Search
Bobby Horn
Captain

Bobby Horn

Crystal River, United States
Federal waters
Angler's choice
100+ reviews
At the heart of Native Fishing Charters is a true husband-and-wife team. Captain Bobby Horn and First Mate Alyssa work in sync every day, creating a level of care, consistency, and passion you won't find just anywhere. Behind that partnership is a lifetime on the water for the both of them. As third-generation Florida natives, they've both been fishing these estuaries since childhood, building a deep, intuitive understanding of the area and passion for catching fish! The result is more than just a fishing trip—it's a well-run, memorable experience shaped by knowledge, passion, and a genuine love for what they do.

Charters

Rating

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

What anglers say

99%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish

All reviews (176)

Showing 1 – 5 of 176 reviews
  • Kelly Alexander
    Kelly Alexander
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Captain and First Mate you could ask for!! Book with them now!!

    Bottom Fishing Half Day-(5hr) • 5 adults

    We had an absolutely incredible experience on our fishing charter today with Captain Bobby and his First Mate Alyssa! From start to finish, they went above and beyond to make sure everyone in our group had an amazing time. We had three generations along for this trip, ranging from complete beginners to seasoned anglers, and Captain Bobby and Alyssa catered perfectly to everyone. They were patient and encouraging with those who were new to fishing while giving our experienced fishermen the freedom to really enjoy the sport. When the waters became choppy and a few members of our group started feeling seasick, both Captain Bobby and Alyssa were incredibly caring, attentive, and accommodating. Their kindness and genuine concern made all the difference. Not only are they exceptional guides, but they also have an endless wealth of knowledge about fishing and the rich history of Crystal River. We learned so much while creating memories that our family will cherish for years to come. If you’re considering a fishing charter, do yourself a favor and book with Native Fishing Charters. You won’t find a more knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated team. Thank you both for an unforgettable day on the water!

    Reported catch:
    Spanish Mackerel
    Snook
    Gag Grouper
    Redfish
    Response from Captain

    Thank you guys so much for the kind words and an exceptional day together, we look forward to making more memories with you guys in the future! 😎🎣

  • Steve Snackenberg
    Steve Snackenberg
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified
    NEW

    Terrific experience.

    Inshore Fishing Ful Day -(8hr) • 3 adults

    Captain Bobby and First Mate Alyssa made our day long fishing trip very enjoyable. Despite a rainy start and windy conditions out on the water, the fishing was a lot of fun. Caught a lot of fish due expert guidance from Captain Bobby and First Mate Alyssa. Will definitely sign on with them in the future. One recommendation is to check fishing reels before use. First one caused me problems, second one worked much better. Overall, great experience and looking forward to doing it again.

    Response from Captain

    Sorry about the reel, we check them all every day but unsure of exactly what was wrong with it sir. I didnt see any issues. We buy top tier equipment to make sure this doesn't happen, but occasionally an issue does arise. If any of our reels or rods have issues we pull them off the vessel immediately and either repair them or replace them. We look forward to having you back soon and appreciate the feedback sir.

  • Rebeccah Wilson
    Rebeccah Wilson
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Had a blast!

    Bottom Fishing Half Day-(5hr) • 4 adults

    We booked an inshore trip with Native Charters and it was absolutely fantastic! Captain Bobby and his 1st mate (wife) Alyssa put us right on the fish immediately. We were targeting mangrove snapper and grunts, and we walked away with a great haul for dinner. They were incredibly knowledgeable, the gear was top-tier, and the boat was pristine. If you want a fun, productive day of fishing, book with these guys! We will definitely be back!

    Reported catch:
    Gag Grouper
    Response from Captain

    Thank you!!!! 😎🎣

  • Emily Mullins
    Emily Mullins
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Best charter you’ll ever book!

    Inshore Fishing Ful Day -(8hr) • 2 adults

    Captain Bobby and 1st mate Alyssa will treat you like family, show you how to be a great angler if you need guidance, and oh my you will reel in the fish! My 16 year old niece and I have come back to Crystal river 3 years in a row now for the sole purpose of going out on their charter, it has always been the highlight of our stay here. My teenager can be guarded and standoffish at times, but Bobby stepped right up, made her smile, be engaged, and feel like family; not a “customer “ he took her under his wing like she was his own niece. Captain Bobby is just a genuine, down home great guy. He takes you back to his place, cleans the fish, and offers hospitality that is rare these days. Native Charters is a 10 star ⭐️ review for me every time, I highly recommend you book with them. You won’t find a better captain and 1st mate to take you out for one of the best days of your life. We plan on coming back in 6 months, best memories ever! Thank you Captain Bobby and 1st mate Alyssa, we love you both!

    Reported catch:
    Mangrove Snapper
    Grunt
    Redfish
  • Nancy Porter
    Nancy Porter
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Absolutely the best day evah!!

    Inshore Fishing Half Day-(5hr) • 2 adults

    I really don’t think I have had a better time on the water than what we experienced yesterday. As point of reference.. I’m from the Boston area with summers down the Cape, so I have spent lots of time on the water. The kindness shown to my 15 year old grandson melted my heart. There way no way Bobby(skipper) was going back in until our grandson snagged a big one. Mission accomplished !! What a wonderful experience.

    Reported catch:
    Mangrove Snapper
    Grunt
    Redfish
    Response from Captain

    Thank you!!! We had a great day together with you guys!!!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Native Fishing Charters
    Native Fishing ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Angler holding a spotted seatrout aboard a fishing boat, with ocean water and upright rods visible in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Speckled Trout
    Kevin H.
    Kevin H.
    Bobby and Alicia are the best, perfect trip.
  • Native Fishing Charters
    Native Fishing ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Three adult anglers pose behind a large display of speckled trout and snapper-like fish arranged on a stainless-steel fillet table.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Speckled Trout
    Steve S.
    Steve S.
    Captain Bobby and First Mate Alyssa made our day long fishing trip very enjoyable. Despite a rainy start and windy conditions out on the water, the fishing was a lot of fun. Caught a lot of fish due expert guidance from Captain Bobby and First Mate Alyssa. Will definitely sign on with them in the future. One recommendation is to check fishing reels before use. First one caused me problems, second one worked much better. Overall, great experience and looking forward to doing it again.
  • Native Fishing Charters
    Native Fishing ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Adult angler proudly displays a large silver jack-style fish aboard a center-console boat, with two young anglers visible in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Jack Crevalle
    Laurie W.
    Laurie W.
    We had family visiting from Texas and wanted to takr them fishing. We couldn’t have been happier with our choice of charter. Captain Bobby and Alyssa were fantastic and patient with our 10 year old twins. We took home bags of fish, and can’t wait to go again! Book a trip with Native Fishing, you won’t be disappointed!! A great day on the boat!
  • Native Fishing- (Inshore & Nearshore)
    Native Fishing- (Inshore & Nearshore)Crystal River, FL
    Adult angler proudly holding a large grouper aboard a center-console fishing boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Gag Grouper
    Michael H.
    Michael H.
    Captain Horn and his first mate Alyssa put us on grouper the last day of the 2026 season. Would recommend hitting the gym and pumping some iron to get in shape to muscle these fish off the bottom. Both gag and red grouper came aboard along with a few hogfish and a couple of chunky mangrove snapper in addition to grunts-a-plenty. It was a smooth ride to the fishing grounds in his 35’ Typhoon.
  • Native Fishing Charters
    Native Fishing ChartersCrystal River, FL
    A group of four anglers proudly displaying their catch of various Grouper species on a cleaning table after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Gag Grouper
    ? Fishing Report — Crystal River OFFSHORE: The offshore bite is absolutely ON FIRE! We’re running out close to 100 miles offshore and consistently putting together limits of quality red snapper and red grouper. With gag grouper season now open, we’re also putting limits of gags in the boat. If you’ve been waiting to get offshore, now is the time! INSHORE: The redfish bite is the hottest thing going right now. If you’re looking for an inshore trip, we’re targeting redfish throughout the area and the action has been excellent. SCALLOPING: Scalloping has also been great, with plenty of nice scallops being found in deeper water. Timing the tide has become a priority, so planning your trip around the right tide can make a big difference. The fish are biting from the backcountry to nearly 100 miles offshore — there’s no better time to get on the water!
  • Native Fishing- (Inshore & Nearshore)
    Native Fishing- (Inshore & Nearshore)Crystal River, FL
    Four adult anglers pose behind a fillet table loaded with a large group of freshly caught grouper.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Gag Grouper
    ? Fishing Report — Crystal River OFFSHORE: The offshore bite is absolutely ON FIRE! We’re running out close to 100 miles offshore and consistently putting together limits of quality red snapper and red grouper. With gag grouper season now open, we’re also putting limits of gags in the boat. If you’ve been waiting to get offshore, now is the time! INSHORE: The redfish bite is the hottest thing going right now. If you’re looking for an inshore trip, we’re targeting redfish throughout the area and the action has been excellent. SCALLOPING: Scalloping has also been great, with plenty of nice scallops being found in deeper water. Timing the tide has become a priority, so planning your trip around the right tide can make a big difference. The fish are biting from the backcountry to nearly 100 miles offshore — there’s no better time to get on the water!
  • Native Fishing Charters
    Native Fishing ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Angler proudly displaying a large Red Snapper while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Red Snapper
    Offshore / Deep Sea The Offshore Middle Grounds have been fishing exceptionally well. We are consistently getting limits of quality Red Snapper and Red Grouper, along with Mangrove Snapper, large Triggerfish, and a variety of other species. 30–50 Miles Offshore The 30-mile range has been a little slower with the recent heat. The 40-mile range has remained steady, producing Grunts, Mangrove Snapper, and Hogfish. Currently, the 50-mile range is holding the best numbers and overall quality of fish with the ability to get some good keeper red grouper. Get Ready For Gag Season September 1st!!!!! Inshore The Trout bite has been challenging, with water temperatures pushing above 85 degrees and making consistent numbers of larger Trout difficult to locate. The Redfish bite, however, has been very productive. There are plenty of keeper-sized Redfish being caught throughout the Barge Canal system. Large shrimp and medium-sized Pinfish have been the most productive baits. Scalloping Scalloping has been fantastic, with plenty of nice, large scallops available. The scallops have been holding deeper than usual this year, making low tide the most productive time to target them and giving us the best opportunity to reach limits. We have also been moving around to stay in the cleanest water possible. The frequent evening showers have been keeping sediment stirred up in some areas, so finding clean water has been an important part of staying on the scallops. Overall, fishing and scalloping are both in great shape, with plenty of opportunities inshore and offshore right now.
  • Native Fishing Charters
    Native Fishing ChartersCrystal River, FL
    A family group proudly poses behind a catch of various fish, including Snapper and Grouper, displayed on a cleaning table after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Red Snapper
    Jennifer L.
    Jennifer L.
    we had a great time with captain bobby and (soon to be captain) alyssa today. kids were bending poles all day and i got to fill the cooler with tons of fresh fish.
  • Native Fishing- (Inshore & Nearshore)
    Native Fishing- (Inshore & Nearshore)Crystal River, FL
    Group of anglers gathered behind a fillet table displaying a large mixed catch of red snapper, other snapper, and grouper at a dockside fishing setup.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Mutton Snapper
    Fishing Report Offshore The Middle Grounds 100-mile offshore trip is hot, hot, hot! Limits of red grouper are being hit on every trip. The fish are holding in deeper water and responding well to just about every bait presentation. We’re spending our time fishing live bait, cut bait, and even artificial squid—with tons of success across the board. For those who are a little less adventurous, the 40-mile offshore trip has been producing massive tables of mangrove snapper, plenty of hogfish, a few keeper red grouper, and lots of grunts and porgies. There’s no shortage of action, and these trips have been providing plenty of fresh fish for the table. Inshore The inshore bite has been a little challenging with water temperatures running hot. Artificial baits have been producing best, but anglers should be prepared to do plenty of casting. Tides and timing are everything right now when targeting trout and redfish, so being in the right place during the right window is key. Mangrove snapper, grunts, and sand trout have been producing around rock piles and in cooler pockets of water. As the temperatures stay high, focusing on deeper water, moving tides, and areas with better water flow will continue to be the best approach.
  • Native Fishing Charters
    Native Fishing ChartersCrystal River, FL
    Group of four adult anglers posing behind a neatly arranged catch of red and gray snapper at a Native Fishing Charters cleaning station.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Red Snapper
    Rebeccah W.
    Rebeccah W.
    We booked an inshore trip with Native Charters and it was absolutely fantastic! Captain Bobby and his 1st mate (wife) Alyssa put us right on the fish immediately. We were targeting mangrove snapper and grunts, and we walked away with a great haul for dinner. They were incredibly knowledgeable, the gear was top-tier, and the boat was pristine. If you want a fun, productive day of fishing, book with these guys! We will definitely be back!

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Native Fishing 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

A group of four anglers proudly displaying their catch of various Grouper species on a cleaning table after a successful fishing trip.

Limits of Red Snapper, Gag Grouper

Sep 2, 2026 • Crystal River
? Fishing Report — Crystal River OFFSHORE: The offshore bite is absolutely ON FIRE! We’re running out close to 100 miles offshore and consistently putting together limits of quality red snapper and red grouper. With gag grouper season now open, we’re also putting limits of gags in the boat. If you’ve been waiting to get offshore, now is the time! INSHORE: The redfish bite is the hottest thing going right now. If you’re looking for an inshore trip, we’re targeting redfish throughout the area and the action has been excellent. SCALLOPING: Scalloping has also been great, with plenty of nice scallops being found in deeper water. Timing the tide has become a priority, so planning your trip around the right tide can make a big difference. The fish are biting from the backcountry to nearly 100 miles offshore — there’s no better time to get on the water!
Show more
Four adult anglers pose behind a fillet table loaded with a large group of freshly caught grouper.

Limits of Red Snapper, Grouper & Reds

Sep 2, 2026 • Crystal River
? Fishing Report — Crystal River OFFSHORE: The offshore bite is absolutely ON FIRE! We’re running out close to 100 miles offshore and consistently putting together limits of quality red snapper and red grouper. With gag grouper season now open, we’re also putting limits of gags in the boat. If you’ve been waiting to get offshore, now is the time! INSHORE: The redfish bite is the hottest thing going right now. If you’re looking for an inshore trip, we’re targeting redfish throughout the area and the action has been excellent. SCALLOPING: Scalloping has also been great, with plenty of nice scallops being found in deeper water. Timing the tide has become a priority, so planning your trip around the right tide can make a big difference. The fish are biting from the backcountry to nearly 100 miles offshore — there’s no better time to get on the water!
Show more
A young angler proudly displaying a large Grouper while fishing on a boat in clear waters.

Limits of Red Snapper & Grouper Offshore

Aug 22, 2026 • Crystal River
Offshore / Deep Sea The Offshore Middle Grounds have been fishing exceptionally well. We are consistently getting limits of quality Red Snapper and Red Grouper, along with Mangrove Snapper, large Triggerfish, and a variety of other species. 30–50 Miles Offshore The 30-mile range has been a little slower with the recent heat. The 40-mile range has remained steady, producing Grunts, Mangrove Snapper, and Hogfish. Currently, the 50-mile range is holding the best numbers and overall quality of fish with the ability to get some good keeper red grouper. Get Ready For Gag Season September 1st!!!!! Inshore The Trout bite has been challenging, with water temperatures pushing above 85 degrees and making consistent numbers of larger Trout difficult to locate. The Redfish bite, however, has been very productive. There are plenty of keeper-sized Redfish being caught throughout the Barge Canal system. Large shrimp and medium-sized Pinfish have been the most productive baits. Scalloping Scalloping has been fantastic, with plenty of nice, large scallops available. The scallops have been holding deeper than usual this year, making low tide the most productive time to target them and giving us the best opportunity to reach limits. We have also been moving around to stay in the cleanest water possible. The frequent evening showers have been keeping sediment stirred up in some areas, so finding clean water has been an important part of staying on the scallops. Overall, fishing and scalloping are both in great shape, with plenty of opportunities inshore and offshore right now.
Show more
A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Snapper and Grouper in front of the Native Fishing Charters sign after a successful fishing trip.

Snapper Up!!

Jul 31, 2026 • Crystal River
Fishing Report Offshore The Middle Grounds 100-mile offshore trip is hot, hot, hot! Limits of red grouper are being hit on every trip. The fish are holding in deeper water and responding well to just about every bait presentation. We’re spending our time fishing live bait, cut bait, and even artificial squid—with tons of success across the board. For those who are a little less adventurous, the 40-mile offshore trip has been producing massive tables of mangrove snapper, plenty of hogfish, a few keeper red grouper, and lots of grunts and porgies. There’s no shortage of action, and these trips have been providing plenty of fresh fish for the table. Inshore The inshore bite has been a little challenging with water temperatures running hot. Artificial baits have been producing best, but anglers should be prepared to do plenty of casting. Tides and timing are everything right now when targeting trout and redfish, so being in the right place during the right window is key. Mangrove snapper, grunts, and sand trout have been producing around rock piles and in cooler pockets of water. As the temperatures stay high, focusing on deeper water, moving tides, and areas with better water flow will continue to be the best approach.
Show more
An angler proudly displaying a large Red Grouper while fishing on a boat in open waters.

Summer Kick-Off

Jul 17, 2026 • Crystal River
July offshore fishing out of Crystal River is producing, and the numbers speak for themselves. Red snapper and red grouper limits are being hit consistently. The fish are out there, they’re feeding, and if you’re willing to make the run, the payoff has been worth it every time. Snapper and Grouper Are Holding Deep This is the key detail for July. Both red snapper and red grouper are sitting deeper than usual this time of year, and our best catches have been coming from 120 feet and beyond. That’s not a casual run. It takes a boat that handles the distance and a plan for the day, but the fish out there are quality and the limits are coming steadily. Anglers who commit to the deep water are the ones filling coolers right now. If red snapper is on your list, this is the window. The federal for-hire season is open through October 26, and the summer deep-water pattern is exactly what you want to be fishing. Mangrove Snapper in the Mid-Depths The mangrove snapper bite remains strong across the 30 to 70 foot range, but the concentration is what matters. The biggest schools we’re finding are stacked in 40 to 60 feet. You can catch mangroves deeper than that any day of the week, but the mid-depth reefs are producing the best numbers by a clear margin right now. Worth noting: expect this pattern to shift as the fish finish spawning. What’s working in 40 to 60 feet today won’t necessarily be the play in a few weeks. That’s part of why the timing on a July trip matters. Hogfish Have Been Spotty Hogs have been inconsistent across all depths depending on the size you’re after. They’re still available, but they’re taking more work than they were earlier in the season. Live shrimp continues to be the bait of choice for hogfish and it hasn’t been close. If hogfish are a priority for your trip, let us know ahead of time and we’ll plan the day around them. Frequently Asked Questions How deep are red snapper holding in July out of Crystal River? Deeper than most of the season. Our best red snapper and red grouper catches in July have been coming from 120 feet and beyond. Summer pushes these fish off the shallower structure, so the productive water is farther out. What depth is best for mangrove snapper right now? The 40 to 60 foot range is holding the biggest schools. Mangroves are available from 30 to 70 feet, but the mid-depth reefs are producing the best numbers this month. That pattern will change as the fish finish spawning. When does red snapper season close in Florida? The Gulf federal for-hire season runs through October 26, 2026. Booking ahead is the right move if snapper is your target, since the best summer dates fill in quickly. What is the best bait for hogfish? Live shrimp. It’s been the most consistent producer for hogfish and there’s no real substitute when you’re targeting them specifically. How far offshore do you run out of Crystal River? It depends on the target. Mangrove snapper trips work the 40 to 60 foot reefs, while red snapper and red grouper this time of year require pushing out to 120 feet and beyond. We’ll match the run to what you want to catch.
Show more
Angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while fishing from a boat in coastal waters.

Snapper Time!!

Jun 3, 2026 • Crystal River
? Offshore & Deep Sea ? It’s all about the Red Snapper and Red Grouper! Season is officially open June 1st through October 26th, and now is the time to target trophy fish and fill the freezer! Large numbers of both species are being found 80-100 miles offshore, and using both live bait and artificial techniques we’ve been putting together solid catches, making memories, and boxing fish! ? The Mangrove Snapper bite has also been on fire in depths ranging from 35-120 feet. It’s a great way to keep the rods bent and the action nonstop all day long! ? ? Nearshore & Inshore ? Nearshore, the Cobia have moved into the 30-50 foot range, so keep those eels ready when chumming for Mangroves and Hogfish because you never know when a big one will show up behind the boat! Inshore, the Trout have moved into slightly deeper water and the bite has been good, but very tide-dependent. Redfish are beginning their coastal migration, and the outside islands, shoals, and channels are producing plenty of quality Reds ready to test your drag! ?? Now’s the time to get on the water and make it happen! ☀️?
Show more