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Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! 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. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. We went for Scallops. Continue reading. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. Trolling lures are a great way to effectively cover ground and key in on the aggressive instinct of these strong fighters. Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. A standard bottom rig with a live pinfish on the end is a combination they cant resist. They have small mouths and relatively large eyes. Tight Lines!!! Spring time is coming in Spanish mackerel are coming in. 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. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. 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. 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. 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. We will be back., Irene Rubin Fort worth, Texas Great Guide- Great Fishing, Matt A. from Kill Devil Hills, NC I mean, capt. This fish particularly has a lot of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! Crystal River, FL 34429. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. read more Big Ol" Black Drum Sep 19, 2022 This small town with just over 3,000 residents might not seem like the type of place where youll find world-class fishing. #pathfinderb, Coming to a mailbox near you!! For example, the best time to go fishing for gag grouper is between June-December. Post Hurricane Ian Fishing Report. Offering up to date, strategies, productive areas and hot baits. So no matter when you decide to go, youll always have plenty of fish to catch. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. 352-601-1963 Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING REPORT Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Florida's Big Bend. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. Once you find the school, live pinfish has been a great bait to keep these fish fired up. Shallow Water Grouper Fishing For many people the idea of Gag Grouper and shallow water do not go hand in hand. Well as the old saying goes for every mile you venture off our coast it only gets a foot deeper.. Battle some of the hardest fighting fish in Florida all while experiencing the beauty of the Nature Coast on your guided fishing trip. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! 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 best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. Are you new to fishing for 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. 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. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. 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. 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. 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. 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. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. #realsal, God! Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. This can create some outstanding fishing once they get comfortable. These are limestone formations that are not found in this many of a number anywhere along the Gulf coast except here. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. 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. When it comes to gag grouper fishing in Crystal River, you need to have the right tackle ready to go. A fishing charter is a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family while catching fish at the same time. 352-601-1963 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. Trying to decide what time of year to book a trip? Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. 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!! We pair these up with 7' Daiwa Harrier X rods to land these beasts. Some anglers like to use lures or bait, while others prefer to simply wade into the water and cast their line out. 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. Come prepared for a strong swim. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. 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. The main tried and true bait that gag grouper simply can't pass up is the trusty pinfish. 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. Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! The water is heating up and so is the fishing. Bring a rain jacket just if you fish in the summer. Tons of redfish, trout, mackeral, and cobia invading the area. #realsal, God! Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. 9340 W Fort Island Trail These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. If so, lets talk about what they look like. 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. Crystal River, FL 34429. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. Contact us today with questions. When is the best month to go goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River? Welcome Spring Breakers!!! 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. 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. This is a popular spot with the locals with a great atmosphere. Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. When youre looking for the best-hidden spots for fishing in Crystal River, we also have you covered! 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. Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. The water is beautiful but it is hot out so come prepared for lots of heat and sun. Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. What Fish Are Biting in Crystal River, FL, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. Some days we start by locating the fish with large chunks of mullet strategically placed all along the mangrove island bank, once we find the fish we hone in on that location and get to Catching. 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. The action is a little . When you use the right approach with circle hooks, they will hook the grouper at the corner of the mouth. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. Love th, Another tough winter day here in Florida. Email Us! Grouper are notorious for breaking anglers off in nearby structures; therefore, we have to use some seriously stout tackle. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. Read Crystal River fishing reports from March 2023. These grouper, Another awesome day chasing tailing Redfish along, Good times today with the family here in Crystal R, Talk about a fun day!!!! Reservations should be made in advance if possible. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Learn all about it in our Oct fishing report. Skip to main content. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. Gag Grouper In Crystal River The gag groupers mouth can also open up wider than most other fish because it has muscles that allow it to expand and contract. I'm a Native Floridian, and have been fishing the Homosassa, Crystal River, and Ozello area all of my life. Check out our June Fishing Report to learn the inside tips and tricks to catching grouper. All rights reserved. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . Have fun and enjoy!! In fact, it has a slightly sweet taste and it has a texture that is easy to work with, even if you overcook it. Also, try casting behind the structure where you think the grouper might be holding out of reach. These young anglers put on a fishing cli. 9340 W Fort Island Trail Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour. The health benefits of this fish include low-fat content, omega-3 fatty acids, high protein, and a lot of vitamins. This allows them to swallow large prey items like clams and crabs whole. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. Redfish and Snook on fly + Grouper are lurking. You can expect your captain to be friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced when you go on a charter. There is something to do for everyone in our area. Another way to target Grouper is with trolling plug. 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. 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. What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time. 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. It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Nice fishing! No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? 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. 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! Consider the following advice on how to catch and hook the catch of a lifetime, right here in Crystal River, FL. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. The months of October through December make up this peak period. Welcome to Tarpon Country ladies and gentlemen!!! These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. Oops, there was an error sending your message. What to expect on your upcoming charter? Pinfishes are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time in the shallow waters near the bottom of the ocean. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. Cool mornings with warm afternoons making for a great fishing environment is what we live for. Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pinfish are very good eating fish and are often caught using fishing lines and hooks. We look forward to. 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. The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. While your selection of fishing hooks is a personal choice, a circle hook can leverage your grouper fishing experience. 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. The captain can also offer bait if needed. Thats the word that comes to mind as I try my best to describe the latest fishing action here along the Nature Coast. Let's work on making this year the best year ever!!!. Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. The grouper season here opens on 1 June. What to expect on your upcoming charter? However, in Crystal River Florida it does! Mostly considered an offshore species, juvenile gags mature in bays and deeper grass flats close to . They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. You can certainly eat it if you wish! #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. 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. Sport Fishing Slip Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. There are many colors and patterns of grouper fish, but they are all characterized by large scales. The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. Richard P. from PA. Our group had a blast with Capt. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. Contact Fish Hunter Tours and Captain Bryan Frechette for a great fishing trip. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. If youre thinking about heading out on the water to catch one, be sure to come along with Crystal River Sport Fishing! In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. 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 lures track true straight out of the package and have good enough hooks to handle a quality grouper. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. Summer time is our rainy season. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. This will allow you to cast over a larger area and increase your chance of catching one. Keep in mind that you dont want to set the hook when you use circle hooks. Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. Experience Crystal River waters with a licensed & insured local -- Captain Brandon Branch. You can expect tight lines and great fishing here in crystal river I look forward to seeing you on the water and tight lines. The odd predicament left the docile . 12645 W Fort Island Trail When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. If you are fishing for a large grouper fish, try casting very far out into the water. Florida Fishing Adventures. With temperatures averaging in the low to mid-50's at times, the fish have been less aggressive than normal. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. Whats not to love about warm sunny days and ice-cold celebratory cocktails? The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! A pinfish is a small, edible fish with a long, narrow body, a small head, and prominent pectoral fins. 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. Some species can grow quite large in fact, the largest recorded grouper fish was almost 700 pounds! Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. February 19, 2023. In addition to being convenient, going on a fishing charter is also cost-effective. Email Address: 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. It is also great to absorb dressings and marinades. Are you looking to go gag grouper fishing this fall? Happy New Year anglers!! It was a good find and something I could certainly use, a big Mann's Stretch 30 trolling plug. Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. My boy Andy's l, Great day on the pond targeting Reds on fly. 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. Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths. While there are many opinions out there on what that might be, we like to use pinfish for grouper bait. 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. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that.