Redfish Fishing on the Nature Coast

Targeting Redfish in the pristine waters of Homosassa and Crystal River delivers some of the most exciting and visual inshore fishing available anywhere in Florida. The Nature Coast's expansive shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and backwater creeks support enormous Redfish populations.

The gin-clear water makes sight-casting to tailing fish a realistic, adrenaline-charged pursuit. Capt. Jim Lemke specializes in locating and presenting to Redfish in water so shallow the boat must be poled by hand.

Best Times to Catch Redfish

Redfish are available year-round on the Nature Coast, but fall is widely considered the prime season. September through December brings large schools of bull Reds to the flats, and the cooling water temperatures make the fish highly aggressive on both natural baits and artificials.

Summer offers excellent sight-fishing opportunities to smaller slot fish on the grass flats during early morning low tides.

Tactics and Gear

When pursuing Redfish, we utilize premium light spinning tackle and tournament-grade fly gear to ensure the best possible presentation and fight. Live pinfish, cut mullet, and live shrimp are the most reliable natural baits, while gold spoons, paddle tail jigs, and weedless soft plastics are highly effective artificials.

On fly, a properly presented crab or shrimp pattern dropped just ahead of a tailing Red in two feet of water is one of the most satisfying moments in inshore fishing.

Book a Redfish Charter

Whether you want to sight-fish tailing Reds or target large schools in the fall, Capt. Jim can put you on the fish. Book your Nature Coast Redfish charter today.