However, they can also be found in temperate environments. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. You can certainly eat it if you wish! Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. 352-601-1963 Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. I love fishing the Nature Coast. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. 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. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Keep it up. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. Happy New Year anglers!! If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. #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. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? All rights reserved. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. facebook; youtube; instagram; 352-601-1963; . Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. We look forward to. This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? 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. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. Daily Crystal River Fishing Reports (March 2023) - FishingBooker Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. Florida Fishing Adventures. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. 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. 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July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. Grouper are notorious for breaking anglers off in nearby structures; therefore, we have to use some seriously stout tackle. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. Crankin' Up Grouper | Bass Pro Shops 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. Don't be affraid to try something new, but at the same time don't totally give up what brought you success to begin with. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. Trying to decide what time of year to. Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. Please call for full rate and reservation information. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. 9340 W Fort Island Trail Reports - Reel Florida Fishing Charters 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. This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. Be sure to include the following on your next gag grouper fishing trip: Gag grouper fish are ambush predators, which means they hide in places where they can easily conceal themselves from their prey. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. I love fishing the Nature Coast. 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. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . 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. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper and Redfish | Crystal River Fishing Fishing for Grouper in Crystal River, FL: June Fishing Report We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. Theres a reason they call is Red October. Schools of large upper slot and overslot redfish line the outer islands of the St. Martins Keys making for extremely fun sight fishing opportunities in crystal clear water. This can cause you to miss the fish. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. 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. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! 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. February 21, 2023. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. 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! 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! Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. 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. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. 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. Drink water!! Fishing Reports CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING COMPANY 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. 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 Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. found some trout only one keeper. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. 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!! | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. What to expect on your upcoming charter? What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? 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. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. Email Address: 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. 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. All rights reserved. Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. 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. Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. 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. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. INCREDIBLE!!! Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters, Guides, & Trips In Crystal River In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. 352-601-1963 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. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. Florida Fishing Adventures. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. 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. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. If so, lets talk about what they look like. A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. Happy Holidays Anglers. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. 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. Grouper is a delicious fish. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 - High Octane Fishing It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. 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. It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Have fun and enjoy!! 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. Crystal River Fishing Reports: May Recap and What to Expect You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Come prepared for a strong swim. Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. 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 Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? As for the Redfishing here in Crystal River, it couldnt be any better. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Florida Fishing in in October. We look forward to hearing from you. And good to eat. . Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! We get this question a lot. 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. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. 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!! #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Some reservations may require a deposit. 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. Email Address: Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Charters Grouper And Snapper Fishing In Crystal River Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. 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. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . 2023 FishingBooker.com. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. How shallow one may ask? 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. Reports | Crystal River Fly Fishing The captain can also offer bait if needed. Nice fishing! 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. As the cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! 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? These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! captnickwarrington@gmail.com. We found them! 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. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. Tight Lines!!! 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. 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. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? 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. 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. That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. . 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. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Casey. 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. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. #realsal, God! Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. #realsal, God! Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. The 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. Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. Had an amazing family on the boat today. Sport Fishing Slip Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. 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. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? Continue reading. Caught over grass flats with sabiki rigs or traps, these frisky baits are sure to catch a grouper's eye. Grouper - Southern Fishing Guide Service Your Crystal River Spring 2023 Fishing Guide Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing - High Octane Fishing Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL.