Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. Crystal River is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper fishing? Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. Shallow water or inshore fishing and grouper do not go hand in hand in most areas. 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. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. What to expect on your upcoming charter? 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. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. It has high levels of mercury, which can cause problems such as bloody stool, mood swings, memory loss, or muscle weakness. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. Reel wise, a Daiwa BGMQ8000 can handle just about anything out there. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! 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. You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. captnickwarrington@gmail.com. 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. Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. We have recently been fishing in anywhere from 10-20 feet of water yielding great limits of quality gag grouper. In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. 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. February 21, 2023. As December and the year 2022 come to an end; we can't help but savor the incredible year High Octane Charters has had. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! We talked to a local angler who knows everything there is to know about catching these creatures in the waters of Crystal River. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. Shallow water grouper casting and trolling. Crystal River, FL 34429. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. I want to be just like capt Casey when I grow up., Casey Russell is a highly experienced guide. How shallow one may ask? A live pinfish on the bottom has given us the best outcomes so far this year. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. 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. 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. 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? Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. The action is a little . Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. 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. . You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. 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. These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. More Info on Crystal River Grouper Fishing Charters, 2023 crystalriverguideservice.com All Rights Reserved | Page One Fishing. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. 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. 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. Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. 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. 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. However, the reward has been well worth it for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! 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. Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? What Fish Are Biting in Crystal River, FL, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. 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. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. 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. Offering up to datefishingtips,scallopingstrategies, productive areas and hot baits. We went for Scallops. 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. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. . 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!! 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. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". Sport Fishing Slip Hard fighters paired with being a delectable table fair make it a fish everyone can enjoy. 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. All you have to do is pay for the charter. 2023 FishingBooker.com. Gag grouper fish will often hide in crevices, under ledges, or among rocks and coral. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. Its hard to believe that May is already in the rearview mirror. And good to eat. A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. 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. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! A live bait, such as a pinfish, is grouper candy and is hard for them to resist. We look forward to hearing from you. Nice fishing! Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. The months of October through December make up this peak period. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! 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. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. 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Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. Curious about fishing for grouper in Crystal River? Water is nice and warm in the summer. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Gag Grouper In Crystal River Casey. The captain can also offer bait if needed. 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. 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. Happy New Year anglers!! Should You Go Fishing in Crystal River in January. Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. While these underwater structures hold gag grouper, it is not every single one of them. 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. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! found some trout only one keeper. Book with Captain Bryan! While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. What to expect on your upcoming charter? #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. The redfish and trout where great for dinner. Crystal River, Florida, makes an excellent choice for charter fishing. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. 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. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! One of the notable considerations of eating grouper is its mercury grade. 9340 W Fort Island Trail These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! 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. Spring time is coming in Spanish mackerel are coming in. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? You wont be disappointed, 12645 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429. Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? The freshwater springs off the coast are home to several species of fish including snook, redfish, and of course, gag grouper. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. 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!!