When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? Oops, there was an error sending your message. Happy Holidays Anglers. Sport Fishing Slip Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Trout bite is firing up. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Tight Lines!!! 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. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Pinfish are one of the most commercially important species in many areas of the world. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. 352-601-1963 They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. 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. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. Shallow water or inshore fishing and grouper do not go hand in hand in most areas. However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. Sardines and threadfin herring are a good option if live bait isn't available. All rights reserved. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. 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. Trying to decide what time of year to. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. 9340 W Fort Island Trail Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. 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. When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. 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. 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. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. The odd predicament left the docile . Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? Learn where, when, and how to catch fishing in Crystal River, Florida with High Octane Fishing Charters. 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. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. This will help you identify them when its time to go out on your fishing trip. The months of October through December make up this peak period. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. What to expect on your upcoming charter? As for the Redfishing here in Crystal River, it couldnt be any better. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Email Address: A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. All rights reserved. And good to eat. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. 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. Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. The sun is no joke. When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. There is something to do for everyone in our area. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. . I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Email Us! February 19, 2023. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. 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. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. #realsal, God! Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. If so, lets talk about what they look like. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. Book with Captain Bryan! A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! The action is a little . Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. Great weather and great fishing. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. Gag Grouper In Crystal River 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. These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. 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! Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. 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. 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. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. Florida Fishing in in October. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. 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. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Some reservations may require a deposit. 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. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. But it is worth it to find the fish! Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. 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. A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. 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 grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. 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. 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. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. Offering up to date, strategies, productive areas and hot baits. This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. 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? 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. 2023 FishingBooker.com. 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. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! 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, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. Crystal River, FL 34429. 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're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. 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! What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. 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. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! Happy New Year anglers!! 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. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . Water is nice and warm in the summer. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. 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. You can certainly eat it if you wish! 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. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! 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! Nice fishing! Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. 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. I love fishing the Nature Coast. We look forward to hearing from you. Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. 9340 W Fort Island Trail 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. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. 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. Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. 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. 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. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. ? Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. 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. The captain can also offer bait if needed. We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. 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. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. 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. 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. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. 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. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. 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. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! 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. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. Lost of options around the "millions" of islands and offshore rock piles.. Pete's Pier is a great place to launch from and Hampton Inn and Plantation On Crystal River are very close by. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. 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 Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. Grouper fishing in Crystal River is typically done by bottom fishing with live bait, and the best time to fish for grouper is during the cooler months. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. 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. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. 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. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. 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. 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. 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. Skip to main content. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. 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. 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. The water is heating up and so is the fishing. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. 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. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. 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. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. Welcome Spring Breakers!!! The grouper season here opens on 1 June. Crystal River is a great place to go for fishing charters. We went scalloping (not fishing). Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. 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. 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.