Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. found some trout only one keeper. 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. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Contact us today with questions. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Oops, there was an error sending your message. Come out with Finders Keepers Charters and try to catch these tasty fish on light to medium tackle either bottom fishing or trolling lipped plugs. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. Grouper And Snapper Fishing In Crystal River 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. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. As the cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. 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. If you choose to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River on a charter boat, your captain can help you hook the grouper of a lifetime! Summer time is our rainy season. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. 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. Really good fighting fish. Oops, there was an error sending your message. More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. Pinfish are one of the most commercially important species in many areas of the world. 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. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and Homosassa, was spared, as Have you ever been to one of those large family gatherings where one of the grandparents or great parents is talking about a family member only to throw the words Bless His Heart into the story? If so, lets talk about what they look like. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. 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. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. 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. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in root beer and watermelon red on a 1/4 ounce jig head. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. . They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. facebook; youtube; instagram; 352-601-1963; . Keep it up. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. Fishing for Grouper in Crystal River, FL: June Fishing Report Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I honestly cant say that I blame those fun loving beachgoers for wanting to soak up some sun during the spring break season here in Florida. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. 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. Email Address: Welcome Spring Breakers!!! If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Water is nice and warm in the summer. The mackerel bite was on ? 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. For most people, moderate intake of mercury in fish is not a concern, but you do want to be aware of what youre putting in your body, especially if you eat grouper frequently. 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. Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. 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. You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. All rights reserved. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. February 21, 2023. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. . 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. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. The action is a little . Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. Shallow water or inshore fishing and grouper do not go hand in hand in most areas. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. We look forward to. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. Email Us! Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. Great weather and great fishing. 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. These locations are expansive flats with a unique ecology that draws in this awesome species of grouper. 352-601-1963 How awesome would it be to put a Tarpon in the air or land a couple of Snook all before most folks pour their first cup of coffee? The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 - High Octane Fishing This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. 12645 W Fort Island Trail When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. 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. We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! We found them! Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? This will help you identify them when its time to go out on your fishing trip. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Crystal River, FL 34429. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. 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. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. I love fishing the Nature Coast. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. Email Address: We went for Scallops. What to expect on your upcoming charter? #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. If youre not an experienced angler and want to catch fish in a short period of time, then the best option for you is going on a fishing charter. 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!! Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. Grouper are famously known as Florida's most delicious fish species and of the seventeen different grouper species that are targeted throughout Florida the gag grouper is the most common variety found inhabiting the waters off the Nature Coast. 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. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. Come prepared for a strong swim. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 The water is heating up and so is the fishing. July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. 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. This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. 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. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. 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. 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. How shallow one may ask? We look forward to hearing from you. The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. 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. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? You can certainly eat it if you wish! The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? Large lipped plugs, jigs, and swimbaits can all be used as long as the hooks are beefy enough to handle the pull of a big grouper. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? 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 Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. 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! I love fishing the Nature Coast. Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. Contact fishing booker thay no who tofix you up with and the guided we have met are straight shooters, Ask your Captain - they know the area and the best catch for the time of year you visit, Bring a jacket if you are fishing in the am , gets cold early morning , warms up nicely mid morning. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. Crystal River Sport Fishing - Fishing Charters in Crystal River, FL Have fun and enjoy!! They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters, Guides, & Trips In Crystal River Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. 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. Crankin' Up Grouper | Bass Pro Shops We get this question a lot. 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. Crystal River Grouper Fishing Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! All you have to do is pay for the charter. We went scalloping (not fishing). These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. Continue reading. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. 9340 W Fort Island Trail However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. Crystal River Fishing Reports: May Recap and What to Expect Sport Fishing Slip #realsal, God! February 19, 2023. 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. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. 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. This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. Your Crystal River Spring 2023 Fishing Guide If you are itching to hook a gag grouper or 10, one of the best ways to begin is by going on a fishing charter in Crystal River. Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. 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. 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. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. Trout bite is firing up. Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. With temperatures averaging in the low to mid-50's at times, the fish have been less aggressive than normal. 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. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . 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. One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . This can cause you to miss the fish. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits.