A New Year Brings New Fishing Opportunities

January in Crystal River isn’t just about resolutions—it’s about manatees, fishing gear, bait, and catching a cooler full. Tourism wise the town is buzzing. Winter time brings in travelers from around the world to swim with the manatees. Our springs pump 72 degree water year round providing refuge for the temperature sensitive manatees during the cooler months. Bet we've been seeing a couple dozen or more on our inshore trips lately.

For anglers, winter doesn’t slow anything down here. If anything, the crisp conditions invigorate the fishing scene, offering better chances to snag some impressive catches. Whether you’re enjoying a solo venture or a family outing, Crystal River provides some great fishing opportunities.

Sheepshead Season is Here

One of the most exciting highlights for January is the arrival of sheepshead season—and it's off to a promising start. These striped beauties, also known as “convicts,” are a favorite catch for anglers in the area. Known for their tasty, firm white meat, sheepshead are already starting to gather around their offshore hideouts in Crystal River.

Pro Tips for Sheepshead Fishing

Sheepshead are notorious for their subtle, sneaky bites, but in the winter time you can throw all that out the window. Using live shrimp as bait over offshore rock piles in 8-40' angler can load up on some very nice convicts.  What rock piles hold sheepshead? Is something that we get asked often.  You can expect 1/10 of your favorite grouper spots hold them. Knowing how to use your sonar can really narrow it down as sheepshead show up pretty good on your electronics. Driving around the spot till you find the school helps a lot. This month, anglers have reported landing larger-than-average sheepshead—a great sign for those heading out!

Mangrove Snapper Catches Are Still Going Strong

If you’re seeking consistent action, mangrove snapper should be on your radar this month. Known for their aggressive bites and tasty fillets, mangrove snapper remain a hot commodity in Crystal River’s waters even in winter. The average size of them increases over the next month or two.



Free lining live shrimp behind the boat is always my personal favorite to get the larger mangoes that are boat shy. Best Fishing is going to be found in 20-45'. Expect to catch a lot of bycatch such as grunts, grouper, sheepshead, hogfish etc.

Excellent Spotted Sea Trout Fishing

For those who prefer fishing in calmer, shallower waters, spotted sea trout have been putting on a spectacular show in Crystal River’s backcountry. Winter is an especially productive time for inshore fishing, with trout activity peaking when temperatures stabilize after the occasional cold front.

Best Times to Fish for Spotted Sea Trout

While fishing conditions can vary, the period directly after a cold front often tends to be slower. However, on most days, the waters warm quickly, and anglers are rewarded with good numbers of eager to feed trout. Soft plastic lures (5" DOA fluke in glow) or live shrimp under a popping cork are highly effective in attracting trout.

If you haven’t already planned your trip, now’s the time to grab your gear, hop in the boat, and take advantage of our cool weather fishing.

Get out there and make this January one to remember, rod in hand and fish on the line.

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