Damn Good Red Grouper Fishing Charters In Crystal River

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Recently Booked Red Grouper 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
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

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

#1 Fishing Charter On Clearwater Beach

100% (4)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
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
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 Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Full Day Deep Sea Fishing

100% (1)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Inshore Fishing Charter

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $500

Top Types of Red Grouper Trips in Crystal River

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Target Species in Crystal River

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

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

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

3/4 Day

NEW
22 ft 1 - 2 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Red Snapper Fishing

100% (1)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,000
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Clearwater 2 Hr Family Fishing Trip

100% (4)
23 ft 1 - 5 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

Family Flats Fishing Clearwater Beach

100% (4)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter near Crystal River

5 Hour Charter

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

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

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

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

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

Our guides in Crystal River are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3716 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 red grouper guides / fishing lessons in Crystal River? Check out our beginner and family friendly red grouper guides in Crystal River.

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

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for red 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, live bait fishing, and cut bait fishing but artificial lure fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do Crystal River red grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for red grouper in Crystal River can range anywhere from about $575 to $4,240, but the average price for a half day trip for red grouper in Crystal River is $1,133. The average price for a full day trip for red grouper in Crystal River is $2,500.

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 red grouper fishing in Crystal River?

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

Red grouper, scientifically known as Epinephelus morio, are a popular target species for anglers in Crystal River, Florida. These bottom-dwelling fish are prized for their firm, flavorful flesh and can be found in the warm, tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Red grouper are known for their distinctive red coloration and can grow to impressive sizes, with adults often reaching lengths of over 2 feet and weights exceeding 20 pounds. In Crystal River, red grouper can be found inhabiting rocky ledges, reefs, and offshore structures, making them accessible targets for anglers both nearshore and offshore.

Anglers targeting red grouper in Crystal River often employ bottom fishing techniques using natural baits such as squid, sardines, or cut bait. These fish are ambush predators, lying in wait for prey to swim by before striking with lightning speed. Anglers typically use heavy tackle and sturdy rigs to handle the powerful strikes and stout resistance of red grouper. Dropping baits to the bottom near rocky outcrops or ledges, where red grouper are known to congregate, can increase the likelihood of hooking into these prized game fish.

While red grouper can be caught year-round in Crystal River, anglers often find the best success during the warmer months when water temperatures are higher and fish are more active. Additionally, offshore fishing trips targeting red grouper may be more productive during periods of calm weather when anglers can safely access deeper offshore reefs and structures. Whether fishing from a private boat or joining a charter excursion, anglers visiting Crystal River have the opportunity to reel in impressive catches of red grouper while enjoying the scenic beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast.

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

In Crystal River, Florida, red grouper fishing seasons align with broader Gulf of Mexico regulations, as these fish inhabit the warm, tropical waters of the Gulf. Red grouper are typically caught year-round, but anglers may find more productive fishing opportunities during certain times of the year. In general, red grouper fishing tends to be most successful during the warmer months when water temperatures are higher and fish are more active. During these times, red grouper are often found in shallower waters near rocky ledges, reefs, and offshore structures.

While red grouper can be targeted throughout the year, anglers may encounter seasonal variations in their behavior and distribution. In colder months, red grouper may migrate to deeper offshore waters to seek warmer temperatures, making them more challenging to locate for anglers fishing nearshore. Conversely, during the warmer months, red grouper may move into shallower waters closer to shore, where anglers can target them using a variety of fishing techniques.

Anglers in Crystal River should also be mindful of Gulf-wide fishing regulations and seasonal closures that may impact their ability to target red grouper. Fisheries management measures, such as size and bag limits, as well as closed seasons for certain species, are designed to ensure the sustainability of fish populations and protect spawning aggregations. By adhering to these regulations and fishing responsibly, anglers can help preserve the abundance of red grouper and ensure the long-term health of Gulf of Mexico fisheries.

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

In Crystal River, Florida, anglers employ various fishing techniques to target red grouper, a prized species known for its firm texture and delicious flavor. One effective technique is bottom fishing, where anglers drop baited rigs to the seafloor near rocky outcrops, ledges, and offshore structures where red grouper are known to inhabit. Anglers typically use heavy tackle and sturdy rigs to handle the powerful strikes and stout resistance of red grouper. Natural baits such as squid, sardines, or cut bait are commonly used to entice these bottom-dwelling predators, which are known to ambush prey as it passes by.

Another popular fishing technique for targeting red grouper in Crystal River is trolling. Anglers may troll along the edges of reefs, underwater structures, or drop-offs using deep-diving lures or rigged baits to mimic the movement of injured baitfish. This technique allows anglers to cover more ground and explore different depths and areas where red grouper may be feeding. Trolling can be particularly effective when targeting larger red grouper or when fishing in deeper offshore waters.

Additionally, anglers may use vertical jigging techniques to target red grouper in Crystal River. Vertical jigging involves dropping heavy jigs or metal lures to the bottom and then quickly retrieving them in an erratic motion to mimic the movement of wounded prey. This technique can be highly effective for enticing strikes from red grouper, especially when fishing in deeper waters or areas with strong currents. Anglers may experiment with different jigging speeds, colors, and sizes to find what works best for enticing bites from red grouper in Crystal River's diverse marine habitats.

What other species are popular in Crystal River?

In addition to red grouper, Crystal River offers anglers a diverse range of species to target, both in its freshwater rivers and along its coastal waters. One popular freshwater species in Crystal River is the largemouth bass, renowned for its aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Anglers can explore the region's scenic rivers, lakes, and streams to pursue largemouth bass using various techniques such as casting topwater lures, flipping soft plastics into cover, or trolling crankbaits. Crystal River's abundant bass populations provide anglers with excellent opportunities for both recreational and tournament fishing throughout the year.

Another sought-after freshwater species in Crystal River is the bluegill, a member of the sunfish family known for its abundance and willingness to bite. Bluegill can be found in the area's lakes, ponds, and rivers, offering anglers of all skill levels the chance to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing. Using small jigs, flies, or live bait like worms or crickets, anglers can target bluegill in Crystal River's freshwater environments, often catching other sunfish species such as redear sunfish and pumpkinseed sunfish in the process.

On the saltwater side, Crystal River provides excellent opportunities for anglers to target species such as redfish, speckled trout, snook, and tarpon, which inhabit the region's estuaries, flats, and mangrove shorelines. These saltwater species offer thrilling battles and are highly prized for their sporting qualities and table fare. Whether casting artificial lures, live bait fishing, or fly fishing, anglers visiting Crystal River can enjoy diverse angling experiences and the chance to reel in impressive catches amidst the area's stunning coastal scenery.

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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

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

    Gene S. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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!

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip the guys where great and the fishing was awesome great day . Thanks Don & Paula

    Paula M. | December 27, 2023

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip, kids had a blast caught a number of fish and lost a few after some tough fights. Captain Tucker made sure we had a good time. He made it look easy. Once Jack dropped the first line we had fish on deck in 15 minutes. They recommended a restaurant to fry it up for us, and it was the best fish any of us have had.

    Nicole G. | December 3, 2023

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had a large group of us that came to FL to go fishing. We needed two boats and want to use the same company for the group. This was a great choice. The captains and first mates on both the boats were great. They got us on the fish right away and they didn't stop working the whole time we were out with them. Would book them again the next time we are in Florida.

    Corey W. | October 4, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    We had a awsom day on the water. We caught fish consistently the whole trip.the captain and mate where very nice and informative. Thank you for the great day . We all enjoyed areself and had a memorable day.

    Edward M. | September 25, 2023

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Hi: Just want to say my friends and I had a great time fishing with CPT and "Toco." hardest working crew on the dock...and they know where the fish are. This adventure was secretly planned by my wife and some unknown conspirators (CPT's wife?). It was indeed a surprise and a rewarding day on the water with a couple gentlemen that know exactly what to do and WHERE THE FISH are! Great time, recommend to all! Ken Dye

    Doreen S. | September 24, 2023

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Brian was an amazing Captain. Put us on fish from the very beginning. Very helpful with fishing tips. Very professional. Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to catch fish and have a fun trip

    Daniel G. | April 5, 2023

    Trip: Inshore Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    How Captain Jim waved an arm and bent the weather into a perfect day kinda was spooky but I liked it! It was a great day can’t give enough stars. Thanks again Jim 👍

    Jason H. | December 7, 2022

    Trip: Offshore Fishing Frenzy

Other Hunting Species in Crystal River

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