Half-day · Full-day · Contact to book
Charters and Services
Inshore Fishing Charters
Captain Toney offers half-day and full-day inshore fishing charters on the waters surrounding Homosassa, Florida. His primary targets include redfish, seatrout, snook, cobia, tripletail, and inshore grouper, with additional species like sheepshead, mangrove snapper, black drum, and tarpon available depending on the season.
Every charter includes rods, reels, terminal tackle, live bait, ice, a Florida fishing license, and fish cleaning and packaging at the end of the trip. All you need to bring is sunscreen, sunglasses, food and drinks for yourself, and a cooler to take your catch home.
Charters accommodate up to four anglers. Captain Toney’s 23′ Tremblay flats boat provides a spacious, stable platform whether you’re sight-casting on the flats or working deeper channels and creeks.
To check availability and book your charter, contact Captain Toney directly at 352-422-4141 or CaptainWilliamToney@gmail.com.
Fly Fishing
For anglers who prefer fly action, Captain Toney offers dedicated fly fishing charters. The shallow grass flats and clear water around Homosassa are ideal fly fishing territory, with opportunities to sight-cast to redfish, snook, and seatrout. Captain Toney has extensive experience poling for fly anglers and can accommodate all skill levels. If you’ve never fly fished in saltwater before, he’s happy to help you get started. If you’re an experienced fly angler looking for world-class sight fishing, you’ve come to the right place.
Shore Lunch
The traditional Homosassa shore lunch is one of the most unique experiences on the Nature Coast. After a morning of fishing, Captain Toney will take you to a secluded island, fillet your fresh catch, and prepare a hot meal right on the shore. This tradition has been part of the Homosassa guiding culture for generations, and Captain Toney is one of the few active guides who still offers it. A shore lunch can be added to any full-day charter.
Scalloping (Seasonal)
During Florida’s summer scalloping season (typically July through September), Captain Toney offers scalloping trips on the grass flats near Homosassa. Scalloping is a family-friendly activity that involves snorkeling in shallow, clear water and hand-picking bay scallops from the sea grass. It’s one of the most popular warm-weather activities on the Nature Coast. Contact Captain Toney for current season dates and availability.
Scenic River Tours, Birding, and Snorkeling
Not every trip has to involve a fishing rod. Captain Toney also leads scenic tours of the Homosassa River and surrounding backcountry, offering a chance to see manatees, dolphins, ospreys, and the unspoiled natural beauty that makes this area special. These trips are perfect for families, photographers, and nature lovers. Birding-focused excursions are available as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a charter with Captain Toney?
Every charter includes all fishing rods, reels, and tackle, along with live bait, ice, a Florida saltwater fishing license, and fish cleaning and packaging at the end of the trip. You just need to bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, food and drinks for yourself, and a cooler to take your catch home.
How many people can fish on a charter?
Captain Toney’s 23′ Tremblay flats boat accommodates up to four anglers comfortably. Two anglers is ideal for sight fishing and working the flats. Larger groups of three or four work well for general inshore fishing and shore lunch trips.
Do I need to bring my own fishing rod or tackle?
No. Captain Toney provides all fishing equipment. However, if you prefer to fish with your own rods and reels, you’re welcome to bring them.
Do I need a Florida fishing license?
No. Your fishing license is covered as part of the charter. Captain Toney carries the required charter license that covers all anglers on board.
What should I wear and bring on the boat?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty. Bring polarized sunglasses (essential for sight fishing), sunscreen, a hat, rain gear if weather is uncertain, food and drinks for the day, and a cooler with ice for your catch. Captain Toney provides a built-in cooler on the boat, but a personal cooler for transport home is helpful.
What fish can I catch in Homosassa?
Homosassa’s inshore waters are home to a wide variety of game fish year-round. The most commonly targeted species include redfish, seatrout (speckled trout), snook, cobia, tripletail, and inshore grouper. Depending on the season, you may also encounter tarpon, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, black drum, flounder, and Spanish mackerel.
What is the best time of year to fish in Homosassa?
Fishing in Homosassa is productive year-round, with each season offering different opportunities. Spring brings excellent seatrout action and the beginning of cobia and tarpon season. Summer is prime time for tarpon, scalloping, snook, and tripletail. Fall is peak redfish season, with large schools moving onto the flats. Winter offers great seatrout, sheepshead, and redfish fishing in the backcountry creeks and channels. Captain Toney adjusts his approach with the seasons and always targets whatever species is biting best on any given day.
What is a shore lunch?
A shore lunch is a Homosassa tradition where your guide takes you to a secluded island during the trip, fillets your fresh catch, and cooks it on the spot. Captain Toney is one of the few guides on the Nature Coast who still offers this experience. It can be added to any full-day charter and is one of the most memorable parts of a trip to Homosassa.
Can beginners and kids fish with Captain Toney?
Absolutely. Captain Toney has decades of experience working with anglers of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned veterans. He is patient, encouraging, and genuinely enjoys introducing new anglers to the sport. Kids are always welcome aboard.
How far in advance should I book?
Captain Toney’s calendar fills quickly, especially during peak seasons (spring tarpon, summer scalloping, and fall redfish). Booking several weeks to a few months in advance is recommended. For tarpon season and holiday weekends, booking as early as possible is advised.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety always comes first. If conditions are unsafe, Captain Toney will work with you to reschedule your trip. Light rain and overcast skies often make for excellent fishing, so trips are rarely cancelled for anything other than high winds, lightning, or severe weather.
Where do I meet Captain Toney?
Meeting location and launch site details are provided when you confirm your booking. The launch point varies depending on conditions, tides, and the plan for the day. Captain Toney will give you specific directions when you schedule your trip.
Can Captain Toney accommodate fly fishing beginners?
Yes. While Homosassa is known as a destination for experienced fly anglers, Captain Toney is happy to work with anyone who wants to try saltwater fly fishing for the first time. He can provide instruction on casting, presentation, and reading the water.
Book Your Trip
Captain Toney’s charters book well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Contact him directly to check availability and plan your trip.