Homosassa Island Lodge is located on historic Homosassa River – 3 miles from the mainland on the west coast of Central Florida. This remote private property is accessible only by boat and is ideal for fishing, scalloping, relaxing, and taking in the unspoiled beauties of the Nature Coast. The Gulf of Mexico is only a short boat ride away. Most of the area surrounding the island is federally protected and known as the ‘wildlife refuge’.
Owner Craig Suarez spent many childhood weekends with his late father, Bud Suarez (of Tampa), and brothers Neil and Jeff, working to make the Lodge the island haven it is today. Bud purchased the property in the late 1960’s from a group called the ‘Ale and Quail Club’. At the time, there was nothing on the island – no structures, no docks. Construction began in 1968 with the addition of a main house and a bungalow, outbuildings used for storage, and several docks. Everything found on the island today was either brought down river via boat or barge.
Bud Suarez was well known in the food industry, creating two successful businesses in Tampa – Specialty Food Distributors and Bud Suarez Inc. The main purpose of Homosassa Island Lodge was for entertaining clients and friends, and to serve as a sanctuary for family get-a-ways. Over the years, hundreds of guests have enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the Lodge and many boast this is the best fishing they have experienced.
If you are an angling connoisseur, this IS the place to be. Homosassa is a year round popular destination for those in the know – noted for its fabulous weather, as well as its native fish – including Speckled Trout, Red Fish, Snook, Grouper, Cobia, Tarpon, and other saltwater species. You can also enjoy Scalloping from mid-May to Labor Day.
Experience Old Florida at its finest — In addition to our standard ‘do it all yourself’ rentals, we also offer more inclusive packages that can include chef prepared meals by owner Craig Suarez, days spent fishing or scalloping with the best professional guides, river taxi service and even golf at acclaimed Black Diamond Ranch Golf Club, famous for its Quarry Course designed by Tom Fazio. Also available are kayaking, air-boat and nature tours, photo tours, swimming with the Manatees, drinks at The Shed (a riverfront Tiki bar at MacRae’s of Homosassa), lunch at the Freezer, or enjoy a shore lunch with your catch of the day and side dishes of hush puppies and cole slaw. We can design a package to suit almost anyone’s wish list – you choose the way you want to experience the Lodge at Homosassa.
Craig Suarez