Scalloping in Homosassa!!
Scalloping in Homosassa!!
Scallop Fever takes over Homosassa! Scallop season opens this Sunday, July 1st and runs through Monday, September 10th. If last season is any indication we are expecting another banner year for these tasty morsels. Snorkel in crystal clear water, usually waist or chest deep, over pristine grass flats and bag your limit of these delicious shellfish.
You’ll be able to find scallops north of the Homosassa River starting in about 3 feet of water and South of Chassahowitzka Point, just look for the fleet of boats, they will be everywhere! Check our website at www.HomosassaRedfish.com, for more details or call 352-382-3939, to reserve your charter, as prime dates are filling up fast. We are doing two scallop charters per day, the morning charters are from 7 to 11 AM, and the afternoon charters are from Noon to 4 PM. Don’t wait any longer to book your charter as most of July is already booked. This is a great way to cool off from the summertime heat and anyone that can swim can participate. Scalloping is the greatest family sport ever, which can be enjoyed by family members of all ages and will definitely create memories that will last a lifetime. Join the excitement and start a new family tradition that will be added to your list of “must-do’s” every year!! It’s like an underwater Easter Egg Hunt!!
Redfishing continues to be as hot as the weather! I prefer to fish the outside edges of mangrove islands, rocky points and oyster bars on an incoming tide when hunting for Reds. Cut Ladyfish, live Pinfish or especially live Shrimp continue to be the baits of choice for battling these hard fighting fish. We’re still catching many Redfish over the 27 inch slot limit! Plus, there is nothing wrong with a Redfish fillet on the grill just covered with Scallops! Check the Recipe Page on our web-site, www.HomosassaRedfish.com, for some other great recipes. As the Gulf water temperatures continue to rise, the Speckled Sea Trout continue to move further off-shore. Many Captains are reporting catching their limit within an hour in 15 feet of water. Lately it hasn’t seemed to matter, what color/flavor, try the soft MirrOlure Provokers or Lil Johns behind a Cajun Thunder as they will get hit almost as soon as they land in the water. While drifting the flats, always keep an eye open for either Stingrays or Turtles, as the Cobia will be riding their backs looking for an easy meal. There have been some huge 60 pound + Cobias brought to the cleaning table recently!
I’d like to thank everyone that submitted names for my new Young 24 Boat, www.Young-Boats.com, as there were many great suggestions. I’d especially like to thank Isabella Diaz from Palm Harbor, for submitting the winning name of the new boat, Red-Eddie or Knot! She is the winner of one FREE scallop charter for up to four guests! My new dream boat will open up many other fishing opportunities that I’m just not able to do with my 24 foot Carolina Skiff, of course, I’ll keep the Skiff, as it’s the perfect vessel for inshore/nearshore charters. Expected delivery date for the Young 24 is mid-September, who’s going to book the first charter on the new boat???
Upcoming Events
June 30 – Homosassa River Fireworks Festival
July 1 – Scallop Season Opens
July 1 – Gag Grouper Season Opens
July 3 – Full Moon
July 4 – Independence Day
July 10 – Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Season Closes
July 11 – 15 – ICAST Show, Orlando
July 25 & 26 – Lobster Mini Season