Next AvailableJul 01
Book with Mike Haynes
Fishbonz Charters LLC
Identity Verified Crystal River FL
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Mike Haynes, Captain at Fishbonz Charters LLC
Identity VerifiedAre you up for an adventure? Set off on a phenomenal fishing excursion with Fishbonz Charters which offers first-rate guided service. Count on Captain Mike Haynes' expert hands to give you a trip to remember. Being a native Floridian, Mike has fished from the keys to the panhandle and has all the tricks up his sleeves that will definitely help you land a catch of a lifetime!
Traverse the waters aboard the 19’ Hewes flats boat that has plenty of room for up to 3 guests fishing at the same time. This vessel ensures a safe and smooth ride on the waters.
Crystal River and Homosassa have a great variety of fish to choose from throughout the year including Snook, Redfish, Trout, Tarpon and many others. Crystal River is a unique fishery and Captain Mike enjoys sharing his 40 plus years of knowledge and the joy of fishing with his clients, so they have a memorable experience. There will be plenty of wonderful stories to tell when you get home and you will not come home empty-handed!
It doesn't matter whether you're fishing for the first time or you're a seasoned angler, Fishbonz Charter works an extra mile just to give you a day that you will always cherish. Children of all ages are also more than welcome to climb aboard! Don't forget to bring some food and beverages to keep you energized throughout your journey!
Reward yourself with a delicious catch on the finest fishing grounds in Florida and let Fishbonz Charters guide you to success!
Upcoming Availability
Expertise & Attributes
fishing
Good with Kids
Good with New Anglers
Live Bait
Saltwater Fishing
Technical FishingFishing Techniques
What's Included
Good to Knows
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
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Nature / Wildlife Views
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
Cancellation Policy
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
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What's Included
Good to Knows
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
Nature / Wildlife Views
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
Cancellation Policy
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Trips Available with Fishbonz Charters LLC
Fishing
Starting At $500
Private 4 or 6 Hour Morning Charter Trip in Crystal River
Fishing Area: Crystal River, FL
Fishing: Inshore
Fishing Boat:
Crystal River Center Console • 19' Hewes (Flats boat) • Max 3 guests (base trip price includes 3 guests)Description:
A blast on the water in Crystal River awaits you with Captain Mike and Fishbonz Charters! Come face to face with a variety of fascinating species like Snook, Tarpon, Snapper, and more! Everything you need will be provided for you so you won't have to worry about a thing! Families, Children., Expert anglers, all are welcome! Price includes 3 anglers. Book today!
Fishing
Starting At $500
Private 5 Hour Scallop Charter Trip in Crystal River
Fishing Area: Crystal River, FL
Fishing: Inshore
Fishing Boat:
Crystal River Center Console • 19' Hewes (Flats boat) • Max 4 guests (base trip price includes 4 guests)Description:
Ideal for young adventurers! Embark on a delightful snorkeling expedition to harvest the delectable Bay Scallop, a gem of Crystal River. This is an excellent opportunity to explore our crystal-clear waters, search for scallops, and observe a myriad of marine life up close. The captain will provide all essential equipment and ensure the necessary licenses are in order. Captain Mike will share valuable tips and techniques for scallop spotting. Reserve your spot for this entertaining escapade. We can cater to large groups, so don't hesitate to ask about arrangements.
Fishing
Starting At $1,600
Private 2 Days and 3 Nights Charter in Crystal River
Fishing Area: Crystal River, FL
Fishing: Inshore
Fishing Boat:
Crystal River Center Console • 19' Hewes (Flats boat) • Max 3 guests (base trip price includes 3 guests)Description:
Experience an unforgettable fishing trip with a three-night retreat at Paddletail Waterfront Resort, formerly Best Western, nestled on the scenic Kings Bay. Indulge in local cuisine and entertainment, just steps away. Embark on two exciting days of fishing with the renowned Capt. Mike, targeting diverse fish species. Savor your catch at top-notch waterfront restaurants. Enjoy the convenience of a quick walk to the dock for hassle-free pick-up and drop-off. We can easily accommodate larger fishing groups with additional boats and experienced captains. Book this charter today!
Vehicle
Crystal River Center Console
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
3
Boat Length:
19 ft
Manufacturer Name:
Hewes (Flats boat)
Model Year:
2000
Engine Manufacturer Name:
Yamaha
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
115
Maximum Cruising Speed:
50
Features: Bait Tank Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS
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Boat
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Crystal River Center Console
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
3
Boat Length:
19 ft
Vehicle Details
FAQs about Fishbonz Charters LLC
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Reports and Expert Articles
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Where the Reds Are Biting and the Grouper Are Hungry
It’s summertime in Crystal River, and the fishing is heating up right along with the weather. The inshore bite has been steady, especially in the early morning hours when temperatures are a little more forgiving. Redfish are cruising the mangrove lines and oyster bars—cut bait and live shrimp have been the top producers. Slot-size fish are being caught regularly, with a few upper-slot bulls putting anglers to the test.
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Adrenaline-Fueled Inshore Angling: Crystal River Fishing Charters Deliver
What a great day we had out on the water with Terry VanderWert and the crew here at Crystal River, Florida! This time of year is prime for inshore fishing, with the warming waters bringing the Spotted Seatrout and Redfish (Red Drum) closer to the shoreline. The weather was on our side too - a bit of clearing in the afternoon made for comfortable conditions as we set out from the 614 NW US-19 marina. We got set up with our fly rods and light tackle gear, ready to work the flats and channels for some quality inshore action. It didn't take long before the fish started to cooperate - Terry was the first to hook up, getting a nice Spotted Seatrout to come up and crush his fly. The fight was on, and he handled that fish like a pro, keeping steady pressure until we had it safely in the boat. That got the blood pumping, and we stayed on the hunt, constantly scanning the water for any signs of baitfish and predators. Before long, someone spotted a small school of Redfish cruising a shallow flat, and we all made precise casts to try and draw a strike. Sure enough, one of those big, copper-colored brutes smashed a topwater lure, and it was pandemonium as the fish made multiple strong runs. Everyone was hooting and hollering, keeping the energy high as we fought that Redfish to the boat. With a few high-fives and some quick photos, we revived the fish and watched it swim off strong. That's the kind of action that makes these inshore trips so much fun - the visual of seeing those tailing fish, the electricity of the strike, and the sheer power these fish possess. If you're looking to experience some of the best inshore fishing that Florida's Nature Coast has to offer, I can't recommend a Crystal River Fishing Charters | Private Morning 4 or 6-Hour Charter Trip with Fishbonz Charters LLC highly enough. Whether you're after Spotted Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, or any of the other incredible species that call these waters home, our team
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Spotted Sea Trout bite.
Cool water equals a great sea trout bite.The past cold front cooled the water down from 74 to 55 a big swing in water temps. It took a day for the fish to acclimate and start feeding. The bite was slow but steady all through the day What worked for us is working jigs tipped with shrimp on a slow crawl along the bottom and it produced a good number of fish. We let go a few over 20 inches as we already had one over the slot. We were able to pull a couple of black drum out from the spot as well. Great day of fishing in cooler temps.
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Speckled Trout
Trout are in the river
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Winter reds
Reds are starting their winter pattern cruising the shallows looking for those warmer waters on the south end of the mangroves. We've been sightcasting for them with shrimp and cut ladyfish and very productive throughout most of the day, mainly on the outgoing tides.
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Redfish galore
Left the redfish biting, Vaughn joined me on a three day expedition and we caught a ton of fish for all three days. left at first light and was back at the dock by 11 with numerous fish caught and released.
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Inshore
The sheepshead are here. We have been having great luck on inshore rocks fishing off the coast of Crystal River, FL. The bite has been steady and when they stop biting we go inside the mangroves to fish for redfish and trout. Snook season starts on March 1st. Those line-sides are unbelievable fighters. Book your trip now for outstanding nature and fishing on the Nature Coast. We have lodging available at Paddle tail Waterfront lodge just a short walk to the dock.
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Cyrstal River Fishing Report
If you’re planning to go down Cyrstal River, now is a great time for some angling action! Redfish and Sea Trout bites are on point who knows you might even hook your first trophy here! Make sure to book a trip today— let’s fill your bucket with fish or if you want to go out scalloping, I know some great spots for those too!
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Summer time fun
Fishing report for the heat. This year's scallop harvest is a little tougher than last, but we have been able to stack some up in the coolers. When looking for them the best advise is to slow down while hunting. Many scallops are sticking closer to the sand or mud bottoms and deeper in the grass due to warmer temps. Always swim against the current to be able to see into the sea grass. Interesting fact, you may feel when grabbing one that the water is warmer inside their shell while they are feeding. Fishing has been good still. Redfish and Snook are sticking to moving water when the tide is low and hightailing it to the shade when tide is high. Moving water is oxygenated water for the fish when the temps are high. Use live bait when possible or use fresh lady fish chunks and wait it out for a good bite. The windy side of mangroves will produce better numbers due to the wave action stirring and cooling the water. Trout have been in deeper waters, with good numbers in a school, you just have to weed thru the small ones for limit, but at least they are biting. Use shrimp on a jig and bounce the bottoms, once you get a bite fish that area well. Tight lines. Capt. Mike Fishbonz Charters
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Crystal River, FL Fishing and Scalloping Report-July 7th
Had a great day fishing and scalloping with Steve, Hunter, and John, back at the dock by 1230. Big female trout released to spawn again. Scallop Season is in full swing here in Chrystal River, what better way to stay cool than diving for Scallops! Book now for a trip you wont forget!
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Redfish, snook, and grouper
Some of the recent fish caught on the Nature's Coast this summer.
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Redfish and Snook on fire
Crystal River fishing is just getting better as the summer progresses. we have been catching limits and personal bests for our clients. inshore and offshore is second to none in our clear, pristine waters in the Gulf of Mexico.Grouper season is in full swing, Scallop season is just around the corner starting on July 1st.inshore redfish and snook are plentiful and ready to challenge you.Book your next adventure with me Capt. Mike at Fishbonz Charters
Ratings & Reviews Summary
July 1, 2025
Captain Mike did a great job so enjoyable to spend the day with him. FYI he knows how to find the fish
July 1, 2025
Had a great time fishing and the experience was amazing. He was laid back and down to earth and very knowledgeable.
July 1, 2025
What a great trip! Captain Mike Haynes is awesome. We limited in Redfish and Sea Trout and he worked hard to get our Redfish limit after having a windy day. Could not ask for a nicer , more patient Guy !
July 1, 2025
Mike is a great Captain!! Very knowledgeable about the area of Crystal River. Will fish with him again!
July 1, 2025
We had a great time! This is our second time with Captain Mike. Highly recommend. We caught lots of fish and enjoyed the day.
July 1, 2025
Great guide; learned A LOT about the area and ecosystem; great adventure. We will be back!
