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Tarpon Key Lodge is located on the beautiful Homosassa River and is surrounded by many fun and interesting activities. From airboats tours to kayak rentals, the area puts forth a seemingly endless supply of entertainment for all ages. To tap this abundant resource of activities, do not forget to bring fishing equipment, a bathing suit, snorkel gear, and sunscreen. Below are several ideas and links on ways to enjoy your stay at Tarpon Key Lodge to the fullest.
If you don't have access to a boat then Capt. Russ of Native Sun Tours can provide transport to and from the island. To arrange this please contact Native Sun Tours directly. This service is independently run and is not affiliated with tarpon Key Lodge.
Native Sun Tours
When you stay at Tarpon Key Lodge, you are in the heart of some of the best in-shore and flats fishing in the state of Florida. The area is known for an abundance of red fish, tarpon, trout, and cobia. If you are unfamiliar with the area, we recommend chartering with one of the local guides. These guides generally offer half and full day trips that include the boat, equipment, and fishing license, making your trip as easy and enjoyable as possible. See our Seasonal Calendar for specific information.
While the area fishing is fantastic year round, the main fishing season is between April and October, with the peak time being between June and August. Manatee tours typically begin in October and end in mid-March. A fishing calendar can be found here.
Every year from July 1st thru September 10th people flock from all over the South East to the Gulf Coast of Florida for scalloping season. Scalloping is a great outdoor adventure for everyone in the family...and they're great to eat! Captain Russ of Native Sun Charters offers guilded scalloping trips as on of his services (click here). Tarpon Key Lodge is located less than 15 minutes away from some of the best scalloping grounds in the state of Florida. Due to overwhelming demand and the limited season only a few RSVP's are available each year during scalloping season... so book early! For more general information on scalloping CLICK HERE! *A saltwater fishing license is REQUIRED to harvest bay scallops CLICK HERE
There are two boat ramps in the area, one is located at Riverhaven Marina (352-628-5545). The other is a public ramp between Mac Rae's and the Riverside Resort at the end of W. Cherokee Dr.
The only way to access Tarpon Key Lodge is by boat, so if you can either arrange for the water taxi service or rent one. The only company that allows overnight rentals of boats in Homosassa is Magic Manatee Marina.
Magic Manatee Marina
Tarpon Key Lodge provides an ideal base from which to fish or explore the remote barrier islands and waterways of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. Riverside Kayaks, located at Riverside Resort, offers an extensive selection of Kayaks either for rent or for sale. Another option would be to contact Absolute Kayaking and arrange for them to come and pick you up at Tarpon Key Lodge, in their transport boat loaded with kayaks, and have them take you on a fully guided fishing or exploring trip. Absolute Kayaking
Riversport Kayaks CLICK HERE FOR MAP
"The Freezer" Tiki Bar (Boat access) Riverside Crab House at Homosassa Riverside Resort (Boat access) CLICK HERE FOR MAP
The Shed at MacRae's (Boat access) Old Homosassa Smokehouse Manatee Pub (Boat Access)
Shelly's Seafood, Inc.
Homosassa Springs For more info click here then click on "find a park"
During the winter months, the Homosassa river harbors one of nature's endangered species, the West Indian Manatee. Between October and mid-March, manatees can abundantly be found near the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park and many companies provide opportunities for manatee tours or the chance to actually swim with the manatees. A few of these companies are listed below: Captain Mike's Sunshine River Tours
American Pro Manatee Snorkel Center
Air Tank Divers
Native Sun Tours
Native Sun Tours
For setting up tours of the river, scalloping trips, airboat tours and manatee trips along with arranging shuttle service to and from the island, I want to recommend (I want to add him to the map to): Native Sun Tours
If you are fishing with a professional guide you will not need a fishing license, however if you are fishing or scalloping on your own, you will need to purchase a license. A license can be purchased at any sporting goods store or online and cost around 20 dollars. For complete saltwater fishing regulations click here. See our Seasonal Calendar for specific information. |
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