We look forward to. Its keeping it. 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. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. Email Address: One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. 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. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! Come prepared for a strong swim. It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. Sport Fishing Slip Trying to decide what time of year to. Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. 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. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. 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. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper and Redfish | Crystal River Fishing ? Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. 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. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Grouper - Southern Fishing Guide Service 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. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. Welcome Spring Breakers!!! Your Crystal River Spring 2023 Fishing Guide 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. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing - High Octane Fishing They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. October Fishing Report: Gag Grouper Fishing in Crystal River, FL Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. 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. 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. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . Again concentrate on the early morning and late afternoon bites for more success on the water in the dog days of summer. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. 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. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. 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. 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!! Trout bite is firing up. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. INCREDIBLE!!! If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. Crystal River is a great place to go for fishing charters. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. 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. These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. 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 Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Gag Grouper In Crystal River Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 Water is nice and warm in the summer. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. If so, lets talk about what they look like. Great weather and great fishing. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. The water is heating up and so is the fishing. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. Fishing Reports - Homosassa Fishing Charters | Crystal River Fishing Manatee gets flipper hooked to its face in Florida river | Miami Herald Summer time is our rainy season. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? All rights reserved. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. 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. This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. 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. Theres a reason they call is Red October. Schools of large upper slot and overslot redfish line the outer islands of the St. Martins Keys making for extremely fun sight fishing opportunities in crystal clear water. Grouper is a delicious fish. Shallow water or inshore fishing and grouper do not go hand in hand in most areas. Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. 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. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. 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. 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. You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. 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. Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Reports - Reel Florida Fishing Charters Florida Fishing Adventures. What to expect on your upcoming charter? 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. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. These are limestone formations that are not found in this many of a number anywhere along the Gulf coast except here. Some reservations may require a deposit. Happy New Year anglers!! The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. 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. Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. 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. Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. 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. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. #realsal, God! There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Really good fighting fish. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. 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? There are some species that can grow quite large. 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? 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. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. . #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. 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. 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. Email Us! Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. 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. Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. 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? When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. 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. The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River!