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Kevin Trahan
Captain

Kevin Trahan

Crystal River, United States
Angler's choice
250+ reviews
I retired from 24 years active duty service in the Coast Guard in 2015. I returned to my roots, Citrus County Florida. I have been fishing the local waters since 1982. I am environmentally conscious and strive to protect our resources, yet let my clients take what nature has provided us. I was a paramedic in the Coast Guard and also have my degree in Safety and Occupational Health. I take pride in my work and use my military experience to provide a safe and memorable trip to clients. I use the latest technology to stay abreast of the weather and tides to keep the clients and myself out of unfavorable conditions. Complete customer satisfaction is my goal and I will strive to accomplish that on each and every trip.

Charter

Rating

4.8
260 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

96%
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
96%
Appropriate for children
99%
Satisfied with the boat
90%
Caught fish

All reviews (260)

Showing 1 – 5 of 260 reviews
  • Jeff Keene
    Jeff Keene
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Great trip!!!

    Full Day Fishing • 3 adults

    Wanted multiple species and Kevin delivered. Kevin ask what we would like to fish for I told him we were more interested in catching different fish, not just the typical trout and red fish. Although we did catch trout and red fish, we also caught Cobia, grouper, flounder, mackerel, hogfish, grunts, a shark, and various non target species. We knew several species were out of season, we just wanted the experience. Kevin made it happen.

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

    Jeff What a day of catching. Not many places in Florida offer such diverse fishing within nine miles of shore. You guys put a hurting to some really good eating fish. Thanks for choosing Finders Keepers Charters. Capt Kevin

  • Matt Skrip
    Matt Skrip
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    An Unforgettable Family Fishing Adventure – Highly Recommend!

    Half Day Fishing • 4 adults • 2 children

    Our family had an amazing time out on the water with Captain Kevin! From the moment we stepped on the boat, he made us feel welcomed and comfortable. He was extremely knowledgeable, easygoing, and worked hard the entire trip to make sure we had a great experience and stayed on the fish. What really stood out was how patient and great he was with the kids. He took the time to help them, kept them engaged, and made sure they were having fun the entire trip. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does and cares about giving families a memorable experience. The boat was clean, well-maintained, and everything was organized and professional. We caught fish, laughed a lot, and made memories that we’ll be talking about for years. If you’re looking for an awesome fishing charter with someone who is professional, personable, and fantastic with families, I highly recommend booking a trip with Captain Kevin. We’ll definitely be back!

    Reported catch:
    Mangrove Snapper
    Speckled Trout
    Response from Captain

    Matt Thanks for booking. It was my pleasure having your family on the boat. We caught at least 8 species of fish on a beautiful day. Inshore, we caught speckled trout, and jacks on light tackle. Then on some nearshore rocks we got into some medium sized grouper, black bass, snapper and grunts. Thank you for choosing Finders Keepers Charters. Capt Kevin

  • Stacey Winkelspecht
    Stacey Winkelspecht
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Highlight of our Trip!

    Half Day Fishing • 6 adults

    Capt Kevin took our family of 6 on their first fishing excursion. We had a blast! He was super efficient at keeping all the lines baited and in the water. We caught a variety of fish, stopping at different locations. Capt Kevin was knowledgeable, explaining the different types of fish and was very sensitive to persevering the ecosystem. He held good conversation with clean humor. We took our caught to a local restaurant and had them prepare it for us. What a fun experience!!!!

    Reported catch:
    Sheepshead
    Mangrove Snapper
    Response from Captain

    Stacey It was a pleasure having your crew on the boat. This ecosystem does have a variety of fish to catch, and you guys pretty much got all the good ones. Capt Kevin

  • Matthew Coleman
    Matthew Coleman
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2024
    6 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Reel Fun on the Water – Fish, Sharks & Big Smiles! 🎣

    Half Day Fishing • 2 adults

    We went out on March 28th, and from the moment we got set up on the spot, it was non-stop action. Capt. Kevin was extremely knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire trip. His communication beforehand was top-notch—he made sure we understood conditions, limitations, and what species we could realistically expect to catch, which we really appreciated. Going into the trip, we were hoping to catch grouper, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, tripletail, and maybe even try for some snook on the way back in. While we didn’t land the tripletail or snook, we caught just about everything else—and then some. In addition to our target species, we also pulled in speckled seatrout and Spanish mackerel, and even hooked into two sharks (a “lemon pepper stepper,” as Nadiyah calls it, and a blacktip), both around 10 feet. Even though sharks weren’t what we were after, it definitely added to the excitement—especially on light tackle. Capt. Kevin went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable the entire time, even offering his own jacket on a chilly morning. This charter is a must-book. If you’re looking for great action, a knowledgeable captain, and the chance to bring fish home, this is the trip to take.

    Reported catch:
    Mangrove Snapper
    Grunt
    Speckled Trout
    Sheepshead
    Response from Captain

    Matt It was indeed non stop action. I never thought you could actually catch a 150-200 lb shark on redfish tackle. But that is what you guys did. Come to find out the jig head was caught on the Lemon sharks pectoral fin, thus not near those teeth. After 20 minutes or so, we just broke it off to try for more fish. We then got to sight cast a large bait to a cruising blacktip shark that once hooked up, proceeded to almost spool the 6000 series spinning reel. These two anglers were very skilled and caught multiple species to include: black bass, snapper, grunts and Spanish Mackerel. Thanks for choosing to fiah with Finders Keepers Charters. Capt Kevin

  • Peter Kawonczyk
    Peter Kawonczyk
    us
    New Hampshire, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Trip

    Half Day Fishing • 4 adults • 2 children

    Capt Kevin Trahan, Excellent Captain and guide. I booked a trip for my sons visit with his family. Originally planned for Sunday but as we closer to our trip, i realized that Saturday would be better as it would be 80 and sunny vs 60s and rain. Our son traveled from snowy Massachusetts so he would enjoy a day in the sun. The Cap did a fantastic job as finding several holes to enjoy the thrill of a catch two 24" Red and Drum fish! He knew how to manover his boat and tought us how to cast and catch those fish. I will highly recommend Captain Kevin.

    Reported catch:
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Response from Captain

    Pete Thanks for choosing to fish with Finders Keepers Charters. We found a few willing redfish to take a live shrimp on a Bulls Bay Asault rod paired with a Florida Fishing Products reel. We also managed a few short redfish and black drum as well as some short trout. Overall it was really good day on the water with some really nice clients. Capt Kevin.

Real catches shared by our community

  • Finders Keepers Charters
    Finders Keepers ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Angler proudly displaying two Black Drum caught at Pete's Pier in Crystal River, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Black Drum
    Bobbi S.
    Bobbi S.
    Captain Kevin is a great guide. We had a great time on the water! Hope to be back!
  • Finders Keepers Charters
    Finders Keepers ChartersCrystal River, FL
    A young angler proudly displaying a small fish while fishing on a sunny day, showcasing a vibrant ocean backdrop.
    Fish 1
    Mangrove Snapper
    Sandy D.
    Sandy D.
    Captin Kevin is a sweetheart! very knowledgeable! We didnt catch but a dew fish but it wasnt for lack of trying. Overall, a fun time!
  • Finders Keepers Charters
    Finders Keepers ChartersCrystal River, FL
    An angler proudly displaying a Speckled Trout while enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Sandra S.
    Sandra S.
    Kevin was very attentive and made sure we learned a little and caught fish! We really enjoyed our trip!
  • Finders Keepers Charters
    Finders Keepers ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Angler displays a grouper catch aboard a small fishing boat, with family members enjoying an inshore fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Gag Grouper
    Matt S.
    Matt S.
    Our family had an amazing time out on the water with Captain Kevin! From the moment we stepped on the boat, he made us feel welcomed and comfortable. He was extremely knowledgeable, easygoing, and worked hard the entire trip to make sure we had a great experience and stayed on the fish. What really stood out was how patient and great he was with the kids. He took the time to help them, kept them engaged, and made sure they were having fun the entire trip. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does and cares about giving families a memorable experience. The boat was clean, well-maintained, and everything was organized and professional. We caught fish, laughed a lot, and made memories that we’ll be talking about for years. If you’re looking for an awesome fishing charter with someone who is professional, personable, and fantastic with families, I highly recommend booking a trip with Captain Kevin. We’ll definitely be back!
  • Finders Keepers Charters
    Finders Keepers ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Two adult anglers proudly display a grouper and a spotted mackerel aboard a center-console fishing boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Gag Grouper
    Matthew C.
    Matthew C.
    We went out on March 28th, and from the moment we got set up on the spot, it was non-stop action. Capt. Kevin was extremely knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire trip. His communication beforehand was top-notch—he made sure we understood conditions, limitations, and what species we could realistically expect to catch, which we really appreciated. Going into the trip, we were hoping to catch grouper, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, tripletail, and maybe even try for some snook on the way back in. While we didn’t land the tripletail or snook, we caught just about everything else—and then some. In addition to our target species, we also pulled in speckled seatrout and Spanish mackerel, and even hooked into two sharks (a “lemon pepper stepper,” as Nadiyah calls it, and a blacktip), both around 10 feet. Even though sharks weren’t what we were after, it definitely added to the excitement—especially on light tackle. Capt. Kevin went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable the entire time, even offering his own jacket on a chilly morning. This charter is a must-book. If you’re looking for great action, a knowledgeable captain, and the chance to bring fish home, this is the trip to take.
  • Finders Keepers Charters
    Finders Keepers ChartersCrystal River, FL
    A catfish is being reeled in, showcasing the excitement of fishing in a scenic waterway.
    Fish 1
    Blacktip Shark
    Shelby N.
    Shelby N.
    Today was the best day ever. Caught lots of fish.... Even a small shark. Capt Kevin was extremely personalble knowledgeable. A joy the whole day. Made sure we caught fish then a trip to see manatee before our event ended. Needless to say we six grandmother's will bring our grand babies soon.
  • Finders Keepers Charters
    Finders Keepers ChartersCrystal River, FL
    An angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Daniele W.
    Daniele W.
    Captain Kevin is the best! He was friendly and knowledgeable and got us right in the fish! We had an awesome day!!!
  • Finders Keepers Charters
    Finders Keepers ChartersCrystal River, FL
    A variety of fish including several species displayed on a cleaning table at a dock, with pelicans visible in the background.
    Fish 1
    Black Seabass
    John P.
    John P.
    My grandchildren had a great time. Captain was great with them
  • Finders Keepers Charters
    Finders Keepers ChartersCrystal River, FL
    An angler proudly displaying a large shark while fishing on a boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Nurse Shark
    Dennis W.
    Dennis W.
    captin kevin is top notch, ive fished over 30+ yr and been on alot of guided trips and kevin is one of the best ive fished with. great personality and just a fun guy to be around , also put me and my kids on fish all day. we took home several bags of fish. highly recommend
  • Finders Keepers Charters
    Finders Keepers ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Angler proudly displaying a large Black Drum while fishing from a boat in a coastal waterway.
    Fish 1
    Black Drum
    Joshua M.
    Joshua M.
    Booked this trip with 5 friends, each with varying levels of fishing experience, and it was a great time for everyone! With a mixture of scalloping and fishing, there was tons of variety. We even had the opportunity to catch a 23 inch triple tail, awesome experience! Would recommend Captain Kevin to anyone I know!

What's biting with Finders Keepers Charters in Crystal River

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!

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Angler proudly displaying a colorful Snapper while fishing on a calm, foggy day.

It is warming up

Mar 6, 2025 • Crystal River
The weather is warming up, the bait is showing up and fish are biting. Trout, redfish, sheepshead are all chewing now. We are getting some pompano and spanish Mackerel showing up as well.
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Angler proudly displaying a large Grouper while fishing in open waters, showcasing a successful catch on a sunny day.

Grouper season is here!!!!!!

Sep 30, 2021 • Crystal River
The grouper season here opens on 1 June. Come out with Finders Keepers Charters and try to catch these tasty fish on light to medium tackle either bottom fishing or trolling lipped plugs. The action is a little farther offshore in the summer months and then heats up nearshore as the water cools. I will chum up rocks in 20- 25 feet of water with pin fish and then free line a nice size one and wait for the bite to happen. Then it is a tug o war. Book now as prime days are going fast. Capt Kevin I’m
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A young angler proudly displaying a large Black Drum while fishing on a boat in coastal waters.

Triple play!!!!!!!

Mar 30, 2021 • Crystal River
Opening day of baseball season is today. It is also the time the tripletail show up on the crab pot buoys on the gulf. The Past two trips yielded 2 fish up to 20 inches and have had 3 or 4 fish that were just short of the 18 inch minimum each day. The tower on the Aeon allows me to see the fish and direct the anglers on the pinpoint location and once hooked these guys like to get airborne at times and pull really hard. Plus these taste great and yield quite a bit of white flaky filets. Book now as April is prime time for tripletail and the cobia should be right behind. Captain Kevin Finders Keepers Charters llc
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Family fishing group proudly holding a redfish aboard a boat in bright coastal waters, with a young angler visible in the background.

Tarpon,Snook,Redfish

Mar 23, 2021 • Crystal River
I have been keying in the snook and redfish lately. Also got a 8 y/o young man on his first ever tarpon last week. It jumped like crazy and as soon as as I got a hand on the leader , it wore through. Also catching sheepshead, black drum and mangrove snapper.
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Angler displaying a large Sheepshead caught while fishing from a boat near a scenic dock area.

Winter time mixed bag

Feb 20, 2021 • Crystal River
The sheephead bite is still strong. We are getting some mangrove snapper and grouper while sitting on near shore rocks as well. Spanish mackeral and sea trout are also stound. Once the tide comes up we are seeing schools of redfish on mangrove shorelines and on colder days sunning on the mud flats. Afternoon bites are the norm until the water warms up. Book now and don’t forget about the military discount. I look forward to having you and your crew out for a great day on the water. Capt Kevin
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A young angler proudly displaying a Redfish while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.

Doubled up

Dec 30, 2020 • Crystal River
The water temps in the gulf have dropped below 60 degrees. The majority of the bait has either went deep or moved into the rivers. Thus most of the redfish, black drum, and trout have moved into the deeper holes in the river. Once you find them, it is usually one after another. Unfortunatly , they have been alot of shorts, 15-17” rat reds. The black drum are perfect sized though and the trout bite is good as well. So book now for a fun half or full day charter in January and start the new year off with some tasty and hard fighting fish on light tackle. Capt. Kevin
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