Photo Gallery
Display Find-a-Guide Listing


Copyright © 1997-2024, CyberAngler - All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy :: Terms of Use
For Questions and comments please use our Feedback Form
Back to the Top