These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. 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. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. Water is nice and warm in the summer. All rights reserved. The sun is no joke. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! This allows you to easily release the fish and improves the chance that it will live. 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. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. 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. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. The action is a little . 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. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks typically work great. Skip to main content. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. The months of October through December make up this peak period. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper 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. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Trout bite is firing up. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ? Grouper fish come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most have large scales. 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. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. What to expect on your upcoming charter? 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. The odd predicament left the docile . We are the experienced fishing character that can help you catch grouper, along with many other types of fish. 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. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. 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. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. 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. Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? 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. Email Address: 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 health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Try casting around these areas and luring in grouper with baits such as shrimp or squid strips. July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. 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. 9340 W Fort Island Trail 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. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! We look forward to. Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? February 21, 2023. Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. found some trout only one keeper. 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. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds 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. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! 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!! That said, there is a peak activity season where most anglers switch to targeting them specifically. Captain, Owner, and Fishing Guide At Florida Fishing Adventures in Crystal River, Florida. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. Sport Fishing Slip #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! What to expect on your upcoming charter? Contact us today with questions. 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. Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. We found them! Drink water!! Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! 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. When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. John. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! 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. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. 352-601-1963 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. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. 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. 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. If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Trying to decide what time of year to. 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. 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. Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. The speckled sea trout bite has been great the red fish are moving out to the outer islands wanting to feed plenty of sheep pad and mangrove snapper on the rock piles. 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. All you have to do is pay for the charter. The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. This will help you identify them when its time to go out on your fishing trip. 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. 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. In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. They are intelligent and fast-moving, so catching them takes some skill. Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. 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. 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! 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. Crystal River, FL 34429. 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. Email Address: Pinfish are one of the most commercially important species in many areas of the world. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs.