Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing, Your Crystal River Spring 2023 Fishing Guide, Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful, Its Almost Tarpon Time: Catching The Silver King, Its almost that time of year again when Tarpon makes its annual migration to the, February Species to Target on Crystal River Fishing Charters, Crystal River is a renowned fishing destination in Florida, famous for its picturesque waterways and, Crystal River Kayak Fishing: an Unforgettable Adventure, Crystal River, located in the Gulf of Mexico, is a fishing paradise and offers exceptional, Your February Guide to Fishing in Crystal River, Crystal River, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, offers some of the most incredible, Counting Sheepshead: Crystal River Winter Fishing Guide, Crystal River is one of the most active inshore fisheries found anywhere, during any time, Fishing Trip Packages: The Ultimate Florida Getaway, Fishing in Florida is one of the state's most beloved pastimes, and what better way, Top Tips For Sneaking Up On Shallow Water Species, The thrill of stalking your prey in shallow waters is an unmatchable experience for any, If you're looking for a fulfilling and exciting day on the water, look no further, As one of the best spots for world-class fishing, nearly all anglers find it hard, Four Fish To Target During Extreme Winter Tides, Are you looking for an adrenaline-packed fishing experience this winter in Crystal River? 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. This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. Learn where, when, and how to catch fishing in Crystal River, Florida with High Octane Fishing Charters. Sport Fishing Slip 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!! Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . Grouper is a delicious fish. Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. 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 Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. Skip to main content. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Crystal River is a pristine coastal fishery that is known for epic battles with snook and tarpon, houses many of the most sought-after inshore species anywhere, but it also holds one of the most unique experiences found along Florida's coast - Shallow water grouper fishing! 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. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. Water is nice and warm in the summer. All rights reserved. February 21, 2023. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. Keep it up. Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. . If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. Please call for full rate and reservation information. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? Oops, there was an error sending your message. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. And good to eat. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. We look forward to. 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. A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. . February 19, 2023. In addition to fishing for grouper in Crystal River, check out the following ideas for things to do this month: Grouper is an amazing fish, and catching one is a feat. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. . 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!! You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? 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. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. 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. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! 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. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. 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. We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. I love fishing the Nature Coast. They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. An egg sinker, swivel, circle hook, and your favorite leader is all you need to make the most effect rig for catching Grouper, the fish finder rig. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. Grouper are notorious for breaking anglers off in nearby structures; therefore, we have to use some seriously stout tackle. You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. All you have to do is pay for the charter. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. The water is heating up and so is the fishing. Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. Some reservations may require a deposit. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. There is something to do for everyone in our area. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. INCREDIBLE!!! Trolling Rapala Xraps or other hard baits across the top of the structure can produce very well by keying in on the Groupers aggression and triggering a reaction strike. John. 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. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. 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. 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. 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. In fact, the area has been one of the most popular charter fishing spots in this part of Florida for many decades now thanks to the accessibility and abundant natural resources. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. 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. When to Catch Grouper in Crystal River One of the Florida Gulf Coast's greatest fishing experiences is found in Crystal River. 9340 W Fort Island Trail | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. Usually those words are the precursor for a story of struggles or How many of you enjoy a nice warm cup of coffee to get you going before you start the day? A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. Tight Lines!!! There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! 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. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Lost of options around the "millions" of islands and offshore rock piles.. Pete's Pier is a great place to launch from and Hampton Inn and Plantation On Crystal River are very close by. Email Us! #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. 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. 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. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. 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. Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. These lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. Have fun and enjoy!! #realsal, God! 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. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. Its hard to believe that May is already in the rearview mirror. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Trout bite is firing up. 352-601-1963 Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. 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. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. 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. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. Shallow water or inshore fishing and grouper do not go hand in hand in most areas. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. 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. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. 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. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. We went for Scallops. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. There are some species that can grow quite large. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! This can cause you to miss the fish. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Crystal River is a great place to go for fishing charters. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. An unusual water rescue was staged in a Florida river after witnesses reported a discarded fishing lure had somehow pinned a manatee's flipper to its face. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Great weather and great fishing. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. Trying to decide what time of year to. 8000 sized spinning reels spooled with 65-80 pound braid and 80 pound leader is what you need to get these fish in the boat. Contact us today with questions. Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. All rights reserved. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. Book with Captain Bryan! #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! If you are new to the area, new to inshore grouper fishing, or traveling from afar to come and try your hand at this unique fishing opportunity, a seasoned guide will be key. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. Its keeping it. The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. 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! 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. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. The odd predicament left the docile . A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. 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. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. The redfish and trout where great for dinner. The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. Email Address: Drink water!! These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River! 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. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. 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. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. 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. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. 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. Florida Fishing Adventures. While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience.