Homosassa Scallops are Thick!
Homosassa Scallops are Thick!
Scalloping this season out of Old Homosassa has been one of the best years in recent memory. Not only are the scallops thick, most times we’re getting our limit without even moving the boat, but the real good news is they are a bit bigger than last year’s crop. The best area has been off of Chassahowitzka Point in about five to seven feet of water. Go out to Marker # 6, and run South, at least a mile, until you see the fleet of boats. Not only is this a great way to relax and cool off on a hot summer day, (it’s like an underwater Easter egg hunt), they are also awesome to eat.
Check our website, Recipe Page for some delicious ways to prepare your catch, especially one of my favorites, the Grilled Scallops on the Half Shell recipe. You can visit our website at, www.HomosassaRedfish.com, today for more information on this family-friendly activity, as remaining dates are filling up fast! This will be an unforgettable day on the water!! Scallop season ends September 10th.
The key to fishing these warmer months is to get out early and beat the heat and afternoon thunderstorms. I prefer to fish early in the morning when the water will be the coolest and the fish will be actively fishing. The best Redfish action continues to be on the rocky points of the outside keys and mangrove islands on an incoming tide. The schools of Redfish are beginning to show around the St. Martins Keys to the North of the Homosassa River. Cut bait, Pinfish, Ladyfish or Mullet are the ticket for the heart pounding adrenaline rush of catching monster Redfish over the 27 inch slot limit. With the Gulf water temperature now over 90 degrees, deeper water starting in the 12 foot range is the best depth for Speckled Sea Trout. Plus the deeper water will keep you away from the Scallop fleet.
Just recently, Bailey Mc Donald, 11 years old, from Dunnellon, Florida, caught a 22 inch “Gator” Sea Trout, on his first cast using a White Shad Tail Berkeley Gulp popped behind a Cajun Thunder. Can anything be better than watching a youngster catch his first and maybe his largest saltwater fish? Bailey couldn’t wait to get home and eat his catch, reported his Grandfather, Marvin Sullivan! As my friend, Captain Billy Nobles from Reel Animals, always says, “do yourself a favor and take a kid fishing”!!! On another recent trip, Douglas Sandru from Sarasota caught a 21 inch Sea Trout on his first cast of the day, as soon as the live Shrimp hit the water. Was it because someone bit the Shrimps tale off? It happened so fast we didn’t have a chance to get any other bait in the water!
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has temporarily extended the emergency closure of Snook harvest and possession in Florida through Sept. 16, (Executive Order 10-39 ). Snook season normally opens statewide in Florida on September 1. This action will continue the prohibition on harvest and possession of snook in effect since January 16. The FWC enacted the closure in response to possible effects of prolonged cold weather on the snook population last winter. Catch-and-release fishing for snook is still allowed under this extended closure.
For all of our friends in or near the Tampa, Florida area, please stop by and visit with us again this year at the Florida Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show, at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Expo Hall, Booth # 717, (same booth location as last year), Saturday, 9/25/09, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday, 9/26/09, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Stop by and meet the “REDETTES” and register for your chance to win a FREE charter!
1993 – 19 Foot Carolina Skiff for sale!!! This center consol is ready to catch fish and is powered by a 1993 – 85 HP Yamaha Engine. Lots of extras, including a Magic Tilt Trailer, Bimini Top, 4 Blade Performance Stainless Steel Prop, (with a back-up 3 blade spare prop), livewell, new gas tank, on board battery charger, trolling motor batteries, custom anchor system, custom hand made push pole, multiple rod holders, tons of storage space, bottom paint, new steering wheel and boat cover. Contact Captain “Red ED” at 352-382-3939, for more details or to make an offer. Someone needs to buy this boat!!
Upcoming Events
August 6 – Lobster Season Opens
August 24 – Full Moon
September 6 – Labor Day
September 10 – Scallop season closes.
September 18 – 28th Annual Homosassa River Raft Race
September 25 & 26 – Florida Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Expo Hall, Booth # 717, Tampa, Florida