The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! Happy Holidays Anglers. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. 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!! As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. 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! Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. Sport Fishing Slip Crystal River Grouper Fishing If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. These lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. 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. A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. 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? Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. 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. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing - High Octane Fishing Have fun and enjoy!! Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? 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. February 21, 2023. Sport Fishing Slip Had an amazing family on the boat today. You can certainly eat it if you wish! John. 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 Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. 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. #realsal, God! The crystal clear waters in this small city make it an awesome place to hunt for these elusive fish. Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. . 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. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Grouper - Southern Fishing Guide Service 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. The redfish and trout where great for dinner. Crystal River Sport Fishing - Fishing Charters in Crystal River, FL Some reservations may require a deposit. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . . Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. Florida Fishing in in October. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. The sun is no joke. These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. Crystal River, Florida, is a prime fishing destination with various species to catch and beautiful scenery to enjoy. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! You dont have to buy a fishing boat or buy fishing gear. Trout bite is firing up. And good to eat. When you use the right approach with circle hooks, they will hook the grouper at the corner of the mouth. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Reports | Crystal River Fly Fishing All rights reserved. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. Great weather and great fishing. 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. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. The water is heating up and so is the fishing. The mackerel bite was on ? Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. 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. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Email Address: My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Over time the constant bombardment of dropping these heavy dummy bombs created large areas of scattered craters that have become perfect hiding areas for hungry Grouper. If so, lets talk about what they look like. 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. Contact us today with questions. Crystal River Grouper Fishing These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. Email Address: Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. Skip to main content. Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. Crystal River Fishing Reports - by High Octane Fishing In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! 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. Manatee gets flipper hooked to its face in Florida river | Miami Herald Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. Come prepared for a strong swim. 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. 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. Fishing for Grouper in Crystal River, FL: June Fishing Report Gag Grouper In Crystal River 12645 W Fort Island Trail The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Welcome Spring Breakers!!! Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. Fishing reports for the Crystal River, Florida area, including Homosassa. Crystal River, FL 34429. The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Please call for full rate and reservation information. 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 In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. However, in Crystal River Florida it does! Offering up to date fishing tips, scalloping strategies, productive areas and hot baits. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! All rights reserved. October Fishing Report: Gag Grouper Fishing in Crystal River, FL 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. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. #realsal, God! But if youre planning to go during the colder months, keep in mind that most freshwater species are seasonal. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Email Us! Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. 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 - Reel Florida Fishing Charters There are some species that can grow quite large. 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. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. Florida Fishing Adventures. No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! July fishing can very hot but very rewarding. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper and Redfish | Crystal River Fishing You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. 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. 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. For species such as Grouper, Red Snapper, Snook and Redfish. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. 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. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. Drink water!! If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. The odd predicament left the docile . They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. They can also be fished using live or dead bait such as cut fish or chicken parts. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. 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. Fishing Reports - Homosassa Fishing Charters | Crystal River Fishing When to Catch Grouper in Crystal River One of the Florida Gulf Coast's greatest fishing experiences is found in Crystal River. 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. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. 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. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. 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. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. Learn all about the different snapper varieties here. The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! 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. Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. 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. There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. Inshore, grouper, tarpon, scalloping, and fly fishing news. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. 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.