Grouper works in a variety of dishes, including the classic fish sandwich. Back in early 60's the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. Crankin' Up Grouper | Bass Pro Shops Fishing Reports | Crystal River Fishing Charters 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. Looking to go fishing in Crystal River in January? Why is this cooler weather so special, you may ask? Because its all about gag grouper fishing this time of year. 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. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. Trying to decide what time of year tobook a trip? They were a good size and plentiful enough to keep us busy. As the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70s, the Grouper start to swim (migrate) their way east. Our numerous shallow water rock piles make our area arguably the best place to grouper fish in the state of Florida. Are you visiting Crystal River in the month of June? Fresh Fishing Reports from Crystal River. Grouper fish are relatively easy to identify. | Sitemap, Website Design & Marketing by Hooked Marketing, Max: 4 Inshore & Grouper / Max: 6 Scalloping. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. 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. 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!! Looking for the best time of year to fish in Crystal River? Best of all, its always open and ready to welcome anglers year-round. Trying to decide what time of year to. Every cold front pushes another wave of fish into the area. Fish to 20 pounds are not unusual, and trust me, theres nothing like battling one of these bruisers on spinning tackle in shallow water. Crystal River, FL 34429. Our miles of hard rocky bottom provides an ideal habitat for these fish. These young wranglers kept the rod, bent all day. We often see dolphins, manatees and tons of different species of birds, including white pelicans. 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. When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. June is primarily dedicated to Gag Grouper, as it is one of our most popular species to target. Youll see copious amounts of wildlife and experience the beauty of this area! These fish arent just sitting around waiting for us to catch them. Generally, 65-80 pound braided main line and 80-100 pound leader gets the job done. Book with Captain Bryan! 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. 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. Some of our favorite baits include the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 15, 20, and 30 as well as the FMAG 18. Throwing lures is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch them. What is the key to snapper fishing in Crystal River, FL? These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. 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. However, the inshore fishery here in Crystal River does just that. I would have never ever caught any of these massive reds with out his expertise. 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! October Fishing Report: Gag Grouper Fishing in Crystal River, FL Whats so special about our area is the vast amount of natural rocks and ledges that hold these Grouper his time of the year. Tight Lines!!! S from Cincinatii, OH Had a great time on the water and caught fish for dinner. 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. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing - High Octane Fishing The largest grouper fish recorded weighed almost 700 pounds! 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. Gag grouper are an ambush predator that loves to hide inside of structure. All rights reserved. All grouper fish have large, thick bodies and wide mouths, despite the fact that there are many species. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Charters Get a bite to eat at Grannies Country Cookin Restaurant. 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. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. The time we all look forward to has arrived once again: Grouper time! Take a fishing charter trip on crystal river: Perfect if youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River! . Along the expansive grass flats here, rock formations make up nearly half of the bottom structures. Redfish and Snook in the backcountry + Grouper are lurking. Located on US Hwy 19, Grannies kitchen has over 2,000 Google reviews and 4.6 stars. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! They are often caught as bycatch in commercial fishing but are also fished for sport or food. Thankfully the Nature Coast, which includes Crystal River and . For many people, freshwater fishing charters in Florida are the main attraction. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. Visit Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park: If you love nature, you wont want to miss out on this state wildlife park. #discovercrystalriver #pa, Catching a few fish on these rainy Florida days wi, Great day on the pond with my good friend James Ph. Florida Fishing Adventures. 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. Its a relaxing and exciting experience that allows you to connect with friends, family, and nature alike. Youll ride along with an experienced captain ensure that the trip is safe and enjoyable. Crystal River is a great place to go for both saltwater and freshwater fishing charters. 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 Crystal River is home to a unique shallow-water grouper fishery that is home to an extremely healthy population of gag grouper. INCREDIBLE!!! Daily Crystal River Fishing Reports (March 2023) - FishingBooker Tip: arrive early as this restaurant gets very busy! The boat was comfortable and had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 5. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Offering Inshore, Flats, Offshore, Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters. The best equipment for fishing for grouper is a heavy-duty rod and reel. Grouper can be caught on a wide variety of baits. We have a very unique fishery that allows us to catch quality Gag Grouper in less than 20 ft of water. There are others, but these two have the densist population and are the most readily available to target. Crystal River Fishing Reports: May Recap and What to Expect 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. What Fish Are Biting in Crystal River, FL, While fishing the Inshore waters of Crystal River the options are endless. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable. Crystal River is known for its gorgeous clear waters, but did you know its also a hot spot for grouper fishing? Keep it up. Crystal River, FL 34429, 2023 Crystal River Fishing Charters. They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat. Continue reading. Come along with Captain Jayce on a fishing charter, and get ready to hook the catch of a lifetime. As for the Redfishing here in Crystal River, it couldnt be any better. 2023 FishingBooker.com. These fish are extreme tackle testers so you better be ready for the battle with some high quality gear and some beefed up tackle. We found them! They are most abundant in tropical to subtropical waters. Grouper fish tend to be drawn to structure so they can often be found on reefs or near docks and jetties. Looks though our reports or subscribe to our reports! Regardless of the method you choose, you can do a few things to improve your chances of catching a grouper fish. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as here in Crystal River, Florida. 352-601-1963 And good to eat. 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. facebook; youtube; instagram; 352-601-1963; . 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? 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. Crystal River Grouper Fishing We got into the trout and found some to take home, then switched gears and went hunting for reds and they delivered! Summer time is our rainy season. The grouper bite is staying steady especially for the heat of summer the summer time storms have been keeping the water temperatures down. Although not as durable, frozen baits can get the job done as well. Catching a grouper isnt the hard part. Casey is a god, basically the best fisherman ever. Caught trout, Spanish mackerel, and red fish. Be sure to check out our new website and give us any feedback you might have. If you're looking to charter a Florida flats fishing guide, I hope to hear from you soon. We went scalloping (not fishing). One thing that makes our area special is the abilty to cast and troll for these fish. Make sure to know what your going for and the season that is legal for your choice of catch. Rock piles, ledges, or any underwater structure is a great place for a grouper to be hiding waiting for his next meal. Nice fishing! These are limestone formations that are not found in this many of a number anywhere along the Gulf coast except here. When to Catch Grouper in Crystal River One of the Florida Gulf Coast's greatest fishing experiences is found in Crystal River. I'm talkin, Don't let the grey beard fool you!!! 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. Some reservations may require a deposit. Including Homosassa, Ozello, Crystal River, Yankeetown, Waccasassa, and Cedar Key. Back in early 60s the US Navy used our coastal waters to test dummy MK 82 bombs and Mk 76 smoke bombs. data-event-category="Navigation header guest". These fish are hearty and dont give up easily! There are several ways to catch a grouper fish from shore. Manatee gets flipper hooked to its face in Florida river | Miami Herald No v, Get my money's worth out of this one!!! Bring a hat and sunblock and a good attitude, there's gold here!!! When you use the right approach with circle hooks, they will hook the grouper at the corner of the mouth. Happy New Year anglers!! 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. 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. Copyright Reel Florida Fishing Charters 2019-2021, Crystal River Little League Opening Day!!! Reports Winter Time Fishing The Nature Coast Jan 17, 2023 Happy New Year anglers!! While most go fish wrecks and reefs for grouper, the bottom-scape of the Crystal River shallows contain many natural features that draw this species in. 9340 W Fort Island Trail You've probably seen it on TV or you've seen it on YouTube: shallow water grouper fishing puts Crystal River on the map. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper Fishing Capt. Fishing charters take anglers out along the Crystal River to catch gag grouper. Inshore Half Day(4 Hours) 1-2 People, 20212023 Crystal River Sport Fishing. We get this question a lot. Great weather and great fishing. Pete's charges $5.00 to park on their lot, but that is covered if you book through FishingBooker. Its a lot of fun to get a experience fishing for gag grouper, all while finding the secret places where they like to hide. Grouper are heavy fish and put up a good fight, so you want equipment that can withstand the stress without breaking. Grouper has a subtle taste and it is not overly fishy. As the cooler weather starts to set in, fall is upon us. Reservations should be made in advance if possible. October is prime time for inshore and nearshore fishing in the Crystal River area of Florida. Covering the inshore and offshore waters of Floridas Big Bend. Oops, there was an error sending your message. If you want to catch a lot of grouper fish, you need to use the best bait for grouper. Although they are small, pinfishes can be quite tasty. Grouper - Reel Florida Fishing Charters 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. 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. 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 two most popular species of grouper and snapper in Crystal River are Gag Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. See what fish are biting now in Crystal River and find out where to catch them. 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. Crystal River is a great place to go for fishing charters. They tend to stay close to the bottom where there is plenty of cover. Grouper sandwiches have been plentiful as of late for our Crystal River clients. The most prevalent of these features are rock formations. Crystal River Fishing Reports - by High Octane Fishing Learn all about the benefits of charter fishing here this time of year. Crystal River, Florida Fishing Report October 2021 Nick Warrington Oct 26, 2021 Shallow water grouper fishing has been hot! Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. Consider using circle hooks when youre fishing for grouper in Crystal River. Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? The weather here in Crystal River this time of year is what we all dream of. There can be a few cold fronts that move through, but . 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. Be sure to have beefy tackle adequate enough to stop these very strong fish from getting you back to the rocks. However, they can also be found in temperate environments. Thats why so many people decide to go fishing for grouper in Crystal River! They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean- and also right here in Crystal River, Florida. Gag grouper are present and fairly active all year long. Its 2023 , and the new year is starting right with inshore and offshore action.Our water temps have been colder than average. In less than 20 feet of water, gag grouper can be found patrolling the inshore waters of Crystal River. Are you new to fishing for gag grouper? Blindly searching can lead to endless hours of hit or miss fishing before finding the sweet spot. It is relatively easy to identify grouper fish. We use 65lb braid and 100lb Fluorocarbon Leader to pull these fish from their homes. These fish have an uncanny ability to bury the rod and get off in the rocks. This is the place to be if you want to catch fish or just enjoy the water. Anywhere from 15-30 you can expect to catch quality grouper on live and dead baits. Crystal River Shallow Water Grouper and Redfish | Crystal River Fishing Or looking for where to fish in your own vessel? Web Design by SteamWorks | Page One Fishing. Check out the May fishing report for Crystal River Fishing, offering insight on what's biting now! Book a Fishing Charter Trip Today with High Octane Fishing Charters. 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. Meanwhile, gag grouper fish are known for their large mouths that give them a wide gape when feeding. Casey. 12645 W Fort Island Trail Most of our Grouper Fishing is done anywhere from 8-30 of water. If you ever wondered about one of the best grouper fishing opportunities in the state of Florida, wonder no more. Are you ready to hook some gag grouper? Though there are multiple species of grouper fish, they all have large, thick bodies and wide mouths.