So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. 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. Email Address: Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. 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. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. Tight Lines!!! 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!! All rights reserved. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. 12645 W Fort Island Trail 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. Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. 9340 W Fort Island Trail 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. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. 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. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". 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. Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! Crystal River, FL 34429. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? Nice fishing! They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. 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. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. We look forward to. Sport Fishing Slip 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. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! Email Address: 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. Grouper is a delicious fish. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. Happy New Year anglers!! Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. October Fishing Report: Gag Grouper Fishing in Crystal River, FL 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! The grouper season here opens on 1 June. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. Crystal River is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper fishing? ? Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. 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. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Contact us today with questions. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. 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. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. found some trout only one keeper. 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. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? . Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. If so, lets talk about what they look like. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. Happy Holidays Anglers. Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. Daily Crystal River Fishing Reports (March 2023) - FishingBooker 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 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. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. 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. 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. Reports | Crystal River Fly Fishing The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Welcome Spring Breakers!!! Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. 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. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. The redfish and trout where great for dinner. Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. The sun is no joke. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. What to expect on your upcoming charter? See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. 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. Gag Grouper In Crystal River The action is a little . Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. 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. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. 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. Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. 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. As the cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. 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 The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. And good to eat. 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. Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? 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. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. 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. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. 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. 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. INCREDIBLE!!! The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. Florida Fishing Adventures. 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. The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. 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. These are limestone formations that are not found in this many of a number anywhere along the Gulf coast except here. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. I love fishing the Nature Coast. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. 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. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. Crystal River Sport Fishing - Fishing Charters in Crystal River, FL Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. Its hard to believe that May is already in the rearview mirror. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. Florida Fishing in in October. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. #realsal, God! We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! All rights reserved. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. 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. You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. Crystal River Grouper Fishing Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? 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 many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. 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. Sardines and threadfin herring are a good option if live bait isn't available. 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!! captnickwarrington@gmail.com. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 - High Octane Fishing Reports - Reel Florida Fishing Charters Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . Offering up to date, strategies, productive areas and hot baits. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. 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. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters, Guides, & Trips In Crystal River Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. 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. The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. Trout bite is firing up. You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! Florida Fishing Adventures. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. I love fishing the Nature Coast. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. We went scalloping (not fishing). Some reservations may require a deposit. Trying to decide what time of year to. Shallow Water Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. 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. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! 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. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper and Redfish | Crystal River Fishing . Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. Have fun and enjoy!! Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year.