It’s time to go Catching!!!

Many of you that know me well know that I do my imitation of a “snowbird” and do my best to avoid winter! Once it gets below 70, I’m looking to head south. This winter I spent time in two of my favorite places Islamorada and Costa Rica. While fishing with Captain Rich Mitchell in Islamorada on January 2nd was able to catch a 25 pound Permit, my first one on the flats in the Keys after 20+ years of trying!

I’ve recently returned from Nosara, Costa Rica and despite the near hurricane conditions was able to catch a nice 60 pound Pacific Sailfish! Any fish that comes out of the water is cool and this one was an airborne acrobatic that came very close to jumping in the boat at the end of the battle. If you want to get off the grid and disappear, Nosara is definitely the place you can do that amongst beautiful beaches on the Pacific. This was my third trip to Costa Rica but first time in the Nosara area and enjoyed it so much, I’m thinking about going back for the entire month of January next year. Though Islas Secas, Panama and Cuba are now the top two places on my bucket list!

The bite here in Old Homosassa has been excellent for some time with more Sheepshead and big “zebras” being caught then I can ever remember and I’ve been fishing here since 1981. Also the Redfish and Trout bite have been consistently good too. As the weather and the water temperatures rise the bite should get even better. March and April have always been favorite months to fish this area. When the water temps starts raising the annual bait migration north will begin and as we all know with fish they never go too far from the kitchen!

As long as I’ve been fishing here I’ve never had Stone Crab Traps out before but it has been a fun and tasty experience this winter. Another different adventure that can be experienced and enjoyed on Florida’s Nature Coast. Not only have we’ve been getting lots of claws many have been of the colossal size! Stone Crabs season runs through May 15th. Fresh claws and fresh fillets, can it get any better?

Cobia fever will take over Homosassa soon! How do you know when you have Cobia Fever? It’s when your passion becomes obsession! We had our best Cobia season ever last year with many monster 45 pound “Brown Suits” coming aboard for dinner. As soon as the water begins to warm and the bait is migrating we’ll be hunting the offshore reefs, wrecks and structure for these tasty beasts.

Gag and Black Grouper season open earlier than last year on June 1st and runs through December 31st. Those dates give us two more months than last year but the size limit has increased to 24 inches instead of the previous 22 inches. We had our limit on most offshore trips last year and sometimes were back at the dock by 10:30 AM.

Scallop season opens on June 25th this year and runs through September 24th. We always book up fast for this season; don’t wait long or the dates you want might already be booked. Something new this year for scallop season, we’ve added a 27 foot VIP Vessel to our fleet of boats. Captain Sean will be running the VIP Vessel which can also be catered by Wild Sassa Food Trailer. Check our website, www.HomosassaRedfish.com for more details, rates or to schedule your charters or reach me at 352-382-3939 if you have any questions.