These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. 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. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! February 21, 2023. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. 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. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 Email Address: Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River 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. 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. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. What to expect on your upcoming charter? They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. 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. With temperatures averaging in the low to mid-50's at times, the fish have been less aggressive than normal. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. Gag Grouper In Crystal River 352-601-1963 Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. Nice fishing! More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. How shallow one may ask? 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. Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. You can certainly eat it if you wish! The odd predicament left the docile . The sun is no joke. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We went scalloping (not fishing). One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. As for the Redfishing here in Crystal River, it couldnt be any better. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. 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. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. There is something to do for everyone in our area. 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. INCREDIBLE!!! Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. We look forward to hearing from you. However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . 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. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. These locations are expansive flats with a unique ecology that draws in this awesome species of grouper. This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. The captain can also offer bait if needed. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. 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. The redfish and trout where great for dinner. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. #realsal, God! Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. 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. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. 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. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. 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. When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. 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. While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Oops, there was an error sending your message. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. 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! 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. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. 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. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. The action is a little . 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. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. ? A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. Come prepared for a strong swim. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. I love fishing the Nature Coast. We found them! You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. 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!! 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. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! These are limestone formations that are not found in this many of a number anywhere along the Gulf coast except here. 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. Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. 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. 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. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. Sport Fishing Slip 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. 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! Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. Contact us today with questions. Keep it up. You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. 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 gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract.