May Crystal River Fishing Report

Capt. Nick Warrington • May 29, 2025

As we dive deeper into the summer months, Crystal River fishing continues to provide excellent opportunities for anglers.

Offshore Fishing

Red Grouper & Red Snapper Fishing far offshore continues to impress with excellent catches of red grouper, red snapper, mangrove snapper, and lane snapper. 80-120’ is where you want to focus. Larger grouper and snapper have been preferring live pinfish, while shrimp remain effective for targeting smaller fish. It's a long ride but the payoff is worth it!

Mangrove snapper and hogfish in depths shallower than 70 feet has been less than stellar which is on par with this time of year. Our shallow water mangrove snapper fishing should fire up over the next few weeks and remain consistent through the summer. Look for them on rock piles from 4-20' of water.

Cobia fishing has been active lately, with many fish being caught but fewer keepers than we like to see due to the recently upped 36” size regulation. Most fish are just shy, around 33-35.5 inches.

Gag grouper

There’s no shortage of gag grouper out there right now. Anglers are finding them stacked up on just about any rock pile from 8 to 100 feet of water. While we’re currently waiting for the 2025 season dates, we expect official word within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, it’s encouraging to see strong numbers across a wide range of depths.

Inshore Fishing:

Summer patterns are here, with water temperatures already reaching the mid-80s. Can't say we do a lot of inshore fishing through the summer. Have a few trips scheduled but for the most part the inshore boat stays on the trailer.

Trout are primarily hanging on deeper flats, exhibiting hit-or-miss activity. Once you locate and land a keeper, it’s crucial to anchor down and work that area thoroughly for best results.

Snook have moved offshore for their summer spawning, providing plenty of fun, even though they are currently out of season.

Looking Ahead

Mark your calendars—red snapper season officially opens on June 1st! Spots are still available but filling fast. Focus on depths of 80 feet or deeper for best results.

Scallop season kicks off on July 1st, and trips are booking quickly. Don’t miss out—book soon!

Don’t miss the excitement—our calendar fills up quickly. Whether you’re looking to reel in a trophy or simply enjoy a great day on the water, now is the perfect time to book your Crystal River charter!

Check out some of our other blog posts:

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

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