crystal river grouper fishing report

Casey. Sport Fishing Slip 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? Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. 12645 W Fort Island Trail 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. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. Continue reading. The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. Sign me up as a fan Im often asked how we choose the guides that work with us here at Reel Florida Fishing Charters. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. 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. Learn where, when, and how to catch fishing in Crystal River, Florida with High Octane Fishing Charters. 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. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. 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. 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 the cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 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. 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. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. We look forward to hearing from you. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. All rights reserved. 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. Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. There is something to do for everyone in our 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 arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. Nice fishing! What to expect on your upcoming charter? Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. Florida Fishing Adventures. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. 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 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. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. February 19, 2023. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. There are some species that can grow quite large. 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. 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. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. Had an amazing family on the boat today. Welcome Spring Breakers!!! The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. You can feel the shear stopping power of these fish when they hit the lure. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. The odd predicament left the docile . 352-601-1963 We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. 352-601-1963 Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Grouper is a delicious fish. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. These are limestone formations that are not found in this many of a number anywhere along the Gulf coast except here. Great weather and great fishing. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. These lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. Come prepared for a strong swim. Trying to decide what time of year to. We went for Scallops. 2023 FishingBooker.com. 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. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. John. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. 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. Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! We look forward to. Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. With temperatures averaging in the low to mid-50's at times, the fish have been less aggressive than normal. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! 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. Some reservations may require a deposit. They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. The mackerel bite was on ? This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! Its keeping it. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. 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. Crystal River, FL 34429. This can cause you to miss the fish. 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. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! We went scalloping (not fishing). It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. 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. Grouper are notorious for breaking anglers off in nearby structures; therefore, we have to use some seriously stout tackle. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! You can certainly eat it if you wish! Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. Email Us! 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 is a great place to go for fishing charters. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. I love fishing the Nature Coast. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. Shallow water or inshore fishing and grouper do not go hand in hand in most areas. Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. February 21, 2023. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Keep it up. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. Whether you're an inshore or offshore angler, there are incredible opportunities to catch some serious "dinners." The highlight, though, without a doubt, is chasing down shallow water grouper. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. The action is a little . Skip to main content. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River! October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. 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. Contact us today with questions. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. When to Catch Grouper in Crystal River One of the Florida Gulf Coast's greatest fishing experiences is found in Crystal River. A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. 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. Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. 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 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. The captain can also offer bait if needed. All rights reserved. But it is worth it to find the fish! Gag grouper fishing is an exhilarating experience in Crystal River, FL. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. 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. 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. What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. The sun is no joke. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. 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. 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! I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. Email Us! The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. Crystal River is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper fishing? Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. 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. 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. Oops, there was an error sending your message. Book with Captain Bryan! 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. Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. 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. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. How shallow one may ask? Email Address: Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. ? . Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. Gag grouper season runs June 1st-December 31st. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. 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. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. Pinfish are one of the most commercially important species in many areas of the world. If so, lets talk about what they look like. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing!