Crystal River Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Crystal River fishing trip is US $494, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $618 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Crystal River are good for families?

Fishing charters in Crystal River that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Crystal River?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Crystal River are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Crystal River?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Crystal River are:

What are the top types of fishing in Crystal River?

The top 3 types of fishing in Crystal River are:

Do Crystal River fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Crystal River provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Crystal River?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Crystal River are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Crystal River?

Who are the top awarded captains in Crystal River?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Crystal River?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Crystal River are:

4-hour fishing trips – US $421
5-hour fishing trips – US $473
6-hour fishing trips – US $521
7-hour fishing trips – US $630
8-hour fishing trips – US $729

Fishing in Crystal River

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

4.9 / 5

Based on 28556 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Crystal River Fishing Seasons

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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Featured photos from Crystal River

1 Gag and 6 Red Snapper plus cooler of Grunts

Cute little bonnet, enjoy your free meal and photo

What anglers said about fishing in Crystal River

Keep lines tight on bottom to feel bite stand near middle of boat for less up down movement. The bite is gentle. Real up when you feel it.

5.0 / 5

Keep lines tight on bottom to feel bite stand near middle of boat for less up down movement. The bite is gentle. Real up when you feel it.

Native Fishing Charters

The variety and abundance of fish in this area is impressive. Beautiful area and great food.

5.0 / 5

The variety and abundance of fish in this area is impressive. Beautiful area and great food.

Native Fishing Charters

Put on spf, and listen to your captain about the best days to go out for your trip

5.0 / 5

Put on spf, and listen to your captain about the best days to go out for your trip

VooDoo Charters Wicked Fishing

Captain Kevin knows his stuff. Listen to him and you will have a great time

5.0 / 5

Captain Kevin knows his stuff. Listen to him and you will have a great time

Finders Keepers Charters

Was a great experience. Better than what we expected. Even caught a sting ray

5.0 / 5

Was a great experience. Better than what we expected. Even caught a sting ray

Finders Keepers Charters

For scalloping, be patient. Sometimes it was 10 minutes between when we saw scallops, but then you might find a few back to back!

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!

Fish Hunter Tours Homosassa, Florida

Be aware of lots of other boats if snorkeling. Let your guide teach you how to spot scallops if scalloping.

5.0 / 5

Be aware of lots of other boats if snorkeling. Let your guide teach you how to spot scallops if scalloping.

Floyd Family Outfitters Lakeland, Florida

It's fishing. Some days fish bite better than others. The variety of fish in the same area is amazing.

5.0 / 5

It's fishing. Some days fish bite better than others. The variety of fish in the same area is amazing.

VooDoo Charters Wicked Fishing Rockwood, PA

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!

5.0 / 5

Floyd Family Outfitters Spring Hill, Florida

Great little town! All the guides are in contact with each other. Prices are great

5.0 / 5

Great little town! All the guides are in contact with each other. Prices are great

A-lure Fishing Charters LLC United States

Dress lighly and drink water. It can be hot when you are not moving on the water.

5.0 / 5

Dress lighly and drink water. It can be hot when you are not moving on the water.

Live Action Fishing Adventures 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!

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!

A-lure Fishing Charters LLC

Bring wide brimmed head covering and long sleeve shirt for protection from the sun. Stay hydrated with water or Gatorade. Bring your camera!

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!

Crystal River Guide Services LLC 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.

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.

Fish Hunter Tours Jacksonville, FL

Just go do it. Beautiful area and wonderful Captain with lots of knowledge.?

5.0 / 5

Just go do it. Beautiful area and wonderful Captain with lots of knowledge.?

Fish Hunter Tours 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 !!!

5.0 / 5

Fish Hunter Tours Deltona, FL

World class fishery . With the right person you could catch anything your trying to catch.

5.0 / 5

World class fishery . With the right person you could catch anything your trying to catch.

Native Fishing Charters Orion Township, MI

To guarantee a successful and enjoyable fishing trip, we recommend you book a charter with Reel Time Outfitters! They are phenomenal!

5.0 / 5

To guarantee a successful and enjoyable fishing trip, we recommend you book a charter with Reel Time Outfitters! They are phenomenal!

Reel Time Outfitters Gwinn, MI

The fishing here is pretty good all year around...but if you're looking for stud reds or snook, wait until the heat of fall...September/October is off the hook!

5.0 / 5

The fishing here is pretty good all year around...but if you're looking for stud reds or snook, wait until the heat of fall...September/October is off the hook!

CV Charters Bradenton, Florida

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.

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.

Fish Hunter Tours Waverly, NY

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Crystal River?

Finders Keepers Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(189 reviews)

Captain Kevin is one awesome Captain. If you are looking for a great time with family or friends get that trip booked. We had the family on the boat and he is by far one of the best Captains when it comes to kids having a great time and to me that’s all I care about. He put us on the fish from the start and the kids had a blast. Definitely going back out with him soon. Thanks for a great day Captain.

Robert G.

Reel Time Outfitters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(312 reviews)

I booked this trip for my boyfriend, his friend, and myself. It ended up being the best part of our vacation. The whole way home all I heard was “we need to do that again”. Captain Leo was fantastic. Great conversations and very helpful. The bait house was sold out of shrimp that morning but thankfully one of the captains friends had some that he gave to us to use. Thank you Captain Leo for the great adventure and thank you Captain John for the shrimp!

Hannah D.

Native Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(32 reviews)

Caught monster porgy grunts and mangroves. Lots of big and little gags and red grouper. Also caught tricky hog fish one big keeper.

Jacob B.

Salty Stash Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(3 reviews)

Really put us on some quality fish. Definitely very knowledgeable! Would recommend to anyone.

Danny H.

Native Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(32 reviews)

Great fishing charter.Bobby and Allysa go aver the top to get you fish.This is what a charter should be!What a pleasure to have people that actually want you to have success catching fish and having a great time!Will definitely go with them again!

Mark L.

Kaptain Hook Outdoors – Crystal River
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(4 reviews)

We enjoyed the experience from start to finish…. Had countless opportunities at fish, more than a few fantastic shots, and a memory we’ll all revisit often! Captain Mike was friendly, his equipment top notch, and his ability to put us on fish, almost unfair…. We will be back!!

Rick W.

A-lure Fishing Charters LLC
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(140 reviews)

Conditions were not ideal following a rainstorm and some continued spring winds, but Captain John went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience and caught some fish. I highly recommend!

Carson T.

CV Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(20 reviews)

My son and I had a great day of fishing with CV Charters. Chris immediately put us on fish and made the experience top notch. He made every effort to make sure we were enjoying our day out. He is friendly, was great with explaining things, and knows how to catch fish. Definitely recommend CV Charters.

Brian P.

Cast N Reel Fishing Charters Of Crystal River
Fishing charter in Crystal River

4.7 / 5

(121 reviews)

Captain Mark is just a good guy, he will do everything he can to put you on fish. He is not a clock watcher, he would rather spend more to make sure you have a good time and catch fish. When I’m back in town I will book with him again!

Bryan D.

Get Reel Outdoors
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(6 reviews)

My 2 boys and I booked a 8hr trip with Captain Konnor we had an awesome day on the water plenty of fish non stop action. Red Fish , sea trout and a few lady fish I would recommend this captain to anyone. Beautiful boat and the Captain was very knowledgeable and had a lot of patience with my boys. Thank you captain Konner for a memorable day.

Michael W.

A-lure Fishing Charters LLC
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(140 reviews)

Our family of 4 had a wonderful experience catching all sorts of fish with Captain John! We did the 8 hour trip and stopped at many different spots. Highly recommend! Definitely best fishing charter that we have done on the gulf coast!

Monica C.

Salty Day Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(17 reviews)

Capt. Dave was super knowledgeable about fishing and was generous in sharing that knowledge. Because of that, we caught tons of fish and had an absolute wonderful time! The boat and tackle was in pristine condition and the provided drinks were cold and refreshing. Highly recommended!

Aspen D.

Reel Time Outfitters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(18 reviews)

Captain Tyler was great with my kids, ages 9 and 12. He went above and beyond to get my son some fish on a challenging foggy day on Lake Panasoffkee. Captain knew the area well. We will definitely use Reel Time Outfitters again if we make another fishing trip to the area. Caught bass, spotted gar, and pickerel. Captain Tyler cared a lot that we had a good experience and caught some fish.

Jennifer S.

Fishbonz Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(14 reviews)

Very knowledgeable.. Fish were being stubborn but they were out there..definitely would go again..Had a awsome day!!!

Jennifer R.

Reel Time Outfitters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

4.3 / 5

(312 reviews)

Capt Leon was incredibly accommodating to our group. We had an amazing day, had fun, even caught a couple of fish. Some days the fish don't cooperate, but Leon did everything he could to find them for us.

John M.

Reel Time Outfitters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(312 reviews)

Not every day is about the number of fish in the cooler. My son was home on leave from the Army and we were granted a gorgeous day to go out... but right after a cold front and a full moon. Capt Leo warned us the fishing would be slow, but it was too beautiful not to go out. As always, our captain was friendly, knowledgable and put us on plenty of fish. Most were a bit too short, but we still had a fantastic day and could not have enjoyed ourselves more!

David M.

Renegade Sport Fishing SD LLC
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(1 review)

Captain Sean was fantastic. There's no reason to look anywhere else if you're lucky enough to score a trip with him. No complaints at all . A beautiful day on the water, great boat, excellent gear and wonderful local knowledge. He's out go to

Paul K.

Reel Pressure Inshore Fishing
Fishing charter in Crystal River

4.7 / 5

(5 reviews)

Weather was unfriendly but Capt. Joshua adjusted and got us on fish and it was full day of casting and catching.

Chad B.

Fish Hunter Tours
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(134 reviews)

Captain Bryan was on-time, friendly and knowledgeable. This was my son’s first salt water fishing trip and it’s one he won’t soon forget. We were able to catch 6 different species even though the conditions were not perfect. Captain Bryan worked hard to keep us on the fish. Thank you for a great trip

Eric W.

Reel Time Outfitters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(312 reviews)

Captain Leo was great. Did his best to put us on fish. Had to deal with thunderstorms. Caught lots of different species. Would definitely recommend this charter and captain.