Damn Good Hogfish Fishing Charters In Crystal River

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Recently Booked Hogfish Fishing Charters In Crystal River, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

SheepsHead Trips

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33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,500
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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
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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

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Gag Grouper 20-50 Miles Offshore

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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

8-12 Offshore Trip

NEW
28 ft 1 - 10 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Bottom And Trolling Fishing!

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30 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
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 Hogfish 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

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  • Get it while it's HOT!
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More Hogfish Fishing Charters In Crystal River, Fl

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Crystal River

6hr Coral Bottom Trip

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
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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

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 Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Half Day Deep Sea Fishing

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

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Clearwater Nearshore - 22’ Dusky

100% (18)
22 ft 1 - 3 People From $550
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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
See All Hogfish Trips in Crystal River

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Everything to Know About Booking a Crystal River hogfish fishing charter

What are the best hogfish fishing charters in Crystal River?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 3 hogfish trips in Crystal River, and the most popular trips in the area are Gag Grouper 20-50 Miles Offshore guided by Alan, SheepsHead Trips guided by Sam, and Grouper Special guided by Kevin.

Our guides in Crystal River are rated a 4.98 out of 5 based on 3679 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 hogfish guides / fishing lessons in Crystal River? Check out our beginner and family friendly hogfish guides in Crystal River.

What types of hogfish fishing charters are common in Crystal River?

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

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

How much do Crystal River hogfish fishing charters cost?

Prices for hogfish in Crystal River can range anywhere from about $750 to $4,240, but the average price for a half day trip for hogfish in Crystal River is $1,373. The average price for a full day trip for hogfish in Crystal River is $2,492.

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 hogfish fishing in Crystal River?

The most popular season for hogfish fishing in Crystal River is fall, and most anglers book their trips 22 days in advance.

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

Crystal River, nestled on Florida's Gulf Coast, offers anglers the opportunity to target a diverse range of species, including the prized hogfish. Hogfish, known for their unique appearance and delicious flesh, inhabit the region's offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms. These colorful fish, characterized by their elongated snouts and distinctive pig-like grunts, are highly sought after by anglers for both their sporting qualities and culinary value. Anglers visiting Crystal River can enjoy exciting hogfish fishing experiences amidst the area's picturesque coastal scenery.

When it comes to targeting hogfish in Crystal River, anglers often employ a variety of effective fishing techniques to entice these elusive fish. One popular method is bottom fishing using light tackle and live or cut bait, such as shrimp, squid, or small fish. Anglers may drop their baits near rocky outcroppings, ledges, or offshore structures where hogfish are known to congregate, allowing their bait to drift naturally with the current. Patience and finesse are key when bottom fishing for hogfish, as these fish can be wary and easily spooked.

Another productive technique for targeting hogfish in Crystal River is spearfishing, which allows anglers to stalk these fish in their natural habitat and make precise shots using a speargun or pole spear. Spearfishing for hogfish requires skill, stealth, and good breath-holding abilities, as anglers must approach the fish cautiously and wait for the perfect moment to take their shot. Crystal River's clear, blue waters and abundant marine life make it an ideal destination for spearfishing enthusiasts looking to target hogfish and other prized species amidst the area's vibrant underwater ecosystems.

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

In Crystal River, Florida, hogfish can be found year-round, making them a targetable species for anglers throughout the seasons. However, certain times of the year may offer more favorable conditions for hogfish fishing. Typically, the best seasons for hogfish in Crystal River coincide with the cooler months of fall and winter when water temperatures begin to drop. During these months, hogfish tend to be more active and may congregate in larger numbers around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structures.

Fall marks the beginning of the hogfish season in Crystal River, as cooling water temperatures trigger these fish to become more active and feed more aggressively. Anglers targeting hogfish during this time may find success using a variety of fishing techniques, including bottom fishing with live or cut bait, spearfishing, or jigging near offshore structures. As hogfish move closer to shore to feed, anglers can take advantage of the calmer seas and clearer waters to target these prized fish in Crystal River's picturesque coastal waters.

Winter is also a prime season for hogfish fishing in Crystal River, as cooler temperatures continue to stimulate the fish's feeding behavior. During this time, hogfish may be found in deeper waters, making bottom fishing and spearfishing particularly effective methods for targeting them. Anglers visiting Crystal River during the winter season can enjoy thrilling battles with hogfish and the chance to reel in impressive catches amidst the area's stunning offshore reefs and wrecks. Overall, fall and winter offer anglers some of the best opportunities to target hogfish in Crystal River, providing memorable fishing experiences against the backdrop of Florida's scenic Gulf Coast.

What techniques are popular for catching hogfish in Crystal River?

Hogfish fishing in Crystal River presents a unique challenge and adventure for anglers seeking a rewarding catch. With its pristine waters and diverse marine life, Crystal River offers an ideal habitat for hogfish, known for their elusive nature and delicious taste. Anglers often employ various techniques to lure these elusive creatures out of their hiding spots among the rocks and reefs.

One popular technique among hogfish enthusiasts in Crystal River is spearfishing. Armed with a spear gun and a keen eye, divers venture into the depths in search of these prized fish. Patience and stealth are essential as hogfish tend to hide within crevices and coral formations. Experienced spearfishers often wait patiently near known hogfish habitats, patiently observing their behavior before making a precise shot.

Another effective method for hogfish fishing in Crystal River is using live bait rigs. Anglers typically use small crustaceans like shrimp or crabs as bait, which closely mimic the hogfish's natural prey. These rigs are then deployed near rocky outcrops or artificial reefs where hogfish are known to congregate. Anglers must remain attentive to subtle movements on the line, as hogfish are notorious for their cautious feeding behavior, often requiring a delicate touch to hook successfully.

Whether spearfishing or using live bait rigs, hogfish fishing in Crystal River offers anglers a thrilling experience amidst stunning natural beauty. With patience, skill, and a bit of luck, anglers can enjoy the challenge of outsmarting these elusive creatures while basking in the serene surroundings of Crystal River's aquatic paradise.

What other species are popular in Crystal River?

While hogfish certainly hold a special allure for anglers in Crystal River, the waters teem with a diverse array of other species waiting to be caught. One popular target for anglers is the prized snook, known for its aggressive strikes and challenging fight. Found in the shallows and mangrove-lined shorelines of Crystal River, snook testing both the angler's skill and equipment. Using live bait or lures, anglers often cast along the edges of the mangroves or near structure, where snook are known to ambush their prey.

Another sought-after species in Crystal River is the redfish, revered for its strength and tenacity. These powerful fish inhabit the flats, grass beds, and shallow waters of Crystal River, offering anglers exciting opportunities for sight fishing. Anglers often target redfish using live or artificial baits such as shrimp, crabs, or soft plastic lures. Patience and precision casting are crucial when targeting these wary fish, as they can be easily spooked in the clear, shallow waters of Crystal River.

In addition to snook and redfish, Crystal River boasts an abundance of other species to target, including speckled trout, tarpon, sheepshead, and black drum, among others. Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, or wading in the shallows, anglers have a wealth of opportunities to explore and enjoy the diverse fishery of Crystal River. With its rich ecosystem and pristine waters, Crystal River offers an unforgettable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Heather sent my wife and I and our two granddaughters out for a 6 hour combination trolling and bottom fishing trip with Captain DJ and Tyler. We can't say enough about how enjoyable it was. Both DJ and Tyler were fantastic guys to be around and put us on plenty of fish, both trolling and bottom fishing. It was very impressive to watch them as a team work to keep our granddaughters busy reeling in fish. They made every aspect of the trip friendly, comfortable and fun. It was all we had hoped to experience. Many thanks to Heather, DJ, Tyler and Captain Experiences.

    Ricky M. | July 18, 2024

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Definitely a very fun trip! Will definitely recommend to friends/families. Caught almost 50 fish and was a blast! Two takeaways for myself: Red Snapper fishing can only happen with the 10-12 hour trips, not the 4 hour trips.

    Luis M. | July 6, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely amazing fishing experience! From catching a variety of big fish to catching sharks and seeing dolphins, it was the complete package. Highly recommend. The guides answered all our questions and talked to us like we’ve been friends for years. 100% would go on this trip again.

    Karlee G. | May 4, 2024

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip! DJ and Milan did a great job getting us into the fish! Caught a really nice blue fish. Great experience! Thank you!

    Rex G. | April 30, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome experience!! Alex and Tom where great!

    Brandi D. | March 25, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Nearshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Thanks, Jonathan! It was a great experience for me (although seasickness played a part in our trip!!) and my grandson. He definitely wants to do it again with you next year and we already booked our condo so we'll see you next year. By the way, we cooked some of the fish and let's just say, DELISH!! Thanks again, Terry & Max

    Terry B. | March 20, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Nearshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    We had Captain Brett for our day of fishing. What an amazing day we had. We caught multiple fish we could keep and multiple fish we couldn’t keep. We had the experience of seeing multiple species that we didn’t catch. We saw a bull shark, a Goliath Grouper, a loggerhead turtle, and a manatee. We hooked in to a giant. Watching Brett and my brother work together to get this fish in was spectacular. The team work that it took as well as the skill. He was also great for those of us that were less experienced. He was so pleasant and kind while helping me change my techniques so I caught fish verses continuously just feeding the fish. He did great with my teenage son. Brett is a great communicator. We will go with Brett again.

    Shellie K. | March 17, 2024

    Trip: Coastal Clearwater Charter

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time! Cameron was personal and knew what he was doing! We would recommend!

    Justin M. | March 11, 2024

    Trip: Coastal Clearwater Charter

  • ★★★★★
    They put us on fish the entire trip. It was a great day on the water. I would definitely book with them again

    Jacob P. | February 27, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Perfect weather, great fishing. Friendly Capt. Carlos and mate Jeromy. Absolutely the best. We will be back for more fishing with Capt. Carlos

    Daniel G. | February 11, 2024

    Trip: 6hr Coral Bottom Trip

Other Hunting Species in Crystal River

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