Ocala Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Ocala Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Ocala

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

The trout bite is hot right now in 2 to 3 1/2 feet of water using a 5 1/2 inch jerk bait from D.O.A in the color glow with a 4/0 circle hook in the nose of the bait or under a cork. Shrimp under a cork rig is working...

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

Speckled Trout / Spotted Seatrout Fishing in Crystal River, Florida

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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.

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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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★★★★★
Captain Leo is Leon’s father and was our captain for the trip. I give him a big thank you and a score of ten
Rob &. | April 23, 2026

Trip: Crushin' It Inshore Special
★★★★★
Captain Mike is thorough, calm, knowledgeable, and put us on fish, even though there was marginal tide movement. He will be our go to guy now for inshore.
Ken H. | March 30, 2026

Trip: Half Day Trip AM (1 Person MAX)
★★★★★
Had an amazing day on the water with Kevin. He worked hard to get us on the fish and it paid off with a monster redfish! He is great company and very entertaining as well. Taught us all along the way. Would definitely recommend and will most certainly book again! Thank you Kevin for a memorable day!
Jeff S. | March 22, 2026

Trip: Crystal River Near And Inshore
★★★★★
Had a great time fishing with Justin under very difficult conditions. Would definitely sue Justin again. Brad
Brad S. | March 16, 2026

Trip: Epic Nature Coast Catch
★★★★★
He was so patient with a 11 and 12 year old fishing Great guide and good equipment
Ray K. | February 15, 2026

Trip: Crappie Trip
★★★★★
My family had a great time fishing with Captain Kevin! He seems very knowledgeable about the area and we had some great catches! He taught my six year old how to cast and showed my two year old the bait and fish they caught. We stopped to get some shells for my little one to throw into the water too. He was awesome baiting our lines and taking fish off! We had a great time! Thank you Captain Kevin!!
Meredith K. | February 14, 2026

Trip: Crystal River Near And Inshore
★★★★★
Had a really good time, Leon was one of the best,friendly, knowledgeable man as a guide. We have had quite a few on different trips, different places and got to say he would be our favorite. Thank you very much Gail and Frank.
Gail S. | February 11, 2026

Trip: Crappie Trip
★★★★★
Our trip was amazing. Captain Brad has a great boat and top equipment. He knew the area well and got us on fish. We will definitely be booking another trip in the future!
Richard K. | January 23, 2026

Trip: 4-8 Hours Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Kevin was very knowledgeable and put us on fish right away. I caught a red drum just like I wanted. He was polite and helpful.
Alyssa S. | December 14, 2025

Trip: Crystal River Near And Inshore
★★★★★
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

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