Homosassa, Florida is a small fishing community in Citrus County. The population was 2,578 in the 2010 census. Old Homosassa is the historic area of Homosassa on both sides of the Homosassa River. There are several resorts, waterfront restaurants, fishing charters, scalloping charters, and two State Parks: the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins in Old Homosassa. There is a boat ramp to access Homosassa River at the end of West Yulee Drive, a boat parking area, and a Veterans Memorial in the Old Homosassa area. Florida Senator David W. Yulee lived in Homosassa until the Civil War.
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Exploring Nature Coast Springs
There is nothing like hopping into a 72-degree spring on a hot, humid day to cool the body and soothe the soul. Florida is graced with many natural springs, providing crystal clear, cool (some would say cold) water and the Nature Coast has a great concentration of these magical geological… Read More
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to Receive Natural Seagrass to feed its Manatees
A solution has been created to supply thousands of pounds of seagrass to feed the manatees being cared for and rehabilitated at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Seagrass naturally sheds blades of grass, much like trees shed their leaves in the winter. The seagrass, which can lose… Read More
Florida Cracker Resort: a Great Place to Monkey Around
On a quiet corner of the Homosassa River two local families have banded together celebrating “Old Florida” with a goal of preserving the tradition of Southern gentility, a culture of kindness and grace that has been disappearing all too quickly in America. Just a few miles west of U.S. 19… Read More
The True Story of Monkey Island
Originally published in 2010. Feature image by Robin Draper. Monkey Island is one of the most unique sights along Florida’s Nature Coast. A small island in the Homosassa River, easily seen from the Homosassa Riverside Resort, Monkey Island began as a solution to a sticky problem in neighboring Weeki Wachee,… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Cobia
A good push of Cobia are making their way through the Big Bend. After a week of windy weather, this weekend should be prime time to head out in search of them. Starting at 8 feet all the way out to 20 look at all your high profile rocks, wrecks and markers. Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Cobia on a Catfish
A short and sweet one this week. After a gas burning run out to 12 or 14 feet in search of cobia, I had no luck. Even some of my best mangrove snapper and grunt spots produced nothing but some small gag grouper and spot tails. Not even a spanish… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Live Bait Choices
There are many live baits on the Big Bend that I enjoy using. Shrimp is the most common live bait. It’s bought at most tackle shops. Pinfish would be the next in line for inshore and offshore fishing. The pinfish I use I catch at the spot I’m fishing. Read More
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Thanks Its Volunteers
Letter to the Editor: The staff and management of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park would like to thank our community of volunteers for their dedication of time and energy to the success of our Park. From pressure washing sidewalks and building fences to caring for wildlife and… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Fishing Tips for Windy Conditions
With a windy week ahead of us on the Big Bend, here are a few tips to help you catch some fish. Tucking in behind keys or inside of bays is one of my first choices, but make sure that there is a deep water exit so you don’t… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: West Coast Slam
After some tough winds last week, this week looks a lot more usable for us anglers. Getting close to the full moon can make some good incoming tides for great inshore fishing. With good moving water, look for schools of mullet. I was out today, and I saw plenty… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Inshore or Offshore
If there are two months on the Big Bend that I tell anglers are the best ones to fish, they are April and October. These two months have similarities because the water temperatures are best for inshore and offshore species. Offshore during April, you can target mangrove snapper, hogfish, cobia, kingfish,… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Inshore or Offshore
Inshore or offshore, depending on the weather you can find some fish. Starting offshore, our pelagic fish are starting to push north like Spanish mackerel, kingfish and cobia. In the 8-to-15-foot range there are plenty of Spanish mackerel and many anglers are catching them on soft plastics meant for sea trout. Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Catch a Keeper Snook
If you’re looking for good fishing action, head out to the Foul Area. High easterly winds have been the norm on the Big Bend, so close inshore tides can be low and shallow flats can be hard to navigate. The open waters can take away the worries of running aground… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Fishing over the Bombing Range
After a week of ‘not chamber of commerce weather’, like the rest of us anglers, I’m ready to get past the river and backcountry. On calm seas this time of year I like to head out northwest of the St. Martins Keys to the Bombing Range. Around the time change is when… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Snook & Mangrove Snapper
Looking at one more winter push and hoping this is the last one. Blustery conditions may shut down an offshore trip this weekend, but our Big Bend Rivers and backcountry can offer some protection and a few fish. The water temperatures are in the low 70’s so I don’t believe… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish & Snook
March brings in new opportunities for fish on the Big Bend with some pelagics and some homesteaders. On the pelagic side look for Spanish mackerel and bluefish to move through in the 6-to-12-foot range. When I target these fish, I use a long shank hook instead of wire leader because of the fish’s sharp… Read More
Nestled in heavy forest between US 19 and the Gulf of Mexico is a magical area of Citrus County: Old Homosassa.
Watered by several spring fed rivers, Citrus County residents enjoy the area’s great natural beauty, small town charm and myriad of outdoor activities.
Homosassa is the home of the Yulee Sugar Mill State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, Monkey Island, and Old Homosassa. A delightful fishing village, Homosassa has been considered a sports lover’s paradise since the early 1900s.
It was a destination for wealthy and prominent Americans such as Grover Cleveland, Thomas Edison, John Jacob Astor and Winslow Homer.
General resorts, B & Bs and RV parks make Old Homosassa a fun and easy weekend getaway for NatureCoasters™.
Not only are the land and sea beautiful and bountiful, but the people are also friendly and accomodating. There is great food, from pressed Cubans to fresh locally caught seafood, all-you-can-eat crab and Cajun delights at reasonable prices.
Several talented artists reside here, creating and selling their wares in quaint “cracker” homes converted to gift shops, studios and resort lobbies.
Potters, glass artists, copper sculptors, painters, and carvers seem to be drawn to this natural area with its abundance of native flora and fauna.
From the last part of June to the last partof September each year, you can go “scalloping” with a charter and hunt for these tasty morsels with a snorkel mask and a bag for your bounty.
The healthy seagrass beds of this area provide a home to Bay Scallops, a simple, delectable, aquatic bivalve. (See our feature article on Scalloping here!)
Fishing is plentiful on the Homosassa River, as are manatee sightings, kayaks, pontoons, and airboat rides.
Several big fishing tournaments are held in Homosassa throughout the year!
There is often live music on the weekends at several Old Homsassa locations, including MacRae’s Shed, the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar, and Crump’s Landing.
Oh, and did I forget to mention the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park?
For a small admission ($13) you will be treated to a boat ride down the river (canceled during COVID-19 precautions – check with the Park for current information), see manatees and a vortex of thousands of native Florida fish, bobcats, panthers, alligators, snakes, river otters and birds, birds, birds – including American Bald Eagles.
The whole community seems to volunteer at the Wildlfie Park, which adds to the warm feeling I get every time I visit. You will too.
Homosassa’s community is a joy to visit, so plan to take a little trip off the beaten path of US 19 and enjoy this thriving enclave today.
