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Full Day Redfish Inshore Trip Homosassa FL
- Published Date: December 31, 2025
- Fishing
- $100 - $900 price range
Summary
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Epic Day Catches
Full Day Fishing Trip - Redfish, Flounder and More
Looking for a serious day on the water? This 8-hour private inshore charter with Captain Quintin Valls gives you the full Florida fishing experience around Homosassa. We're talking about hitting multiple spots, working different techniques, and really getting into some fish. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – you'll have time to learn the waters, dial in your technique, and make the most of what these flats have to offer. Starting at 7 AM from Carter Road, we'll spend the day aboard a roomy 24-foot Tremblay that handles these shallow waters like a dream. With space for up to six anglers, this trip lets you fish at your own pace while targeting the species that make Florida's Nature Coast famous.
What to Expect on the Water
Full-day trips are where the magic happens. Instead of racing against the clock, you get to really work an area when the fish are biting. Captain Quintin knows these waters inside and out, from the grass flats near the Homosassa River to the deeper channels where the big reds cruise. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is flexibility – if the trout are schooled up in one spot, we can stay and capitalize. If the tide's right for working the mangroves for snook, we've got time to make that move. You'll learn to read the water, understand how tides affect fish movement, and pick up techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip. The 24-foot Tremblay gives us the range to hit both shallow flats and deeper structure, plus the stability for comfortable fishing all day long.
Techniques and Tackle
Inshore fishing here is all about matching your approach to the conditions and target species. We'll work with live bait – pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp – as well as artificial lures depending on what's working best. For redfish, we might pitch soft plastics to the edges of grass beds or work topwater plugs early in the morning when they're feeding aggressively. Trout fishing often means working the grass flats with jigs or suspending baits, while snook require a more precise approach around structure. The boat carries quality spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky sheepshead to strong reds pushing 30 inches. You'll get hands-on experience with different presentations – from sight-casting to schooling fish to working baits along drop-offs. Captain Quintin takes the time to explain why we're using specific techniques, so you're not just catching fish but actually learning the craft.
Top Catches This Season
Redfish are the bread and butter of Homosassa inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to oversized bulls that'll test your tackle and technique. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive strikes and powerful runs – they'll take you into the grass or around structure if you're not ready. Peak season runs from fall through spring, but we catch them year-round. Sea trout are another staple, with gator trout – those big females over 20 inches – being real prizes. They're most active in cooler months and love working grass flats in 3-6 feet of water. Snook are the glamour species here, ambush predators that hang around mangroves, docks, and structure. They're temperature sensitive, so spring and fall offer the best action, and they're known for explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Sheepshead might not win beauty contests, but they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. They're structure-oriented and require finesse – think of them as the freshwater crappie of the salt. Summer flounder round out the slam possibilities, especially during warmer months when they move into the shallows to feed. They're masters of camouflage and provide excellent table fare.
Time to Book Your Spot
This full-day charter represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. Eight hours gives you the chance to experience different fishing styles, work various locations, and really understand what makes Homosassa's inshore fishery so special. Captain Quintin's local knowledge combined with quality equipment and prime fishing grounds creates the perfect setup for both learning and catching. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, introduce someone to inshore fishing, or just enjoy a full day away from the dock, this trip delivers. The Homosassa area consistently produces fish, and the full-day format means you're not watching the clock when the bite gets hot. Book with Mason Creek Outfitters and get ready for the kind of day that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish are the kings of the flats, averaging 20-28 inches with those signature black spots near the tail. They patrol skinny water from 6 inches to 6 feet deep, cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing is good here, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes them special is that powerful fight and willingness to eat almost anything. They're also fantastic table fare when kept in the slot. Watch for tailing fish or nervous water, then cast ahead of their path. Use topwater plugs early and late, switch to jigs and spoons during midday. Keep the boat in deeper water and wade or cast to the shallows.
Sea Trout
Spotted sea trout are our bread-and-butter fish, typically 14-18 inches with bigger "gator trout" running 20+ inches and 3-5 pounds. They cruise grass flats and shallow bays in 2-8 feet, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active in comfortable water temps. Guests enjoy their willingness to bite and that distinctive "drumming" sound they make. They're also great eating with delicate, flaky meat. Key tip: work topwater plugs and soft plastics slowly over the grass. Listen for that popping sound they make when feeding - it'll lead you right to the school. Don't horse them in; their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook easily.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, typically running 2-5 pounds around here. They live around any hard structure - docks, bridges, rocks - where they can pick barnacles and crabs with those human-like teeth. Winter and spring are best when they school up for spawning. Anglers love the challenge because they're notorious bait thieves, requiring perfect timing and sharp hooks. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook at the first sign of weight.
Snook
Snook are one of Florida's premier gamefish, running 18-30 inches on average but capable of hitting 40+ inches. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridge pilings - anywhere they can ambush prey in 2-10 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight once hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the key: get your bait tight to cover and be ready - they'll hit hard then immediately try to wrap you around the nearest piling. Use heavy enough tackle to turn them quick.
Summer Flounder
Summer flounder are the masters of camouflage on our sandy and muddy bottoms. Most run 15-20 inches, but we see plenty of "doormat" fish pushing 5-6 pounds. They hang out in 6-20 feet of water around structure transitions, creek mouths, and drop-offs. Fall is prime time - September through November when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. Guests love the challenge of feeling that subtle tap, then the strong pull once you set the hook. Plus, they're hard to beat on the dinner plate. Pro tip: use a slow retrieve and pause often. When you feel that light pickup, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to fully take the bait.
About the Tremblay 1989
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 42
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 175
