Get ready for a day you won't forget on the stunning waters of Crystal River. This full-day trip combines the thrill of fishing with the unique experience of scalloping, giving you and your crew (up to 4 people) a true taste of what makes this area so special. Capt. Dave's your go-to guy for making sure everyone has a blast, whether you're reeling in redfish or scooping up scallops. It's perfect for families looking to make some waves together - no age limits here, so bring the whole gang!
Picture this: you're cruising along Crystal River's clear waters, rod in hand, ready for action. Capt. Dave's got the inside scoop on where the fish are biting, so you're in for some serious action. One minute you're battling a feisty snook, the next you're diving for scallops. It's like a two-for-one deal on fun! And don't worry if you've never done this before - Capt. Dave's got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need. He's dead set on making sure everyone goes home with a story to tell and maybe even dinner to cook.
Let's break it down for you. When it comes to fishing, we're talking light tackle action that'll keep you on your toes. You might be casting near mangroves for redfish or working the flats for sea trout. Capt. Dave's boat is decked out with all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and a can-do attitude. Now, scalloping - that's where things get really interesting. It's like an underwater Easter egg hunt, but instead of eggs, you're after tasty little shellfish. You'll strap on a mask and snorkel, then hit the shallow grass flats. It's a great way to cool off and trust me, once you start finding those scallops, it gets addictive fast!
Folks have been pulling in some real beauties lately. Redfish have been hitting hard near the oyster bars, while the snook action around the mangrove islands has been off the charts. And let's not forget about the sea trout - they've been practically jumping in the boat! As for scallops, this season's been a real bumper crop. Last week, a family managed to bag their limit in record time, leaving plenty of time for more fishing. Remember, Capt. Dave's all about making sure you don't go home empty-handed, so you're in for a good day no matter what.
Snook: These bad boys are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They're known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - it's like they're trying to put on a show just for you. Snook love to hang out around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove shorelines and dock pilings. They're at their most active during the warmer months, making summer and early fall prime time for snook fishing. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the fight of a big snook on light tackle!
Sea Trout: If you're after a fish that's both fun to catch and great on the dinner table, sea trout are your go-to. These guys are plentiful in Crystal River, and they're not too picky about what they'll bite. We'll be drifting over grass flats, using both artificial lures and live bait to entice them. Sea trout are year-round residents, but the bite really heats up in the cooler months. They're known for their distinctive spotted pattern and their tendency to school up, so when you find one, you've often found many!
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among local anglers. They're famous for their bull-dog-like fights and that signature spot on their tail. We'll be targeting them in shallow water, often sight-fishing which adds a whole new level of excitement to the chase. Redfish are around all year, but fall is when they really shine, schooling up in big numbers. There's nothing quite like watching a redfish's tail sticking up out of the water as it roots around for food - it's a sight that gets every angler's heart racing!
Crystal River isn't just another fishing spot - it's a slice of Florida paradise that keeps folks coming back year after year. The mix of fishing and scalloping on this trip is hard to beat. Where else can you reel in a trophy snook in the morning and be collecting your own seafood feast by afternoon? It's not just about what ends up in the cooler, though. It's about those moments - watching the sun rise over the water, feeling that first tug on your line, or the excitement of spotting a scallop nestled in the sea grass. And with Capt. Dave at the helm, you're not just getting a guide, you're getting a local who knows these waters like the back of his hand and is just as excited as you are to be out there.
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a day on the water that's got a little bit of everything, this Crystal River charter is your ticket. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Capt. Dave's got you covered. You'll be fishing for some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species and diving for tasty scallops all in one action-packed day. It's family-friendly, so bring the kids and start making those memories. The boat's ready, the fish are waiting, and the scallops are calling your name. Don't let this chance slip away - book your spot now and get ready for a Crystal River adventure you'll be talking about for years to come!
Redfish are a favorite target in Crystal River's shallows. These bronze bruisers typically run 20-30 inches and love to root around in water as shallow as 1-2 feet deep. Look for their backs and tails poking above the surface as they feed. Fall is prime time when big schools push into the flats. Reds are prized for their strong fights and great table fare. They'll test your gear with powerful runs. To fool one, try working a gold spoon or soft plastic jerk bait slowly along oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. A local secret is to listen for them tailing in really shallow water - you can often sight cast to feeding fish.
Sea trout are one of our most popular inshore species. These spotted beauties usually run 14-24 inches and love to cruise grass flats and channels in 3-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially around moving tides. Sea trout are known for their soft, delicate white meat. They put up a decent fight too, with head shakes and short runs. To target them, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork over the flats. If you see diving birds, there's a good chance trout are feeding underneath. A local trick is to use a light drag - their mouths are pretty soft and they'll often throw the hook with too much pressure.
Snook are a blast to catch here in Crystal River. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long and love to hang around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow water. They're ambush feeders, so look for them lurking in the shadows. Fall and spring are prime times as they move in and out of the backcountry. Snook put up an awesome fight - they'll make blistering runs and try to wrap you around anything they can. Their meat is delicious too, with a mild, buttery flavor. To entice a strike, I like to work a soft plastic jerk bait with erratic twitches right past likely holding spots. Just be ready when they hammer it!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 130