“Water is therapy.”
Our 501c3 Mission: Taking firefighters and police officers out on the water for therapeutic relief on the Homosassa River.
First Responders face high rates of PTSD (about 30% develop health conditions like anxiety and depression), and nature-based programs like ours offer peer support, stress-reduction, and proven wellness benefits.
Research on nature-based therapy, ecotherapy, or green/blue space interventions, shows strong evidence for mental health benefits, particularly in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress, and nervous system regulation. This is especially relevant for high-trauma populations like first responders and veterans, where traditional therapies can face stigma or create barriers. Our on-the-water experience may yield even stronger benefits due to the calming, immersive qualities of water and nature.
Homosassa River is a 7.7 mi. long (12.4 km) river in Citrus County, Florida, in the western part of the state. Its headwaters are the Homosassa Springs, and from there it flows west into the Gulf of America.
The river is home to common bottlenose dophins, West Indian manatees, alligator snapping turtles, none-banded armadillos, snakes, birds, eastern box turtles, oysters, raccoons, American alligators, Virginia opossums, North American river otters, and many species of both freshwater and saltwater fish. The Homosassa River is an estuary, which means that as it moves inland, it changes from salt water to fresh very gradually, and the river is brackish.
Homosassa River is great for sightseeing, nature tours, paddle boarding, seasonal scalloping, and lounging at Homosassa Springs. See the famous Monkey Island and cruise the river out to the Gulf of America. Pack a lunch or dock for lunch at Crumps Landing.
Our Beach Cat is set up to accommodate wheel chairs, service dogs, care givers, and family.
Homosassa River & Springs
Nature Encounters
Monkey Island
Ways you can support & sponsor our First Responders
Book a fishing trip through Fish Responders and the fee will be allocated to the foundation
Pay it forward! Enjoy a day on the water (4 or 6 hour trips available), and your fee will sponsor a first responder’s day on the water
Direct cash donation
Direct sponsorship: Your business logo displayed on interior of boat, product donation, or equipment donation
Dock at Crumps Landing
Great food, waterfront views of Homosassa River and Monkey Island, live entertainment, on-your-boat dining options, gift shop, plus a variety of on-site amenities right in the heart of Old Florida. Click the link below on their logo to take a look at their menu, calendar of events, and their truly special location.
Coming in from out of town?
Book a stay at Stillwater Preserve RV Resort. Click the link below on their logo to check out all of their amenities and to make your reservation. Nestled along the Gulf Coast, Stillwater Preserve combines resort-style comfort with a laid back Florida lifestyle. The perfect home-base only 15 minutes from where Fish Responders launches out of Riverhaven Marina. Pick up and transportation is available upon request.
Customize Your Day on the Water
Rates
4 hours / up to 6 people $500
6 hours / up to 6 people $700
Refer to Fish Responders Book a Trip page on this website for recommendations on what to bring and what is included and provided by Capt. Rich
Additional questions? Give us a call!