Continue reading. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Gag Grouper In Crystal River Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? 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. Please call for full rate and reservation information. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. 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. The action is a little . Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. 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. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. 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. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. Crystal River Fishing Reports - by High Octane Fishing These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. 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. Some reservations may require a deposit. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! Crystal River Sport Fishing - Fishing Charters in Crystal River, FL Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. February 21, 2023. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. Florida Fishing in in October. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. Skip to main content. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. 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. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. Grouper can be caught on a variety of lures like spoons and jigs, but they are smart fish, so you need to be strategic about the type of bait you use as well as your choice of equipment. Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat. Whether you're an inshore or offshore angler, there are incredible opportunities to catch some serious "dinners." The highlight, though, without a doubt, is chasing down shallow water grouper. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. facebook; youtube; instagram; 352-601-1963; . This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! 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. Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. 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 Reports | Crystal River Fly Fishing We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . 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. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. Casey. Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? Welcome Spring Breakers!!! The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! 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. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. 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! Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. #realsal, God! Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. The mackerel bite was on ? 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. A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. 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! 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. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. These locations are expansive flats with a unique ecology that draws in this awesome species of grouper. Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. Shallow Water Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. Have fun and enjoy!! Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. Grouper season is here!!!!!! - Crystal River Fishing Report - FishingBooker We found them! Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. 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. It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. 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. 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. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. Trying to decide what time of year to. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Fishing for Grouper in Crystal River, FL: June Fishing Report 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. All rights reserved. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. Email Us! As for the Redfishing here in Crystal River, it couldnt be any better. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. 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. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. 352-601-1963 Trout bite is firing up. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters, Guides, & Trips In Crystal River #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. 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. The odd predicament left the docile . Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! Happy Holidays Anglers. For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. 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. Crystal River, FL 34429. Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. There is something to do for everyone in our area. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. 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. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! These young anglers put on a fishing cli. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. As the cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us. 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. Contact us today with questions. The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River! Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. 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. . Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. Really good fighting fish. 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. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. 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. Offering up to date, strategies, productive areas and hot baits. We look forward to. Crankin' Up Grouper | Bass Pro Shops Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. 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. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. 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. However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Spring time is coming in Spanish mackerel are coming in. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. These lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. Florida Fishing Adventures. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. All rights reserved. But it is worth it to find the fish! If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. 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. 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. Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. Caught over grass flats with sabiki rigs or traps, these frisky baits are sure to catch a grouper's eye. I love fishing the Nature Coast. You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. found some trout only one keeper. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. What to expect on your upcoming charter? These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. Water is nice and warm in the summer. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing - Florida Fishing & Hunting Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. Summer time is our rainy season. Crystal River, FL 34429. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. 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? This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. 2023 FishingBooker.com. 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. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! John. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. 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. 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. Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. Email Us! How shallow one may ask? 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. #realsal, God! Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. And good to eat. 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. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. Great weather and great fishing. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. We went for Scallops. All you have to do is pay for the charter. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. 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.