What to expect on your upcoming charter? Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. 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? Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. We found them! Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. And good to eat. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. 352-601-1963 Shallow Water Grouper Fishing - Florida Fishing & Hunting Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. Florida Fishing Adventures. A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat. The sun is no joke. Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. Crystal River Grouper Fishing The redfish and trout where great for dinner. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. Grouper - Southern Fishing Guide Service Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! 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. Crystal River, FL 34429. Nice fishing! Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. When you use the right approach with circle hooks, they will hook the grouper at the corner of the mouth. 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 grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. 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. Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! Florida Fishing in in October. Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. . The mackerel bite was on ? When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. 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. Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. 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. Reports | Crystal River Fly Fishing John. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. 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. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Email Address: Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . 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 grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. 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! 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. What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. Spring time is coming in Spanish mackerel are coming in. The best Grouper fishing found along Crystal River and Homosassa can be found along the shallow waters of our "Foul Area" also known as the Old Bombing Range. 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! Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! The action is a little . The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. Shallow Water Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport 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. Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. Over time the constant bombardment of dropping these heavy dummy bombs created large areas of scattered craters that have become perfect hiding areas for hungry Grouper. Please call for full rate and reservation information. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. found some trout only one keeper. Grouper And Snapper Fishing In Crystal River We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! October Fishing Report: Gag Grouper Fishing in Crystal River, FL Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. Email Us! Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? We get this question a lot. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Charters There are some species that can grow quite large. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. 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. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. 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. Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! 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. 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. Happy Holidays Anglers. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. 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. This can cause you to miss the fish. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. We went scalloping (not fishing). For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. Great weather and great fishing. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. It is relatively easy to identify grouper 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. Florida Fishing Adventures. Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. #realsal, God! 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. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. 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! Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. 12645 W Fort Island Trail | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. 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. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. Casey. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. 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. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! These locations are expansive flats with a unique ecology that draws in this awesome species of grouper. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. This will help you identify them when its time to go out on your fishing trip. 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. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. Crystal River is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper fishing? How shallow one may ask? Happy New Year anglers!! The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. 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. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Gag Grouper In Crystal River We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Its hard to believe that May is already in the rearview mirror. Grouper are notorious for breaking anglers off in nearby structures; therefore, we have to use some seriously stout tackle. There is something to do for everyone in our 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. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. 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. Fishing Reports - Homosassa Fishing Charters | Crystal River Fishing Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? 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 snook bite continues to stay really strong on the hard incoming tides on the outside points using live bait and fast moving weedless jerkbaits. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters.