Damn Good Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In Crystal River

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Recently Booked Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In Crystal River, Fl

Fishing in Destin
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Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Crystal River Rod-Bender

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Crystal River

6h Monster

100% (9)
127 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Tampa Half Day Trip

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

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Crystal River

40’ Yacht Sport Fish Snapper / Grouper

100% (2)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,599
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Full Day Tampa Bay Adventure

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $900
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

100% (18)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,400

Top Types of Goliath Grouper Trips in Crystal River

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Target Species in Crystal River

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More Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In Crystal River, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Clearwater Offshore Fishing

100% (18)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (9)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
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Fishing in Destin
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Crystal River

40’ Yacht Sport Fish Offshore

100% (2)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,599
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

40’ Yacht Sport Fish Inshore

100% (2)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,499
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Half Day Trip

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $300
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Offshore Catch And Release

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
See All Goliath Grouper Trips in Crystal River

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Everything to Know About Booking a Crystal River goliath grouper fishing charter

What are the best goliath grouper fishing charters in Crystal River?

Why should I book a goliath grouper fishing charter in Crystal River with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 1 goliath grouper trip in Crystal River: Crystal River Rod-Bender guided by Mark.

Our guides in Crystal River are rated a 4.96 out of 5 based on 3751 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 goliath grouper guides / fishing lessons in Crystal River? Check out our beginner and family friendly goliath grouper guides in Crystal River.

What types of goliath grouper fishing charters are common in Crystal River?

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

The most common fishing techniques in Crystal River are bottom fishing, light tackle fishing, and heavy tackle fishing but trolling and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Crystal River goliath grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for goliath grouper in Crystal River can range anywhere from about $550 to $2,499, but the average price for a half day trip for goliath grouper in Crystal River is $823. The average price for a full day trip for goliath grouper in Crystal River is $1,611.

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 goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River?

The most popular season for goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River is winter, and most anglers book their trips 18 days in advance.

Do I need a Crystal River fishing license for goliath grouper and what are the bag limits for goliath grouper 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 goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River all about?

Goliath grouper, the giants of the Gulf, are a formidable species that captivate anglers seeking thrilling fishing experiences in Crystal River, Florida. These massive fish, known for their impressive size and strength, inhabit the nearshore waters, reefs, and wrecks of Crystal River's coastline. Goliath grouper can reach weights exceeding 500 pounds, offering anglers the opportunity to tackle some of the most powerful fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Their imposing presence and epic battles make them a prized catch among anglers looking for an adrenaline-fueled fishing challenge.

While goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River is a thrilling pursuit, it is strictly regulated to ensure the sustainability of this iconic species. Due to their slow growth rates and vulnerability to overfishing, goliath grouper are protected from harvest in Florida waters. As a result, anglers can only catch and release goliath grouper, making each encounter with these majestic fish a memorable experience. Catch-and-release fishing for goliath grouper allows anglers to enjoy the thrill of battling these behemoths while contributing to their conservation and preservation for future generations to enjoy.

Anglers targeting goliath grouper in Crystal River typically use heavy tackle and sturdy equipment to handle the immense power of these fish. Live bait such as mullet, pinfish, or large grunts is often preferred for enticing goliath grouper to bite. Anglers may also use large artificial lures or chunks of baitfish to attract these formidable predators. Once hooked, goliath grouper put up a ferocious fight, requiring anglers to exert patience and skill to land these powerful fish. With careful handling and adherence to catch-and-release guidelines, anglers can enjoy unforgettable encounters with goliath grouper in Crystal River's pristine coastal waters.

What are the most popular months to fish for goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River?

In Crystal River, Florida, goliath grouper can be encountered year-round, offering anglers the chance to pursue these massive fish at any time. Unlike many other species, goliath grouper do not migrate seasonally but instead inhabit specific areas along the coastline, including reefs, wrecks, and other structure-rich environments. As a result, there are no distinct "seasons" for goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River, and anglers can target them whenever weather and water conditions permit.

However, it's important to note that goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River is strictly regulated due to conservation efforts to protect this iconic species. In Florida, goliath grouper are protected from harvest, meaning anglers can only catch and release them. These regulations are in place to ensure the sustainability of goliath grouper populations, allowing these majestic fish to thrive in Crystal River's waters for generations to come. Anglers targeting goliath grouper should familiarize themselves with current regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance with conservation measures.

While there may not be specific seasons for goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River, anglers can increase their chances of success by targeting these fish during periods of favorable weather and water conditions. Calm seas, clear waters, and minimal currents can make it easier to locate and target goliath grouper in their preferred habitats. Additionally, anglers should consider factors such as tide changes, water temperature, and lunar cycles, which can influence the feeding behavior and movements of goliath grouper. By staying informed and adapting their strategies to prevailing conditions, anglers can maximize their opportunities for memorable encounters with goliath grouper in Crystal River.

What techniques are popular for catching goliath grouper in Crystal River?

Fishing for goliath grouper in Crystal River, Florida, requires anglers to employ specialized techniques suited to the immense size and strength of these formidable fish. One common approach is to anchor or drift over known goliath grouper habitats, such as reefs, wrecks, and rocky outcrops. Anglers typically use heavy-duty tackle, including stout rods, strong reels, and braided fishing line with high pound-test ratings, to handle the powerful strikes and intense battles associated with goliath grouper fishing.

Live bait is often the preferred choice for enticing goliath grouper to bite in Crystal River. Large baitfish such as mullet, pinfish, or large grunts are commonly used to target these voracious predators. Anglers may also employ techniques such as bottom fishing, where baits are presented near the seafloor using heavy sinkers or downriggers to keep them in the strike zone. The key is to present the bait in a natural and enticing manner, allowing the scent and movement to attract nearby goliath grouper.

Another effective technique for targeting goliath grouper in Crystal River is to use large artificial lures or chunks of cut bait. Jigging with heavy metal jigs or vertical jigging rigs can mimic the movement of injured prey, enticing goliath grouper to strike. Anglers may also deploy rigs equipped with multiple hooks or stinger rigs to increase their chances of hooking into these powerful fish. Regardless of the technique employed, goliath grouper fishing in Crystal River requires patience, strength, and skill to successfully land these massive predators.

What other species are popular in Crystal River?

Aside from the thrilling pursuit of goliath grouper, Crystal River, Florida, offers anglers a diverse array of other species to target for exciting fishing adventures. One popular catch in the area is the redfish, also known as red drum, which thrives in the estuarine waters, mangrove shorelines, and shallow flats of Crystal River. Redfish are prized for their powerful fights and delicious flesh, making them a favorite among anglers seeking both sport and culinary delights. Anglers can target redfish using a variety of techniques, including sight fishing with artificial lures or live bait, as well as bottom fishing with cut bait or shrimp.

Another sought-after species in Crystal River is the spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, which inhabits the grass beds, tidal creeks, and shallow flats of the area's estuaries. Speckled trout are prized for their delicate flavor and thrilling fights, making them a popular target for anglers of all skill levels. Anglers often use artificial lures such as soft plastics, topwater plugs, spoons, and jerkbaits to target speckled trout, 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 coastal 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

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely will be back. Super day out catching fish. Great crew, great boat. The day went way too fast!

    Brian M. | July 15, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with our guides. They were easy going and very accommodating. We caught a variety of different fish. I would for sure go out with these guys again.

    Tori S. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    It was a great trip. My friend and I took our dad's out for Father's Day and we were able to get into a lot of meat fish, and a shark as well. Awesome trip, I would recommend it to others!

    Ethan S. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience! The staff were knowledgeable and they made sure our group had a good time. Would recommend this charter for anyone looking for a good time.

    Nicholas A. | June 18, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    I cannot say enough good things about Brad and his captain Luke and Ben. These gentleman are genuinely the nicest people we have ever met. The trip was absolutely amazing and met more than our expectations. We will be back next year and will only book with them in the future! Thanks for being the highlight of our trip!!! We did take one other trip with someone else and it did not compare at all this experience!!!

    Lisa O. | June 14, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    A friend and I we went out with Cpt. Gage for some afternoon offshore fishing. As soon as my line was in the water I had a bite, then we caught fish after fish! We mush have caught about 50 fish between us. It was a great experience and is highly recommended. I’d never fished before in my life, but after being shown what to do it was easy to pick up.

    John M. | May 10, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic service and best Capt. And first mate. Wel all caught over 20 fish a piece. Will highly recommend your charter in the future.

    Foster (. | May 2, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Experience of a Lifetime! You know when you book an Air&BnB or an excursion and you have a slight apprehension due to the uncertainty of what the host guarantees? I will tell you this upfront, book with confidence. Let me explain… I’m going to do my best, but to capture the essence of what we experienced, in simple written word, is nearly an impossible task. Our guided fishing trip really started out like any other excursion. We met early morning, dockside at the “Bait House”. The host gave very clear and concise directions to our link up, what to expect and recommendations on what to bring along. The day before our trip, the staff reached out directly to ensure everyone was on the same page. We had (6) in our party. (3) adults and (3) kids. We packed our own lunches, drinks, adult beverages and snacks. This kept the guides fully engaged on fishing and not preoccupied preparing some spoiled kids’ lunch on the water. We also packed along warming layers and rain/wind gear. Our cadre of guides consisted of a captain/primary guide (Luke) and deckhand/assistant guide (Ben). Both were very cordial, professional and entertaining with their banter and dialogue. The boat was a 33’, fiberglass, Suzuki twin-engine, center console workhorse that appeared to be specifically designed for guided fishing. The live-well was fully packed with ice to preserve our harvested fish. (3) large bean bags were provided to lounge on while underway. The boat had been fitted with modern electronics for navigation, communication and fishing. Very nice, reliable, comfortable and safe vessel. Upon boarding we got a quick brief and were given ample storage space for all the gear we brought. This was key as everything must be stowed while underway. Our initial boat ride was 24 miles off the shore of Clearwater, FL. The ride was teeming with wildlife. As the sun came up, the city skyline disappeared into the horizon until you couldn’t see anything but ocean in every direction. It was magnificent. From start to finish, our guides were very organized on the boat. Gear, tackle, cabin, live bait, ect. all well organized and serviceable. As situations changed, they communicated clearly what they needed from us. Personnel management to balance the vessel and alleviate excessive listing, along with keeping the deck open to allow freedom of movement was well executed. The equipment provided was better than adequate. All of the gear was well maintained and prepped for use. From rigging and baiting to removing the fish and cleaning/prep, the guides handled every aspect of the equipment very well. My wife wanted to accomplish (2) things. She wanted to harvest fish for our family dinner that night, and catch the biggest fish. Both were achieved. We caught A LOT of fish. We began fishing for large Amber Jack, however the guide identified that the bite was slow so we shifted gears to catch our daily harvest. We slammed a bunch of amazing fish. Porgy, Hogfish, Red Snapper, Grunt and others. We also caught some fun interesting fish like: Lizard fish, Remora (suction cup fish) and blow fish. Some were even reused as bait for the huge Amber Jack we caught later in the day. After catching plenty of fish for dinner, we moved back to our original location for another run at the large Amber Jack (AJ); an artificial reef of an intentionally sunken ship. Fishing in about 80’ of water, we quickly hooked into our first AJ. After locating the targeted species, the guides quickly switched gears in an epic display of professionalism and mastery of their craft in order to draw out the largest AJs. The communication between the guides and their actions was impeccable. One man on the rod, the other in full support. As the guide asked for a certain type/color of bait fish, the other pulled it from the livewell and began to toss the same baitfish overboard. When that particular bait was unsuccessful, they moved onto another type. This was system repeated several times until they found the right bait. It was really cool to see. Very fast, deliberate and accurate fishing. Once we had the right bait, it was like the AJs were “switched on”. Shortly we were pulling monster AJs in the boat. Huge fish the size of both of a grown man’s legs. After an exciting run of pulling in several huge AJs, we were down to our last baitfish. What I’m about to tell you just can’t really capture how awesome this last cast truly was. Now, earlier in the day we had an AJ get bit by a shark. We got it in the boat and it had some teeth marks and a gushing blood. It was crazy cool. However, this last cast set into motion a series of events that we’ll certainly remember for the rest of our lives. The line was cast and immediately hooked up. My wife was fighting this monster AJ (Yes, the biggest fish of the day) for several minutes. As the AJ was retrieved and became closer to the boat (so close we could see it) two HUGE sharks swam right to it taking a gigantic bite out of the AJ. When I say “bite” I mean a literal shark-head-shaped-bite. A cartoonish bite. Like, imagine what you would see on a Saturday morning cartoon. The bite was so clean and the exact round shape of the jaws of a shark. It was remarkable. As it got up to the boat, guide Ben (in an epic display of reluctant courage mind you) reached down and pulled up this AJ. Even the pictures just don’t do this experience justice. My wife, grabbed this fish holding it right in the bitten area like a savage. She was so excited! We were all excited. As we unhooked the AJ, the guides tossed it back out and a full-on shark feeding frenzy erupted. Multiple sharks attacking this AJ in just the most amazingly violent display. This was straight up, no BS, some National Geographic sh!t. When the AJ was pulled in, nothing remained but a huge sardine head. The Gulf gave us a show we’ll never forget and it was all due to the expertise, fast thinking and relentless efforts of our guides. As if our experience wasn’t enough, our ride back was filled with dolphins, sea turtles and a host of other incredible wildlife. The guides cleaned and prepared all of our harvested fish. They even labeled them by name so we knew what types they were. Our family loves the outdoors, and we have a saying when we venture out, “Don’t expect anything”. The fishing trip that day took everyone by surprise as to how incredible it unfolded. If you are looking for an amazing experience on the water, book with confidence because we had the experience of a lifetime.

    Yuliya H. | April 10, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

  • ★★★★★
    Luke and Skye did a great job with us. We hope to do it again!! Well worth the money!!

    Dawn G. | March 18, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Cpt Brad and Luke made this trip awesome. We caught everything we said we would catch. Even though the AJs were out of season, I had an incredible fight on a solid 42 inches. Damn good charter. Highly recommend. Salute cap! 🫡

    Austin A. | February 22, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

  • ★★★★★
    Great day, Captain Gage was fantastic, he really knows his craft !!

    Arnold E. | December 9, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip, he put me on fish the whole trip. Caught redfish, snook, Jack crevalle, trout and a 4 ft 60 lb bull shark

    Matt D. | November 26, 2023

    Trip: Tampa Half Day Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Me and my wife had a great time. Gage and his first mate Peyton work very well together. We differently recommend them.

    Troy S. | October 29, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Outstanding crew and experience. I highly recommend Captains Luke and Brad.

    Michael W. | October 15, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time! Thank you both

    Cameron L. | October 10, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Fun time with 3 guys with no experience. Gage and Peyton were completely helpful in making a good fishing day equal. Next trip will be for 6-8 hours! We’ll be back!

    Vincent H. | August 6, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic day Luke and Brett were fantastic. They paid special attention to my youngest grandson and he had a blast. I would highly recommend them 10 stars and we can’t wait to book again for bigger and better experiences

    Richard R. | July 15, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great fishing trip in Clearwater Florida. Our captains (Brett and Luke) were very nice and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend Brett and Luke. They put us on some King Mackerel that fought like crazy. It was a lot of fun. Ask for Captain Brad.

    Rick W. | May 2, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    A great trip! We had a great time with Captain Brad! Appreciated the one-on-one assistance with our son and their focus to make sure we were able to pull in a couple of good size fish. We have already shared his name with people we met while in Florida and will definitely try to book another trip the next time we are in the area!

    Jane D. | April 1, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip yesterday 3/27/23 with Gage and His assistant. Got plenty of fish, including a nice run of Grouper on the last stop. The Boat ride out, and back in was very comfortable, and the fishing gear was top notch...we will definetely be back again !

    Forrest D. | March 29, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

Other Hunting Species in Crystal River

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