Fishing charters in Crystal River, FL

Whether you are looking for a calm inshore fishing or a deep sea fishing adventure, Crystal River fishing options are only a click away.

There are a variety of options for your next fishing trip near Crystal River. These waters are filled with Redfish, Southern Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and many more.

Inshore fishing charters in Crystal River

Crystal River is famous for its inshore fishing grounds. From grassy shallows to numerous bays, there’s something for anglers of all tastes and budgets.

These waters will yield anything from Redfish and Southern Flounder to Spanish Mackerel and Cobia.

Inshore fishing trips are very popular with families, couples, and small groups of friends.

Inshore fishing trip prices

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour inshore fishing charter is $465 for 2 anglers. Add $50 for an each additional person. Fishing charters can accommodate 4-6 anglers depending on the size of the vessel.

The most affordable rates start at $200 for a 2-hour inshore fishing trip near Crystal River.

There are about 41 fishing guides in Crystal River and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing outing in Crystal River.

Best time for inshore fishing

The best months for inshore fishing near Crystal River are August, May and September.

Popular inshore fish species

• Redfish
• Southern Flounder
• Spanish Mackerel
• Cobia
• Spotted Seatrout

Popular inshore fishing charters

• U-hook-um Charters from $400.00
• Early Bird Charters from $450.00
• Crystal River Guide Services from $450.00
• A-Lure Charters from $450.00
• Live Action Fishing Adventures from $500.00

Offshore fishing charters in Crystal River

Crystal River is the perfect place to enjoy some of the best offshore fishing experiences. We have many charter companies to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for you.

There are a plenty of options for your next fishing trip near Crystal River. Local waters a playground for Cobia, King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Gag Grouper, and many more.

Offshore fishing trips are good for experienced anglers, groups for friends, and those who want to reel in a bigger catch. Be ready to travel into the federal waters miles off the coast.

Offshore fishing trip prices

$770 is the average price for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip and 2 people. An extra angler fee is $50. Captains can accommodate 4-6 persons depending on the capacity of the vessel.

$595 is the lowest price for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip in Crystal River.

You can find more than 29 fishing companies in Crystal River and nearby cities. So you'll have a lot of options to book your next fishing trip.

Tip: It takes some time to get to the offshore fishing spots. So it’s better to take a 6-hour or 8-hour offshore fishing trip for the best fishing experience.

The average tips are 15-20% of the total fishing charter price.

Best time for offshore fishing

The best months for offshore fishing near Crystal River are August, May and September.

Popular offshore fish species

• Cobia
• King Mackerel
• Red Snapper
• Gag Grouper
• Black Sea Bass

Popular offshore fishing charters

• Extreme Fishing Habit Charter and Tours from $1050.00

Family-friendly fishing charters in Crystal River

Crystal River family-friendly fishing charters offer a great opportunity to build relationships with the members of your family. Your Captain will show you how to use the tackle and catch different species of fish.

Inland waters include creeks, flats, harbors, and small bays. Because of the shallower depths, the calm inland waters are great for family fishing.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

If you are planning a vacation to Crystal River, take a quick 4-hour inshore fishing charter. This short trip is perfect for kids because they will learn something new and won’t get tired.

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour family-friendly fishing charter is $436 for 2 anglers. Add $50 for each additional guest. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

Popular family-friendly fishing charters

Shark fishing charters in Crystal River

Crystal River waters are home to an abundant population of various shark species. Crystal River shark fishing charters are experienced in targeting various species of sharks.

Crystal River is home to many different shark species: Blacktip Shark, Bull Shark, Bonnethead Shark, and many more.

Note: some shark species are considered prohibited in Florida and cannot be kept as a trophy. These sharks have to be released. But don't worry about shark identification. Your Captain will assist you.

Sharks inhabit various waters, from shallow to deep. Pups and juveniles occur in shallow waters, while larger sharks can be found in offshore waters.

Live bait is preferred for shark fishing. Ladyfish, Bonita, Mullet, and Blue Runner are the go-to bait for shark fishing. Fishing charters prepare the best bait depending on the targeted shark species.

Shark fishing trip prices

On average, the price for a 4-hour shark fishing trip is $522 for 2 guests. An extra person fee is $50. Captains can take 4-6 persons depending on the length of the craft.

In Crystal River and nearby cities, there are about 13 shark fishing charters. So you'll have a variety of options for your next fishing adventure.

Best time for shark fishing in Crystal River

You can target sharks all year round. March through October are the best months for shark fishing in Crystal River.

Popular shark species

• Blacktip Shark
• Bull Shark
• Bonnethead Shark

Popular shark fishing charters

Tarpon fishing charters in Crystal River

Tarpon fishing is the most exciting fishing trip you can have in Crystal River. Local guides are experienced in Tarpon fishing. They will show you how to use the proper fishing method in the right spot and at the right time.

Tarpon are primarily found in coastal waters, bays, and shallows. Shrimp, pinfish, mullet, and crabs would be the ideal fishing bait.

Note: You won’t be able to land your catch because Tarpon is a catch-and-release-only fishery. Tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water. So be very careful with your trophy, take a quick photo, and release your catch.

Tarpon fishing rates

On average, the base price for a 6-hour Tarpon fishing charter is $580 for 2 anglers. An extra person fee is $50.

In Crystal River and nearby cities, there are around 15 fishing charters specialized in Tarpon fishing.

Best time for Tarpon fishing in Crystal River

Tarpon season starts in late spring and lasts until the end of summer. The best months are August, July, and June.

Popular Tarpon fishing charters

FAQ

What is included in the price?

Most trips are all-inclusive. Captains provide everything you need for a fishing trip: tackle, rods, reels, bait, and a cooler with ice. Usually, Captains clean anything that you catch.

The trip price includes a saltwater fishing license. This license covers all the anglers on the vessel.

An offshore fishing charter has to have a federal permit to fish in the federal waters.

What to bring on a fishing charter trip?

Depending on the weather, Captains recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, long sleeve shirt, hat, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, waterproof pans, appropriate non-skid footwear, gloves, your medicines, bug bite cream, sanitizer, drinks, and snacks.

Bring your freshwater license if you are planning to fish in the freshwater.

Some Captains don’t recommend bringing spray sunscreen, liquor, weapons, fireworks, and inappropriate footwear.

How to book a fishing charter trip?

You can reserve a trip with a 10-30% deposit.

The remaining balance has to be paid directly to the Captain on the day of your trip or upon arrival.

The deposit could be refunded if you cancel the trip before the cancellation deadline. The average free cancellation deadline is 2-14 days before the trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

What are the closest boat ramps and marinas to Crystal River?

Popular meeting points near Crystal River are:

• Fort Island Trail Park Boat Ramp, 12073 West Fort Island Trail — 16 mins from Crystal River
• Homosassa Duncan J. MacRae Boat Ramp, 5300 South Cherokee Way — 21 mins from Crystal River
• 18 NE 4th Ave — 5 mins from Crystal River