February 21, 2023. 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. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. 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!! . Skip to main content. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Welcome Spring Breakers!!! Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. 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. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. The sun is no joke. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. 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. Grouper is a delicious fish. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. 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. A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. There are some species that can grow quite large. As the cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. Sardines and threadfin herring are a good option if live bait isn't available. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. Keep it up. When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. 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. Really good fighting fish. A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. Spring time is coming in Spanish mackerel are coming in. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . 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. When to Catch Grouper in Crystal River One of the Florida Gulf Coast's greatest fishing experiences is found in Crystal River. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. 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. Continue reading. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. 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. 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. 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! Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Come prepared for a strong swim. Book with Captain Bryan! Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. 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. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. 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. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Trying to decide what time of year to. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. 12645 W Fort Island Trail 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. Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. 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! 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. Florida Fishing Adventures. The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. Summer time is our rainy season. Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? #realsal, God! They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? The odd predicament left the docile . 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. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. 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. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. 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 9340 W Fort Island Trail But it is worth it to find the fish! I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. 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. 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. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? Oops, there was an error sending your message. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. 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. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Oops, there was an error sending your message. What to expect on your upcoming charter? Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. Florida Fishing Adventures. #realsal, God! In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. 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. 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. 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! Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. John. These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. Sport Fishing Slip Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. February 19, 2023. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. 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 is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper fishing? Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Nice fishing! Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! The months of October through December make up this peak period. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. As for the Redfishing here in Crystal River, it couldnt be any better. A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. Please call for full rate and reservation information. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. I love fishing the Nature Coast. We get this question a lot. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? 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. Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. Happy New Year anglers!! All rights reserved. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. 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. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. And good to eat. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. 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. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. 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. While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! 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. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. 352-601-1963 For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. facebook; youtube; instagram; 352-601-1963; . The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River! Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. Great weather and great 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. Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. Caught over grass flats with sabiki rigs or traps, these frisky baits are sure to catch a grouper's eye. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. We look forward to hearing from you. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. 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. 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? 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. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! 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. They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. Offering up to date, strategies, productive areas and hot baits. While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. 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. Shallow water or inshore fishing and grouper do not go hand in hand in most areas. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! Florida Fishing in in October. The water is heating up and so is the fishing. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. 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. 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. These are limestone formations that are not found in this many of a number anywhere along the Gulf coast except here. 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. 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. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! The captain can also offer bait if needed. Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. 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. I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. 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. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. 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.
