Damn Good Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Crystal River

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Recently Booked Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Crystal River, Fl

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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
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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
Fishing in Destin

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

Cobia Adventure

NEW
23 ft 1 - 8 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Shark Fishing

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

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Clearwater Red Snapper Fishing

100% (18)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,400
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

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

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

Top Types of Deep Sea Trips in Crystal River

Top Species for Deep Sea Fishing in Crystal River

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Target Species in Crystal River

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

Family Flats Fishing Clearwater Beach

100% (4)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
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, Deep Sea, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

100% (4)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $350
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

Crushing Clearwater Offshore

100% (10)
34 ft 1 - 12 People From $880
Fishing in Destin
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
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
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Everything to Know About Booking a Crystal River deep sea fishing charter

What are the best deep sea fishing charters in Crystal River?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 2 deep sea trips in Crystal River, and the most popular trips in the area are Gag Grouper 20-50 Miles Offshore guided by Alan and Cobia Adventure guided by Alan.

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 deep sea guides / fishing lessons in Crystal River? Check out our beginner and family friendly deep sea guides in Crystal River.

What types of deep sea fishing charters are common in Crystal River?

The most commonly sought after species for deep sea fishing are: 1. gag grouper, 2. mangrove snapper, 3. hogfish, 4. red snapper, and 5. red grouper.

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

How much do Crystal River deep sea fishing charters cost?

Prices for deep sea fishing in Crystal River can range anywhere from about $670 to $4,024, but the average price for a half day trip for deep sea fishing in Crystal River is $1,158. The average price for a full day trip for deep sea fishing in Crystal River is $2,439.

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 deep sea fishing in Crystal River?

The most popular season for deep sea fishing in Crystal River is summer, and most anglers book their trips 0 days in advance.

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

Deep sea fishing in Crystal River, Florida offers an exhilarating adventure for anglers seeking to reel in some of the ocean's prized catches. Nestled along the Gulf Coast, Crystal River boasts abundant marine life and diverse fishing opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice looking for a memorable experience, the crystal-clear waters teeming with fish promise an unforgettable excursion.

Embarking on a deep sea fishing expedition in Crystal River unveils a world of possibilities. From battling powerful game fish like tarpon and grouper to landing delicious species such as snapper and Spanish mackerel, there's something for every angler's taste. The experienced local captains, well-versed in the area's prime fishing spots and techniques, ensure a fruitful outing while also sharing insights into the region's rich marine ecosystem.

Beyond the thrill of the catch, deep sea fishing in Crystal River offers a chance to immerse oneself in the serene beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. As the boat glides over the shimmering waters, framed by stunning coastal landscapes, anglers can savor moments of tranquility amidst the excitement of the hunt. Whether it's bonding with fellow enthusiasts, observing dolphins playing in the distance, or simply enjoying the therapeutic rhythm of the waves, a day on the Crystal River is a refreshing escape into nature's embrace.

What are the most popular months to go deep sea fishing in Crystal River?

In Crystal River, Florida, deep sea fishing seasons bring distinct opportunities and challenges, dictated by the ever-changing rhythms of the ocean. Each season offers its own unique bounty, attracting anglers with a variety of prized catches. Spring heralds the arrival of migratory species like kingfish and cobia, as they make their way along the Gulf Coast. Summer brings the heat, along with a surge in activity from species like mahi-mahi and tarpon, enticing anglers with the promise of thrilling battles against powerful game fish.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures cool, fall ushers in a new array of fishing prospects in Crystal River. This season sees the return of popular species like redfish and trout to the shallower waters, providing ample opportunities for inshore anglers. Meanwhile, offshore ventures continue to yield impressive catches, with species like grouper becoming more active as they migrate to deeper waters. Winter casts a quieter spell over the Gulf, but for dedicated anglers willing to brave the chill, it's still possible to hook into prized catches like sheepshead and black drum, especially around the estuaries and deeper channels.

Navigating the deep sea fishing seasons in Crystal River requires a keen understanding of the local marine ecosystem and weather patterns. Experienced captains and guides play a crucial role in helping anglers maximize their chances of success, steering them towards the most productive fishing grounds and providing invaluable insights into seasonal trends. Whether it's chasing trophy fish in the height of summer or seeking out hidden gems during the quieter winter months, each season brings its own allure, ensuring that the waters of Crystal River remain a year-round haven for fishing enthusiasts.

What techniques are popular for deep sea fishing in Crystal River?

Deep sea fishing in Crystal River, Florida encompasses a diverse range of types and techniques tailored to the preferences of anglers and the behavior of target species. One popular method is bottom fishing, where anglers drop baited hooks to the ocean floor, enticing species like grouper, snapper, and amberjack. This technique requires precision in selecting the right bait and locating productive underwater structures such as reefs and shipwrecks, where these bottom-dwelling fish congregate.

Another exciting approach is trolling, where anglers trail baited lines behind a moving boat, covering vast stretches of water in search of fast-swimming predators like kingfish, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Trolling allows anglers to explore different depths and ocean currents, increasing their chances of encountering actively feeding fish. Adjusting trolling speed, lure selection, and depth can be crucial in enticing strikes from these elusive pelagic species.

For those seeking a more hands-on experience, live bait fishing provides an immersive encounter with the marine environment. Anglers deploy live baitfish or crustaceans rigged on hooks to mimic natural prey, attracting predatory species like tarpon, cobia, and sailfish. This technique requires patience and finesse, as anglers must carefully present the bait in the most enticing manner and be prepared for sudden, adrenaline-pumping strikes. Whether it's the thrill of battling a powerful game fish or the satisfaction of landing a prized catch, the variety of types and techniques of deep sea fishing in Crystal River ensures there's something for every angler to enjoy.

What species are popular for deep sea fishing in Crystal River?

Deep sea fishing in Crystal River, Florida offers anglers the chance to target a diverse array of species, each prized for its fighting prowess or delectable taste. One of the most sought-after species in these waters is the tarpon, renowned for its acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. These silver kings can be found patrolling the coastal waters from spring through summer, providing thrilling encounters for anglers willing to test their skills against one of the ocean's most iconic game fish.

For those seeking a delectable reward for their efforts, species like grouper and snapper are popular targets when deep sea fishing in Crystal River. These bottom-dwelling predators inhabit the reefs and wrecks that dot the Gulf floor, offering ample opportunities for anglers to hook into sizable specimens. Whether dropping baited lines from a stationary boat or drifting along the ocean currents, targeting grouper and snapper requires patience and precision to entice these wary predators into striking.

In addition to the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of landing a prized catch, deep sea fishing in Crystal River also presents opportunities for conservation-minded anglers. Many species, such as redfish and trout, are subject to catch-and-release regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices and preserve the health of the marine ecosystem. By adhering to size and bag limits, anglers can help protect these valuable resources for future generations to enjoy, ensuring that the waters of Crystal River remain abundant with diverse and thriving species for years to come.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience, great fishing! Captain Mikey took us right to where the fish were. Started catching fish within a minute of the first bait hitting the water. Steady action for a while, when things slowed Capt. Mikey moved us to a spot where we quickly started catching again. Fished in about four different spots not far from each other, all but the last produced multiple fish. Fun trip!

    Howard D. | August 1, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a fantastic trip with captain Sam. Did the 5 hour shark charter and had a blast. Landed 5 sharks including 3 full grown bull sharks.

    Zach D. | July 29, 2024

    Trip: Shark Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Please send our photos.

    William J. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family 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!

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Mikey and Josh were great. Brought us out the fish quickly and were knowledgeable friendly and enthusiastic. Look forward to going out with them again

    Theo M. | July 2, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family 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

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fun trip,caught a variety of fish plus a 34” snook.

    Gene S. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family 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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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 Types of Fishing in Crystal River

Other Types of Hunting in Crystal River

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