Half Day
$400
- Fishing license, bait, rods and tackle included
Homosassa • Chassahowitzka • Nature Coast
Homosassa Fishing Charters with Captain Al
Half-day ($400) and full-day ($600) inshore and nearshore fishing, up to 9 miles from shore, out of Homosassa’s quiet south end, with the license, bait, rods and tackle included. A licensed captain, local since 1997.
The Quiet Side of Homosassa
Most visitors picture Homosassa as the busy river town with marinas, restaurants and Monkey Island. Chassahowitzka Charters is on the other side of the ZIP code: at the end of Miss Maggie Drive, where the Chassahowitzka River leaves its springs and runs nearly seven miles through protected land to the Gulf.
From here, Captain Al fishes the waters he has known since 1997: the spring-fed Chassahowitzka, its tidal creeks and the shallow bays and islands of the 31,000-acre Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, which stretches north to take in part of the Homosassa River. It is some of the least developed coastline left in Florida, and it fishes like it.
Sources: SWFWMD (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (opens in a new tab).
Simple, All-Inclusive Rates
No hidden extras for the basics: your fishing license, bait, rods and tackle are part of every fishing charter.
Full Day
$600
- Fishing license, bait, rods and tackle included
Comparing Homosassa charters? Many list a starting price, then add licenses or bait. Ask any captain what is included, how many people the price covers and what the cancellation policy is. Captain Al will answer all three on the phone.
What You’ll Fish For
Species and timing depend on season, tide and current FWC rules (Big Bend region).
Redfish
Oyster bars, creek mouths and rocky points in the refuge. Open year-round, 18–27″ slot, 1 per person, 4 per vessel.
Spotted Seatrout
Shallow grass bays outside the river mouths, and deeper river holes in cold weather. Open year-round, 15–19″ slot, 5 per person.
Snook
Spring-fed rivers draw snook as the Gulf cools. Harvest closed Dec 1–end of Feb and May 1–Aug 31; 28–33″ slot.
Tarpon
Homosassa’s most famous fish shows up in the warmer months. Catch-and-release only in Florida.
Full rules and sources: Chassahowitzka fishing guide, checked November 10, 2026.
Getting Here
Chassahowitzka Charters is at 8501 W Miss Maggie Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448, at the west end of Miss Maggie Drive near the Chassahowitzka River Campground and boat ramp. Open driving directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab). This is where guests meet Captain Al. Running late or need directions? Call or text him before you leave.
Make a weekend of it: Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, with its underwater manatee observatory, is a short drive north, and the refuge’s Salt Marsh Trails are off Mason Creek Road. See our Chassahowitzka visitor guide.
Homosassa Fishing Charter FAQ
How much is a fishing charter in Homosassa with Captain Al?
A half-day fishing charter is $400 and a full day is $600. The fishing license, bait, rods and tackle are included. Call or text for scalloping and river tour prices.
Where do Captain Al’s Homosassa charters leave from?
Chassahowitzka Charters is at 8501 W Miss Maggie Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448, on the Chassahowitzka side of Homosassa, across Miss Maggie Drive from the county’s Chassahowitzka River Campground. That’s where guests meet Captain Al for their trip.
How many people can come?
It depends on the trip and the timing. Call or text Captain Al at (352) 232-2783 for group size.
Does Captain Al fish other areas like Ozello or Crystal River?
His home water is the Chassahowitzka and the Homosassa side of the refuge. If you have another area in mind, ask him about it when you call or text.
Is Captain Al licensed?
Yes. Captain Al is a licensed captain, guiding on these waters since 1997.
Is the license really included?
Yes. Captain Al’s fishing charters include the fishing license, bait, rods and tackle. Under FWC rules, anglers on a for-hire vessel with a valid charter license don’t need their own saltwater license. FWC license exemptions (opens in a new tab).
Chassahowitzka or Homosassa River: which is better?
Both are spring-fed rivers with the same inshore species and FWC limits. The Homosassa is busier, with restaurants and marinas along it. The Chassahowitzka is quieter and almost entirely protected land. Captain Al has fished the Chassahowitzka since 1997; ask him what’s best for your date.
How do I book?
Call or text Captain Al at (352) 232-2783. Booking is by phone only, and no payment or deposit is collected online.
Book by call or text
Book a Homosassa fishing charter
Call or text Captain Al with your date, the number of people and the trip you’d like. He’ll confirm availability, rates and where to meet. No payment or deposit is collected online.
Tap “Text Captain Al” and a message is started for you. Just fill in your date and group size.