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Richard Delgado
Captain

Richard Delgado

Crystal River, United States
Veteran owned
25+ reviews
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.

Charter

Tops Charters

Tops Charters

Crystal River
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $400

Rating

5.0
26 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

All reviews (26)

Showing 1 – 5 of 26 reviews
  • Elizabeth Wiley
    Elizabeth Wiley
    Member since 2026
    5.0

    A Time Was Had

    Half Day Trip – Saltwater (6 hrs)

    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!

    Reported catch:
    Gag Grouper
    Redfish
    Speckled Trout
    Response from Captain

    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? 

  • Jackie Delgado
    Jackie Delgado
    Member since 2026
    5.0

    First time fishing

    Half Day Trip – Saltwater (6 hrs)

    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!

    Reported catch:
    Scallop
    Flounder
    Speckled Trout
    Response from Captain

    Jackie, it was an absolute pleasure having on the boat that day. Hope to have many more trips in the future. 

  • Miriam Elliott
    Miriam Elliott
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Great day scalloping

    Scalloping 01 July - 24 September • 5 adults

    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.

    Response from Captain

    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.

  • David Hoadley
    David Hoadley
    us
    Iowa, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Variety of fish

    Half Day Trip – Saltwater (6 hrs) • 4 adults

    We caught a variety of fish. Sharks , redfish, grunts, catfish , brown trout , sea trout and a fish with hands, I think it was called a robin fish. The boat was well maintained and the captain is knowledgeable. The captain cleaned our fish for us and provided ice to pack the fish in . It was a good day at sea for us . We did the 6 hour trip.

    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Flounder
    Speckled Trout
    Response from Captain

    David it was an absolute pleasure to have you and your crew on the boat that day.

  • Misty Linfoot
    Misty Linfoot
    us
    Wyoming, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Variety of fish!

    Short Day Trip – Saltwater • 4 adults • 1 child

    Richard 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.

    Reported catch:
    Snook
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Speckled Trout
    Response from Captain

    Misty, it was an absolute pleasure having you and your family on the boat today enjoyed a great conversation and we had a good time fishing, have a safe trip home

Real catches shared by our community

  • Tops Charters
    Tops ChartersCrystal River, FL
    On the fish from the start
    Teresa C.
    Teresa C.
  • Tops Charters
    Tops ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Variety of fish
    David H.
    David H.
  • Tops Charters
    Tops ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Great day scalloping
    Miriam E.
    Miriam E.
  • Tops Charters
    Tops ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Fishing with Richard
    Tammy V.
    Tammy V.
  • Tops Charters
    Tops ChartersCrystal River, FL
    on a scale of 1-10...24!!!
    John S.
    John S.
  • Tops Charters
    Tops ChartersCrystal River, FL
    FANTASTIC TIME!!
    Tasha H.
    Tasha H.
  • Tops Charters
    Tops ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Had a great time!
    Matthew M.
    Matthew M.
  • Tops Charters
    Tops ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Cpt. Richard was awesome!
    Mollie R.
    Mollie R.
  • Tops Charters
    Tops ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Great time, book this trip!
    Carter P.
    Carter P.
  • Tops Charters
    Tops ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Variety of fish!
    Misty L.
    Misty L.

What's biting with Tops Charters in Crystal River

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.

Top catches for September

Fishing reports

A proud angler holding a freshly caught Speckled Trout while fishing on a sunny day.

Mixed Catch: Snook, Reds, Trout & Sharks

Sep 19, 2026 • Crystal River
Had Teresa and her crew on the boat today and we voted a whole bunch of fish. Snook, reds, flounder, drum, grunts, trout, and sharks.
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Angler proudly displaying a catch of fish in a net while standing on a boat in sunny waters.

Limits of Skeletons in Three Hours

Sep 18, 2026 • Crystal River
Had Josh and his crew in the boat and even though it’s the end of the skeleton season and these gentlemen still managed to hit their limit in about three hours. We jumped around to maybe four spots about 40 minutes per spot and they did pretty good.
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Keeper Red, Trout and Two Sharks

Sep 14, 2026 • Crystal River
Had Keith, his wife Lisa and her borther Jerry on the boat today. Not gonna lie the bite was tough today, more than it probably should’ve been with the weather. However, we did boat with a nice keeper red, a couple of keeper trout, two sharks and a few other small things. All in all he went home with dinner for his wife and her brother, and they look like they had a great time today.
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Angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while fishing on a calm day, showcasing the beautiful waters and sky.

Reds, Flounder, Grunts and Sharks

Sep 6, 2026 • Crystal River
Had David and his crew from Iowa on the boat today. We started the day off with several nice reds, flounder, and a black drum and a few trout. We then moved onto a few solid grunts while lookonf for grouper and then ended the day with two very nice sharks.
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An angler proudly displaying a large Grouper while fishing on a boat in open waters.

Checked Off a Few Bucket-List Fish

Aug 27, 2026 • Crystal River
Had Dave and Tim on the boat today and we knocked off a few of Dave’s bucket list fish.
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Angler proudly displaying a large Grouper while fishing on a boat in open waters.

Gag and Snapper Scouting Success

Aug 26, 2026 • Crystal River
Scott from Strike Force Fishing, a captian friend of mine, and he firend decieded to do some gag and snapper scouting and we had a great time bring home some solod chuncks.
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