The redfish and trout where great for dinner. Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. 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. Drink water!! The captain can also offer bait if needed. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. You can certainly eat it if you wish! 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. Have fun and enjoy!! However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. Tight Lines!!! See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. 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. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. What to expect on your upcoming charter? You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. 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. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. Email Us! Learn where, when, and how to catch fishing in Crystal River, Florida with High Octane Fishing Charters. 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. Book with Captain Bryan! Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. I love fishing the Nature Coast. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. All rights reserved. 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? One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. 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. . #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! What Fish Are Biting in Crystal River, FL, 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. 12645 W Fort Island Trail 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. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. 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 cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. 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. Sport Fishing Slip There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. The action is a little . Continue reading. How shallow one may ask? Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. 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? Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. 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? INCREDIBLE!!! We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. 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. Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. Crystal River, FL 34429. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. 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 in in October. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. 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. The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. 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. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. Contact us today with questions. Skip to main content. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. 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. We found them! Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. Keep it up. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. Shallow water or inshore fishing and grouper do not go hand in hand in most areas. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. Crystal River, FL 34429. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? The water is heating up and so is the fishing. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. Nice fishing! 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. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. 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. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. 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. When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. 9340 W Fort Island Trail This can cause you to miss the fish. Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! We look forward to hearing from you. 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. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. What to expect on your upcoming charter? 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. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Water is nice and warm in the summer. It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. 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. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. 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? #realsal, God! The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. 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! We went for Scallops. It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. 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. The mackerel bite was on ? Florida Fishing Adventures. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Sport Fishing Slip Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. 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. 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. The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. 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. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! Welcome Spring Breakers!!! Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. Be sure to lock down the drag and hold on tight as these fish will give it everything they got to get you down in the rocks. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. The sun is no joke. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. 352-601-1963 Email Us! Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. With temperatures averaging in the low to mid-50's at times, the fish have been less aggressive than normal. Crystal River is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper fishing? For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. These locations are expansive flats with a unique ecology that draws in this awesome species of grouper. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Grouper is a delicious fish. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. 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! One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. Its keeping it. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. 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. February 19, 2023. The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. 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. A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. The months of October through December make up this peak period. Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? Some reservations may require a deposit. These are limestone formations that are not found in this many of a number anywhere along the Gulf coast except here. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. 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. 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. Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. 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. Summer time is our rainy season. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. Gag Grouper In Crystal River . Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. 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. We look forward to. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. All you have to do is pay for the charter. All rights reserved. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. ? 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. Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. Spring time is coming in Spanish mackerel are coming in. We get this question a lot. Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. . Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. facebook; youtube; instagram; 352-601-1963; . Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat 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. 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 Book Fishing Charter Follow us on. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. 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. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. I love fishing the Nature Coast. 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. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. found some trout only one keeper. Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. 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. This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. Happy New Year anglers!! 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. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Trying to decide what time of year to. 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. Email Address: 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. 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. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. 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!