We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening 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. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River! Caught over grass flats with sabiki rigs or traps, these frisky baits are sure to catch a grouper's eye. 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 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. Tight Lines!!! Crystal River is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper 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 Book Fishing Charter Follow us on. Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. 2023 FishingBooker.com. It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. At the same time, they are some of the best-tasting fish in the ocean and most do just fine with a cooler full of these two. There is something to do for everyone in our area. With water temps in the 70's fishing in 10-30' of water has been very good and as it continues to cool off we only expect it to get better. Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of 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. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. 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. Sport Fishing Slip Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! When you use the right approach with circle hooks, they will hook the grouper at the corner of the mouth. 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. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? 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. Florida Fishing Adventures. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. . 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. 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. July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. February 19, 2023. Contact us today with questions. Florida Fishing in in October. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. 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! Oops, there was an error sending your message. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. 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. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. 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. And good to eat. 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. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! 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. Email Address: This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. 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. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. Have fun and enjoy!! 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! The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. 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. 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. . The captain can also offer bait if needed. 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. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! captnickwarrington@gmail.com. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. 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. Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. Water is nice and warm in the summer. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. What to expect on your upcoming charter? 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. Sport Fishing Slip What Fish Are Biting in Crystal River, FL, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. 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? 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! Florida Fishing Adventures. Its hard to believe that May is already in the rearview mirror. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. As for the Redfishing here in Crystal River, it couldnt be any better. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". With temperatures averaging in the low to mid-50's at times, the fish have been less aggressive than normal. 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. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. 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. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. 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? #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. This can cause you to miss the fish. The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . Sardines and threadfin herring are a good option if live bait isn't available. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. 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. 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. 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. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. 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. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. 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. 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. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. 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. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. 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. Spring time is coming in Spanish mackerel are coming in. The mackerel bite was on ? There are some species that can grow quite large. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! 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. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. 9340 W Fort Island Trail 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!! The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. 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. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. Great weather and great fishing. Grouper is a delicious fish. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. How shallow one may ask? You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. I love fishing the Nature Coast. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Crystal River, FL 34429. Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . 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 two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. 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. They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. We went for Scallops. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. 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. #realsal, God! Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. 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 can certainly eat it if you wish! These lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. 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? You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. Drink water!! 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. They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. Trying to decide what time of year to. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. Gag Grouper and Redfish is the staple of Crystal River Fishing and there is no better time than now to catch multiples of these species in a day with the chance of breaking your personal best on the very next cast. Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. Happy Holidays Anglers. Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. 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. Please call for full rate and reservation information. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat. 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.