Hello fellow flyfishers,
I am new to the board and new to Homosassa, FL. Anyone out there in the general area? I am looking for a local fly fishing club where I can become involved in local conservation efforts and meet other fly fishermen. I am also in the market for a flats boat and any opinions on very skinny water boats would be welcome. I am aware of Hells Bay and Maverick HPX models, but am looking for other more affordable alternatives. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
If you’re looking for a cheap way out you may want to consider this …
[url=http://www.paddle-fishing.com:124b7]http://www.paddle-fishing.com[/url:124b7]
You could get rigged for $1,000 + or - depending on what you want/need.
Kayaks go in VERY skinny water and they are also allowed in waters that combustibles aren’t. According to my DeLORME, Homosassa looks very kayak friendly. All you need is a break in the bushes to launch one. Of course, this is taking into consideration you’re not trespassing on private property.
Oh, forgot … as far as joining a group, CCA (Coastal Conservation Assoc.) would be something to consider. They aren’t specifically fly fishing but they are here for all anglers. They also have a local chapter in Citrus Co. where you are. Or in Hernando to the south if you prefer.
Welcome aboard J.A. I’m a little closer to the east coast (I primarily fish Titusville). CCA, formerly FCA, isn’t a “club” so to speak, but a great organization that gets involved in recreational political issues. Years ago we saved the redfish from extinction through political pressure on a state level. The net ban in Florida was CCA’s highlight which brought back our baitfish, trout, mullet stocks, etc.
I’m a little spoiled since I owned a Hewes Redfisher for many years, but you’re right, they’ve become very expensive.
Homosassa, and you probably already know this, is a premier tarpon hot spot in May with fish in the 200 lb class. 12 wt. rods ad 4/0 flies!!! (and back-breaking fights). In as far as boats, look around for used Hewes’, there are some pretty nice deals out there, rare, but possible.
Be careful though, some of the passes around there are pretty rocky…talk to the locals. You’re a little far north for snook, but a few miles south in the Tampa Bay area there is some good snook fishing. Reds and trout in the Homosassa area ain’t bad.
?If I had to live my life over and only carry one learned thing with me on my new journey, it would have to be, without a doubt, fishing.?
The Flats Dude
Thanks for the welcome aboard LadyFlyfisher and the prompt replies fellows. I have been studying the Homosassa and Chasowhitzka bay areas on maps and talking to a lot of local fishermen at very cool river side watering hole called the “Shed”. The bottom here is very hard and rocky, lots of oysters. Per the locals, you haven’t been initiated into Homosassa flats fishing until you loose at least one lower unit. As luck would have it, I located a 2003 Maverick HPX-T for sale locally at a very decent price, considering they are over $30k new. So, tomorrow I am heading to the flats for a day of fishing and checking out the HPX, things are looking up!
Eponymous says, “Homosossa is also home to World Woods. The finest public Golf facility in the US. If you are into that sort of thing.”
World Woods had two courses (plus three “warm up holes”). Of the two courses, ask to play the Pine Barrens. A challenging and very interesting 18 holes of golf.
Oh, almost forgot. About 2/3 of the way out to the gulf on the Chassahowitzka is a very small campground on an island complete with a small boat dock and privy.
However, I’d wait until a couple of frosts or early Spring to try that one out. Skeeters and no-see-ums are way too abundant right now. Looks interesting though if you’re into that sort of thing.
