From the time of the ancient people and through modern times Citrus County and its three spring fed rivers has been a fisherman’s paradise. Anglers come from across the country and world to experience the fine coastal and freshwater fishery our area provides. Depending on your preference or style of fishing Citrus County can accommodate most every angler’s desire to have a lasting memory of a good day on the water. We have some of the best guides in the state who specialize in offshore, inshore in the Gulf of Mexico or our fresh water rivers and lakes. One thing I do know is that our guides care about the environment that they work in daily and make a conscious effort to keep it pristine so the anglers will have the best experience possible.
For anglers who are looking to head out into the offshore we have three deep rivers to run out of. The Withlacoochee, Crystal and Homosassa Rivers have ports and captains with comfortable vessels to run offshore to catch gag grouper, red grouper, red snapper, mangrove snapper and other seasonal species. Some of our captains do offer overnight and famous Florida middle ground trips for the adventurous anglers.
Being an inshore angler myself I do have to brag on Citrus County’s coastal and flats fishing. With the three major rivers there are also two more jumping off spots with generational local guides. Ozello and the Chassahowitzka river are at the front gate of very good inshore fishing. As a guide I call these three fish my bread and butter: depending on conditions redfish, snook and spotted seatrout can be caught on most every trip. If it’s a warm day in the summer or cool day in the winter some of the other species of fish that can be caught are pompano, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, spanish mackerel and jack crevalle. During late spring and early summer Citrus County is host to world class and world record tarpon fishing. Anglers travel here every year to catch a tarpon on the fly and possibly set a new world record.
For the best freshwater fishing there are guides who specialize in trophy largemouth bass or some good eating crappie and panfish. The Withlacoochee river, Lake Rousseau and the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes on the east side of Citrus County has a lifetime of freshwater angling.
For anglers who have their own vessels our county has many public boat ramps to get you on the water. Usually near the ramps there are quaint fish camps or upscale resorts to relax after a day’s fishing and nearby are great places to eat. Some restaurants will even cook your fresh catch. Whatever your choice of fishing I’m sure you can find it all right here in Citrus County.
Captain William Toney
Homosassa Inshore Fishing
Call 352-422-4141 to Book Your Charter