Crystal River Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Crystal River Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Crystal River

Mark Reeves
Crystal River, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

Grouper and redfish has been very good this month. Trout fishing will be firing up in a couple of weeks.

Mark Reeves Crystal River, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

Grouper and redfish has been very good this month. Trout fishing will be firing up in a couple of weeks.

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Mark Reeves
Crystal River, Florida
Reported: 3 months ago

Scallops are in full swing. Good divers are getting their limits. Redfish are firing up on the outer islands and spoil banks.

Mark Reeves Crystal River, Florida Reported: 3 months ago

Scallops are in full swing. Good divers are getting their limits. Redfish are firing up on the outer islands and spoil banks.

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Leon Hampton with Reel Time Outfitters
Hernando, Florida
Reported: 9 months ago

Leon Hampton with Reel Time Outfitters Hernando, Florida Reported: 9 months ago

Speckled sea trout The trout bite has been on fire the past couple weeks. We have been catching them in shallow and deep water. We have been using Paul Brown fat boy lures and 1/4 oz Jighead with shrimp and lil Jon lures. The key is to go slow with the cooler water temperature and cast around until you get that first bite and keep casting into the same spot until they stop biting. When you are in the shallow water, fish around the oyster bars, and we have found them on the deeper grass flats and rock jetties.

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Justin Rolph
Crystal River, Florida
Reported: 11 months ago

Fishing is on fire

Justin Rolph Crystal River, Florida Reported: 11 months ago

Fishing is on fire

Mahi Mahi Fishing in Crystal River, Florida

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Mark Reeves
Crystal River, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

Water is cooling off and the fishing is getting hot.

Mark Reeves Crystal River, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

Water is cooling off and the fishing is getting hot.

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Justin Rolph
Crystal River, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

Redfish and trout are fired up. Good snook. Inspire rocks are loaded with grouper

Justin Rolph Crystal River, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

Redfish and trout are fired up. Good snook. Inspire rocks are loaded with grouper

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Leon Hampton with Reel Time Outfitters
Hernando, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

Leon Hampton with Reel Time Outfitters Hernando, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

Trout bite The trout are moving around on the flats in 2ft to 4ft of water and there are a few out in the 8ft to 9ft of water still. Use a popping cork for the trout on the flats with a 1/4oz or 1/8oz Jighead with a shrimp or artificial and use a MirrOdine XL to trigger them big trout to bite. When you are fishing them deeper trout use a 1/4oz Jighead with a shrimp or artificial lure.

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Jayson Porter
Cedar Key, Florida
Reported: 1 year ago

Black drums and reds are chewing

Jayson Porter Cedar Key, Florida Reported: 1 year ago

Black drums and reds are chewing

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What's Biting in Crystal River

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★★★★★
Great Trip! Leon put us on some nice reds..We will definitely be using him again when we come back to Crystal River !
Denise M. | November 9, 2025

Trip: Regular And VIP Scalloping Trips
★★★★★
Gavin was an amazing Captain! Our group of six women had a blast and enjoyed every minute. Gavin was knowledgeable, polite, fun, and considerate! We filled our bucket! We will return and use him again for sure!!
Krista L. | August 31, 2025

Trip: Scalloping Trips
★★★★★
We had an awesome time with Justin! Great captain and he even cleaned the scallops we found! We will be back again! Thank you!!!
Kristin C. | August 24, 2025

Trip: Crystal Coast Scalloping
★★★★★
We had an incredible day scalloping with Captain Justin! From start to finish, he made the entire trip safe, fun, and stress-free. He knew exactly where to take us, and we were pulling in scallops right away. Justin was extremely thoughtful and patient, teaching us the best techniques and making sure everyone felt comfortable in the water. His experience and knowledge really showed, and it made the day unforgettable. If you’re looking for a captain who truly cares and makes the whole adventure enjoyable, Captain Justin is the one. We couldn’t recommend him more! Thanks for a great time mate!!
Jesse H. | August 16, 2025

Trip: Crystal Coast Scalloping
★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful experience. We caught so many fish Jayson knew all the spots. It was a perfect family day!
Tara O. | August 12, 2025

Trip: Cedar Key Family Inshore Fishing
★★★★★
Loved scalloping with Captain Mike! He is truly an expert on the water! Will definitely be back again to find more scallops with rest of fam. Had so much fun; truly a great experience! Thank you again Captain Mike! Semper Fi!! Angel and Kerry
Kerry G. | July 28, 2025

Trip: Crystal River Scalloping
★★★★★
Highly recommended. Great time with a great captain!
Matthew L. | July 20, 2025

Trip: Crystal River Scalloping
★★★★★
Justin was a fantastic guide to all the local spots. He was patient with a newbie fisher and knowledge to aid an experienced fisher. He was patient and passionate about fishing! Definitely recommend to anyone wanting to explore the best local fishing spots!
William G. | June 1, 2025

Trip: Inshore/ Nearshore Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Our trip with Captain Will was excellent! He’s a great fisherman and we caught a variety of fish. He knows the area well and is highly recommended!
Mark J. | May 28, 2025

Trip: Inshore Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Great job. Enjoyed the day!
Charles B. | May 3, 2025

Trip: Cedar Key Family Fun - 24’ Carolina

Top Fishing Trips in Crystal River

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Crystal River

Inshore/Nearshore Trip

80% (5) Guided by Vince

19 ft 1 - 4 People From $450

Nearshore Fishing in Crystal River

Scallop Hunting!

100% (5) Guided by Mark

24 ft 1 - 6 People From $400

Veteran Operated

This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Crystal River

Scalloping Trip

100% (7) Guided by Jayson

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Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.