"Spring into Homosassa Fishing"
Capt. "Red Ed" Brennan
February 21, 2012
Homosassa - Saltwater Fishing Report
"Spring into Homosassa Fishing"
After the last few winters, we've experienced a rather mild winter this year here in Old Homosassa. Which has resulted in some exciting fishing reports for this early in the season. The Gulf water temperatures are around the 60 degree mark and the fish seem to know the arrival of spring is not far away. The Sheepshead have already spawned and are feeding like crazy. The Spanish Mackerel are early and feeding in the near shore waters out to 12 feet. Anchor up on a rock pile or other structure and toss a chum bag over and get ready for some blistering runs from the Macs. There have also been reports of huge schools of large Black Drum patrolling the shallow clear water flats. The Speckled Sea Trout bite has been best on an incoming tide on the outside points of the keys. As soon as they have enough water to swim, they'll be on top of the warm rocks. The best places to find Redfish are at the mouth of rivers, passes, points or cuts. Effective February 1st, here in the Northwest Region of Florida we are now allowed to keep two Redfish per day per person, with the slot limit remaining the same between 18 and 27 inches. Let's go CATCHING!!!
I'm very glad to report that my obsession with trying to catch a Permit has ended! After an unbelievable stay at the Turneffe Flats Lodge, www.tflats.com, in Belize, the "Permit Monkey" is finally off my back! Fishing for six days with eight other "fishing junkies", I was the only one lucky enough to catch a Permit. One of the other guests even coined a new nickname for me, "Permitt-ED"! Here is the fishing report posted on their web-site for the week of January 21 through the 28th: Captain "Red ED", a fishing guide out of Homosassa, Fla., had an incredible week of fishing with Guide Dion. Along with multiple bonefish, Ed successfully chased permit for most of his stay. The veteran fisherman has spent the past 20 years attempting to catch a permit, and this week, he managed to land 4! Primarily a conventional gear fisherman, Ed also landed one of his four permit on a fly rod – an accomplishment any angler should be proud of! I'm planning on hosting a group of anglers back to Turneffe Flats Lodge, in the future if you have any interest drop me a line at [email protected].
Prime dates in the month of April are booking fast, call to reserve your charter soon. Don't forget about our "Introductory Offer", of $299.00 for a full day charter for one to four anglers, only available the first time you fish with me, that rate includes everything except your lunch, beverages and gratuity. Visit our web-site at www.HomosassaRedfish.com, to book your day on the water and a memory that will last a lifetime.
This Saturday, February 25, 2012, I'll be back on the Reel Animals Radio Program with Captain Michael Anderson and Captain Ben Marshall, from 6 to 8 AM, broadcast in the Tampa area on 970 AM – WFLA or on line at www.970wfla.com. If you'd like to call in and talk some fishing the toll free number is 800-969-9352. It would be great to hear from you!
Scallop Season opens July 1st and runs through September 10th! Scalloping is part snorkeling, part treasure dive and part saltwater fishing experience that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages. Book your Scallop charters soon at, www.HomosassaRedfish.com, as most of July is already booked. We had a GREAT season last year and hope for another banner season this year! It's like an "Underwater Easter Egg Hunt"!!
For all of our friends in or near the Tampa, Florida area, please stop by and visit with us at The Tampa Tribune Outdoors Expo & Boat Show hosted by Frank Sargeant, at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Expo Hall, Booth # 314, Friday, 3/2/12, from 1 to 8 PM, Saturday, 3/3/12, from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday, 3/4/12, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Stop by and meet the "REDETTES" and register for your chance to win a FREE charter each day of the show! Admission is FREE on Friday for everybody and children under 12 years old are admitted free all days.
Upcoming Events
March 2 – 4 - The Tampa Tribune Outdoors Expo & Boat Show
March 8 – Citrus County CCA Banquet
March 8 – Full Moon
March 11 – Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 17 – St. Patrick's Day
March 18 – Mother's Day
Target Species:
Redfish, Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead
More Fishing Reports:
