While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. 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. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. Crystal River, FL 34429. The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. 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 sun is no joke. These are limestone formations that are not found in this many of a number anywhere along the Gulf coast except here. 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. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. What Fish Are Biting in Crystal River, FL, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . The captain can also offer bait if needed. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. Happy Holidays Anglers. Its hard to believe that May is already in the rearview mirror. Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. Skip to main content. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. 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. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. 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. In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. 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. But it is worth it to find the fish! Florida Fishing Adventures. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. Sport Fishing Slip They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. 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. 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. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? Some reservations may require a deposit. 12645 W Fort Island Trail In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. 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. Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? 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. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. When to Catch Grouper in Crystal River One of the Florida Gulf Coast's greatest fishing experiences is found in Crystal River. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. 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. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. 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. Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! 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. 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? For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. 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. Crystal River is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper fishing? Back in early 60's 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. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. Happy New Year anglers!! Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. 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. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. Caught over grass flats with sabiki rigs or traps, these frisky baits are sure to catch a grouper's eye. The water is heating up and so is the fishing. It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. Come prepared for a strong swim. The odd predicament left the docile . 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!! Summer time is our rainy season. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. Oops, there was an error sending your message. However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. We went for Scallops. Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? This can cause you to miss the fish. Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. 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! Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. 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? Pinfish are one of the most commercially important species in many areas of the world. Keep it up. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 We went scalloping (not fishing). There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Trout bite is firing up. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. 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. And good to eat. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. 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. found some trout only one keeper. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. 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. Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. These locations are expansive flats with a unique ecology that draws in this awesome species of grouper. Contact us today with questions. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. 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. The months of October through December make up this peak period. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Great weather and great fishing. These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. Had an amazing family on the boat today. If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. 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. Crystal River, FL 34429. Water is nice and warm in the summer. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. All rights reserved. It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. 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. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. . 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 Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Florida Fishing in in October. 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. Continue reading. Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. Nice fishing! Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Email Us! However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. With temperatures averaging in the low to mid-50's at times, the fish have been less aggressive than normal. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. 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. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. There is something to do for everyone in our area. 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. Grouper is a delicious fish. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. We found them! I love fishing the Nature Coast. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. 12645 W Fort Island Trail No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. 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. Email Address: #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Casey. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. 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. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. . 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. 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. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. 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. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! In fact, the area has been one of the most popular charter fishing spots in this part of Florida for many decades now thanks to the accessibility and abundant natural resources. 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. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. #realsal, God! You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. 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!! A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. 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. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! 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. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Have fun and enjoy!! Its keeping it. 352-601-1963 The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of 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. These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! We look forward to. 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! These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Trying to decide what time of year to. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Grouper are notorious for breaking anglers off in nearby structures; therefore, we have to use some seriously stout tackle. INCREDIBLE!!! Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Learn where, when, and how to catch fishing in Crystal River, Florida with High Octane Fishing Charters. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Grouper can be caught on a variety of lures like spoons and jigs, but they are smart fish, so you need to be strategic about the type of bait you use as well as your choice of equipment. There are some species that can grow quite large. Book with Captain Bryan! Crystal River is a great place to go for fishing charters. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. 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. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. 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. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. John. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! These lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. 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. 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? When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing 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. 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. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. 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. 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. Gag Grouper In Crystal River Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key.