Guide:

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Please note: Grouper season starts 1 September. Please do not book a grouper trip prior to that date.
If you've ever wanted to enjoy amazing fish-fighting action while catching some delicious table fish off of one of America's premier waterfronts, this might be the trip for you. Captain Kevin is a pro and loves to show clients all that the Crystal River area has to offer, especially its tastiest eating fish: Groupers.

You'll hook these fish using bottom fishing techniques, and trolling lipped plugs. Capt. Kevin will get you to where the fish are, then help you place the perfect bait or lure to attract a big bite. Even though you're in shallower water, there are heavyweights down below! These fish are not happy to be caught, and you'll have to bring your skill, strength, and stamina once they're hooked.

You'll chase the fish from the deck of Captain Kevin's 24' Aeon bay boat—the perfect vessel for fishing the inshore waters here in Crystal beach. She's powered by an ultra-reliable 300 HP Mercury Verado so you'll be on the fish in no time, and she has all the additional electronics you could ask for, including GPS and FishFinder, plus a Live Well. You will be utilizing high end tackle like Accurate and Florida Fishing Products reels to reel in Grouper, Snapper, and Hogfish . There is always a chance for Cobia, Sharks, and Mackerel to make an appearance as well.

All you need to bring along is proper clothing, sunscreen, and a pair of polarized sunglasses! Capt. Kevin will bring the rest, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 3 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	8 Hours
1 Person	$650.00
2 People	$650.00
3 People	$650.00
4 People	$650.00
5 People	$700.00
6 People	$750.00
7 People (Second Boat)	$1,300.00
8 People (Second Boat)	$1,300.00
9 People (Second Boat)	$1,400.00
10 People (Second Boat)	$1,400.00
11 People (Second Boat)	$1,500.00
12 People (Second Boat)	$1,500.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Kevin T.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Independent Guide 8 years of exp.

Veteran

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Quality

Comfortable

Beginner Oriented

About Your Guide

Kevin T.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide 8 years of exp.

Captain Kevin is an extremely experienced angler and a top guide on Florida's Nature Coast. In 2015, he retired after 24 years of active duty in the Coast Guard and returned to his roots in Citrus County, FL, where he's been fishing since 1982.
He's an environmentally conscious guide who strives to respect the resource while taking his clients fishing. He's also very safe, with decades of experience as a Coast Guard paramedic in addition to a degree in Safety and Occupational health.
Finally, in his words: "I use the latest technology to stay abreast of the weather and tides to keep the clients and myself out of unfavorable conditions. Complete customer satisfaction is my goal and I will strive to accomplish that on each and every trip."

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Tiger Shark. 10 feet long

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Grouper Nuggets and hush puppies

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Tiger Shark. 10 feet long

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Grouper Nuggets and hush puppies

Whats your favorite band?

Beastie Boys

Whats your favorite sports team?

Florida Gators

Whats your drink of choice?

Captain and ginger ale

How did you get started guiding?

I fished a lot at various parts of the world and all the people I was with said that you could do this as a profession. So I did.

What makes you different from other guides?

I grew up here and and care about this ecosystem. Thus, I am very invested in it.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Crystal River, Florida

Areas Fished

Crystal River

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Aeon
Year Built: 2013
Boat Length: 24'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Aeon
Year Built: 2013
Boat Length: 24'
Engine Manufacturer: Mercury Verado
Total Horsepower: 300
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: Simrad GPS/Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Powerpole, Rhodan GPS enabled spot lock, raised tower, SeaDeck, JL audio Bluetooth stereo, dry storage, cooler(s)

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 3 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

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)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Bottom Fishing
Cut Bait Fishing
Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Trolling

Everything Else to Know

Hats, non-spray sunscreen, food and drinks, cooler to transport fish,. Fishing License, Snorkeling Equipment, Rods, reels & tackle, cooler and ice, complimentary fish cleaning included.

You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 3 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 3 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

4.9

based on 7 reviews

Todd

Verified Review

November 21

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

Verified Review

November 21

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Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

Dena

Verified Review

July 4

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

Verified Review

July 4

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.

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Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

Amanda

Verified Review

December 19

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

Verified Review

December 19

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Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

Kurt

Verified Review

March 19

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

Verified Review

March 19

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Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

Kenneth

Verified Review

March 24

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

Kenneth

Verified Review

March 24

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

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Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

Cassie

Verified Review

July 26

We did catch fish. Kevin had to try several different spots. He was knowledgeable and helpful but seemed to have a quick temper with beginner fishermen

Cassie

Verified Review

July 26

We did catch fish. Kevin had to try several different spots. He was knowledgeable and helpful but seemed to have a quick temper with beginner fishermen

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Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

Tony

Verified Review

June 25

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

Verified Review

June 25

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.

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Trip: Crystal River Near and Inshore

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.