Offshore and Inshore Angling Adventure

Serious anglers have been hooked on Citrus County for generations. And with its teeming lakes, rivers, estuaries and the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no surprise that the area is fabled for fishing. Few destinations can offer the variety of angling experiences found in The Water Lover’s Florida.

Fishing in Homosassa, Florida

Spectacular Sport Fishing from East to West

You can bring your lightest-weight fly rod, your favorite fast-taper bass rod, your deep-sea rig or your crappie stick. Because no matter what kind of fishing you prefer, you’ll find success somewhere in Citrus County.

Inshore anglers won’t want to miss the renowned bass fishing found in Inverness and Floral City. The Tsala Apopka lake chain boasts some of the very best freshwater fishing you’ll find anywhere. And fish attractors in several lakes—including Big Henderson and Little Henderson East lakes in Inverness, Lake South in Floral City, and Lake Todd and Hernando Lake in Hernando—draw species year round. Largemouth bass, crappie and panfish (especially bluegill) are common catches. Seasonally, the best fishing times are typically from January through March/April for bass, from April/May through September for bluegill, and from November through January for crappie.

Citrus County boasts seven beautiful rivers, with the Crystal and Homosassa Rivers especially beloved by fishers and boaters. Redfish, trout and jacks are common river catches there, especially in the cooler months. The grassy flats and estuaries where the rivers meet the Gulf are ideal for tackling several species, including the tarpon that school there in spring. (Kayak fishing offers a fun way to reach many otherwise inaccessible estuaries.)

Crystal River and Homosassa on the Gulf of Mexico are your gateways to saltwater angling excitement. Popular saltwater catches include cobia, red grouper, mackerel, gag grouper, grey snapper, hogfish, sheepshead, snook and triggerfish. Massive tarpon, redfish and more are also common catches offshore, especially in the warmer months.

Many visitors also make a splash in Citrus County’s Gulf waters every year during recreational scalloping season.

Start Your Angling Adventure

Not sure where to begin your fishing trip? Consider hiring one of Citrus County’s licensed fishing guides. These professionals can help you make the most of your trip by taking you to the very best fishing spots.

A variety of marinas are also available to put in your boat, and many offer rentals as well. From there, consider heading to one of Citrus County’s three artificial reef locations. These have permanent fish attractors that draw potential catches.

If a sudden desire to fish catches you without a license, you can take care of the formalities right online through the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. The site also has complete rules and regulations for all types of fishing.

Click here for the latest tide information.