Fly Fish the Nature Coast

homosassa backcountry fishing

Florida is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground; especially if you enjoy being in, on or around water. With over 18% of Florida being water; it is no secret why Florida is America’s #1 vacation destination. From beautiful white sandy beaches, to miles and miles of marsh grass lined coastline, backwater swamps, protected estuaries and bays, and of course those incredible spring-fed rivers, Florida has you covered no matter how you like to get wet. However, for many residents—and tourists alike, it’s what’s below the surface of the water that really peaks our interests. Because when it comes to fishing, Florida is considered the fishing capital of the world.

Although the entire state of Florida offers up an amazing fishery, Homosassa along the nature coast is by far one of the most beautiful and abundant areas within the state. Fly fishermen from around the globe congregate to these crystal clear waters to sight fish for all the inshore and near shore species. Homosassa is a special place for a variety of reasons. It’s a place where the crystal clear, spring-fed waters of the Crystal River, Chassahowitzka River and Homosassa River converge to offer up nutrient rich, warm waters that the local inhabitants thrive on. This includes redfish, snook, black drum, sea trout, flounder, tarpon and much more. Poling through the shallow water flats that are protected by a maze of mangrove islands and oyster bars provide a sight fisherman’s dream scenario.

Although the Homosassa area is home to resident tarpon, it’s the annual tarpon migration that gets the adrenaline pumping for many local anglers. Every year during late spring through early fall, giant tarpon move into the Homosassa area. Fly fishermen from around the globe flock to the area to chase the silver king. The incredibly clear waters offer up rare glimpses of these massive 150+ pound fish as they cruise the flats in search of food. As the water temps grow warmer, more and more tarpon can be found moving in. Sight casting a fly to one of these behemoths is an experience like no other. The stripping of the line, the long, hard runs and the aerial display that these fish put off will have you begging for more.

Captain Brian Sawyer here at Old South Expeditions is a local guide that specializes in inshore fly fishing. Brian grew up fishing the backwaters of Homosassa and knows the area better than anyone. When booking a trip with Captain Sawyer, you can be certain that he will do whatever it takes to put you on a fish of a lifetime. Book now, the tarpon are here!

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