The captain can also offer bait if needed. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. 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. Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. 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. 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. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. 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? 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. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. 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. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. 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. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. 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. Grouper And Snapper Fishing In Crystal River Manatee gets flipper hooked to its face in Florida river | Miami Herald Welcome Spring Breakers!!! These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. #realsal, God! #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. Crystal River, FL 34429. This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing - Florida Fishing & Hunting Reservations should be made in advance if possible. Tight Lines!!! Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. 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. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters Its keeping it. 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. 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. Its hard to believe that May is already in the rearview mirror. Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters, Guides, & Trips In Crystal River This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. 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. Daily Crystal River Fishing Reports (March 2023) - FishingBooker We look forward to. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. Reports - Reel Florida Fishing Charters Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. Grouper are famously known as Florida's most delicious fish species and of the seventeen different grouper species that are targeted throughout Florida the gag grouper is the most common variety found inhabiting the waters off 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. 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 odd predicament left the docile . Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. Summer time is our rainy season. With temperatures averaging in the low to mid-50's at times, the fish have been less aggressive than normal. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? 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. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! I love fishing the Nature Coast. Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. Fishing for Grouper in Crystal River, FL: June Fishing Report Email Address: Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. 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. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. 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. Nice fishing! Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. 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. 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. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. 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. 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. 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? Grouper are notorious for breaking anglers off in nearby structures; therefore, we have to use some seriously stout tackle. Fishing Reports CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING COMPANY Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. 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. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. INCREDIBLE!!! Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. 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. Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. 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. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. 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. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. 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. When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. Pinfish are one of the most commercially important species in many areas of the world. Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. We look forward to hearing from you. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? When you use the right approach with circle hooks, they will hook the grouper at the corner of the mouth. 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. Contact us today with questions. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. 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. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? 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! Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Continue reading. Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. Crystal River, FL 34429. 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. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. Grouper is a delicious fish. 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. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. 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. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. This can cause you to miss the fish. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. 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. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Come prepared for a strong swim. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Gag Grouper 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. Crystal River Grouper Fishing Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. 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 Fishing - High Octane Fishing 9340 W Fort Island Trail We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. 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. Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. Had an amazing family on the boat today. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. These lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. October Fishing Report: Gag Grouper Fishing in Crystal River, FL 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. When to Catch Grouper in Crystal River 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. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. 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. Sport Fishing Slip This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. 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. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. Book with Captain Bryan! 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. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper.