Crystal River Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Crystal River Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Crystal River

Rich Doherty
Hudson, Florida
Reported: 3 years ago

Shark week!

Rich Doherty Hudson, Florida Reported: 3 years ago

Shark week!

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Leon Hampton with Reel Time Outfitters
Hernando, Florida
Reported: 3 years ago

Leon Hampton with Reel Time Outfitters Hernando, Florida Reported: 3 years ago

The redfish bite is on fire in the morning using live mud minnows, live pinfish and cut bait around the mangrove islands on the incoming tide.
The trout bite is still in 9ft to 10ft of water on spotty bottom. Use shrimp on a Jighead and soft plastics on quarter ounce Jigheads.
We have been getting our limit of redfish and trout before noon this week get out early and bet the heat.

Speckled Trout / Spotted Seatrout fishing in Crystal River, Florida

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Kevin Trahan
Inverness, Florida
Reported: 3 years ago

Kevin Trahan Inverness, Florida Reported: 3 years ago

Welcome to July!
It has been hot here in the Nature Coast. Thank goodness scallop season is here. If tides permit, you may be able to pry a redfish or two off the mangrove shorelines before the water warms up. Snook are around as well and a well placed free-lined pin fish under the mangroves can entice them to play. Offshore, there are still cobia on the deeper rocks and wrecks. There has been some " gumbo" that has been on the 20-25 foot range that has slowed the grouper / snapper bite down. Add a full moon and it has been tough to put together a good cooler lately. Scallops have been good, bad and sometimes non-existent. We have been getting them in 4-5 feet of water on the incoming tide. They are smaller but that should improve as the season progresses. The high tide is is in the morning this week so that will help those trying to get a few reds before cooling off in the gulf.

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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

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.

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Crystal River

Grouper Special

100% (34) Guided by Kevin

24 ft 1 - 12 People From $650

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.

Alligator Hunting in Crystal River

BYO Tag Gator Hunt

100% (13) Managed by Leon

21 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,000

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Crystal River

Inshore/Nearshore Trip

80% (5) Guided by Vince

19 ft 1 - 4 People From $450

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Cedar Key

Cedar Key Family Fun - 24’ Carolina

100% (2) Guided by Jason

24 ft 1 - 4 People From $400

Nearshore Fishing in Crystal River

Scallop Hunting!

100% (5) Guided by Mark

24 ft 1 - 6 People From $400

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.