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 the time to be on the water. Here’s what we’ve been seeing over the past couple of months.

Offshore

Hogfish

Often miscalled “hog snapper,” hogfish are actually members of the wrasse family. They're more closely related to parrotfish than any snapper species. And right now, they’re feeding like crazy.

November is historically the best month of the year for hogfish, and this season has been no exception. We’ve spent a lot of time dialing in productive bottom and figuring out how they’re transitioning with the cooling water temps.

•Depths: 20–60 ft

•Bait: Live shrimp

•Notes: Lighter tackle and patience are key.

If hogfish is on your bucket list, this is the window.

Red Grouper

With the extended red grouper season, anglers have had plenty of opportunity to capitalize on a fishery that genuinely seems to get better every year here in Crystal River. We’ve seen an encouraging number of legal fish inside of 40 ft, which is a great sign for nearshore anglers and folks looking to stay closer to port.

• Depths producing: 30+ ft

• Bottom type: Hard bottom, scattered rock, and live bottom patches

• Bait: Shrimp, live pinfish or frozen baits such as: threadfin herring/sardines

Gag Grouper

If there’s one fish that loves fall it’s the gag grouper. They’ve been relentless, and November through December is hands-down the peak of the season for targeting them.

Gags have been so thick that they’re coming up behind hooked grunts, snapper, and even hogfish, trying to eat whatever we’re reeling in.

• Best depths: 10–30 ft

• Behavior: Actively hunting over ledges, rockpiles, and high-relief structure

• Tip: Bring heavy tackle these fish aren’t playing fair right now

If you’re looking for hard pulls, big bites, and memorable catches, this is your time to get out there.

Inshore

Spotted Seatrout

Cooling water has really sparked our fall trout bite.

• Where they’ve been: 4-5 ft grass flats between Crystal River and Homosassa

• Expect changes: The most recent cold front should push a big wave of trout deeper into the backcountry, creeks, and potholes

• Lures: Soft plastics on 1/8–1/4 oz jigheads, MirrOlures, and even suspending baits have produced. Live shrimp after a cold front works very good as well.

This is classic fall trout fishing at its finest.

Redfish

Most of our redfish have transitioned deep into the backcountry, soaking up the warmer spring-fed flows and hiding in creeks, pockets, and oyster-laden shorelines.

That said, we’re still seeing occasional schools and singles on the outside points during the right tide windows.

• Best tides: Rising tide pushing warm water back into the creeks

• Bait: Live shrimp or mud minnows

• Behavior: Schooling tight in deeper holes on cold mornings

If you’re willing to poke around the backcountry, you can find some phenomenal redfish action this time of year.

Looking Ahead

Mangrove Snapper

Expect steady mangrove snapper fishing through late fall and into winter. December - February is usually excellent snapper fishing. Find them holding in 20-60' of water.

Sheepshead

The first wave of sheepshead typically shows up in December, and the bite becomes excellent January through March. These fish stack up on offshore structure from 5-40 miles out.

• Best bait: live shrimp

• Tip: Downsizing tackle dramatically increases hookups

This is one of our most reliable and fun winter fisheries.

Inshore Winter Pattern

Over the next couple of months, expect strong fishing in the backcountry and rivers as inshore species push toward warmer spring water and deeper holes.

You’ll find:

• Redfish & Trout staging in deep creek bends, potholes, and channels

• Sheepshead & black drum moving onto structure and oyster bars

Dates are filling quickly, so don’t wait reach out today and let’s get you on the water for a trip you won’t forget!

Tight lines, Nick.