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. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. The redfish and trout where great for dinner. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. Some reservations may require a deposit. Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. The sun is no joke. Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River! Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. Offering up to date, strategies, productive areas and hot 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. We found them! Sardines and threadfin herring are a good option if live bait isn't available. 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. They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. 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. 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? #realsal, God! The action is a little . This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. Contact us today with questions. February 19, 2023. Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. 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. Pinfish are one of the most commercially important species in many areas of the world. However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. Nice fishing! I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. 9340 W Fort Island Trail Grouper is a delicious fish. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! 2023 FishingBooker.com. 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. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. What to expect on your upcoming charter? 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. Continue reading. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. Grouper fishing in Crystal River is typically done by bottom fishing with live bait, and the best time to fish for grouper is during the cooler months. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. 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. They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. . A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. Casey. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. 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. Email Us! Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. The odd predicament left the docile . It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. Drink water!! We look forward to hearing from you. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! 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! Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. Welcome Spring Breakers!!! 352-601-1963 open menu Crystal River Sport Fishing Sport Fishing Slip 12645 W Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 Map/Directions (813) 486-4642 [email protected] Hours Always Open Reviews Book Fishing Charter Follow us on. 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. 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. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. Crystal River, FL 34429. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? Book with Captain Bryan! Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? 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. Have fun and enjoy!! John. 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. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! Keep it up. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". 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. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. open menu Crystal River Sport Fishing Sport Fishing Slip 12645 W Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 Map/Directions (813) 486-4642 [email protected] Hours Always Open Reviews 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. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. open menu Crystal River Sport Fishing Sport Fishing Slip 12645 W Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 Map/Directions (813) 486-4642 [email protected] Hours Always Open Reviews Book Fishing Charter Follow us on. A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. 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. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. We look forward to. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! Shallow water or inshore fishing and grouper do not go hand in hand in most areas. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red 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. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. This can cause you to miss the fish. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. The mackerel bite was on ? Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. These locations are expansive flats with a unique ecology that draws in this awesome species of grouper. You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. 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. 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. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. Sport Fishing Slip 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. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. Caught over grass flats with sabiki rigs or traps, these frisky baits are sure to catch a grouper's eye. The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? However, they can also be found in temperate environments. 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. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. When you use the right approach with circle hooks, they will hook the grouper at the corner of the mouth. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. 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. Had an amazing family on the boat today. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. All rights reserved. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. 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. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. 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. This will help you identify them when its time to go out on your fishing trip. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. 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 Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. Happy New Year anglers!! This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. If so, lets talk about what they look like. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. 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. Grouper are notorious for breaking anglers off in nearby structures; therefore, we have to use some seriously stout tackle. 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? February 21, 2023. #realsal, God! A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. ? What to expect on your upcoming charter? Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! 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. Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? And good to eat. But it is worth it to find the fish! Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. I love fishing the Nature Coast. When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. 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. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. 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. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. 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. Email Us! We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. 9340 W Fort Island Trail There are some species that can grow quite large. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. 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. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? Oops, there was an error sending your message. INCREDIBLE!!! The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! 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. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. 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. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . Email Address: 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. 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!! Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Come prepared for a strong swim. 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. We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. 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! With temperatures averaging in the low to mid-50's at times, the fish have been less aggressive than normal. 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. 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. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. Happy Holidays Anglers. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. 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. 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!! Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. 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. Great weather and great fishing. They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. 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. 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. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? Florida Fishing Adventures. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! 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. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. Email Address: 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.