Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. 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 Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. 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. Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? 12645 W Fort Island Trail Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. 352-601-1963 We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. 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. 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. Great weather and great fishing. 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. 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. #realsal, God! These same big-lipped diving plugs have been all the rage for about three years among anglers trolling for grouper off Florida's Coastal Bend in the Gulf of Mexico. Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. 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? These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. What Fish Are Biting in Crystal River, FL, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. ? 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. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Shallow water or inshore fishing and grouper do not go hand in hand in most areas. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. Email Address: Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. I love fishing the Nature Coast. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. 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 thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. Really good fighting fish. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. The redfish and trout where great for dinner. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. 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 captain can also offer bait if needed. 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. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Its hard to believe that May is already in the rearview mirror. Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? Gag Grouper In Crystal River These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! 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. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. 9340 W Fort Island Trail Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. What to expect on your upcoming charter? Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! 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? 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. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. The action is a little . Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. . They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! Oops, there was an error sending your message. We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Email Us! More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. If so, lets talk about what they look like. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. 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. How shallow one may ask? 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. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. 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. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. Some reservations may require a deposit. This is the time of year to start making plans and getting your spot locked in for this fishing opportunity. They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. #realsal, God! Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? . Its a very accessible place with plenty of different fish species, and its always an exciting time. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! Continue reading. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. 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. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. Tight Lines!!! 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. They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! 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. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. 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! Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. 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. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. The months of October through December make up this peak period. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Have fun and enjoy!! captnickwarrington@gmail.com. Please call for full rate and reservation information. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. 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All rights reserved. Keep it up. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. 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. Sport Fishing Slip 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. We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. 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. 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. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. 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. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. Contact us today with questions. Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. When to Catch Grouper in Crystal River One of the Florida Gulf Coast's greatest fishing experiences is found in Crystal River. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. Sardines and threadfin herring are a good option if live bait isn't available. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. 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 two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. 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. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. Water is nice and warm in the summer. Learn where, when, and how to catch fishing in Crystal River, Florida with High Octane Fishing Charters. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. 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. Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. We found them! If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Crystal River is a great place to go for fishing charters. 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. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. 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. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. Captain Jayce is the go-to gag grouper fishing charter captain in Crystal River, FL. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. 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. 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. 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. Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. Grouper is a delicious fish. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. It is this combination of structure, food, and temperate waters that bring gag grouper into the Crystal River inshore fishery. 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. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. 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 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. Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in 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. They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. Trying to decide what time of year to. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. 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. Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. Trout bite is firing up. 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. When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . Florida Fishing in in October. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! 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. Summer time is our rainy season. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. 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! #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? 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. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. 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. The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. 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. 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. 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. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. 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 example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. 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.