Damn Good Kingfish Fishing Charters In Crystal River

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

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Recently Booked Kingfish Fishing Charters In Crystal River, Fl

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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
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Belleair Bluffs

Half Day Deep Sea Fishing

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

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Belleair Bluffs

Deep Sea Fishing 6hr Trip

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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (9)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs Intercoastal Trip

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Clearwater

40’ Yacht Sport Fish Offshore

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

Top Types of Kingfish Trips in Crystal River

Top Species for Kingfish in Crystal River

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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 Kingfish Fishing Charters In Crystal River, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

100% (10)
34 ft 1 - 12 People From $880
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Tampa

Tampa Bay Fishing Classic

97% (38)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Bottom And Trolling Fishing!

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Offshore Fishing Frenzy

100% (2)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Coastal Clearwater Charter

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Palm Harbor

Sight Fishing With Artificials!

NEW
16 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
See All Kingfish Trips in Crystal River

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Everything to Know About Booking a Crystal River kingfish fishing charter

What are the best kingfish fishing charters in Crystal River?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 1 kingfish trip in Crystal River: Grouper Special guided by Kevin.

Our guides in Crystal River are rated a 4.96 out of 5 based on 3667 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 kingfish guides / fishing lessons in Crystal River? Check out our beginner and family friendly kingfish guides in Crystal River.

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

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

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

How much do Crystal River kingfish fishing charters cost?

Prices for kingfish in Crystal River can range anywhere from about $645 to $4,240, but the average price for a half day trip for kingfish in Crystal River is $1,213. The average price for a full day trip for kingfish in Crystal River is $2,326.

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 kingfish fishing in Crystal River?

The most popular season for kingfish 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 kingfish and what are the bag limits for kingfish 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 kingfish fishing in Crystal River all about?

Kingfish, also known as king mackerel, are a popular and prized species among anglers in Crystal River, Florida, offering thrilling fishing experiences. These fast-swimming predators are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, making them a favorite target for anglers seeking adrenaline-filled battles. Kingfish are commonly found in offshore waters, as well as along coastal reefs, wrecks, and ledges, where they feed on baitfish such as mullet, herring, and menhaden.

Fishing for kingfish in Crystal River requires specialized techniques and gear to maximize success. One effective method is trolling, where anglers tow artificial lures or rigged baits behind a slow-moving boat, covering a large area of water and presenting their offerings at various depths. This technique allows anglers to explore different areas and locate actively feeding kingfish, providing a versatile and effective approach to targeting these prized game fish. Additionally, anglers can also use live bait such as threadfin herring, blue runners, or cigar minnows to entice strikes from kingfish near offshore structures.

Kingfish fishing in Crystal River is particularly active during the warmer months, with peak seasons typically occurring in spring and summer. As water temperatures rise, kingfish become more active and move into shallower waters to feed, providing anglers with increased opportunities to target these powerful predators. Anglers can expect thrilling battles and memorable fishing experiences while pursuing kingfish in Crystal River's offshore waters, where the challenge of hooking into these speedy and hard-fighting fish adds an exciting dimension to the angling adventure.

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

In Crystal River, Florida, the kingfish fishing season typically aligns with warmer months, particularly in spring and summer. As temperatures rise during these seasons, kingfish become more active and migrate closer to the coast, providing anglers with ample opportunities to target these powerful predators. Spring marks the beginning of the peak kingfish season in Crystal River, as water temperatures increase and baitfish populations rise, attracting kingfish to nearshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges where they feed voraciously.

Summer continues to offer excellent kingfish fishing opportunities in Crystal River, with peak activity often occurring during early mornings and late afternoons when water temperatures are most favorable. During this time, anglers can find kingfish patrolling along the edges of reefs and offshore structures, where they prey on baitfish and other small organisms. Anglers targeting kingfish in Crystal River during the summer months can expect thrilling battles and memorable fishing experiences as they hook into these speedy and hard-fighting fish.

Fall also provides opportunities for kingfish fishing in Crystal River, although activity may start to taper off as water temperatures gradually cool. While not as prolific as the spring and summer seasons, anglers can still encounter kingfish in nearshore waters, particularly during periods of mild weather and stable conditions. Overall, understanding the seasonal patterns of kingfish in Crystal River can help anglers plan their fishing trips and maximize their chances of success during peak fishing times throughout the year.

What techniques are popular for catching kingfish in Crystal River?

Fishing for kingfish in Crystal River, Florida, requires anglers to employ a variety of specialized techniques to increase their chances of success. One popular method is trolling, where anglers tow artificial lures or rigged baits behind a slow-moving boat while covering a large area of water. This technique allows anglers to explore different depths and areas, increasing the likelihood of encountering actively feeding kingfish. Anglers often use planers or downriggers to control the depth at which their lures or baits are presented, ensuring they are in the strike zone of the kingfish.

Another effective technique for targeting kingfish in Crystal River is live bait fishing. Anglers commonly use live baitfish such as threadfin herring, blue runners, or cigar minnows, which are rigged on wire leaders and weighted to maintain depth. These live baits are then presented near offshore structures such as reefs, wrecks, and ledges, where kingfish are known to congregate. Anglers may also use kite fishing techniques, where live baits are suspended from kites and allowed to drift naturally with the current, enticing strikes from kingfish in the area.

Vertical jigging is another productive technique for targeting kingfish in Crystal River, particularly when fishing over deepwater structures such as wrecks and reefs. Anglers use heavy metal jigs that mimic the movement of injured baitfish, which are jigged vertically through the water column to entice strikes from kingfish below. This technique requires precise rod manipulation and timing to effectively mimic the movement of fleeing prey and trigger aggressive strikes from kingfish. By employing these specialized fishing techniques and exploring different areas of Crystal River's offshore waters, anglers can increase their chances of hooking into these prized game fish and enjoy thrilling fishing experiences.

What other species are popular in Crystal River?

Fishing for kingfish in Crystal River, Florida, requires anglers to employ a variety of specialized techniques to increase their chances of success. One popular method is trolling, where anglers tow artificial lures or rigged baits behind a slow-moving boat while covering a large area of water. This technique allows anglers to explore different depths and areas, increasing the likelihood of encountering actively feeding kingfish. Anglers often use planers or downriggers to control the depth at which their lures or baits are presented, ensuring they are in the strike zone of the kingfish.

Another effective technique for targeting kingfish in Crystal River is live bait fishing. Anglers commonly use live baitfish such as threadfin herring, blue runners, or cigar minnows, which are rigged on wire leaders and weighted to maintain depth. These live baits are then presented near offshore structures such as reefs, wrecks, and ledges, where kingfish are known to congregate. Anglers may also use kite fishing techniques, where live baits are suspended from kites and allowed to drift naturally with the current, enticing strikes from kingfish in the area.

Vertical jigging is another productive technique for targeting kingfish in Crystal River, particularly when fishing over deepwater structures such as wrecks and reefs. Anglers use heavy metal jigs that mimic the movement of injured baitfish, which are jigged vertically through the water column to entice strikes from kingfish below. This technique requires precise rod manipulation and timing to effectively mimic the movement of fleeing prey and trigger aggressive strikes from kingfish. By employing these specialized fishing techniques and exploring different areas of Crystal River's offshore waters, anglers can increase their chances of hooking into these prized game fish and enjoy thrilling fishing experiences.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    It was a great trip. Three of us fished comfortably for a half day. Mother Nature provided the fish, and Nick provided a great atmosphere. Easy to talk to and gave some good local recommendations, will look to book with Nick again in the future.

    Michael L. | September 2, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Nick was a fantastic a knowledgeable guide. His boat was clean and well kept. We are a party of 4 with a 10 and 13 year old. Nick took us to an area where every cast was a catch. Thanks again.

    Jason Q. | August 2, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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!

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time, didn’t get on the fish like we had hoped but still had a blast. That’s why they call it fishing.

    Todd D. | June 22, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great time, great guide. Can’t wait for the next trip.

    Thomas G. | May 28, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    The four of us had a great time with Captain Nick. The boat was very clean, comfortable, easy to move around and enjoy the day. We caught real nice fish, Captain was very knowledgeable. I would recommend Captain Nick and would use him again.

    Ken C. | May 18, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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!

  • ★★★★★
    Nick was an amazing captain! He got us on some fish right away! We had a great time!

    Chris S. | April 26, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Nick tried his best but the fish just weren't biting. Nick was very nice and knowledgeable we just wish we caught more fish.

    Andy G. | April 9, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great experience with Captain Nick! He was very accommodating to me and my 8 and 4 year old. He put us on fish right away, and most important of all he was safe! Great experience.

    Joel A. | March 27, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip with captain nick. Despite the tough conditions we were able to find some fish, will book again.

    Max S. | March 19, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Captain Nick Hughs! Trip started on time with nearly perfect weather. Boat was ready to go with all the bait and tackle we needed. Although the fish were hard to find, we did land a nice Snook. Nick worked his fanny off trying to get us on the fish. He’s a great Capt. and great host!

    Jan G. | March 13, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    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!

Other Hunting Species in Crystal River

What's biting in Crystal River?

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