Once you’ve snapped a picture of yourself with this manatee mamma, just pop it onto our Web site for the world to see. Fun is always Crystal clear with this unforgettable traveling companion! |
Paddling is a unique opportunity to get closer to the nature that flourishes in the waterways of Citrus County. And paddling is the prime outdoor sport to enjoy during the warm summer season. If you plan your trip right, you can ensure that you visit areas that are perfect for cooling off. The Crystal River, The Homosassa River and the Chassahowitzka River offer extensive paddling opportunities. Each boasts easy access to crystal clear springs that will chill you down completely after or during a satisfying paddle. Experienced guides are also available to show you the area, or visit their shops for trip ideas and advice for going it alone. A complete list of businesses catering to the paddler is available at VisitCitrus.com/canoeing.asp
|
The balmy evenings of August present an ideal opportunity to do a little night fishing in Citrus County. This month, the full moon will means it’s prime tarpon time on the Nature Coast. Deep holes and channel edges are good starting points. And Mirro Lures Top Dogs, D. O. A. Bait Busters, Bomber Long A's are great artificials. For live bait, nothing will beat an 8" to 10" mullet. One of the first tarpon that I ever saw jumped was with my father. It was late evening, and we were dead baiting with mullet at a hole in the river. When I was younger we would spend summer evenings in the boat eating fried chicken and waiting for the clicker on the reel to sound off. The method was simple, and we always had a great time. The other moon of the month, the new moon, will be the start of some super redfishing. Redfish usually begin to school this month, and the schools will grow in numbers up into October. Ozello and the St. Martins Keys are the area hot spots for slot-sized reds. For big bull reds, the spoil banks north of Crystal River are the best bet. For bait, free-lined live pinfish or shrimp drifted under a cork work the best because of the floating grass. If there is a spot without floating grass, Johnson gold spoons and D.O. A. jerk shads will produce fish. To catch some sea trout, plan on heading out to deep water. Homosassa drops about a foot per mile, and the depth for trout is around 12' to 15'. Use 1/4-ounce jig heads with newpenney or rootbeer tails and fish them very slow near the bottom. While you’re out there, keep an eye out for rock piles. Mangrove snapper flock to these rocks, and fresh, live shrimp will get the bite. Scalloping is still going strong, and they are growing larger in size compared to last month. Crowds will be less this month, so come and enjoy nature’s bounty. If you have any questions or need any friendly advice about the Homosassa area, just give me a call. I’m always ready to “hook you up” with the information you need for a fantastic fishing trip! Capt. William Toney |
These tasty bivalves drift through the Gulf waters outside our rivers during the warm summer months. The best part is that they are easily nabbed with nothing more than a snorkel, a mask and a mesh bag. It’s a perfectly affordable day on the water that’s fun for children and adults alike. There are a variety of businesses throughout Citrus County that offer everything you’ll need to plan the perfect scalloping getaway. Go to VisitCitrus.com/scalloping.asp to learn more.
|
You’ve gone out on the boat, and you’re as tan—or as pink—as you want to be for today. Why not head into a nice cool museum for a different kind of entertainment? The Coastal Heritage Museum on Citrus Avenue in Crystal River features local history inside the building built in 1829 that was the first home of Crystal River government. Or head toward the east side of the County to Inverness and visit The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum. Built in 1912 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Courthouse is a priceless part of Citrus County's heritage. The displays and artwork rotate throughout the year. Check out our events calendar for more information (go to VisitCitrus.com and click on the events calendar image at the bottom). Find out more about Citrus County museums at VisitCitrus.com/museums.asp. |
|
Native Sun Tours operates out of Ozello, Florida, halfway between Crystal River and Homosassa. From this pristine, undeveloped area of “Real Florida,” they operate airboat and pontoon tours. They take great strides to give their customers personal attention and even go so far as to set the maximum capacity to only 6 people. “I love the area and love being out here, so I tend to not stick to a strict time schedule during my tours. If we see wildlife, we’ll spend some time watching it. And if the sunset is just perfect, we’ll spend the extra time to take it all in,” says Capt. Russ. In addition to narrated and informative tours of the area, Native Sun Tours also does the “SCALLOPALOOZA!” Capt. Russ will take you out to the scalloping grounds so you can catch your dinner! Native Sun Tours contact information can be found at VisitCitrus.com/boating.asp or at NativeSunTours.com. |
Add some sea cow-sized excitement to your next vacation adventure with Crystal the Manatee. She’s available on 
Submitted by Capt. William Toney – 4 th Generation Homosassa Fishing Guide 
Scallop season is upon us and runs from July 1 through September 10th. 
