While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! Happy Holidays Anglers. This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. This will help you identify them when its time to go out on your fishing trip. 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. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. What to expect on your upcoming charter? Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. If so, lets talk about what they look like. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. 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. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. 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. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. 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. How awesome would it be to put a Tarpon in the air or land a couple of Snook all before most folks pour their first cup of coffee? Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. Come prepared for a strong swim. 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. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. 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. Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. 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. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. 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. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. 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. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. We found them! In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! data-event-category="Navigation header guest". 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. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. 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. 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! Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! 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. We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. Continue reading. 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. This can cause you to miss the fish. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Drink water!! If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. Email Address: Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. #realsal, God! Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. All rights reserved. We went scalloping (not fishing). Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. It sits on the Crystal River where you can swim with manatees. Sport Fishing Slip Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! 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. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. 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. 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. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Florida Fishing Adventures. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. Please call for full rate and reservation information. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. Florida Fishing in in October. 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. However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. 12645 W Fort Island Trail The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. Its hard to believe that May is already in the rearview mirror. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. 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 Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. 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. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. The mackerel bite was on ? 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. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. 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. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. I love fishing the Nature Coast. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. 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. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Had an amazing family on the boat today. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! 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. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! ? Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. 9340 W Fort Island Trail When you use the right approach with circle hooks, they will hook the grouper at the corner of the mouth. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. Casey. 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? INCREDIBLE!!! . This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. The redfish and trout where great for dinner. 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. A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. 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. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. 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. In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. And good to eat. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. All rights reserved. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. 9340 W Fort Island Trail I love fishing the Nature Coast. When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. All rights reserved. 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! They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. 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. 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. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. What to expect on your upcoming charter? 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. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. 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. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. 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. Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. Contact us today with questions. Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. 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. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. Water is nice and warm in the summer. The odd predicament left the docile . 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. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. Really good fighting fish. Florida Fishing Adventures. You can certainly eat it if you wish! We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. 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. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Have fun and enjoy!! If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Crystal River, FL 34429. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. 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. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium.