Citrus County is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, offering some of the finest sport fishing to be found anywhere. (In 1993, a world record tarpon was landed off Florida’s coast near Homosassa.) Many saltwater fishing tournaments are held annually by various Citrus County organizations. If you are not familiar with the area, you may want to use a fishing guide.
Saltwater fishermen can find grouper and snapper off reefs and coastal rock piles; sea trout and Spanish mackerel frequent grass beds. Cobia and sheepshead can be found around channel markers, redfish and whiting off oyster bars and tarpon on the flats.
To the East, freshwater fishing is the best game in town! Bass fishermen are particularly enthusiastic about fishing the 10-mile Tsala Apopka Lake Chain or trying their luck in the Withlacoochee River. Freshwater fishermen can find sunshine bass in the Lake Tsala Apopka chain, specked perch in Lake Rousseau, catfish in the Withlacoochee River and Florida largemouth bass almost everywhere.
Planning to go after the big ones? You are required to obtain fishing licenses for both fresh and saltwater fishing, and licenses may be purchased at most fishing camps, marinas, sporting goods stores or bait & tackle shops within the area.