January 20, 2026 Homosassa Spring, FL and Lake Lanier, GA Fishing Report

Homosassa Springs, FL:

If you haven't been updated on my charters this winter, I am guiding both inshore and nearshore/offshore trips out of Homosassa Springs, FL now through March. I will then continue back to normal April 1st on Lake Lanier for the remainder of the Spring and Summer for the busy season. Why the change? Well, to be transparent, when it gets cold in Georgia the majority of folks don't put fishing and boating on the top of their outdoor activities. It doesn't matter if fish are jumping in the boat, the calendars are still just getting filled for the Spring and Summer. Makes me sad a little but I get it..haha Here on Florida's Nature Coast we have warm to mild temps this time of year and some of the best fishing you can experience in the state. Up until last week this weather has been amazing with temps in the 70's and 80's. Who brought this Georgia cold front down here? No need to worry, when they come it's short lived and we're back to mild temps again. We will be right back into sunny upper 70's and low 80's this week and through the weekend. I can guarantee there will be some great fishing to be had! Water temps have been averaging about 62 degrees inland.

Inshore: Speckled Trout will be in the deeper pockets, potholes, and creek channels. On the warmer days or midday when the sun is high, we are seeing the fish move to shallow making flats and oyster bars our main target areas. You can't beat slowly working a Mirrolure Lil John off the bottom. Braid is a must to feel those bites. I typically use 15lb Seagar Floro leader and 10lb braided mainline this time of year. If you're lucky, we have been hooking up with nice keeper Pompano while trout fishing almost daily. One of my favorites on the dinner plate. Redfish seem to be cooperating anytime of the day. Fish the shallows from the outer islands to well inside the creeks with live shrimp, pinfish, or even cut bait for extra scent. I really like the water to be moving so keep the tide tables and wind direction in mind.

Nearshore/Offshore: In the 9 to 40 mile range that I can cover, the fishing has been excellent. The big Sheepshead is making their move out and will just get stronger as we get into February and March. Look for them on nearshore structures such as rocks, wrecks, and reefs. They can be caught on an abundance of different baits but here we typically use shrimp. They are excellent bait stealers. Wait through those pecks and bites until you feel the line get heavy and start moving. That's when you set your hook. In these same areas we are targeting nice size Mangrove Snapper. On my last trip there were 20 plus inchers hitting the deck. Keep the baits descending to keep the schools around and you should have no problem filling the box. I have been drifting live pinfish with the current to cherry pick the larger snapper. On the calmer days I like to get out to the Hogfish. They are about the top of my table fare list. In the past few years, they have really gained popularity with anglers. Before they were just a spear fish for the most part. Shrimp on a knocker rig near structures such as rock ledges are prime areas holding these tasty fish.

Homosassa is well known for the best shallow water Gag Grouper fishery in the state. The bite right now for them is incredible. Unfortunately, Uncle Sam closed their season, and we may only see a quick 2 weeks for them in September again. However, this doesn't mean you can't go out and battle Grouper for fun! Whether you want to or not, you will be catching Gags on the nearshore trips. You can't get away from them if you're around any kind of structure. It doesn't take much to hold these hard fighters and there is no shortage of them here on the Nature Coast.

For my clients from Georgia who are interested in coming down to some sunny, warm weather, the fishing is great and you can take these home with ya! There are a few differences you can expect on a charter here compared to our Striper trips on Lanier. Your license is covered. You don't need to purchase any non-resident fishing licenses or fool around with that like we do in GA. I'm federally permitted and licensed for up to 4 passengers max. On Lanier we can squeeze up to 6 if need be. Lastly, we have fillet stations to clean and bag your catch after your trip here. It is included with your fishing trip. Just bring a cooler to take them home in. I launch from MacRae's of Homosassa where there is lodging, restaurants, bars, bait n' tackle, and everything you need right there. Call or shoot me a text anytime and I'll give you the rundown and places to stay. I have plenty of availability through March and I hope you can make it down for a day or three! If not, I'll be back on Lanier April 1st through September.

Bonus Lake Lanier, GA Report: I may be in Florida for a few months, but my fellow guides Joe Hilliard and Brad Whitehead gave me the latest reports on the pond. As, expected all great things and I'm glad to hear it as Spring and Summer should follow suit. The lake level is at 1065.38' MSL. That is 5.62' below full pool and surface temps holding around the upper 40's. The deepwater bite is back on for the winter which means downlines with blueback herring or trout. Search the river channel, creek channels, creek backs, and adjacent ditches with bait fish on your sonar to find your starting points. In the creeks add weighted freelines into the mix with your downlines. There is still a good "Mini Mack" bite in the creeks. If you fished with me in September, you might have seen these minis go to work. However, our speed is going to be a lot slower this time of year. We call it stealth trolling. A series of minis either behind the boat or pulled on planer boards at about 1.5mph with the trolling motor, just enough to give it action will get those picky fish to react. You can find plenty of these rigs at Hammond's Fishing Center and I personally like the 4 blade Mini Macks on both the bucktails and shad bodies. Brad and Joe have been staying on top of the bite all winter and have availability for you. You can book them right on the website www.BigBiteCharters.com or feel free to contact me directly anytime. Some pics below from their recent trips. I would also like to add a congrats to Joe Hilliard and his team in the recent 2026 Lake Hartwell High Roller Classic Striper tournament locking in not only 1st place and big fish but a pretty check to cash. Nice work!

Thank you for checking out the report and I'm looking forward to another great year of catchin'! Hope to see you down here on the Nature Coast in the next couple months and/or back on Lanier this Spring.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Andrew Hammond