Crystal River Fishing Charters | Book Inshore, Flats & Offshore Trips

Q: Who are the best rated guides in Crystal River?

Some of the best rated guides in Crystal River are: Salty Vets Fishing Charters Cast N Reel Fishing Charters Of Crystal River Reel Time Outfitters Southern Fried Charters Extreme Fishing Habit Charters and Tours Finntastick Charters Jimmy G Charters Red Fin Addict Inshore Charters Reel Shallow Fishn Charters Early Bird Charters

Q: What are the top fishing types in Crystal River?

Some of the best trip types in Crystal River are: Offshore Fishing Inshore Fishing Active hunting Bird hunting Flats/Shallows Fishing River Fishing Wrecks/Reefs Fishing Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing Backcountry Fishing Shore Fishing

Q: What are the top species I can catch in Crystal River?

Some of the top fish species you can catch in Crystal River are: African Pompano Alligator Gar Atlantic Mackerel Atlantic Sailfish Barracuda Black Drum Black Grouper Black Sea Bass Blackfin Tuna Blacktip Shark

Q: Do I need experience to go on a Fishing Charter?

Absolutely not! Most charter captains welcome anglers of all skill levels and specialize in teaching beginners. Many charters are family-friendly and will teach basic fishing techniques, help with equipment, and ensure everyone has a great time. Let your captain know your experience level when booking so they can tailor the trip accordingly.

Crystal River Fishing Charters(58 charters available)58 charters available

Sort By

Homosassa

43 Yrs experience • Master Guide • Good with kids • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Good with Large Groups • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing • Freshwater Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Customers rave about Tim's fish-finding expertise and consistent redfish catches

(44)

1-6 Guests

4-8 Hours

6 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$400

Check Availability

Crystal River

34 Yrs experience • Master Guide • Good with kids • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Customers rave about Heath's local knowledge and consistent fish-finding ability

(48)

1-4 Guests

4-8 Hours

7 Trips

Available in 9 Months

Starts from$375

Check Availability

Crystal River

13 Yrs experience • Good with kids • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing • Deep Sea Fishing • Drift Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Customers praise Dave's consistent fish limits and expert local knowledge

(41)

2-6 Guests

4-16 Hours

14 Trips

Available Next Week

Starts from$175

Check Availability

Crystal River, FL

3 Yrs experience • Good with kids • Technical Fishing • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Nature / Wildlife Views • Good with Large Groups • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing • Drift Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Praised for finding fish in any conditions and excellent with families

(40)

4-6 Guests

3-8 Hours

11 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$350

Check Availability

Crystal River

12 Yrs experience • Master Guide • Good with kids • Technical Fishing • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Nature / Wildlife Views • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Guests love Bryan's fish-finding expertise and his patient teaching with kids

(45)

4-6 Guests

3-8 Hours

20 Trips

Available in 3 Weeks

Starts from$325

Check Availability

Crystal River, FL

10 Yrs experience • Good with kids • Technical Fishing • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Saltwater Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Customers rave about his fish-finding expertise and patient teaching approach

(36)

1-3 Guests

4-6 Hours

6 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$550

Check Availability

Homosassa, FL

7 Yrs experience • Good with kids • Nature / Wildlife Views • Drift Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Guests love Rod's manatee expertise and patience with kids in unforgettable wildlife encounters

(33)

6-8 Guests

2-6 Hours

6 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$299

Check Availability

Homosassa, FL

7 Yrs experience • Good with kids • Good with New Anglers • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing • Freshwater Fishing • Drift Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Customers rave about Brandon's fish-finding expertise and patient teaching style

(26)

1-4 Guests

4-8 Hours

5 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$328

Check Availability

Crystal River

33 Yrs experience • Master Guide • Good with kids • Good with New Anglers • Good with Large Groups • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing • Freshwater Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Customers praise Captain Misty's expertise putting guests on redfish, trout, and snook limits

(26)

4-6 Guests

3-8 Hours

8 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$450

Check Availability

Crystal River

14 Yrs experience • Master Guide • Good with kids • Technical Fishing • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Good with Large Groups • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Praised as the hardest working guide who knows how to put you on fish and delivers amazing hunts

(26)

3-4 Guests

4-8 Hours

14 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$250

Check Availability

Crystal River

14 Yrs experience • Master Guide • Good with kids • Technical Fishing • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Nature / Wildlife Views • Good with Large Groups • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing • Bass Fishing • Deep Sea Fishing • Freshwater Fishing • Drift Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Customers rave about his fish-finding ability and commitment to putting everyone on fish

(24)

3-6 Guests

4-12 Hours

17 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$450

Check Availability

Crystal River

13 Yrs experience • Master Guide • Good with kids • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing • Deep Sea Fishing • Drift Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Praised for putting guests on fish consistently and expert local knowledge

(24)

1-4 Guests

4-8 Hours

4 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$350

Check Availability

Complete Guide to Crystal River Fishing

Discover everything you need to know about fishing in Crystal River - from top species and techniques to the best times to visit.

Top Species

Learn about the most sought-after fish species in Crystal River waters

African Pompano

Size

15 - 20 lbs

Length

20" - 39"

Habitat:

OffshoreStructuresReef

Book Charter

Alligator Gar

Size

100 - 160 lbs

Length

48" - 120"

Habitat:

InlandNearshore

Book Charter

Atlantic Mackerel

Size

1 - 3 lbs

Length

14" - 24"

Habitat:

NearshoreOffshore

Book Charter

Atlantic Sailfish

Size

50 - 142 lbs

Length

90" - 124"

Habitat:

OffshoreNearshore

Book Charter

Barracuda

Size

5 - 15 lbs

Length

24" - 39"

Habitat:

NearshoreOffshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

Black Drum

Size

15 - 90 lbs

Habitat:

Brackish WatersOnshore

Book Charter

Black Grouper

Size

5 - 20 lbs

Length

39" - 52"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreOffshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

Black Sea Bass

Size

2 - 9 lbs

Length

10" - 26"

Habitat:

OffshoreOnshoreNearshoreWreckReef

Book Charter

Blackfin Tuna

Size

2 - 20 lbs

Length

7" - 43"

Habitat:

Offshore

Book Charter

Blacktip Shark

Size

100 - 150 lbs

Length

60" - 108"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreContinental ShelvesInsular Shelves

Book Charter

Bluefish

Size

3 - 15 lbs

Length

15" - 51"

Habitat:

NearshoreOnshore

Book Charter

Bluegill

Size

1 - 2 lbs

Length

6" - 16"

Habitat:

LakePondRiver

Book Charter

Bonnethead Shark

Size

13 - 28 lbs

Length

24" - 59"

Habitat:

Offshore

Book Charter

Bowfin

Size

12 - 21 lbs

Length

20" - 43"

Habitat:

LakeRiver

Book Charter

Brook Trout

Size

1 - 10 lbs

Length

10" - 34"

Habitat:

LakeRiver

Book Charter

Bull Shark

Size

200 - 500 lbs

Length

84" - 142"

Habitat:

WarmShallow NearshoreRiver

Book Charter

Channel Catfish

Size

2 - 4 lbs

Length

15" - 25"

Habitat:

RiversTidal MouthsBendsWrecks

Book Charter

Cobia

Size

10 - 80 lbs

Length

24" - 79"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreOffshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

Crappie

Size

0 - 5 lbs

Length

4" - 19"

Habitat:

RiverLake

Book Charter

Crevalle Jack

Size

15 - 60 lbs

Length

15" - 49"

Habitat:

RiverOnshoreNearshoreOffshoreReefFlats BackcountryWreck

Book Charter

Flathead Grey Mullet

Size

10 - 18 lbs

Length

20" - 47"

Habitat:

OnshoreRiver

Book Charter

Florida Gar

Size

3 - 9 lbs

Length

26" - 52"

Habitat:

RiversTidal MouthsBendsWrecks

Book Charter

Florida Pompano

Size

4 - 8 lbs

Length

12" - 25"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshore

Book Charter

Gag Grouper

Size

10 - 50 lbs

Length

24" - 57"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreOffshoreReef

Book Charter

Goliath Grouper

Size

75 - 150 lbs

Length

50" - 98"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreReefBackcountryFlatsWreck

Book Charter

Great Barracuda

Size

5 - 103 lbs

Length

24" - 79"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

Greater Amberjack

Size

40 - 200 lbs

Length

60" - 75"

Habitat:

OffshoreReefsWrecks

Book Charter

Grey Snapper

Size

1 - 8 lbs

Length

30" - 35"

Habitat:

RiverLakeOnshoreNear shoreReefBackcountry

Book Charter

Grey Triggerfish

Size

11 - 13 lbs

Length

19" - 24"

Habitat:

Inshoreoffshore

Book Charter

Gulf Grouper

Size

72 - 200 lbs

Length

60" - 78"

Habitat:

NearshoreOffshoreRocky Reef

Book Charter

Hogfish

Size

8 - 24 lbs

Length

10" - 36"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreOffshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

King Mackerel

Size

10 - 20 lbs

Length

19" - 72"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreOffshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

Ladyfish

Size

1 - 3 lbs

Length

12" - 39"

Habitat:

OnshoreBay

Book Charter

Lake Trout

Size

5 - 15 lbs

Length

25" - 59"

Habitat:

Lake

Book Charter

Lane Snapper

Size

3 - 8 lbs

Length

10" - 24"

Habitat:

Coral ReefsSandInshoreNearshore

Book Charter

Largemouth Bass

Size

2 - 22 lbs

Length

15" - 32"

Habitat:

LakePondRivers

Book Charter

Lemon Shark

Size

150 - 220 lbs

Length

96" - 134"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreReefBay

Book Charter

Lesser Amberjack

Size

8 - 12 lbs

Length

19" - 27"

Habitat:

NearshoreOffshore

Book Charter

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Size

15 - 30 lbs

Length

40" - 83"

Habitat:

Offshore

Book Charter

Mozambique Tilapia

Size

1 - 6 lbs

Length

12" - 15"

Habitat:

LakeRiverBackcountrySwampsCanalsDrainagesEstuaries

Book Charter

Mutton Snapper

Size

5 - 15 lbs

Habitat:

OnshoreReefNearshore Backcountry

Book Charter

Northern Kingfish

Size

1 - 3 lbs

Length

10" - 18"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreOffshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

Peacock Bass

Size

3 - 15 lbs

Length

10" - 29"

Habitat:

RiverLakeCanal

Book Charter

Permit

Size

9 - 60 lbs

Length

24" - 48"

Habitat:

InshoreFlatsOffshoreReefsJetties

Book Charter

Rainbow Trout

Size

1 - 8 lbs

Length

16" - 34"

Habitat:

RiverLake

Book Charter

Red Grouper

Size

12 - 25 lbs

Length

17" - 35"

Habitat:

NearshoreOffshoreReefWreckOcean Floor

Book Charter

Red Snapper

Size

5 - 20 lbs

Length

19" - 39"

Habitat:

NearshoreOffshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

Redbreast Sunfish

Size

1 - 2 lbs

Length

8" - 12"

Habitat:

RiverLakeBackcountry

Book Charter

Redfish

Size

10 - 45 lbs

Length

30" - 61"

Habitat:

OnshoreFlatsBackcountryNearshore

Book Charter

Sandbar Shark

Size

143 - 260 lbs

Length

20" - 71"

Habitat:

Continental ShelvesOceanic Banks

Book Charter

Scalloped Hammerhead

Size

60 - 64 lbs

Length

59" - 169"

Habitat:

InshoreOffshore

Book Charter

Sea Bass

Size

2 - 9 lbs

Length

10" - 26"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreOffshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

Sea Trout

Size

1 - 6 lbs

Length

20" - 55"

Habitat:

InshoreNearshoreCovered River

Book Charter

Sheepshead

Size

1 - 8 lbs

Length

14" - 20"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreOffshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

Smallmouth Bass

Size

1 - 4 lbs

Length

12" - 27"

Habitat:

LakeRiver

Book Charter

Snook

Size

12 - 29 lbs

Length

16" - 50"

Habitat:

InshoreFlatsBackcountry

Book Charter

Southern Flounder

Size

1 - 4 lbs

Length

12" - 33"

Habitat:

OnshoreInshoreChannelsRivers

Book Charter

Southern Stingray

Size

50 - 200 lbs

Length

60" - 79"

Habitat:

Ocean BeachesOffshoreNearshoreBaysEstuaries

Book Charter

Spadefish

Size

3 - 14 lbs

Length

12" - 36"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshore

Book Charter

Spanish Mackerel

Size

8 - 120 lbs

Length

20" - 72"

Habitat:

offshoreonshorenearshore

Book Charter

Striped Bass

Size

10 - 81 lbs

Length

20" - 55"

Habitat:

RiverLakeOnshoreNear shore

Book Charter

Summer Flounder

Size

1 - 5 lbs

Length

15" - 37"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreOffshore

Book Charter

Tarpon

Size

25 - 63 lbs

Length

48" - 96"

Habitat:

InshoreFlatsBackcountry

Book Charter

Tiger Shark

Size

850 - 3000 lbs

Length

120" - 295"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreOffshoreReefWreck

Book Charter

Tripletail

Size

2 - 20 lbs

Length

18" - 36"

Habitat:

OnshoreNearshoreInshoreEstuariesBays

Book Charter

Wahoo Fish

Size

15 - 184 lbs

Length

8" - 100"

Habitat:

NearshoreOffshoreReef

Book Charter

White Catfish

Size

6 - 9 lbs

Length

13" - 24"

Habitat:

Coastal RiverTidal Water

Book Charter

White Grunt

Size

2 - 6 lbs

Length

6" - 14"

Habitat:

OffshoreInshoreBackcountry

Book Charter

White Margate

Size

16 - 20 lbs

Length

10" - 30"

Habitat:

InshoreReefNearshoreOffshore

Book Charter

Top Activities in Crystal River

Experience the Best of Crystal River — Enjoy unforgettable adventures, stunning views, and relaxing moments that capture the true spirit of this beautiful destination.

Fishing

Hunting

Water sports

Snow sports

Off roading

Horseback riding

Ratings & Reviews Summary in Crystal River

AI Generated Review Summary

Fishing in Crystal River, Florida offers diverse inshore and offshore opportunities targeting redfish, speckled trout, snook, grouper, cobia, Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, and sheepshead across Gulf waters, mangrove areas, flats around Ozello, and rock piles near the islands. Anglers enjoy both light tackle and fly fishing techniques, with guides utilizing topwater methods and live bait for consistent action throughout full-day charters. The fishing experience stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere, with guides demonstrating patience teaching techniques to children and beginners while accommodating all skill levels. Many guests achieve limits quickly thanks to guides' extensive local knowledge of productive spots, tides, and fish behavior, often moving between multiple locations until finding active fish. The professional yet laid-back approach creates memorable adventures that keep families returning year after year for fishing, scalloping tours, and wildlife viewing experiences.

Top Reviews

Crystal River

5 / 5

Based on 1001 reviews by Guidesly users

Sj P

October 15, 2025

1 Guest

Capt Sean is a friendly and personable individual and definitely knows the local waterways. Fishing was tough at the beginning, but it appeared that was the case for all boats around us. Capt Sean persevered and we caught 9 different species to include snook, red fish and trout. At the end of the day Capt Sean found where the trout were hiding and we loaded up on them. Enjoyed the trip very much and would recommend his service.

Crystal River

Guest Reviews Say:

Customers praise Sean's local expertise and ability to find fish and scallops consistently

(12)

4-6 Guests

2-7 Hours

6 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$60

Check Availability

Tim Stout

September 1, 2025

1 Guest

I've fished with Captain Gary several times. Great guy, great with kids, guaranteed good times! Gary works hard to find the fish and puts you on them! As a professional guide myself, I can tell you there's only a select few you want to book for a professional experience and consistent catch. Captain Gary with Reel Shallow won't let you down!

Bayport, FL

13 Yrs experience • Master Guide • Good with kids • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Customers praise Gary's local knowledge and consistent ability to put them on fish

(33)

4-6 Guests

4-6 Hours

5 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$400

Check Availability

SUSAN MATHUSA

August 17, 2025

1 Guest

They did an excellent job taking care of my husband and son. It was their 1st time out scalloping. Father and son had a blast out on the water..Thank you guys for showing them a good time!!!

Captain Suncoast Scalloping

Replied on August 20, 2025

It was our pleasure having Mark and Ethan aboard. Thank you so much for your kind review and we hope to see you all again in the future!

Crystal River, FL

10 Yrs experience • Good with kids • Good with New Anglers • Nature / Wildlife Views • Good with Families

Guest Reviews Say:

Captain Judge and Gaby praised for exceptional knowledge and going above and beyond

(8)

1-6 Guests

4 Hours

6 Trips

Available in 6 Months

Starts from$395

Check Availability

David

July 25, 2025

Trip taken July 17, 2025

Inshore, PM - 4 Hours Trip

1:00 AM - 5:00 AM

2 Guests

Dave rocked. We had the best time with him. I knew when I first called it was going to be a great trip. The prep he puts into tracking the tides, currents, & fish sets you up to have a successful day out there. Appreciate his time & dedication endlessly!

Captain Dave Huston

Replied on July 26, 2025

David Lord, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.

Crystal River

13 Yrs experience • Good with kids • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing • Deep Sea Fishing • Drift Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Customers praise Dave's consistent fish limits and expert local knowledge

(41)

2-6 Guests

4-16 Hours

14 Trips

Available Next Week

Starts from$175

Check Availability

Joshua

July 3, 2025

Trip taken June 24, 2025

River, AM - 8 hrs Trip

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

1 Guest

Big thanks to Captain Vic. Took my wife 9yo daughter and 16yo son out on fishing trip, and had a great day on the water. Caught a few new fish we never hooked into before and learned alot. Thanks again Captain, from the Martin family!

Homosassa

9 Yrs experience • Master Guide • Good with kids • Technical Fishing • Live Bait • Good with New Anglers • Nature / Wildlife Views • Good with Families • Saltwater Fishing • Bass Fishing • Freshwater Fishing

Guest Reviews Say:

Praised for exceptional local knowledge and finding fish when others can't

(13)

4-6 Guests

4-8 Hours

7 Trips

Available This Week

Starts from$450

Check Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about booking and enjoying your Crystal River Fishing charter experience.

Fishing Charters in Crystal River, Florida

Book Crystal River fishing charters — flats, backcountry & offshore.

Crystal River Fishing Charters(58 charters available)58 charters available

Complete Guide to Crystal River Fishing

Top Species

African Pompano

Alligator Gar

Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic Sailfish

Barracuda

Black Drum

Black Grouper

Black Sea Bass

Blackfin Tuna

Blacktip Shark

Bluefish

Bluegill

Bonnethead Shark

Bowfin

Brook Trout

Bull Shark

Channel Catfish

Cobia

Crappie

Crevalle Jack

Flathead Grey Mullet

Florida Gar

Florida Pompano

Gag Grouper

Goliath Grouper

Great Barracuda

Greater Amberjack

Grey Snapper

Grey Triggerfish

Gulf Grouper

Hogfish

King Mackerel

Ladyfish

Lake Trout

Lane Snapper

Largemouth Bass

Lemon Shark

Lesser Amberjack

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mozambique Tilapia

Mutton Snapper

Northern Kingfish

Peacock Bass

Permit

Rainbow Trout

Red Grouper

Red Snapper

Redbreast Sunfish

Redfish

Sandbar Shark

Scalloped Hammerhead

Sea Bass

Sea Trout

Sheepshead

Smallmouth Bass

Snook

Southern Flounder

Southern Stingray

Spadefish

Spanish Mackerel

Striped Bass

Summer Flounder

Tarpon

Tiger Shark

Tripletail

Wahoo Fish

White Catfish

White Grunt

White Margate

Top Activities in Crystal River

Ratings & Reviews Summary in Crystal River

Top Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about Crystal River

Who are the best rated guides in Crystal River?