Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. What to expect on your upcoming charter? Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. 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? Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. Fishing for Grouper in Crystal River, FL: June Fishing Report The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. 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. If so, lets talk about what they look like. Email Address: 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. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. 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. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. 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. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. 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. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. Learn where, when, and how to catch fishing in Crystal River, Florida with High Octane Fishing Charters. Florida Fishing Adventures. Contact us today with questions. Daily Crystal River Fishing Reports (March 2023) - FishingBooker Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. 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. 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!! In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. 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. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. Grouper are notorious for breaking anglers off in nearby structures; therefore, we have to use some seriously stout tackle. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Nice fishing! I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. 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. Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? ? Its keeping it. It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. 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. This can cause you to miss the fish. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. 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. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. 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. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. Your Crystal River Spring 2023 Fishing Guide If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. Casey. Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. 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. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Summer time is our rainy season. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Welcome Spring Breakers!!! Spring time is coming in Spanish mackerel are coming in. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! Sport Fishing Slip While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. The months of October through December make up this peak period. These locations are expansive flats with a unique ecology that draws in this awesome species of grouper. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 captnickwarrington@gmail.com. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. 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 others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. We look forward to. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. What to expect on your upcoming charter? Email Us! Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. 9340 W Fort Island Trail The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? facebook; youtube; instagram; 352-601-1963; . 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. 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. The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River! Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Happy New Year anglers!! Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. Email Us! Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. The captain can also offer bait if needed. Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. The odd predicament left the docile . Book with Captain Bryan! A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. 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. Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. Have fun and enjoy!! See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. 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! Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. 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. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. Fishing Reports CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING COMPANY However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. Shallow Water Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. Offering up to date, strategies, productive areas and hot baits. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. And good to eat. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. 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. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing - Florida Fishing & Hunting Reports - Reel Florida Fishing Charters You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. The sun is no joke. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! 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. Sport Fishing Slip October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. 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. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. John. All rights reserved. Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. Fishing Reports | Crystal River Fishing Charters The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! There are some species that can grow quite large. 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. 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. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! 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. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Sardines and threadfin herring are a good option if live bait isn't available. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters, Guides, & Trips In Crystal River Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. 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 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. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients.