Full Day Scallop & Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday scalloping and fishing combo for up to 4 guestsTarget Redfish and Snook with expert Captain Dave guidanceFamilyfriendly trip welcomes children of all ages aboard
Picture this: you're standing on the deck at sunrise, rod in hand, with Crystal River's legendary flats stretching out before you. Captain Dave's got the cooler packed with ice, the tackle box loaded with proven lures, and a game plan that'll have you targeting some of Florida's most prized inshore species. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking a full day combo trip that mixes the best of both worlds: prime fishing spots where redfish cruise the grass beds, and crystal-clear shallows where scallops hide in the turtle grass. With room for up to four anglers, this trip works perfect for families, buddy groups, or anyone looking to make the most of their time on the water.
Captain Dave runs a tight ship, but the vibe stays relaxed and fun from the moment you step aboard. The day kicks off early – think 7 AM departure – when the water's still glassy and the fish are actively feeding. You'll start by hitting proven fishing holes where snook ambush baitfish along mangrove shorelines and redfish tail in shallow water. The beauty of Crystal River lies in its diversity: one minute you're sight-casting to a laid-up red in two feet of water, the next you're working a jig along a deeper channel edge where sea trout stack up. Around midday, when the sun gets high and the fish get spooky, that's when the scalloping action heats up. You'll anchor over prime scallop beds where the water's so clear you can spot these little guys from the surface. Kids absolutely love this part – there's something magical about free-diving down and plucking scallops right off the grass beds. Captain Dave keeps the energy up all day, adjusting tactics based on conditions and making sure everyone gets their shots at both fish and scallops.
The fishing here revolves around sight fishing and structure work, using light tackle that lets you feel every bump and run. Captain Dave provides all the gear, but we're talking quality stuff – spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound braid, medium-light rods that have enough backbone for a bull red but won't overpower a trout. Lure selection changes with the tide and season, but you'll typically be throwing soft plastics like DOA shrimp, paddle tails on jig heads, and topwater plugs during the early morning bite. The key technique here is learning to read the water – spotting nervous baitfish, watching for bird activity, and recognizing the subtle pushes and wakes that give away feeding fish. For scalloping, it's all about getting comfortable in the water with mask and snorkel. The scallops hang out in 4-8 feet of water over turtle grass beds, and once you get your eye trained, you'll start seeing them everywhere. Captain Dave knows exactly where the productive beds are and how to position the boat so you're diving in the best spots. The whole setup is family-friendly – no experience needed, and the captain's right there coaching you through everything.
Snook are the crown jewel of Crystal River fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around dock pilings, mangrove overhangs, and creek mouths where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to throw that hook. The best action typically happens during the warmer months from spring through fall, especially around the new and full moon phases when they're most active. You'll find them in everything from shallow backcountry creeks to deeper residential canals, and Captain Dave knows exactly which spots produce based on the tide and time of day. Landing a slot snook – that perfect 28-32 inch fish – is something every angler remembers.
Sea trout might not have the glamour of snook, but they make up for it with consistent action and excellent table fare. These spotted beauties love grass flats and channel edges, especially during moving water. The cool thing about trout fishing in Crystal River is the variety – you might catch schoolie trout all day long, then suddenly hook into a 5-pound gator trout that'll test your drag and your patience. Spring and fall offer the best trout fishing, when cooler water temperatures get them feeding aggressively. They're suckers for a well-presented jig bounced along the bottom, and there's nothing quite like watching your rod tip dance when a nice trout inhales your bait.
Redfish are what dreams are made of in these waters. Crystal River's shallow flats create perfect redfish habitat – oyster bars, grass beds, and sandy potholes where these copper-colored bruisers cruise looking for crabs and baitfish. The sight fishing opportunities here are world-class, especially during the cooler months when big schools of reds move through the area. Picture this: you're poled up on a flat, scanning the water, when suddenly you spot the telltale copper flash or black-tipped tail of a feeding red. The adrenaline rush of making that perfect cast and watching a 30-inch redfish explode on your lure never gets old. These fish fight like freight trains, making long runs and using their broad shoulders to test your tackle. Captain Dave's got the poling skills to put you in position for shots at fish you'll be talking about for years.
This full-day combo trip delivers exactly what Crystal River fishing is all about – variety, action, and memories that'll last long after you head home. Captain Dave's commitment to putting you on fish shows in every detail, from his local knowledge of productive spots to his ability to adjust tactics when conditions change. The scalloping adds a unique twist that you won't find on most fishing charters, giving kids and adults alike something different to get excited about. With space for four guests and a
Jump aboard this well-equipped motorboat that's perfect for your Crystal River scalloping and fishing adventure. Built to handle inshore waters with ease, this vessel comfortably accommodates your party of 4 while Captain Dave navigates to the best fishing spots around Crystal River. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on redfish and snook, while the GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating productive waters. Whether you're hauling in your catch or diving for scallops, this motorboat provides a stable platform for the whole family. The setup works great for kids too - plenty of space to move around safely while learning the ropes from an experienced captain who knows these waters inside and out.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our Crystal River fishery and absolute crowd-pleasers. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-28 inches, but we regularly see fish in the 30+ inch "bull" category. They thrive in shallow water - often so skinny their backs are showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall and winter months are fantastic as they school up, but they bite year-round. What guests love most is their powerful, steady fight and willingness to eat just about anything. They're also top-notch table fare with mild, firm flesh. The real thrill is sight-fishing to tailing reds in shallow water - watching them root around with their tails waving above the surface. Local tip: when you spot a redfish feeding, don't cast right at them. Lead them by a few feet and let your bait drift into their path. They spook easily in shallow water, but a well-placed cast often results in an aggressive strike.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are a staple of Crystal River fishing. These silver beauties with dark spots typically range 14-20 inches, with some pushing 5+ pounds. You'll find them cruising grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and sand holes. They're most active during cooler months and love low-light conditions - dawn, dusk, and overcast days are prime time. What makes trout fishing so enjoyable is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their decent fight for their size. They're also excellent eating with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key to consistent trout fishing here is to work your lures slowly - they can be finicky and prefer a subtle presentation. Try a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork, and when you feel that subtle tap, give it a second before setting the hook. They have soft mouths, so steady pressure beats hard jerks.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most prized gamefish in Crystal River waters. These golden beauties with their distinctive black lateral stripe typically run 18-30 inches, though we've seen plenty pushing 3-4 feet. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridge pilings, and grass edges where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. The cooler months from October through March are prime time when they school up in deeper channels and around warm water discharges. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make multiple runs and try to wrap you around cover. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: when targeting snook around mangroves, cast your lure parallel to the shoreline rather than straight at it. They often hold just off the structure, and this approach keeps you from getting hung up while covering more productive water.
Crystal River