Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. 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 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. Contact us today with questions. Crystal River, FL 34429. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. [email protected]. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. February 21, 2023. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . 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. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. Really good fighting fish. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. Skip to main content. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. 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. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. 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. 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!! They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. 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! Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. The odd predicament left the docile . The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. 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. Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. 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. I love fishing the Nature Coast. 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. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. The sun is no joke. Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. 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. Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. This will help you identify them when its time to go out on your fishing trip. 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. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. INCREDIBLE!!! It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! facebook; youtube; instagram; 352-601-1963; . Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. 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. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! 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. Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. Email Address: Please call for full rate and reservation information. #realsal, God! CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? 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. Keep it up. Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". The grouper season here opens on 1 June. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! 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. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. And good to eat. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. 352-601-1963 June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. 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. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. found some trout only one keeper. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. 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. 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. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! 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. Its keeping it. Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. Trout bite is firing up. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. Happy New Year anglers!! For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. Trying to decide what time of year to. Summer time is our rainy season. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. Looking for an Orvi, Shout out to my boy Casey Males for knocking out s, Another great day of fly fishing with my main man, This gorgeous view will becoming up For Sale very, Great Day fly fishing the Backcountry of Crystal R, One of my top 10 guiding moments!! 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? Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. 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. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. Email Address: I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. 9340 W Fort Island Trail We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. 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. Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. 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. 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 Continue reading. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? While most go fish wrecks and reefs for grouper, the bottom-scape of the Crystal River shallows contain many natural features that draw this species in. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. We get this question a lot. 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. Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. . 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. Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! 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. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. 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. Pinfish are one of the most commercially important species in many areas of the world. 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 lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. This can cause you to miss the fish. 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. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. . We look forward to hearing from you. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! 12645 W Fort Island Trail 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. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. ? 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. All rights reserved. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. Gag Grouper In Crystal River Have fun and enjoy!! 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. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today 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. A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. 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? 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 want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. 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 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. We went for Scallops. Book with Captain Bryan! See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. 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. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. Some reservations may require a deposit. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. 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. . Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. As the cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us.