Tops Charters
Tops Charters
If fishing is something that is always on your mind, give Tops Charters a call and we will definitely help you scratch that itch.
Capt. Richard runs a 24' Triton center console with space for up to 6 passengers. It comes with everything you need for a productive day on the water. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures and live bait.
There's no need to buy a fishing license, just show up ready for some fishing! Be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.
Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board.
Don't forget to bring sunglasses, a hat, bug spay (preferably non-aerosol), sunblock (non-spray), and drinks (no glass). Bottled water will be available for you. Alcohol is allowed but in moderation, please avoid bringing hard liquor.
Now and then the fish might get away, but a day on the water never should. Time to make it happen with Tops Charters!
If fishing is something that is always on your mind, give Tops Charters a call and we will definitely help you scratch that itch.
Capt. Richard runs a 24' Triton center console with space for up to 6 passengers. It comes with everything you need for a productive day on the water. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures and live bait.
There's no need to buy a fishing license, just show up ready for some fishing! Be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.
Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board.
Don't forget to bring sunglasses, a hat, bug spay (preferably non-aerosol), sunblock (non-spray), and drinks (no glass). Bottled water will be available for you. Alcohol is allowed but in moderation, please avoid bringing hard liquor.
Now and then the fish might get away, but a day on the water never should. Time to make it happen with Tops Charters!
Select date to see availability
Trip availability and prices
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (54)
Reviews (26)
Elizabeth Wiley5.0A Time Was Had
Half Day Trip – Saltwater (6 hrs) on August 16, 2026Had a great time out with Capt. Richard yet again! The ride out to the fishing was beautiful. The views were amazing, and the water was so peacefu and calm. He definitely knew the best spots because the fish were biting all day! What really amazed me was the variety of fish we caught and how knowledgeable Capt. Richard is. I'm still pretty new to fishing, but I swear sometimes he knew what kind of fish was on the line before it even came out of the water. He also helped me get over my fear of touching bait. The boat was clean, the equipment was great and I felt completely safe the entire time. We had such a great time, and I'm already looking forward to booking another trip with him. Definitely recommend Captain Richard if you want a fun, peaceful day on the water with someone who really knows what he's doing!
Miriam Elliott5.0VerifiedGreat day scalloping
Scalloping 01 July - 24 September on August 29, 2026 • 5 adultsCaptain Richard was great from the moment of initial contact to meeting at the boat and to heading out on the water. He nailed it for finding us the best spot to scallop, and we hit our limit in record time, which then allowed us to go float in the sandbar and enjoy the fabulous weather. I would highly recommend and use Richard again. I have been scalloping for 15 years and it was an outstanding day thanks to Cpt. Richard.
Carter Payne5.0VerifiedGreat time, book this trip!
Short Day Trip – Saltwater - 2:00 PM on April 11, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 childrenMy family and I had a great time fishing with Tops Charters! Captain Richard was patient and helpful to both of my kids (8 and 11). Everything we needed was provided on a clean spacious boat. We caught several species of fish and Captain Richard kept us moving to give us the best odds of finding more. My kids really enjoyed this and cant wait to book with Tops Charters again!
James Perez5.0Amazing
Half Day Trip – Saltwater (6 hrs) on August 16, 2026Top notch gear, and knows all the HOT spots! Amazing experience, catching fish all day. Multiple species and landing them over and over makes it even better. A Captains knowledge of the local area is priceless for a good experience. 10/10 definitely recommended for inshore nearshore action if visiting central Florida
Tasha Hoover5.0VerifiedFANTASTIC TIME!!
Short Day Trip – Saltwater on July 22, 2026 • 5 adults • 1 childCaptain Richard was not only courteous, patient, he was personable and polite! We had an absolute great time with him, and if we were ever in the area again, we would definitely book with him!!! Being a daughter of a fallen Veteran it was a pleasure to have him as our captain!! he was aweome!!!
Mollie Renteria5.0VerifiedCpt. Richard was awesome!
Short Day Trip – Saltwater on April 16, 2026 • 3 adultswell we didnt catch all the fish we wanted, but thoroughly enjoyed capt. richards company! the weather was beautiful and it was nice to get out on the water! most of our catches were small or trash fish, but we did come home with a few! highly recommend this trip!
Misty Linfoot5.0VerifiedVariety of fish!
Short Day Trip – Saltwater on April 1, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 childRichard with Tops Charter was an awesome choice to lead us on a day of fishing. We caught quite a variety of fish within the first hour. He was very attentive and accommodating to what we wanted to catch. He took good care of us on the boat and made sure we had everything we needed. We ended up taking home 4 different kinds of fish home and had a delicious dinner. It was a good fun day of fishing.
John Strong5.0Verifiedon a scale of 1-10...24!!!
Short Day Trip – Saltwater on July 24, 2026 • 3 adultsAmazing trip with an amazing captain!!! What a day!!! Thanks for the day Captain Richard!! Thanks for your service to our country!! We will be back soon!!
Cody Olson5.0VerifiedWeather not great but captain was
Short Day Trip – Saltwater - 2:00 PM on March 24, 2026 • 4 adultsCaptain Richard put us on fish depsite the weather. We caught fish all day, not all keepers but that happens fishing. The experience was great all around.
Jackie Delgado5.0First time fishing
Half Day Trip – Saltwater (6 hrs) on July 18, 2026I went out for my first time fishing and it was the best experience! Not only was it fun but relaxing as well. I even got to see dolphins! I had first time luck of catching some fish. Captain Richard was friendly, knowledgeable and so patient! He taught me how to bait the hook and explained the different kind of fishing we would be doing. The boat was well equipped and immaculate! He is the consummate fisherman. You could see it’s his passion. I highly recommend them if you are looking for a fun day of fishing! I will definitely go back next time I’m in town. Thank you Captain Richard!
Rating
Anglers' gallery (54)
All reviews (26)
Had a great time out with Capt. Richard yet again! The ride out to the fishing was beautiful. The views were amazing, and the water was so peacefu and calm. He definitely knew the best spots because the fish were biting all day! What really amazed me was the variety of fish we caught and how knowledgeable Capt. Richard is. I'm still pretty new to fishing, but I swear sometimes he knew what kind of fish was on the line before it even came out of the water. He also helped me get over my fear of touching bait. The boat was clean, the equipment was great and I felt completely safe the entire time. We had such a great time, and I'm already looking forward to booking another trip with him. Definitely recommend Captain Richard if you want a fun, peaceful day on the water with someone who really knows what he's doing!
it was an absolute pleasure having both you and James on the boat and watching you catch your first gag grouper. Those bad boys smack hard don’t they? 
I went out for my first time fishing and it was the best experience! Not only was it fun but relaxing as well. I even got to see dolphins! I had first time luck of catching some fish. Captain Richard was friendly, knowledgeable and so patient! He taught me how to bait the hook and explained the different kind of fishing we would be doing. The boat was well equipped and immaculate! He is the consummate fisherman. You could see it’s his passion. I highly recommend them if you are looking for a fun day of fishing! I will definitely go back next time I’m in town. Thank you Captain Richard!
Jackie, it was an absolute pleasure having on the boat that day. Hope to have many more trips in the future. 
Captain Richard was great from the moment of initial contact to meeting at the boat and to heading out on the water. He nailed it for finding us the best spot to scallop, and we hit our limit in record time, which then allowed us to go float in the sandbar and enjoy the fabulous weather. I would highly recommend and use Richard again. I have been scalloping for 15 years and it was an outstanding day thanks to Cpt. Richard.
Miriam thank you for the kind words. Your team of gals absolutely crushed it yesterday on the water. Best crew this year so far, hands down.
Our trip was absolutely amazing! Richard was so helpful and knowlegable of the area. He spent so much time with my grandson explaining everything about scalloping and how to clean them. His boat is comfortable and has everything you need for a perfect day on the water! If you want the best charter captain in Crystal River then book with Tops Charters, you will not be disappointed!
Robin, ty for the kind words and I also had a blast with your family.
My family and I had a great time fishing with Tops Charters! Captain Richard was patient and helpful to both of my kids (8 and 11). Everything we needed was provided on a clean spacious boat. We caught several species of fish and Captain Richard kept us moving to give us the best odds of finding more. My kids really enjoyed this and cant wait to book with Tops Charters again!
it was my pleasure to have you and your wonderful family on the boat.
FAQs about Tops Charters
- US $400 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Short Day Trip – Saltwater (4 hours)
- US $400 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Short Day Trip – Saltwater - 2:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip – Saltwater (6 hrs) (6 hours)
- US $800 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Trip – Saltwater (8 hrs) (8 hours)
- Toilet portable camping toilet
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live bait well
- Wireless trolling motor
- Ice box
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live bait (Live bait is typically picked up before the trip but occasionally we will check on pinfish traps on the way to our fishing spot. And it is included in the price. )
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning and filleting are part of my service, free of charge.)
- Drinks (Water )
- Fishing license (Fishing licenses are included in the trip and cover everyone on board )
- Inshore fishing (Ozello and Crystal River )
- Nearshore fishing
- Flats fishing
- Light tackle
- Jigging
- Popping
- Black Drum
- Cobia
- Flounder
- Grouper (Gag)
- Redfish
- Scallop
- Snook
- Speckled Trout
Your captain
Crystal River, Florida, United States
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
I have been fishing since I was five years old and during my 20 years of service with the US Army, I have managed to fish all around the world. Since my retirement in 2022, I have worked really hard to live my dream. That dream is to fish and show everyone what the nature coast has to offer.
Richard D.
Captain
Real catches by this captain
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
How cancellations work
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
How you can pay
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
What’s biting in Crystal River right now
Black Drum
Cobia
Grouper (Gag)
Redfish
Scallop
Snook
Speckled TroutCompare similar fishing charters
State licensed5.0(22)23 ftGroup size 1 - 61 - 6
+44 hour trip • 6 personsUS $550
State licensed4.9(25)30 ftGroup size 1 - 61 - 6
4 hour trip • 6 personsUS $475
