Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. 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. 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. These locations are expansive flats with a unique ecology that draws in this awesome species of grouper. Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. We look forward to hearing from you. INCREDIBLE!!! He or she will help you set up the gear, give you tips on how to catch fish. 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. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. 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. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. 9340 W Fort Island Trail The mackerel bite was on ? These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. 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. 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. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. 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. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. 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 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. We initially said hunt because thats exactly what fishing for grouper is like. What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. I love fishing the Nature Coast. Manatee gets flipper hooked to its face in Florida river | Miami Herald Very knowedgable, very friendly and great fisherman. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Its keeping it. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. found some trout only one keeper. Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. The action is a little . 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. Crystal River is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper fishing? When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. Reports | Crystal River Fly Fishing 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! There are some species that can grow quite large. Reports - Reel Florida Fishing Charters 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. Drink water!! Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. Pinfish are one of the most commercially important species in many areas of the world. You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. October Fishing Report: Gag Grouper Fishing in Crystal River, FL We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. 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. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . Daily Crystal River Fishing Reports (March 2023) - FishingBooker Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. Email Us! . Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. As for the Redfishing here in Crystal River, it couldnt be any better. The time we have all been looking forward to, cooler weather, has arrived here in Crystal River! Crystal River Grouper Fishing Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. All rights reserved. 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. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 - High Octane Fishing Offering up to date, strategies, productive areas and hot baits. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Crystal River is a great place to go for fishing charters. 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. These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. 352-601-1963 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!! Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Charters No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. 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? The redfish and trout where great for dinner. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. 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. Have fun and enjoy!! The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. 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. We went scalloping (not fishing). As the cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us. Crankin' Up Grouper | Bass Pro Shops The months of October through December make up this peak period. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. 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. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Skip to main content. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Grouper - Southern Fishing Guide Service 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. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! 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. 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. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. Crystal River Fishing Reports: May Recap and What to Expect These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. 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. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. The two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper and Redfish | Crystal River Fishing It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. Grouper is a delicious fish. Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. February 19, 2023. Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters John. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. Had an amazing family on the boat today. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. Fishing Reports - Homosassa Fishing Charters | Crystal River Fishing Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. How shallow one may ask? The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. 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. Fishing Reports Catch Us Book Now (813) 486-4642 Your Ultimate Fishing Adventurein Crystal River Starts Here! Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Sardines and threadfin herring are a good option if live bait isn't available. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! 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. The trout fishing has slowed down with warmer temperatures we have been fishing from 12-16 feet slow jigging mirrolure little johns in . We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing - Florida Fishing & Hunting They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. 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. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. Happy New Year anglers!! Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. 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. We get this question a lot. Here at Crystal River Guide Service, Captain Casey is your local go-to inshore grouper fishing guide in Crystal River. There are multiple ways to target these fish all the way from fishing live bait, trolling lures, as well as even casting big plugs and soft plastics swim baits. Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. 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. You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. We look forward to. Florida Fishing Adventures. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. 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. Water is nice and warm in the summer. 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. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. 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. Oops, there was an error sending your message. 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 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. 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. 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They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. February 21, 2023. #realsal, God! 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. They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. Casey. 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. Fishing for Grouper in Crystal River, FL: June Fishing Report Come prepared for a strong swim. 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. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports!