Crystal River Combo: Fish & Scallop Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8hour fishing and scalloping combination adventure in Crystal RiverCaptain Marrio targets Redfish, Tarpon, and Snook in flats and backwatersSnorkeling for fresh scallops during summer season included in trip
Crystal River's clear waters offer something most fishing spots can't match – the chance to chase trophy inshore species AND dive for fresh scallops all in one epic day. Captain Marrio Castello's 8-hour combo trip gives you the best of both worlds on Florida's Nature Coast. You'll start the morning working the grass flats and mangrove shorelines for redfish, snook, and tarpon, then switch gears to snorkel the shallow beds where bay scallops hide in the grass. It's a top-rated experience that keeps families and serious anglers coming back season after season.
Your day kicks off early when you meet Captain Marrio at the dock. His boat's rigged for both fishing and scalloping, so you won't waste time switching gear or making multiple stops. The first half focuses on sight fishing the flats where Crystal River's famous redfish cruise the shallows. You'll be casting to tailing fish, working oyster bars, and maybe even getting a shot at a laid-up tarpon if conditions are right. The water here stays relatively calm, making it perfect for anglers who want to see their targets before they cast. When the sun gets high and the fish go deep, that's when you gear up for the scalloping portion. The crystal-clear springs keep visibility high, and Captain Marrio knows exactly where the scallop beds are thickest. You'll anchor up, grab your snorkel gear, and spend time in water that's consistently 72 degrees year-round.
Captain Marrio runs light tackle setups perfect for the shallow water fishing Crystal River is known for. You'll be throwing artificial baits most of the day – soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons work best in these grass flats. The key here is stealth and accuracy since you're often casting to fish you can actually see. Weedless presentations are crucial because the grass beds can be thick, especially during summer months. For the scalloping portion, all snorkel gear is provided, including masks, fins, and mesh bags for your catch. The scallop beds sit in 3-8 feet of water, so you don't need to be an expert swimmer. Captain Marrio will walk you through proper technique – scallops close their shells when they sense movement, so you need to be quick but gentle when grabbing them.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Crystal River fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in schools, especially during fall and winter months. They average 18-27 inches here, perfect slot-size fish that fight hard in shallow water. You'll spot them by their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around oyster bars and grass edges. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat – they'll slam a gold spoon or soft plastic even in gin-clear water where you'd think they'd be spooked.
Snook fishing in Crystal River gets serious attention from anglers who know what they're doing. These ambush predators love the mangrove shorelines and creek mouths where baitfish get trapped by current. Summer months bring the best action when snook move shallow to spawn. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and their ability to cut you off on structure, so Captain Marrio uses heavier leaders near the mangroves. A 28-inch snook is a real trophy here, and the slot limit keeps the population healthy.
Sea trout provide consistent action when other species get finicky. Crystal River's grass flats are perfect trout habitat, and you'll find them scattered across the shallows during cooler months. They're excellent table fare and willing biters on live shrimp or soft plastics worked slowly over the grass. While they don't fight as hard as redfish or snook, a 20-inch gator trout is still a prize catch that'll make for great photos.
Tarpon fishing here is something else entirely. Crystal River gets a solid run of juvenile tarpon in the 20-80 pound range, especially during summer months. These silver kings use the warm spring water as a refuge, and you'll often find them rolling and gulping air near the power plant discharge. When you hook a tarpon, even a smaller one, you know you're in for a fight. They'll jump repeatedly and make screaming runs that'll test your drag system and your nerves.
This combo trip books up fast, especially during scallop season from July through September. Captain Marrio's local knowledge and comfortable boat make this a customer favorite for good reason. You're getting two distinct Florida experiences in one day, guided by someone who's been working these waters for years. The 8-hour format gives you plenty of time to enjoy both activities without feeling rushed. Whether you're a serious angler looking to add scalloping to your skill set or a family wanting to try something new, this trip delivers. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but you won't regret securing your spot on one of Crystal River's most popular charter experiences.
Captain Marrio's 23-foot Carolina Skiff 238 DLV Custom is built to handle Crystal River's diverse waters, from skinny flats to deeper channels. The 150 HP Mercury gets you to the fishing spots quickly, while the 7-foot tower gives excellent sight fishing advantages for spotting reds and snook in the shallows. With i-Pilot trolling motor control and a Power Pole anchor, you'll hold position perfectly whether you're working a grass flat or drifting a creek mouth. The Side Imaging unit helps locate structure and baitfish below. This skiff draws minimal water, letting you chase fish into backcountry spots bigger boats can't reach. During scallop season, the shallow draft and spacious deck make snorkeling easy and comfortable. At 23 feet, there's plenty of room for up to 3 anglers to fish without getting tangled, plus storage for tackle and your scallop haul.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are probably our most reliable target in Crystal River's shallow flats and oyster bars. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches around here, with that signature black spot near the tail. You'll find them cruising 1-4 feet of water over grass beds, around oyster bars, and in the backcountry creeks. They bite year-round, but fall and winter are phenomenal when they school up. What guests love is watching them cruise the shallows - it's sight fishing at its best. Plus they fight hard with strong runs and great table fare if you keep a slot fish. The key here is stealth - these fish spook easily in shallow water. Approach quietly, cast ahead of cruising fish, and use natural baits like live shrimp or cut bait. Artificials work great too - gold spoons are money.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are a staple in Crystal River's grass flats and shallow bays. Most run 14-20 inches, with some nice gator trout pushing 4-5 pounds in deeper water. They love seagrass beds in 3-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and channels. Fall and winter are peak times when they school up, though we catch them year-round. Guests enjoy them because they bite well, fight decent for their size, and make fantastic table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids and beginners since they're usually cooperative. Pro tip: fish the grass edges at dawn and dusk with soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork. Work it slow with gentle pops - trout don't like aggressive presentations.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore game fish, and Crystal River's backwaters are perfect for them. These sleek predators typically run 18-28 inches around here, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. They love structure - mangroves, docks, creek mouths where fresh water meets salt. Snook are temperature sensitive, so spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps stay above 70°F. What makes them special is that explosive strike and strong runs they make toward cover. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: fish the tide changes around creek mouths with live shrimp or soft plastics. Cast tight to the mangroves and be ready - when a snook hits, it's heading straight back to that cover.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish here in Crystal River. These silver giants average 80-120 pounds in our waters, though we see some pushing 200. They roll and breathe air in the deeper holes and channels, especially around the spring heads. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're most active in our area. What guests love most is the jump - nothing prepares you for watching a 6-foot fish launch itself out of the water multiple times. They're pure muscle and attitude, making runs that'll test your drag and patience. Most folks release them since they're not great eating anyway. My go-to setup here is live bait on a circle hook, but here's the key: when you see them rolling, get your bait in front of the school's path, not where they just were.
Crystal River