Tarpon Fishing in Homosassa, Florida
Tarpon are the ultimate inshore game fish, known for their massive size and breathtaking acrobatics. Homosassa is famous for large migratory tarpon that pass through the area in the late spring and early summer, making it one of Florida’s top big tarpon destinations. These silver kings can be spotted rolling in calm water and often require stealth, precision, and patience.
Where to Catch Tarpon
In the Homosassa area, tarpon are typically found around:
Clear flats near river mouths and shoreline troughs
Outside points and channel edges with tide flow
Migration lanes along the coast in late spring
Back bays and basins during early mornings or calm days
Best Time to Fish for Tarpon
| Season | Tarpon Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Migration begins; fish spotted near outside flats and passes |
| Summer | Peak season with large tarpon actively feeding |
| Fall | Action tapers off as fish begin to migrate south |
| Winter | Tarpon are rare; focus shifts to resident juveniles in backwaters |
Peak Season: May through July
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Large soft plastics, swimbaits, or heavy twitchbaits
Bait: Live crabs, threadfin herring, or mullet
Leaders: 60–80 lb fluorocarbon leader
Technique: Sight fish migrating tarpon early in the morning; long casts and quiet approaches are key
