Damn Good Redfish Fishing Charters In Crystal River

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Recently Booked Redfish Fishing Charters In Crystal River, Fl

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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 Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Big Ole Reds, Snook, & Trout

67% (3)
24 ft 1 - 10 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Crystal River Rod-Bender

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

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Coastal Catching Fun-21’ Sportsman

100% (5)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

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

A Day To Remember

NEW
20 ft 1 - 3 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Flats Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Inshore Flats Fishing

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 12 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Inshore/Nearshore Trip

100% (1)
19 ft 1 - 4 People From $450

Top Types of Redfish Trips in Crystal River

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Target Species in Crystal River

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  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
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More Redfish 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, Nearshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Crystal River Near And Inshore

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 12 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Epic Nature Coast Catch

100% (5)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Fishing And Scalloping Trip

100% (1)
19 ft 1 - 4 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Crushin' It Inshore Special

100% (1)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Crystal River

Crystal Clear Sportfishing

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter near Crystal River

Bowfishing & Gigging

NEW
19 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
See All Redfish Trips in Crystal River

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Everything to Know About Booking a Crystal River redfish fishing charter

What are the best redfish fishing charters in Crystal River?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 14 redfish trips in Crystal River, and the most popular trips in the area are Big Ole Reds, Snook, & Trout guided by Robert, Epic Nature Coast Catch guided by Justin, and Crystal River Rod-Bender guided by Mark.

Our guides in Crystal River are rated a 4.91 out of 5 based on 3722 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 redfish guides / fishing lessons in Crystal River? Check out our beginner and family friendly redfish guides in Crystal River.

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

Inshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing for redfish in Crystal River as well as nearshore fishing, flats fishing, and river fishing.

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

How much do Crystal River redfish fishing charters cost?

Prices for redfish in Crystal River can range anywhere from about $500 to $1,450, but the average price for a half day trip for redfish in Crystal River is $779. The average price for a full day trip for redfish in Crystal River is $886.

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 redfish fishing in Crystal River?

The most popular season for redfish fishing in Crystal River is summer, and most anglers book their trips 45 days in advance.

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

Redfish, also known as red drum, are a highly sought-after species among anglers in Crystal River, Florida. These iconic fish are known for their bronze-colored bodies and characteristic spot patterns, making them easily recognizable and prized catches. Redfish can be found inhabiting a variety of habitats within Crystal River's estuarine waters, including shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds. Anglers often encounter redfish while sight fishing in shallow waters or targeting structure-rich areas such as docks, bridges, and oyster bars.

Crystal River offers excellent opportunities for redfish fishing throughout the year, with varying seasons bringing different strategies and challenges for anglers. Typically, the peak seasons for redfish fishing in Crystal River occur during the cooler months of fall and winter. As water temperatures drop, redfish become more active and move into shallower waters, making them more accessible to anglers. During these seasons, anglers can expect to find redfish feeding aggressively on baitfish, crustaceans, and other prey, providing exciting fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

Anglers targeting redfish in Crystal River can employ a variety of techniques to increase their chances of success. One popular method is sight fishing, where anglers search for cruising or tailing redfish in shallow waters and present artificial lures or live bait to entice strikes. Additionally, anglers can target redfish around structure-rich areas using techniques such as bottom fishing with cut bait or shrimp, or casting artificial lures such as spoons, jigs, and soft plastics. With careful observation of tides, weather conditions, and fish behavior, anglers can enjoy thrilling encounters with redfish in Crystal River's scenic estuarine waters.

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

In Crystal River, Florida, the seasons for redfish offer anglers diverse opportunities to pursue these prized game fish throughout the year. Typically, the peak seasons for redfish fishing occur during the cooler months of fall and winter. As temperatures begin to drop, redfish become more active and move into shallower waters, making them more accessible to anglers. During these seasons, anglers can expect to find redfish feeding aggressively on baitfish, crustaceans, and other prey, providing exciting fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

Spring can also be a fruitful season for redfish fishing in Crystal River. As temperatures rise and the waters warm, redfish become more active and move into shallower flats, grass beds, and mangrove shorelines. During this season, anglers can find success targeting redfish using a variety of techniques, including sight fishing in shallow waters or targeting structure-rich areas such as docks, bridges, and oyster bars. Spring offers anglers the chance to experience thrilling battles with redfish as they feed voraciously in preparation for spawning.

Summer, while not traditionally considered a peak season for redfish fishing, still offers opportunities for anglers in Crystal River. Although redfish may be less active during the hotter months, anglers can still find success by targeting deeper waters, particularly around areas with cooler temperatures or strong currents. Additionally, early mornings and late afternoons can be productive times to fish for redfish during the summer, when temperatures are cooler and redfish may be more active. By adjusting their tactics and targeting areas with suitable conditions, anglers can continue to enjoy successful redfish fishing year-round in Crystal River.

What techniques are popular for catching redfish in Crystal River?

Fishing for redfish in Crystal River, Florida, involves employing various techniques tailored to the unique characteristics of these prized game fish. One popular method among anglers is sight fishing, where anglers scan shallow waters for cruising or tailing redfish. This technique requires patience, keen observation, and precise casting to present lures or bait effectively to the targeted fish. Anglers often use artificial lures such as spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs, as well as live bait like shrimp or mullet, to entice strikes from redfish in shallow flats, grass beds, and along mangrove shorelines.

Another effective technique for targeting redfish in Crystal River is bottom fishing around structure-rich areas such as docks, bridges, and oyster bars. Anglers use cut bait, shrimp, or crab as bait and present them near the bottom using Carolina rigs, jig heads, or float rigs. Redfish are known to frequent these areas in search of food, making them prime spots for anglers to hook into these hard-fighting fish. Patience and careful attention to detail are essential when bottom fishing for redfish, as they can be selective feeders and may require subtle presentation techniques to entice strikes.

Casting artificial lures is also a productive technique for targeting redfish in Crystal River's estuarine waters. Anglers often use lures such as spoons, jigs, and soft plastics to mimic the movements of baitfish and crustaceans, enticing redfish to strike. This technique allows anglers to cover a wide area and explore different habitats, increasing their chances of encountering actively feeding redfish. By varying retrieval speeds, using natural-looking colors, and targeting areas with suitable conditions, anglers can maximize their success when casting artificial lures for redfish in Crystal River.

What other species are popular in Crystal River?

While redfish are certainly a prized catch in Crystal River, Florida, anglers have a variety of other species to target for an equally thrilling fishing experience. One popular species among anglers is the snook, known for its aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Snook can be found inhabiting mangrove-lined creeks, tidal flats, and around structures such as docks and bridges. Anglers often target snook using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like plugs, jigs, and soft plastics. With peak seasons typically occurring in warmer months, snook provide anglers with exciting battles and rewarding catches in Crystal River's estuarine waters.

Another sought-after species in Crystal River is the speckled trout, prized for its delicate flavor and thrilling fights. Speckled trout can be found in shallow flats, grass beds, and tidal creeks, where they feed on small baitfish and crustaceans. Anglers often target speckled trout using artificial lures such as soft plastics, topwater plugs, spoons, and jerkbaits, as well as live bait like shrimp or mullet. With peak seasons typically occurring in cooler months, speckled trout offer anglers exciting fishing opportunities and the chance to reel in these prized game fish while exploring the scenic beauty of Crystal River's estuarine waters.

For those seeking fast-paced action, Spanish mackerel are a popular target in Crystal River's nearshore waters. Spanish mackerel are known for their aggressive strikes and high-speed runs, making them a favorite among anglers targeting pelagic species. Anglers can target Spanish mackerel using a variety of techniques, including trolling with artificial lures, casting spoons and jigs, and live bait fishing. With peak seasons typically occurring in spring and summer, Spanish mackerel provide anglers with exciting fishing opportunities and the chance to reel in these prized game fish while enjoying the scenic beauty of Crystal River's coastal waters.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    We had 2 adults and 4 kids (2x11 and 2x16) and had a great day with Captain Teddy. We caught huge redfish and several black drum. He took us to a spot where we could pull a bunch of little guys up as well. The kids all rated it an A+.

    Michael R. | July 14, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great captain Very good with my grandkids age 10 and twin 8 yr olds put us onto a lot of fish Highly recommend Captain Robert Boys had a great time 31 total keepers Mangroves, grunts and trout Catch a few reds but was just shorts

    Rutherford M. | June 14, 2024

    Trip: Big Ole Reds, Snook, & Trout

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Kevin did an awesome job. Although the conditions were difficult we still caught a meal to take home with us. He was very patient with the kids and kept things entertaining and informative. Had a great time!

    Kurt G. | March 27, 2024

    Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Great time , enough action . Bad weather, Kevin did a great job

    Kenneth K. | March 25, 2024

    Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Our group of four had a great experience! Justin was knowledgeably, passionate and had lots of patience with us novice fishers.

    Betty J. | March 15, 2024

    Trip: Coastal Catching Fun-21’ Sportsman

  • ★★★★★
    My two sons and I fished with Capt. Kevin today and had a blast. Kevin worked hard to put us in fish. The day was a complete success. Caught everything from redfish to an 80lb shark with a few gag groupers a grunts in between. Don’t hesitate to fish with him. He knows the fishery and is helps that he’s a really nice guide…

    Todd P. | November 22, 2023

    Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent fishing guide knows his water knows his fish the person to go with in this area best all around Guide that I have ever faced with

    Virgil R. | October 12, 2023

    Trip: Crushin' It Inshore Special

  • ★★★★★
    Thanks so much Kevin! He worked overtime to make sure we had an epic day! Crystal River is a beautiful, amazing place and Kevin is a wonderful guide.

    Dena C. | July 5, 2023

    Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    5 star captain. Worked hard to get us on the bite. Super knowledgeable about the area and all of the wildlife. Great personality. Will book again in future. Family had a blast.

    Tony C. | June 26, 2023

    Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    The trip was perfect. Despite cold weather, Captain Kevin did everything to make sure the boys were catching fish, and they all did. He shared his knowledge about the local waterways and animals/fish, and the kids learned a lot. He was great with the kids! He was very patient and taught them a lot. We will definitely use Captain Experiences and Captain Kevin again when we return to Crystal River.

    Amanda S. | December 27, 2022

    Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

Other Hunting Species in Crystal River

What's biting in Crystal River?

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