5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Scallop and Fishing Adventure in Crystal River
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday combo trip targeting scallops and fish in Crystal RiverAll gear, licensing, bait, and inwater guide assistance includedAvailable July through September with 2guest maximum capacity
Looking for the best of both worlds on Florida's Nature Coast? This full-day combo trip gives you eight solid hours to chase scallops and fish the productive waters around Crystal River. From July through late September, these waters come alive with bay scallops and hungry fish, making it prime time for this customer favorite experience. Captain Andrew knows these flats like the back of his hand, so when one bite slows down, he'll put you on the other. You'll get an in-water guide to help with scalloping, plus all your licensing, bait, tackle, and gear covered. Just pack your snacks, drinks, and sunscreen for a day you won't forget.
This top-rated combo trip runs for eight hours, giving you plenty of time to fill your scallop limit and get some solid fishing in too. Crystal River's shallow grass flats are perfect scallop habitat, and the same areas that hold scallops often have redfish, trout, and other inshore species cruising around. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust the plan accordingly – some days we start with scalloping when the water's clear and calm, other days we hit the fishing spots first when the tide's just right. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility. If the scallops are thick, we'll focus there. If they're scattered but the fish are biting, we shift gears. You're getting two distinct experiences rolled into one world-class day on the water.
For the scalloping portion, you'll be snorkeling in shallow grass beds, typically 3-6 feet deep. The in-water guide stays with you to point out scallops and help collect them in mesh bags. No diving experience needed – if you can swim and use a snorkel, you're good to go. The fishing side runs on light tackle perfect for inshore species. We're talking spinning reels with live bait, artificial lures, and whatever's working that day. The grass flats fish differently than deeper water – it's all about reading the bottom structure, working the edges, and staying quiet. Redfish love to cruise these shallows, especially around oyster bars and creek mouths. Your captain provides everything fishing-related, from terminal tackle to the cooler full of ice for your catch.
"Because Capt Andrew is so knowledgeable about the area when this Augusts scalloping didn't prove real productive we were able to shift to catching a limit of red fish and swimming the springs with the manatees. We will be back next summer" - Robert
Redfish are the crown jewel of Crystal River's inshore scene, and these copper-colored fighters are abundant in the grass flats and oyster bars. They run anywhere from slot-size 18-inchers up to oversized bulls pushing 40 inches. Reds feed aggressively during the scallop season, often in very shallow water where you can sight-cast to them. They're notorious for their initial run when hooked – that first burst of power will test your drag and get your heart pumping. What makes redfish special here is how they use the structure. They'll cruise the edges of grass beds, ambush bait around oyster bars, and even push up into water so shallow their backs are showing.
Spotted seatrout are another staple that keeps anglers coming back to these waters. Crystal River's grass flats provide perfect trout habitat, and during summer months, they're feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. Trout here range from keeper-size 15-inchers to hefty gator trout over 20 inches. They're more finicky than redfish but incredibly rewarding when you dial in the pattern. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but when they're really turned on, you can catch them on topwater plugs and soft plastics. The best part about trout fishing in Crystal River is the numbers – when you find them, you often find them in schools.
This combo trip delivers two distinct adventures in one action-packed day, and it's only available during scallop season from July through late September. With just two guests per trip, you're getting personalized attention and the flexibility to focus on whatever's working best. Captain Andrew's local knowledge means you're not just getting a fishing trip – you're getting an education in how to read these waters. The 14-day cancellation policy gives you flexibility, but these summer dates fill up fast as word gets around. Don't wait until the season's half over to book your spot on Crystal River's most versatile fishing adventure.
The Tailwalker cuts through Crystal River's waters like she owns them. This 25-foot Fat Cat motorboat packs serious power with her 300-hp Suzuki engine, hitting speeds up to 55 mph when you need to cover ground fast between scallop beds and fishing spots. Built in 2016, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - fish finder to locate schools below, GPS to mark your hot spots, and VHF radio for safety. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking spooky fish in shallow water, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days. With room for your small group, she's perfectly sized for navigating Crystal River's grass flats and deeper channels where both scallops and fish call home.
5.0 out of 5.0Because Capt Andrew is so knowledgeable about the area when this Augusts scalloping didn’t prove real productive we were able to s...
Crystal River