Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. Some days we start by locating the fish with large chunks of mullet strategically placed all along the mangrove island bank, once we find the fish we hone in on that location and get to Catching. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. Let's start by saying grouper can be caught 365 days a year out of Crystal River, but the absolute best bite occurs during the fall as these large grouper push in closer to shore as our waters cool. Casey. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. What Fish Are Biting in Crystal River, FL, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. The weather this year has provided challenges and opportunities to change up our tactics and find fish in places where they maybe wouldnt have been in a normal" season. Fishing the many rock piles that line the foul area with large Rapala f18 Swimming Plugs has also shown to be a great way to get these hard fighting fish to bite in tough conditions. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. A beautiful scenery paired with a healthy and thriving habitat provides an amazing estuary for fish such as, When it comes to fishing, the gag grouper can be a challenge. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. Some reservations may require a deposit. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Looking for an Orvi, Shout out to my boy Casey Males for knocking out s, Another great day of fly fishing with my main man, This gorgeous view will becoming up For Sale very, Great Day fly fishing the Backcountry of Crystal R, One of my top 10 guiding moments!! Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. A shiny red-and-white fishing plug floated past our boat in the Gulf of Mexico, as we cast for trout on the Steinhatchee grass flats. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. Please call for full rate and reservation information. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. . The water is heating up and so is the fishing. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. The odd predicament left the docile . Don't be affraid to try something new, but at the same time don't totally give up what brought you success to begin with. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. The redfish and trout where great for dinner. Nick Warrington Sep 16, 2021 A look into the best grouper fishing in the state of Florida You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Theres a reason they call is Red October. Schools of large upper slot and overslot redfish line the outer islands of the St. Martins Keys making for extremely fun sight fishing opportunities in crystal clear water. Gag Grouper In Crystal River What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. All you have to do is pay for the charter. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. All of the great guides here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters hope that 2022 was a prosperous year for everyone and we wish all of you the very best going into 2023. Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. Big spinning reels or conventional reels spooled up with a 60-80lbs braid paired with a 60-80lbs leader will give you the upper hand in putting these fish in the boat. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Happy Holidays Anglers. Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. Be sure to include the following on your next gag grouper fishing trip: Gag grouper fish are ambush predators, which means they hide in places where they can easily conceal themselves from their prey. If so, lets talk about what they look like. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Skip to main content. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Grouper is a delicious fish. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. What to expect on your upcoming charter? Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Keep it up. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. Why Fishing in Crystal River, FL is One of the , Crystal River Fishing Reports: May Recap and Wh, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. Now one might think that targeting Grouper in such shallow water would mean catching smaller fish, and while some fish are smaller, some of the largest Grouper we catch throughout the year come from these shallow depths. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! But it is worth it to find the fish! Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. Trout bite is firing up. All of the great guides here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters hope that 2022 was a prosperous year for everyone and we wish all of you the very best going into 2023. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. for goliath grouper in Crystal River prices can range anywhere from $400 to $600, but the average price for a full day for goliath grouper in Crystal River is $500. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Email Us! The speckled sea trout bite has been great the red fish are moving out to the outer islands wanting to feed plenty of sheep pad and mangrove snapper on the rock piles. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Book with Captain Bryan! Florida Fishing in in October. Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. Water is nice and warm in the summer. Oops, there was an error sending your message. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. Email Us! Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? Crystal River, FL 34429. The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. Summer time mangrove snapper fishing is always a target to keep the rods bent free lining live shrimp in 10-20 feet you can expect mangroves from 2-5lbs along with grunts, hogfish and the occasional grouper. 352-601-1963 There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. You can expect great red fishing especially in the early mornings and late afternoons, live bait and top waters have been a few key baits to get the job done. The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River! We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. Typically, fishing the 8-25 foot range October-December allows anglers a chance to land the fish of a lifetime and take home some delicious fillets. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. Had an amazing family on the boat today. They can be found in tropical and subtropical oceans all around the world, including off the coast of Florida, through the Caribbean to Brazil, and around the Pacific Ocean from California to Japan. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. The Gulf Coast of Florida experienced a devastating weather event earlier this month when Hurricane Ian made land fall off the coast of Fort Myers Beach as a near category 5 storm. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. My go-to rod and reel is be either a Daiwa BG MQ or Saltist MQ 8000 paired with a Fitzgerald Fishing Stunner HD 74 Extra Heavy. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. We look forward to. We found them! All rights reserved. I love fishing the Nature Coast. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. Oops, there was an error sending your message. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. The months of October through December make up this peak period. Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! How shallow one may ask? There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. Over time the constant bombardment of dropping these heavy dummy bombs created large areas of scattered craters that have become perfect hiding areas for hungry Grouper. The sun is no joke. Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. 9340 W Fort Island Trail open menu Crystal River Sport Fishing Sport Fishing Slip 12645 W Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 Map/Directions (813) 486-4642 captjaycemassaro@gmail.com Hours Always Open Reviews Book Fishing Charter Follow us on. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. Pinfish are one of the most commercially important species in many areas of the world. Learn where, when, and how to catch fishing in Crystal River, Florida with High Octane Fishing Charters. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. Grouper are notorious for breaking anglers off in nearby structures; therefore, we have to use some seriously stout tackle. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. Be sure to lock down the drag and hold on tight as these fish will give it everything they got to get you down in the rocks. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. Summer time is our rainy season. Florida Fishing Adventures. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Come prepared for a strong swim. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. While most anglers may think that targeting Grouper typically requires a long run offshore to deeper waters, many would be surprised to learn that the Nature Coast of Florida is the epicenter for targeting Gag Grouper in shallow water. These same big-lipped diving plugs have been all the rage for about three years among anglers trolling for grouper off Florida's Coastal Bend in the Gulf of Mexico. Tight Lines!!! | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! But just off its shores is a series of freshwater springs that attract numerous different species of fish from all over the Gulf Coast every year. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. As for the Grouper Fishing here in Crystal River, we have been waiting for the water temperatures to drop and the days to get shorter to push those big gags into shallow water. Its that time of year again where anglers from all over the world descend onto the flats of Crystal River and Homosassa looking to accomplish one goal/life long quest: CATCH A BIG ASS TARPON ON FLY! Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. If youre going on a party boat or a head boat, then you can expect to have a good time with your friends or family. You can certainly eat it if you wish! With the Thanksgiving holiday on our doorstep and Christmas right around the corner many families are planning their annual family fishing trips to the Nature Coast and wondering what the action has been like. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, and Gag Grouper are all biting well this time of year, and the weather is usually cooperative, with sunny days and mild temperatures. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. I love fishing the Nature Coast. Usually, between 8 and 30 feet of water, these structures provide habitat for baitfish, other species (snapper and grunts for example), and provide ample ambush points for gags to hide in. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. ? When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. Crystal River is a great place to go for fishing charters. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. All rights reserved. Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. With temperatures averaging in the low to mid-50's at times, the fish have been less aggressive than normal. As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. All rights reserved. The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! The captain can also offer bait if needed. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. If so,, Preparing For Backcountry Winter Fishing In Crystal River, Crystal River offers some of the best fishing in Florida, and winter is a great. However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. I always tell my clients the first three cranks are the most important, if you can get three cranks, most of the time you already have that fish coming to the boat. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. The action is a little . Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Its keeping it. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. These lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. Exploring the Benefits of Crystal River Fishing Charters: The Top Reasons to Book Now, Snapper Fishing in 2023: What to Expect from Crystal River, FL, Where, When, and How: Catching Fish in Crystal River. Email Address: As extreme, A private scallop charter in Crystal River, Florida is the perfect activity for a group of friends looking to relax, connect and enjoy some quality time in the beauty of, Fishing & Scalloping Charter PricingGroups larger than 4 (for fishing) and larger than 6 (for scalloping) can be accommodated with another captain(s) if requested. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. found some trout only one keeper. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. #realsal, God! While most go fish wrecks and reefs for grouper, the bottom-scape of the Crystal River shallows contain many natural features that draw this species in. Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. Grouper fishing in Crystal River is typically done by bottom fishing with live bait, and the best time to fish for grouper is during the cooler months. The snook bite continues to stay really strong on the hard incoming tides on the outside points using live bait and fast moving weedless jerkbaits. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! There are multiple ways to target these fish all the way from fishing live bait, trolling lures, as well as even casting big plugs and soft plastics swim baits. The best Grouper fishing found along Crystal River and Homosassa can be found along the shallow waters of our "Foul Area" also known as the Old Bombing Range. Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. Summer time mangrove snapper fishing is always a target to keep the rods bent free lining live shrimp in 10-20 feet you can expect mangroves from 2-5lbs along with grunts, hogfish and the occasional grouper. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. Trying to decide what time of year to. A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. . Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. Happy New Year anglers!! Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity.