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 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:

Fall Fishing in Crystal River Florida

By Nick Warrington • August 14, 2025

Nestled between the dog days of summer and "The Season," when snowbirds and partiers flock to Florida, fall is a magic time when fishing is great and the conditions are peaceful.

July Crystal River Fishing & Scalloping Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • July 22, 2025

July is more about scalloping than rod bending for me. Most of my time on the water this month is spent chasing scallops with clients, and for good reason. That said, there are still plenty of opportunities for anglers willing to work around the summer patterns.

June Crystal River Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • June 30, 2025

Hot, Hot, Hot! June has brought blazing temperatures to the Nature Coast, and the heat isn’t letting up anytime soon. Fortunately, the winds have finally calmed down, making those longer offshore runs a lot more comfortable — and well worth the effort! The Gulf has been serving up some outstanding action for anglers willing to brave the summer sizzle.

April Crystal River Fishing Report

By Capt. Nick Warrington • April 17, 2025

The first part of April has been plagued by strong winds, making fishing conditions more challenging for anglers. That doesn't mean fishing hasn't been hot! Inshore fishing for redfish and trout have been good. And offshore (when we've been able to get out) our snapper bite has been solid. We're looking forward to more settled conditions as we head into the summer months.

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