These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. And good to eat. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. 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. While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. Fishing Reports - Homosassa Fishing Charters | Crystal River Fishing Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. 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. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. . 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. One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. 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. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters, Guides, & Trips In Crystal River Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. 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. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. You can certainly eat it if you wish! However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. Contact us today with questions. found some trout only one keeper. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. 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. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! The water is heating up and so is the fishing. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. Crystal River is a great place to go for fishing charters. Fishing for Grouper in Crystal River, FL: June Fishing Report Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. What to expect on your upcoming charter? Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Had an amazing family on the boat today. All rights reserved. When to Catch Grouper in Crystal River One of the Florida Gulf Coast's greatest fishing experiences is found in Crystal River. The months of October through December make up this peak period. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. 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? The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Trying to decide what time of year to. 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. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. 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. Its hard to believe that May is already in the rearview mirror. 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. 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. Skip to main content. 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. Shallow Water Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Oops, there was an error sending your message. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. This will help you identify them when its time to go out on your fishing trip. That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. February 21, 2023. Grouper - Southern Fishing Guide Service A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Charters This can cause you to miss the fish. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. The mackerel bite was on ? Crankin' Up Grouper | Bass Pro Shops Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. 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. Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. Email Us! 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. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Florida Fishing Adventures. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. 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. Caught over grass flats with sabiki rigs or traps, these frisky baits are sure to catch a grouper's eye. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? Crystal River Grouper Fishing Crystal River Fishing Reports: May Recap and What to Expect captnickwarrington@gmail.com. We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. 352-601-1963 Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. 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. Your Crystal River Spring 2023 Fishing Guide We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? Happy Holidays Anglers. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! 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 I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. Its keeping it. In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . I love fishing the Nature Coast. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. 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. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! captnickwarrington@gmail.com. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. If so, lets talk about what they look like. #realsal, God! Tight Lines!!! Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. The captain can also offer bait if needed. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. We look forward to. Offering up to date, strategies, productive areas and hot baits. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? There are some species that can grow quite large. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing - Florida Fishing & Hunting Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. John. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. Florida Fishing Adventures. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. 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. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida.