Damn Good Black Seabass Fishing Charters In Crystal River

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Crystal River black seabass fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

Choose a Date
5/5 Average Rating

Damn Good Guides

Experts Available 24/7

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Black Seabass Fishing Charters In Crystal River, Fl

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.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Grouper Special

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 12 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Crushin' It Inshore Special

100% (1)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Clearwater Classic

100% (2)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
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.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter near Crystal River

5 Hour Charter

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

3hr Family Special

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Offshore Grouper Fishing 🎣

100% (3)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,400

Top Types of Black Seabass Trips in Crystal River

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in Crystal River

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

More Black Seabass Fishing Charters In Crystal River, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Sheepshead Special - 35' Donzi

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Half Day Trip (4hrs)

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Bowfishing & Gigging

NEW
19 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Offshore Grouper Fishing 🎣

100% (3)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

3hr Family Special

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
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.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter near Crystal River

5 Hour Charter

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
See All Black Seabass Trips in Crystal River

Other Trips in Crystal River

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Flyfishing Homosassa

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Reds & Snook - Fly Or Light Tackle

NEW
17 ft 1 - 2 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Scalloping Trip

100% (7)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing Trip in Crystal River

Palm Beach Exotics And Invasives

100% (1)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in Crystal River

A Day To Remember

NEW
20 ft 1 - 3 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Crystal River Scalloping Trip

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Night Gigging

NEW
14 ft 1 - 2 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Crystal Clear Sportfishing

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Flats Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Inshore Flats Fishing

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 12 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Scallop Hunting!

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Crystal River Rod-Bender

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Crystal River Bowfishing

NEW
23 ft 1 - 12 People From $650

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a Crystal River black seabass fishing charter

What are the best black seabass fishing charters in Crystal River?

Why should I book a black seabass fishing charter in Crystal River with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 3 black seabass trips in Crystal River, and the most popular trips in the area are Crushin' It Inshore Special guided by Leon and Grouper Special guided by Kevin.

Our guides in Crystal River are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3802 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly black seabass guides / fishing lessons in Crystal River? Check out our beginner and family friendly black seabass guides in Crystal River.

What types of black seabass fishing charters are common in Crystal River?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for black seabass in Crystal River as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Crystal River are live bait fishing, bottom fishing, and cut bait fishing but drift fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Crystal River black seabass fishing charters cost?

Prices for black seabass in Crystal River can range anywhere from about $550 to $1,500, but the average price for a half day trip for black seabass in Crystal River is $654. The average price for a full day trip for black seabass in Crystal River is $1,134.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for black seabass fishing in Crystal River?

The most popular season for black seabass fishing in Crystal River is fall, and most anglers book their trips 18 days in advance.

Do I need a Crystal River fishing license for black seabass and what are the bag limits for black seabass in Crystal River?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Crystal River, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Crystal River. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Crystal River.

What is black seabass fishing in Crystal River all about?

Black seabass, a species of grouper, are a prized catch among anglers in Crystal River, Florida. These fish are known for their robust fighting ability and delicious flesh, making them a favorite target for both recreational and commercial fishermen. Black seabass can be found inhabiting rocky reefs, wrecks, and other structure-rich areas in Crystal River's nearshore waters. Anglers often encounter black seabass while bottom fishing using techniques such as drifting or anchoring over these productive habitats.

In Crystal River, black seabass can be targeted year-round, offering anglers consistent opportunities to reel in these prized game fish. While they can be caught throughout the year, peak seasons for black seabass fishing often occur during the cooler months of fall and winter. During these seasons, black seabass are more active and tend to congregate in larger numbers around rocky reefs and wrecks, providing anglers with excellent chances to hook into these hard-fighting fish.

Anglers targeting black seabass in Crystal River can use a variety of baits and techniques to increase their chances of success. Common baits for black seabass include cut bait, squid, shrimp, and small live fish. Anglers often present these baits near the bottom using Carolina rigs, jig heads, or dropper rigs, allowing them to effectively target black seabass in their preferred habitat. With careful observation of tide and current patterns, as well as strategic bait presentation, anglers can enjoy rewarding black seabass fishing experiences in Crystal River's productive nearshore waters.

What are the most popular months to fish for black seabass fishing in Crystal River?

In Crystal River, Florida, black seabass offer anglers year-round opportunities for rewarding fishing experiences. While these fish can be caught throughout the year, peak seasons for black seabass fishing typically occur during the cooler months of fall and winter. During these seasons, black seabass become more active and tend to congregate in larger numbers around rocky reefs, wrecks, and other structure-rich areas in Crystal River's nearshore waters. Anglers can expect increased activity and abundance of black seabass during this time, providing excellent opportunities to target these hard-fighting fish.

Spring and summer also offer opportunities for black seabass fishing in Crystal River, although anglers may encounter fewer numbers compared to fall and winter. As temperatures rise and waters warm, black seabass may move into deeper waters or spread out over a wider area, making them slightly more challenging to locate. However, with careful observation of tide and current patterns, as well as strategic bait presentation, anglers can still enjoy successful black seabass fishing trips during these seasons. Additionally, targeting black seabass during spring and summer can provide anglers with the chance to explore Crystal River's scenic coastal waters and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Regardless of the season, anglers targeting black seabass in Crystal River can use a variety of baits and techniques to increase their chances of success. Common baits for black seabass include cut bait, squid, shrimp, and small live fish. Anglers often present these baits near the bottom using Carolina rigs, jig heads, or dropper rigs, allowing them to effectively target black seabass in their preferred habitat. With patience, persistence, and a bit of luck, anglers can enjoy rewarding black seabass fishing experiences year-round in Crystal River's productive nearshore waters.

What techniques are popular for catching black seabass in Crystal River?

Fishing for black seabass in Crystal River, Florida, requires anglers to employ effective techniques tailored to the unique characteristics of these fish and the surrounding environment. One popular method among anglers is bottom fishing, particularly around rocky reefs, wrecks, and other structure-rich areas where black seabass are known to congregate. Anglers typically use Carolina rigs, jig heads, or dropper rigs to present baits such as cut bait, squid, shrimp, or small live fish near the bottom. By carefully positioning their baits and adjusting their rigs to match the depth and conditions of the fishing spot, anglers can increase their chances of enticing strikes from black seabass.

Drifting or anchoring over productive areas is another effective technique for targeting black seabass in Crystal River. Anglers often use depth finders or fish finders to locate rocky outcrops, ledges, or wrecks where black seabass are likely to be found. Once a suitable spot is identified, anglers can deploy their baits and allow them to drift naturally with the current or anchor up and present their baits in strategic locations. This technique allows anglers to cover a wide area and explore different habitats, increasing their chances of encountering actively feeding black seabass.

In addition to traditional bottom fishing techniques, vertical jigging can be a productive method for targeting black seabass in Crystal River. Anglers use specialized jigs, often equipped with assist hooks or trailers, to imitate the movements of baitfish and entice strikes from black seabass suspended in the water column. Vertical jigging allows anglers to cover water quickly and efficiently, making it an ideal technique for exploring deeper areas or locating actively feeding fish. By experimenting with different jigging motions, speeds, and colors, anglers can dial in their presentation and maximize their success when targeting black seabass in Crystal River's productive nearshore waters.

What other species are popular in Crystal River?

In addition to targeting black seabass, anglers visiting Crystal River, Florida, have a diverse range of other species to pursue for exciting fishing experiences. One popular catch in the area is the redfish, also known as red drum, which inhabits the shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds of Crystal River's estuaries. Redfish are prized for their powerful fights and can be targeted using a variety of techniques, including sight fishing with artificial lures or live bait, as well as bottom fishing with cut bait or shrimp. With peak seasons typically occurring in cooler months, redfish offer anglers the opportunity to reel in these prized game fish while enjoying the scenic beauty of Crystal River's coastal waters.

Another sought-after species in Crystal River is the spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, prized for its delicate flavor and thrilling fights. Speckled trout can be found in shallow flats, grass beds, and tidal creeks, where they feed on small baitfish and crustaceans. Anglers often target speckled trout using artificial lures such as soft plastics, topwater plugs, spoons, and jerkbaits, as well as live bait like shrimp or mullet. With peak seasons typically occurring in cooler months, speckled trout offer anglers exciting fishing opportunities and the chance to reel in these prized game fish while exploring the scenic beauty of Crystal River's estuarine waters.

For those seeking fast-paced action, Spanish mackerel are a popular target in Crystal River's nearshore waters. Spanish mackerel are known for their aggressive strikes and high-speed runs, making them a favorite among anglers targeting pelagic species. Anglers can target Spanish mackerel using a variety of techniques, including trolling with artificial lures, casting spoons and jigs, and live bait fishing. With peak seasons typically occurring in spring and summer, Spanish mackerel provide anglers with exciting fishing opportunities and the chance to reel in these prized game fish while enjoying the scenic beauty of Crystal River's coastal waters.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Great 3 hour charter with Captain Jeremy & Hunter! Took my son and two grandsons (8 & almost 6) out. The guys were great and removed the fish from our lines and baited our hooks. We caught about 60 Grey Snappers, a few Puffer Fish and a few Sea Bass! Overall a great day! Going again at the end of the month with my daughter & son-in-law! Highly recommend these guys. They are great!

    Stephen M. | March 21, 2024

    Trip: 3hr Family Special

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent fishing guide knows his water knows his fish the person to go with in this area best all around Guide that I have ever faced with

    Virgil R. | October 12, 2023

    Trip: Crushin' It Inshore Special

  • ★★★★★
    Captain William was very helpful and knowledgeable of the waters. He was very patient with our children answering a lot of questions and instructing them on how to properly fish.

    Rebecca B. | April 6, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater Classic

  • ★★★★★
    Super fun, good knowledge! Catched some great fish! Can’t go wrong!

    Luis R. | June 28, 2021

    Trip: Clearwater Classic

Other Hunting Species in Crystal River

What's biting in Crystal River?

View Black Seabass Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Black Seabass Trips in Crystal River