CRYSTAL RIVER AND HOMOSASSA, FLORIDA OFFER AQUATIC ADVENTURES FOR SPRING, SUMMER TRAVELERS
Discover world-class fishing, manatee encounters,
scalloping, fish-to-fork dining and more
SOMETHING
VERY FISHY
These waters along the Gulf Coast are some of
the most sought-after fishing destinations for
professional and recreational anglers alike. The area is frequently showcased by experts on
top fishing shows and home to a number of high-profile fishing tournaments. Homosassa
is even know as an original Florida fishing village. But no special expertise
is required – whether freshwater or saltwater, offshore or in the flats, from
the bank or the boat, there are plenty of options for fun excursions that are
more than a little fishy.
Some of the most productive hot spots include St.
Martins Marsh and Big Bend Aquatic Seagrass Preserves, where giddy anglers
happily cast for trophy redfish, snook, and gag grouper, or even a record cobia
or tarpon on a fly. On the Chassahowitzka, Halls, Crystal or Homosassa Rivers,
visitors rave about the gin-clear freshwater springs, wild landscapes, and boatloads
of freshwater and saltwater fish. Inland, Lake Rousseau and the 30-mile long
Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes along the margin of the Withlacoochee River are
home to large-mouth bass, white bass, crappie, stripers, catfish, bowfin and
gar, making it one of Florida’s top freshwater fishing sites.
The
fishing is phenomenal year-round, but springtime and summertime are perfect for
certain species. For example, the first of two snook seasons (March 1 – April
30 and Sept. 1 – Nov. 30) and tarpon season (April-May) bring an abundance of
these fun, hard-fightin’ fish to area waters, with bull redfish (Aug. 1 – Oct.
15) being the late summer special for avid anglers.
No
matter when or where you drop a line, some of the best fishing comes with one
of the area’s accomplished guides, some of whom trace their lineage back
generations. Whether visiting with their own gear or looking for a fully
supported adventure, anglers can rely on these friendly, knowledgeable,
professional charter captains to deliver an unforgettable experience.
MEET THE MANATEES
Speaking
of unforgettable experiences, Crystal River is known as “The Manatee Capital of
the World,” and is the only places in the United States to legally have
up-close encounters with the lovable, slow-moving West Indian manatees that
inhabit the area’s pristine, spring fed waters. Tour
operators offer semi-private and private tours, ensuring visitors have the most
rewarding encounter possible, safely swimming alongside manatees in their natural
habitat. The trained local tour guides are proud stewards of the manatees,
making sure swimmers, paddlers and boaters adhere to the rules and avoid
designated sanctuary areas, treating this threatened species with the utmost
care and respect.
Visitors who prefer to leave the springs to
the manatees can still observe them in the wild from
easily accessed boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs and the Ellie Schiller
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, or by kayaking and stand-up paddle
boarding throughout Kings Bay or the Homosassa River.
While on vacation, eco-conscious visitors can
learn about the many ways local communities work to preserve the pristine
environment for manatees and other wildlife. Organizations such as Save Crystal
River, Homosassa River Restoration Project, and Discover Crystal River Florida are
working with government entities and U.S. Fish and Wildlife to restore water
quality and seagrass beds, which in turn benefit the manatees, as well as the
visitors who enjoy the unique experience of interacting and observing them in
the wild.
The official manatee season is Nov. 15 through
March 31, but Florida’s beloved state marine mammal can be found in and around
the waters of Crystal River year-round.
SUMMER SCALLOPS
Manatees
aren’t the only underwater entertainment in Crystal River and Homosassa. Scalloping
season (July 1 – Sept. 24) brings excited visitors from far and wide each
summer to hunt through the grassy shallows of the Gulf of Mexico for their
share of delicious bay scallops. Whether launching from public boat ramps on
their own, or with the help of an experienced local guide, scallopers follow
the Homosassa and Crystal Rivers to the gulf. The family-friendly
underwater adventure only requires a mask, snorkel, flippers, and a saltwater
fishing license, unless of course you go with a charter captain. Like a
Florida-style Easter Egg Hunt, scallopers float in the warm, shallow waters, searching
sea grass beds for tiny glints of the blue eyes that line the scallops shell,
working to fill their bag. An
esteemed local tradition, scalloping is a fun, easy experience and a Florida
family favorite.
“COOK YOUR CATCH” SPECIALS
In Crystal River,
Homosassa, Inverness and Floral City, the unique experiences don’t have to end
at the water’s edge. There are many local restaurants with “cook
your catch” options and mouth-watering waterfront views. After a fun full
day of fishing or scalloping, hungry visitors can enjoy their spoils courtesy
of local chefs who are experts in creating flavorful dishes that are sure to
delight. Simply call ahead to one of our participating restaurants before
bringing in your cleaned catch, and they will do the rest, transforming your trophy
into a memorable meal, complete with plenty of southern-style, home cooked
fixins’. Regardless of how it is caught or who does the cooking, the area is
known for its fresh, sustainably sourced food.
Start planning your wet
and wild spring or summertime getaway now at DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com.
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