Scalloping in Homosassa
Scalloping in Homosassa
Homosassa has been the epicenter of “Scallop Madness” as it’s been all about Scallops since the first of July. Combined with the 4th of July, being on a Saturday this year, hordes of revelers have invaded Citrus County. Now if only the weather would cooperate, as we’ve had numerous and almost daily rain showers since Scallop season has opened. After all, it is Florida, in the summer, and like the old saying goes wait a minute and it can all change. Due to the influx of fresh water the Scallops have been more scattered than the previous two years but most boats are reporting getting their limits but having to swim a little more to get them. We believe once the rainwater dissipates that the Scallops will move shoreward and into shallower water. Last year’s hot spot was just off of Chassahowitzka Point and on Wednesday, snorkeling with Captain Bob Bergin from Everglades City, we were there gathering the tasty little morsels just outside the county line markers over sandy bottom. Another popular location is North of the Homosassa Channel off of St. Martins Keys in four to five feet of water. Further North, try South of the Crystal River Channel between Mangrove Point and Gomez Rocks. Just look for the flotilla of Scallopers and drop your anchor and enjoy this great family activity. As always, the Scallops will be bigger and more plentiful towards the end of the season, September 10th.
Many of our clients will split a charter spending half the day Scalloping and the other half day fishing. Redfish continue to be caught on the outside edges of the spoil islands on an incoming tide with cut Pinfish the “candy” the Bronze Bruisers prefer. Here’s a picture of Trainer Frank Hopfenmueller with two real nice Redfish, 24 & 26 inches, caught Friday, 7/3! Notice the spots on their tails? Some local Redfish tournaments are based on the Redfish with the most spots.
Check the bottom of the Home Page on our website, www.HomosassaRedfish.com, for this month’s, “Catch of the Month”, Steve Johnson holding a Redfish with 606 Spots!! Yes, Steve did release this beauty! Some of the veteran guides believe that the boatloads of scallopers drive the Speckled Sea Trout off the grass flats and shoreward. We have recently caught some “Gator” Trout, (over 20 inches), in the backwater creeks in only 1 ½ feet of water, so maybe they’re correct. Here’s a picture of the “Wills Girls”, from Warner Robbins, Georgia, holding a “Gator” their dad, Joey, caught, on Thursday 7/2!!
The “Gourmet Getaway” Tour is a two day fishing adventure on two of Florida’s most beautiful waterways, the Chassahowitzka and Homosassa Rivers. Experience Florida like it was hundreds of years ago, as we fish the pristine grass flats and nearshore waters of the 31,000 acre Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and the Gulf of Mexico. Spending a night at the Chassahowitzka Hotel located in this tranquil fishing village will only add to your unforgettable memories. This is a fisherman’s dream in a fishing paradise! Two days catching fish on two different rivers, how often does anyone get this chance? Check our website for all the details. Please remember gift certificates are also available on our site, for your favorite fisherman! Let’s go CATCHING, Captain Red ED