Crystal River

123 Fishing Charters

Crystal River Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Crystal River
Crystal River: 123 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Crystal River
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(110 reviews)
Crystal River
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(5 reviews)
Crystal River
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(114 reviews)
Crystal River
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Crystal River
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(281 reviews)
Crystal River
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(152 reviews)
Crystal River
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(127 reviews)
Crystal River
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Crystal River
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $400
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(5 reviews)
Crystal River
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Crystal River

According to customer reviews, Native Fishing Charters, A-lure Fishing Charters LLC, and Saltwater Cowboy are some of the most popular fishing charters in Crystal River, Florida. Full list of top fishing charters in Crystal River.

The average price for a private 4 hour Crystal River fishing trip is $501, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $605 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Native Fishing Charters, A-lure Fishing Charters LLC, and Saltwater Cowboy all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Crystal River.

The most popular fish species you can target are Redfish, Snook, and Mangrove Snapper. Top fishing techniques include Light Tackle, Spinning, and Bottom Fishing. Inshore fishing, flats fishing, and nearshore fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

Located in the heart of Florida’s “Nature Coast,” Crystal River is a place where life revolves around the water. And considering it’s got direct access to Kings Bay, Crystal River, and the Gulf of Mexico, that should come as no surprise! Hop aboard a local fishing charter with a Crystal River fishing guide and hook both saltwater and freshwater fish in this unique environment.

As the river makes its way into the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll pass through grassy flats teeming with Spotted Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, and Tarpon. Once you reach the nearshore waters, your targets diversify to include Cobia, Grouper, and Amberjack. Head into deep blue seas and the coveted Red Snapper joins the party.

If you came in search of sought-after freshwater fish, you’re in luck. The area is home to Largemouth Bass and Crappie. For a fun family-friendly activity, don’t miss out on a visit to the Scallop beds. The Crystal River is one of a few places in Florida where recreational harvesting of bay Scallops is allowed, so you’ll go home with a delicious treat!

There’s a wide-range of trip options available in Crystal River. Half a day is enough time to get you on Bass in the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes or on some inshore fish in the flats. Nothing beats a full day on the water, though, especially in a place as special as Crystal River. An 8 hour trip allows you explore multiple spots and adds some Grouper and Snapper to your target list.

There are marinas, boat ramps, and fishing charters everywhere you look in Crystal River. Notable departure points include the northern end of Kings Bay, as well as docks located between Crystal River’s two state parks.

Rules & Regulations

If you’re fishing aboard a local saltwater charter, your captain will provide your fishing licenses. If you’re freshwater fishing, you’ll be responsible for purchasing your own. 

Crystal River
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 27745 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

Start the year off right by heading into the Crystal River’s flats for the likes of Spotted Seatrout and Redfish. It’s also the perfect time to take a swim with migrating manatees spending the winter here.

February

The inshore fishing continues to shine as we ease into February. Trout and Redfish are additionally joined by Sheepshead, Tripletail, and Flounder.

March

If you came to freshwater fish for Largemouth Bass and Crappie – now’s the time to do it! For you Crystal River enthusiasts, the Redfish and Spotted Seatrout bite picks up.

April

One of the best times to be in Crystal River! You’ll have the waters all to yourself before the tourists arrive, as you target the likes of Black Seabass, Redfish, Trout, and Snook.

May

We’re deep into spring and the waters are finally warm enough for Florida inshore favorite, Tarpon, to show up! This is also a great time to head into deeper waters in search of Amberjack and Hogfish.

June

Grouper season is finally open and this is one of the best times to go shallow water fishing for Gag and Red varieties. There’s also Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, and Trout to keep your hands full.

July

Deeper waters hold delicious Red Snapper! For you folks who’d like to keep things closer to home, Scallop season is officially open and the rivers are full of tourists looking to take home a treat.

August

We wish it could be August in Crystal River forever. Redfish peak again, the last of the Tarpon give you a run for your money, and the nearshore fishing heats up.

September

This is your last chance to get your hands on some delicious bay Scallops in the river. Inshore, the Tarpon may be gone, but you can still hook into Redfish, Spotted Trout, and Snook.

October

Hit the waters for delicious Black Seabass, Gag, and Red Grouper. Other backcountry residents include Redfish, Sheepshead, and Spotted Seatrout.

November

If you came to town with a Bull Redfish in mind – November is your month! The area’s famous manatees also barrel into town mid-month. Head to Three Sisters Spring to spot these cute creatures!

December

Fishing in Florida is a year-round sport, so why not end the year with some incredible inshore fishing? Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Sheepshead, and Snook keep your lines tugging in the backcountry and flats.

Crystal River Fishing Calendar

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For scalloping, be patient. Sometimes it was 10 minutes between when we saw scallops, but then you might find a few back to back!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
For scalloping, be patient. Sometimes it was 10 minutes between when we saw scallops, but then you might find a few back to back!
Lauren  B.
Lauren B. Homosassa, Florida
Be aware of lots of other boats if snorkeling. Let your guide teach you how to spot scallops if scalloping.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be aware of lots of other boats if snorkeling. Let your guide teach you how to spot scallops if scalloping.
Candy  H.
Candy H. Lakeland, Florida
Redfish, snook, and speckled trout are thick in these waters this time of year as well many other species, get yourself hooked up with Captain James Floyd of Floyd Family Outfitters to put you on them and have a great trip!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Redfish, snook, and speckled trout are thick in these waters this time of year as well many other species, get yourself hooked up with Captain James Floyd of Floyd Family Outfitters to put you on them and have a great trip!
Jason  P.
Jason P. Spring Hill, Florida
It's fishing. Some days fish bite better than others. The variety of fish in the same area is amazing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's fishing. Some days fish bite better than others. The variety of fish in the same area is amazing.
Michael  F.
Michael F. Rockwood, PA
Great little town! All the guides are in contact with each other. Prices are great
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great little town! All the guides are in contact with each other. Prices are great
Gary  K.
Gary K. United States
Dress lighly and drink water. It can be hot when you are not moving on the water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dress lighly and drink water. It can be hot when you are not moving on the water.
Kathy  R.
Kathy R. Zellwood, FL
Be patient with weather and bite, and you won't be disappointed! Crystal River (and the greater Nature Coast) is a very special place! Respect, appreciate, and enjoy!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Be patient with weather and bite, and you won't be disappointed! Crystal River (and the greater Nature Coast) is a very special place! Respect, appreciate, and enjoy!
Wesley  R.
Wesley R.
Bring wide brimmed head covering and long sleeve shirt for protection from the sun. Stay hydrated with water or Gatorade. Bring your camera!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring wide brimmed head covering and long sleeve shirt for protection from the sun. Stay hydrated with water or Gatorade. Bring your camera!
Charles  H.
Charles H. Lufkin, TX
Check the tidal charts. Captain Bryan can help with that. Water level can get your boat into more areas where fish hide and wait for their prey. That translates to good fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Check the tidal charts. Captain Bryan can help with that. Water level can get your boat into more areas where fish hide and wait for their prey. That translates to good fishing.
Frank  W.
Frank W. Jacksonville, FL
Just go do it. Beautiful area and wonderful Captain with lots of knowledge.?
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just go do it. Beautiful area and wonderful Captain with lots of knowledge.?
Beverly  N.
Beverly N. Port St. Lucie, FL
Don't always go with the BEST RATINGS... Communicate A LOT with the Captain that you choose.. Tell them what you expect... give them information of your crew and come to an understanding so you can all have a great fishing experience !!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Don't always go with the BEST RATINGS... Communicate A LOT with the Captain that you choose.. Tell them what you expect... give them information of your crew and come to an understanding so you can all have a great fishing experience !!!
Corinne  L.
Corinne L. Deltona, FL
World class fishery . With the right person you could catch anything your trying to catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
World class fishery . With the right person you could catch anything your trying to catch.
JACOB  S.
JACOB S. Orion Township, MI
To guarantee a successful and enjoyable fishing trip, we recommend you book a charter with Reel Time Outfitters! They are phenomenal!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
To guarantee a successful and enjoyable fishing trip, we recommend you book a charter with Reel Time Outfitters! They are phenomenal!
Tammy  N.
Tammy N. Gwinn, MI
Fish Hunter Tours would be our recommendation for first timers. Captain Bryan builds a quick rapport with his clients. Gives GREAT instructions on how to handle whatever species you on.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish Hunter Tours would be our recommendation for first timers. Captain Bryan builds a quick rapport with his clients. Gives GREAT instructions on how to handle whatever species you on.
Vince  K.
Vince K. Waverly, NY
check the weather forecast beforehand, weather plays a big part in the shallow waters of Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
check the weather forecast beforehand, weather plays a big part in the shallow waters of Crystal River
.Michael  H.
.Michael H. Ocala, FL
Contact fishing booker thay no who tofix you up with and the guided we have met are straight shooters
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Contact fishing booker thay no who tofix you up with and the guided we have met are straight shooters
Ken  M.
Ken M. Ocala, FL
Ask your Captain - they know the area and the best catch for the time of year you visit
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Ask your Captain - they know the area and the best catch for the time of year you visit
Sally  H.
Sally H. Celebration, FL
The experience of shallow water fishing, mangrove islands, sight fishing majority of fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The experience of shallow water fishing, mangrove islands, sight fishing majority of fish
Mike  B.
Mike B. Homosassa, Florida
Bring a jacket if you are fishing in the am , gets cold early morning , warms up nicely mid morning
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a jacket if you are fishing in the am , gets cold early morning , warms up nicely mid morning
William  C.
William C. Inverness, FL
Book with Captain Bryan! Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. But it is worth it to find the fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with Captain Bryan! Dress warm in the morning and a bring a light rain jacket--you will get wet from sea spray. The waters can be choppy on the boat ride to fishing site. But it is worth it to find the fish!
Irene  H.
Irene H. Mahwah, NJ

Reel Time Outfitters
Reel Time Outfitters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(281 reviews)
Captain Leo made this one of the best fishing trips Iโ€™ve ever had. Nonstop laughing and education plus a day full of catching. I look forward to the next time we get to go.
David  H.
David H. Ocala, FL
VooDoo Charters Wicked Fishing
VooDoo Charters Wicked Fishing
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
We had a great day on the water with Captain Tony. You can't wait on the weather so when the wind picked up, Tony had a plan. We went inshore and continued catching fish. When the tide went slack, he took us out a bit to another great spot where we caught plenty more. We reeled in grouper, flounder, black drum, redfish, mangroves and a few others. For us, it was about getting out to do something fun and make more memories for our family. Thanks to Tony, we did just that.
Owen  H.
Owen H.
Saltwater Cowboy
Saltwater Cowboy
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(5 reviews)
Captain Mark was wonderful. He got in the water with the kids to show what to do and was super helpful and accommodating. Would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone!
Kathryn  E.
Kathryn E.
Finders Keepers Charters
Finders Keepers Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(152 reviews)
We had a great time with captain Kevin. He took us out for a great day. Caught a few firsts with hog fish and cobia. Nice boat and equipment. Kevin is friendly and knowledgeable. He worked hard to find fish for us to catch. Go fishing with him sometime.
Daniel  H.
Daniel H. United States
Saltwater Cowboy
Saltwater Cowboy
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(5 reviews)
Mark was outstanding put us right on the scallops Perot experience. Then to top it off we shot out to catch a few fish, my wifeโ€™s first ever saltwater fishing. We will be back
Steve  S.
Steve S. Lawrenceville, GA
Native Fishing Charters
Native Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
We had a wonderful time. We started the day with some pretty bad weather. Captain Bobby and First Mate Aylssa were extremely patient as we waited for the weather to pass. Once out they knew the area extremely well and we came home with a pretty generous catch considering the weather in the morning. Will absolutely use them again!
Kevin  F.
Kevin F. Atlanta, GA
Finders Keepers Charters
Finders Keepers Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(152 reviews)
Had a great day on the water even though the weather didn't cooperate. Captain Kevin did a great job. Thanks a bunch.
Ron  K.
Ron K. Ocklawaha, FL
Native Scalloping Charters
Native Scalloping Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Crystal river is a beautiful gem. The scenery was gorgeous and we had a beautiful sunny day. After some instructions on how to catch the scallops we jumped off the boat and snorkeled around with a mesh bag. It was a real treasure hunt not to mention the starfish and coral sea life. Water was warm and the current not to strong. Captain and mate were super helpful and fun. I would recommend this trip
Allison  H.
Allison H. Orlando, Florida
Reel Time Outfitters
Reel Time Outfitters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(281 reviews)
Thank you Captain Leo, my husband and I had a wonderful time on the afternoon trip with you catching red fish. We will definitely be back.
Joanie  N.
Joanie N.
Fish Hunter Tours
Fish Hunter Tours
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(127 reviews)
We were originally supposed to go scalloping, but conditions were slim so he took us out to go fishing instead, we had a GREAT time! He went above and beyond to make sure that we were having a good time!
Joel  T.
Joel T. Leesburg, FL
Native Scalloping Charters
Native Scalloping Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
We had a great time scalloping with captain Bobby on our half day! There was only four of us on our trip and captain Bobby got out there with us and made sure we had a full bag to bring home. They even cleaned the scallops for us, which it appears many others donโ€™t do. The boat itself was nice as it offered much needed shade in the Florida sun. Very knowledgeable of the area and wildlife. Will definitely recommend.
Brianna  M.
Brianna M. Windermere, Florida
Reel Time Outfitters
Reel Time Outfitters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(281 reviews)
Loved captain Leo. I had not fished in years. Had the best time. Will book him again!!! Caught an abundance of fish and a small shark! We fed huge tarpon back at the dock.
Eileeen  A.
Eileeen A. Jacksonville, FL
A-lure Fishing Charters LLC
A-lure Fishing Charters LLC
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(110 reviews)
Capt John was fantastic. We caught a great mixed bag of Snook, bonefish , Flounder, Snapper, small shark and even a Puffer fish. The boat is a solid and seaworthy fishing machine. Stable platform and plenty of power to get where the captain needs to be. We will certainly be back.
Nick  R.
Nick R.
Red Fin Addict Scallop Charters
Red Fin Addict Scallop Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(10 reviews)
Captain Heath was very helpful throughout the entire activity and he shared so much information about the area, the wildlife and of course how to find and catch scallops. Between the four of us we collected over 50 scallops and canโ€™t wait to cook them up and serve with pasta or rice. 100% recommend spending time with Captain Heath - a day we will remember forever!!!
Orlana  M.
Orlana M. Palmdale, CA
U-hook-um Charters - Inshore
U-hook-um Charters - Inshore
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(12 reviews)
Captain Don runs a great trip. Fish were on and in his incredible boat. Captain Don is very friendly and looks out for you to make sure you have good time. Highly recommend for your next charter!
Jeff  S.
Jeff S. Hokendauqua, PA
Captain Mike's Fishing Adventures
Captain Mike's Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(47 reviews)
Capt Mike was awesome. I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves to fish. This was the best time I've had on the water. Thank you Capt Mike!!
Tina  J.
Tina J. Spring Hill, FL
Native Fishing Charters
Native Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Gerry and Joy Garofalo went out with captain Bob and his beautiful wife Allyssa today. It was such a great experience. We have been out on many fishing trips in the past, but this was an exceptional trip. The dynamic duo were so knowledgeable, and personable. We canโ€™t wait to book a scallop trip with them.
Gerald  G.
Gerald G. Bradenton, FL
Finders Keepers Charters
Finders Keepers Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(152 reviews)
The boat and equipment was top notch Captain was a pleasure to be around put us on fish all day. Couldn't have asked for a better experience
Jacques  F.
Jacques F.
A-lure Fishing Charters LLC
A-lure Fishing Charters LLC
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(110 reviews)
We had the best time! My Grandsons, Thomas and Lucas cannot stop talking about it. They not only caught 6 different kinds of fish but Captain John taught them something about each one. An adventure and learning experience. They canโ€™t wait to go again this fall! Thanks Captain John for a great day!!!!
Jody  K.
Jody K. The Villages, FL
Fish Hunter Tours
Fish Hunter Tours
Fishing charter in Crystal River
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(127 reviews)
Bryan is an absolute legend. Took the family out with him. He was great with the kids and put on some 20'trout and then wrapped the day up in shark week. The kids had a blast. Highly recommended
Russell  C.  J.
Russell C. J. Plant City, FL

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