
Crystal River, Florida, with its undisturbed waters and thriving ecosystem, is a haven for anglers. At the helm of countless successful fishing expeditions is Captain John Beach, a man whose passion for the sport is matched only by his intimate knowledge of these local waters.
Captain Beach isn’t just a guide; he’s an ambassador for Crystal River’s diverse fishery. From the hard-fighting snook to the prized redfish, trout, grouper, and snapper, Captain Beach knows the haunts and habits of these prized catches. He tailors his trips to target specific species, ensuring an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Imagine casting a line in the glassy waters of the Crystal River, with Captain Beach expertly navigating the labyrinthine mangroves. Suddenly, your rod bends as a snook, a powerful and acrobatic predator, explodes from the water. Captain Beach’s calm guidance helps you battle the fish, the thrill coursing through you as you reel in your trophy.
Beyond the thrill of the catch, Captain Beach fosters a deep appreciation for Crystal River’s delicate ecosystem. He champions responsible fishing practices, ensuring the fishery’s sustainability for generations to come. Whether it’s using light tackle to minimize harm or adhering to catch-and-release regulations for specific species, Captain Beach leads by example, promoting a harmonious relationship between angler and environment.
John Beach is more than just a charter captain; he’s an integral part of the Crystal River fishing community. He fosters a sense of camaraderie among his guests, creating memories that extend far beyond the confines of a fishing trip. With his infectious enthusiasm, Captain Beach transforms a day on the water into an unforgettable adventure. So, if you seek an exhilarating encounter with the bounty of Crystal River, look no further than Captain John Beach. With him as your guide, you’re guaranteed an experience that will leave you yearning for your next trip!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (124)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Caught fish
90%
Jul 5, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM)
We take a fishing trip every year as a family. Captain John fit right in with us! He had a boat that accommodated all of us, he had plenty of gear and bait and he was great with teaching our son to cast and bait his hook. He took us to several good spots and was very knowledgeable (not to mention patient with the youngin). Highly recommend and will be back again next year!
We take a fishing trip every year as a family. Captain John fit right in with us! He had a boat that accommodated all of us,...
Aug 2, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM)
The weather made the fish less cooperative, but we stilll had a great time playing with puppy drum, snook, and houndfish. I'll be back next year to try again. Captain and crew definitely made the trip.
The weather made the fish less cooperative, but we stilll had a great time playing with puppy drum, snook, and houndfish. I'll...
Mar 23, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM)
We had a friend come in from MT, her bucket-list was to fish the Gulf. Captain John made her trip, she talked is ear off. I will recommend him to other friends coming from out West. What a day. Little cool boat ride out, but to see my wife and our friend smile, even if the fish got off made it worth it. He put us on the fish from the first cast.
We had a friend come in from MT, her bucket-list was to fish the Gulf. Captain John made her trip, she talked is ear off. I will...
Mar 22, 2025
6 Hour Trip
Toby Keith would have been the big hit of the day, if it weren’t for Capt John B putting us on all these great fish! Not only was Capt JB great at bringing us home the fish, he was friendly, and played us the best of 90’s Country making a beautiful day even better! We appreciated some really good stories, and mainly “A Little Less Talk & A Lot More Action!”
Toby Keith would have been the big hit of the day, if it weren’t for Capt John B putting us on all these great fish! Not only...
Nov 29, 2024
4 Hour Trip (AM)
The conditions weren't great and Captain John put us on the fish. He put us on a sheltered point and got a diverse catch with several keepers. Next, we pushed through choppy seas to catch several keepers, including a nice 20" trout. He kept fighting the conditions to put us on the fish and protected from the weather. Ended up being a good day.
The conditions weren't great and Captain John put us on the fish. He put us on a sheltered point and got a diverse catch with...
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (124)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Caught fish
90%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (AM) on July 5, 2025
We take a fishing trip every year as a family. Captain John fit right in with us! He had a boat that accommodated all of us, he had plenty of gear and bait and he was great with teaching our son to cast and bait his hook. He took us to several good spots and was very knowledgeable (not to mention patient with the youngin). Highly recommend and will be back again next year!
We take a fishing trip every year as a family. Captain John fit right in with us! He had a boat that accommodated all of us, he had plenty of gear and bait and he was great with teaching our son to cast and bait his hook. He took us to several good spots and was very knowledgeable (not to mention patient with the youngin). Highly recommend and will be back again next year!

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (AM) on August 2, 2025
The weather made the fish less cooperative, but we stilll had a great time playing with puppy drum, snook, and houndfish. I'll be back next year to try again. Captain and crew definitely made the trip.
The weather made the fish less cooperative, but we stilll had a great time playing with puppy drum, snook, and houndfish. I'll be back next year to try again. Captain and crew definitely made the trip.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (AM) on March 23, 2025
We had a friend come in from MT, her bucket-list was to fish the Gulf. Captain John made her trip, she talked is ear off. I will recommend him to other friends coming from out West. What a day. Little cool boat ride out, but to see my wife and our friend smile, even if the fish got off made it worth it. He put us on the fish from the first cast.
We had a friend come in from MT, her bucket-list was to fish the Gulf. Captain John made her trip, she talked is ear off. I will recommend him to other friends coming from out West. What a day. Little cool boat ride out, but to see my wife and our friend smile, even if the fish got off made it worth it. He put us on the fish from the first cast.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
6 Hour Trip on March 22, 2025
Toby Keith would have been the big hit of the day, if it weren’t for Capt John B putting us on all these great fish! Not only was Capt JB great at bringing us home the fish, he was friendly, and played us the best of 90’s Country making a beautiful day even better! We appreciated some really good stories, and mainly “A Little Less Talk & A Lot More Action!”
Toby Keith would have been the big hit of the day, if it weren’t for Capt John B putting us on all these great fish! Not only was Capt JB great at bringing us home the fish, he was friendly, and played us the best of 90’s Country making a beautiful day even better! We appreciated some really good stories, and mainly “A Little Less Talk & A Lot More Action!”
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (AM) on November 29, 2024
The conditions weren't great and Captain John put us on the fish. He put us on a sheltered point and got a diverse catch with several keepers. Next, we pushed through choppy seas to catch several keepers, including a nice 20" trout. He kept fighting the conditions to put us on the fish and protected from the weather. Ended up being a good day.
The conditions weren't great and Captain John put us on the fish. He put us on a sheltered point and got a diverse catch with several keepers. Next, we pushed through choppy seas to catch several keepers, including a nice 20" trout. He kept fighting the conditions to put us on the fish and protected from the weather. Ended up being a good day.
