What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Crystal River, Florida for the first time?

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!

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 !!!

As anywhere you fish, the time of year will dictate what kind of fish are biting. Read up on that in advance. Crystal River is a great fishery and you can catch all kinds of fish in the surrounding waters.

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!

We went scalloping (not fishing). Come prepared for a strong swim. You may have to swim against the tide, chase fleeing shellfish, etc. If you catch a few and then don't see any for a while, don't get discouraged. Keep it up. Don't be affraid to try something new, but at the same time don't totally give up what brought you success to begin with.

The Crystal River can be really shallow, so make sure you're out with an experienced captain. Either use SPF 50 sunscreen or wear long shirt/pants. The sun is no joke. Even with a 50, one of us got really burned. Drink water!! When we were out, we had a descent breeze, but it's still really warm. Have fun and enjoy!!

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

Look up Capt Mike. May can be transitional and the bite can be slow. We should have come in April when it was cooler and the trout bite was hot.

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

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.

check the weather forecast beforehand, weather plays a big part in the shallow waters of Crystal River

Look at weather and tides before selecting a day. These trips are expensive so better to not go than have a bad experience.

Contact fishing booker thay no who tofix you up with and the guided we have met are straight shooters

Come prepared for Fun in Sun, hats n long sleeves a good idea on sunny days. Light snacks good idea if you get seasick easy on offshore runs. Research your Capt and boat... Have FUN

Bring a jacket if you are fishing in the am , gets cold early morning , warms up nicely mid morning

Yes, but be careful of the oyster bars if running your own boat. They will take out a prop or lower unit in a heart beat.

Captain Todd will take care of the fishing whether you are a novice or an old salt. You will not be disappointed!

Water is nice and warm in the summer. Keep up the sunscreen and watch the weather because it can change in an hour.

GET IN SHAPE!! Although we went out in the gulf not the river. River could be easier? But easy and convenient from Ocala!

Book a trip with a pro and let someone else do all the work and worry and you'll catch fish and have an awesome day

It is a beautiful, natural, rural area. Great fishery, things heat up in the warmer monthes.. April is stormy and unpredictable.

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

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

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