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. 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. All rights reserved. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Email Us! Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! 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. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. 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. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. 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. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. As the cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. 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. 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. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. 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. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. 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! Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Its keeping it. 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!! Oops, there was an error sending your message. Summer time is our rainy season. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. February 19, 2023. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. 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. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. 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. Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. 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. Water is nice and warm in the summer. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. 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. 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. It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. All you have to do is pay for the charter. Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? Continue reading. 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. Trying to decide what time of year to. 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. Happy New Year anglers!! He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. 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. The captain can also offer bait if needed. Contact fishing booker thay no who tofix you up with and the guided we have met are straight shooters, Ask your Captain - they know the area and the best catch for the time of year you visit, Bring a jacket if you are fishing in the am , gets cold early morning , warms up nicely mid morning. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. 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. Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? 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. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. Trout bite is firing up. This will help you identify them when its time to go out on your fishing trip. Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? 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. 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. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. . Some reservations may require a deposit. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. ? 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. Crystal River, FL 34429. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. 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. Welcome Spring Breakers!!! While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. Florida Fishing in in October. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. These locations are expansive flats with a unique ecology that draws in this awesome species of grouper. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. 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. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. Sport Fishing Slip 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 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. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. . Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. 352-601-1963 If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. 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. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. Offering up to date, strategies, productive areas and hot baits. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. Crystal River is a great place to go for fishing charters. When you use the right approach with circle hooks, they will hook the grouper at the corner of the mouth. 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. INCREDIBLE!!! Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! 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. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. We look forward to. If so, lets talk about what they look like. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. The months of October through December make up this peak period. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. But just off its shores is a series of freshwater springs that attract numerous different species of fish from all over the Gulf Coast every year. Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. What Fish Are Biting in Crystal River, FL, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. This can cause you to miss the fish. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. We look forward to hearing from you. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. The sun is no joke. I love fishing the Nature Coast. Great weather and great fishing. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. Keep it up. In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. February 21, 2023. 9340 W Fort Island Trail Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. 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. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. 9340 W Fort Island Trail There are some species that can grow quite large. #realsal, God! We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. Email Address: 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? In addition to fishing for grouper in Crystal River, check out the following ideas for things to do this month: Grouper is an amazing fish, and catching one is a feat. As for the Redfishing here in Crystal River, it couldnt be any better. found some trout only one keeper. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. 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! I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! 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. 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. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. 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. 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 What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. 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. Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. What to expect on your upcoming charter? 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. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. We found them! Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. Gag Grouper In Crystal River You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. There is something to do for everyone in our area. And good to eat. 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. 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. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. But it is worth it to find the fish! 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. 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!! The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? The redfish and trout where great for dinner. 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. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. 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? I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. Drink water!! Happy Holidays Anglers. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. 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. 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. The water is heating up and so is the fishing. I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! 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. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. 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 action is a little . Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper..