Crystal River May Fishing Report

Capt. Nick Warrington • June 1, 2026

There’s plenty happening on the Nature Coast right now. Gag Grouper season dates have been announced, Red Snapper season is underway, and anglers are finding success on everything from Mangrove Snapper to Cobia. Here's the latest from Crystal River.

Gag Grouper Dates Released

The dates are officially set for Gag Grouper season, running September 1st–30th. Some are upset, some are happy but with back to back years of 14 day seasons we'll happily take it! The good news is the fish are here. Gags have been fired up lately, and we've caught them everywhere from 5 feet of water out to 105 feet. There’s certainly no shortage of fish around, and the upcoming season is shaping up to be a good one. We still have a few openings available for both full-day and half day trips.

Red Snapper

Red Snapper season opened today for federally permitted vessels and will remain open through October 26. For recreational anglers fishing from private boats, the season runs May 22 through July 31, with additional fall weekend opportunities as well.

Most of our better Red Snapper action has been coming from water depths of 80 feet or more. Frozen threadfin herring, sardines, and live pinfish continue to be some of the most productive baits.

Red Grouper

For anglers targeting keeper-sized Red Grouper, expect to fish in at least 70 feet of water. We haven't spent much time that deep this season, but recent trips in 80–105 feet produced some very solid catches.

When it comes to bait, bigger is usually better. The largest live pinfish you can find are hard for a quality Red Grouper to pass up.

Cobia

Some quality Cobia have been showing up recently. Our area's largest Cobia tournament took place this past weekend, and it took a 53-pound fish to claim first place.

Look for Cobia around their usual haunts—channel markers, wrecks, large ledges, artificial reefs, and other prominent structure. Keep a rod ready, as many fish are spotted cruising unexpectedly around these areas.

Mangrove Snapper

Mangrove Snapper fishing has been excellent across the board. Some of the best catches over the past week came from 30–40 feet of water, but there are plenty of fish available in the shallows as well. The shallow fish tend to run smaller, but for anglers looking for steady action and great table fare, Mangrove Snapper remain one of the best options available. Live shrimp fished on the lightest jig head possible continues to be the go to presentation.

If you'd like to get on the water and take advantage of the excellent fishing we're seeing right now, give us a call and reserve your date before the calendar fills up.

Check out some of our other blog posts/reports:

Crystal River September Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • September 25, 2026

September has been all about grouper. With one of the longest gag grouper seasons we’ve had in years, we’ve taken full advantage of it. The weather has cooperated for the most part, allowing us to get out on the water almost every day with very few cancellations. And the gag grouper fishing has been excellent.

Crystal River August Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • August 31, 2026

August has definitely been a change of pace for me. This is my first year in a while that I haven’t spent the entire summer running scalloping trips, so I’ve had a little more time to focus on our offshore and inshore fishing. And honestly, the fishing has made the change pretty easy! We’ve had some ex cellent catches lately, with strong numbers of snapper and grouper and plenty of bait showing up throughout the area. With gag grouper season just around the corner, things are really starting to line up for what should be an awesome fall.

Crystal River June & July Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • July 18, 2026

July is in full swing, bringing hot weather, afternoon thunderstorms, and some great fishing opportunities along the Nature Coast. If you can get an early start and stay ahead of the weather, the fishing has been well worth the effort. Red Snapper Red Snapper fishing has been best in 100 feet of water and deeper. There hasn't been many quality catches inside of that depth lately so be prepared for a long ride. Frozen threadfin herring and sardines have been producing the majority of the fish. One challenge has been the sharks, they’ve been relentless over the past couple of weeks. On some spots, it’s been nearly impossible to get a snapper to the surface before a shark gets to it, so don’t be afraid to move if they’re becoming too much of a problem.

Crystal River April Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • May 4, 2026

April is that transition month for us here in Crystal River and we’re starting to see a noticeable shift both inshore and offshore. Water temps are climbing int o the 70’s, and with that comes the first real push of our springtime migration. Cobia, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and sharks have all started to show up in the area.

Crystal River February & March Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • March 20, 2026

Sheepshead Sheepshead season is winding down, but the bite has still been very good while it lasts. We’ve seen strong numbers throughout February and into early March, with some quality fish in the 6–8 pound range. Most fish are being caught in 8 to 35 feet of water around rock piles and structure, with live shrimp continuing to be the bait of choice. If you’re looking to get in on this bite, now is the time to go before it wraps up and we wait until next January for it again.

2026 Scalloping in Florida - When, Where, & How To

By Capt. Nick Warrington • March 12, 2026

Crystal River, Florida, a hidden gem nestled along the Gulf Coast, is not only known for its breathtaking natural beauty and picturesque landscapes but also for a unique and thrilling summer activity: scalloping. This delightful underwater adventure combines exploration, relaxation, and a dash of adrenaline, making it a must-try experience for locals and visitors alike. In this article, we'll dive into the current scalloping season, catch limits, and techniques.

2026 Complete Guide to Crystal River Cobia Fishing

By Capt. Nick Warrington • March 12, 2026

There are few fish in Florida that attract as much attention as the Cobia. A migratory nearshore fish, the Cobia is prized for its combination of fight and table fare. How these fish are targeted in Florida makes them even more attractive to anglers who, at times, will custom design their vessels to make targeting them easier. This article will cover the ins and outs of cobia fishing, such as the state tackle record, fishing techniques, peak seasons, and even a recipe for preparing your catch.

Crystal River December & January Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • January 23, 2026

Winter fishing in Crystal River is in full swing, and while cold fronts and weather windows have made things a little tricky at times, the fish are still cooperating for those willing to pick their days. December and January bring some of our favorite opportunities of the year, with solid offshore bottom fishing and dependable inshore action when conditions line up. Here’s a breakdown of what we’re seeing on the water.

Sheepshead fishing crystal river florida

Feeling Sheepish - Sheepshead Fishing in Crystal River

By Nick Warrington • January 1, 2026

Crystal River has arguably the best sheepshead fishing in the state of Florida. Learn about them with our sheepshead fishing guide! How, Where, and When to target sheepshead.

Boy on boat smiles, holding a large, reddish fish, fishing rod in background, ocean.

Crystal River October & November Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • November 29, 2025

Fall has officially settled into Crystal River, and the fishing has been nothing short of outstanding. Cooler temps have fired up both offshore and inshore species, giving us some of the best action we see all year. Whether you’re chasing hogfish offshore or sliding into the backcountry for redfish and trout, now is th

2025 Guide to Catching Hogfish | How to catch Hogfish

By Capt. Nick Warrington • October 19, 2025

Discover expert tips on catching hogfish in Florida. Learn about the best gear, bait, and techniques to make your fishing adventure a success.

Crystal River August & September Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • September 17, 2025

Hello anglers! From inshore redfish action to offshore snapper and grouper, plus some surprisingly good scalloping, there’s a little something for everyone right now. Here’s what we’ve been seeing on the water:

< Older Post

Newer Post >