Heart of Homosassa
Homosassa, FL
Experience an angler's paradise in this private home featuring a master bedroom with an en-suite bath, a second bedroom with a queen bed, and a third bedroom equipped with full-size bunk beds. The well-appointed kitchen is ready to fuel your adventures, and the enclosed patio with a grill is ideal for enjoyable post-fishing feasts.
Conveniently situated near Crystal River and Homosassa Springs, you can relish fishing, memorable manatee encounters, island nightlife, and excellent dining options. You'll have full access to the home, excluding the garage, and convenient backyard boat parking accessible through the side gate.
Outdoor Access
Scalloping
Scallop Tours in Homosassa offer an exhilarating and educational experience suitable for the entire family. Dive into the pristine and crystal-clear waters of the Nature Coast, immersing yourself in snorkeling adventures in depths ranging from 2 to 4 feet. As you explore this underwater world, you'll encounter a diverse array of marine life, including small tropical and semi-tropical fish, turtles, seahorses, conch shells, as well as hard and soft corals, and vibrant sponges. The star of the show, of course, is the scallops, a delightful sight to behold. After an exciting day of underwater exploration, savor the delectable bay scallops for a well-deserved treat.
Fishing:
Homosassa, on Florida's "Nature Coast," offers a perfect retreat for those seeking unspoiled wilderness and exceptional fishing experiences. Three rivers wind through backcountry and flats, leading to the bay and the Gulf of Mexico, all while passing through numerous nature reserves.
Homosassa's diverse ecosystems provide a variety of fish species, catering to both novice and experienced anglers. You can find Redfish and Spotted Seatrout in abundance in the Homosassa, Crystal, and Chassahowitzka Rivers. They are particularly exciting catches, with opportunities to target them in the shallow waters of Homosassa Bay and Saint Martins Keys during summer. Spring is prime time for Tarpon, and Snook become more active in warmer weather. The Gulf waters near Homosassa teem with Snappers and Groupers, including year-round Mangrove Snappers and fall/winter Gag Groupers. For larger catches, venture to the offshore "Middle Grounds." Pursue Cobia primarily in spring, while Amberjack are available year-round, peaking in spring or late fall.
Homosassa offers a wealth of productive fishing spots, accommodating various preferences, whether you prefer fishing on foot, with a guide, or on your vessel. Notable options include the Chassahowitzka River, known as "The Chass," which provides year-round opportunities for saltwater species. The Homosassa River consistently yields fruitful catches throughout the year, with peak action during spring and summer. The Roger Goettelman Memorial Fishing Pier in Crystal River extends 170 feet into the bay, offering excellent fishing opportunities. Saint Martins Keys, with its productive mangroves, stands out as an ideal spot, particularly for Redfish during the summer season. The Black Rock Hole is the go-to location for Tarpon enthusiasts, renowned for its history of world-record fly Silver King catches. Whether you venture 15 miles or 100 miles offshore, the Gulf of Mexico surrounding Homosassa promises encounters with abundant bottom-dwelling species year-round.
The fishing season in Homosassa remains active throughout the year, with spring through summer offering particularly fruitful periods. Keep in mind specific regulations for certain species, such as Red Snapper, Scallops, and Gag Grouper, which have strict seasons and size/bag limits. Most saltwater charters include fishing licenses, and pier entrance fees often cover license costs. If you plan to fish independently, ensure you obtain the necessary permit. Enjoy your angler's paradise in the untouched beauty of Florida's Nature Coast, free from the distractions of larger fishing towns.
Waterfowl Hunting:
Waterfowl hunting in Florida spans from September to January, with various sub-seasons for different waterfowl species. Homosassa offers diverse hunting opportunities in backwaters, marsh grass areas, and coastal regions along its coastal system. The region's temperate climate provides both comfort for hunters and ideal conditions for migratory waterfowl in terms of temperature, food, and shelter.
The specific waterfowl species that hunters can expect to encounter in Homosassa may vary depending on the season and local conditions. Some common species include the mottled duck, known for its distinctive mottled brown plumage; wood ducks, recognized for their vibrant plumage and preference for wooded wetlands; and blue-winged teal, among the early migrants to Florida for the winter. Other species include northern pintails, northern shovelers, ring-necked ducks, gadwalls, American wigeons, redheads, canvasbacks, black ducks, and common mergansers, each with its unique characteristics and habitat preferences.
Homosassa provides a rich and varied environment for waterfowl hunters to explore.
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area (WMA):
The Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a vast protected area located ten miles north of Weeki Wachee in Hernando County, Florida. It encompasses 24,243 acres of sandhill, mesic hammock, and forested wetland habitats, including three satellite tracts nearby. In conjunction with the neighboring Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, the WMA preserves the largest continuous block of habitat in this region of Florida, home to a remnant population of Florida black bear, gopher tortoises, Sherman's fox squirrel, and many imperiled snake species. Additionally, underwater caves, such as Buford Spring and Eagle's Nest Sink, house populations of troglobitic invertebrate species.
Hunting for white-tailed deer, feral hog, and small game is productive at this WMA, with general gun season being especially popular. However, it is important to note that the area is also popular with the cave-diving community, and both caves have claimed lives, making safety an important consideration for all visitors.
Kayaking in Homosassa:
Explore the Nature Coast Canoe and Kayak Trail, a 20-mile paddling adventure that winds through salt marshes from Fort Island Trail Park to Mason Creek, extending beyond to the Chassahowitzka River Campground in Homosassa. This trail is part of segment 7 of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, managed by the Florida Park Service's Office of Greenways and Trails.
As you paddle along this scenic route, you'll pass through the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve and the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, providing an opportunity
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