|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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. Don Franklin of Florida River Tours can provide transport to and from the island. This service is available for a reasonable fee of $45 each way for up to six people. To arrange this please contact Florida River Tours directly. This service is independently run and is not affiliated with tarpon Key Lodge. Captain Don Franklin offers a variety of fishing and sightseeing packages on his customized pontoon boat, capable of carrying up to six passengers.
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. Visit the Citrus County website for a complete listing of local fishing guides.
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 to mid September 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! 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 Mac Rae's and they have either 14' "Jon Boats" or 20' Pontoon Boats available. |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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
"The Freezer" Tiki Bar (Boat access)
Manatee Pub (Boat Access)
Cedar Key Fish and Oyster Co. (Boat Access)
Homosassa Springs
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
Captain Stu’s Custom Airboat Tours
Manatee Helicopter, Inc.
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.
For more information contact us at: info@tarponkeylodge.com
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
