Ocala Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Ocala Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Ocala

Mark Reeves
Crystal River, Florida
Reported: 3 years ago

Water has cooled off a bit and the bite has fired up. A lot of slot and over-slot Redfish up to 40". Trout bite is also getting into full swing. Grouper bite has been good for the last week. Limit of quality fish hitting the deck.

Mark Reeves Crystal River, Florida Reported: 3 years ago

Redfish fishing in Crystal River, Florida

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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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★★★★★
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
★★★★★
We had a great time. The guide was very knowledgeable. It was quite the experience and the location was perfect too. Lots of wildlife everywhere. Would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good hunt.
Sterling F. | September 16, 2025

Trip: Thermal Hog Hunt
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
Captain Kevin was a Great guide. He was able to put us on the fish quickly. We never stopped reeling in the good times with Captain Kevin. He took care of my kids and myself like family. I would highly recommend Captain Kevin to anyone looking for a great day on the water. Safety and entertainment was his priority and I must say Captain Kevin killed it for our family.
Jack M. | March 13, 2025

Trip: Grouper Special
★★★★★
Kevin was great!! Communicated well, knew his stuff, and was fun to go fishing with. We got into a ton of sea trout and some red drums. My dad and I had a blast and would book with him again.
Bernie L. | January 22, 2025

Trip: Crystal River Near And Inshore
★★★★★
Captain Leo was awesome had fun time seeing manatees and dolphins. Caught several trout and a black drum. Would highly recommend them.
Mark S. | January 2, 2025

Trip: Crushin' It Inshore Special

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