Get ready for a jam-packed day on the water with Hustons Outdoor Adventures! We're talking the best of both worlds here - inshore fishing AND scalloping all rolled into one killer trip. Captain Dave's got you covered with all the gear and know-how to make this a day you won't forget. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to try something new, this full-day trip has got it all. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the flats of Crystal River for some serious action!
Picture this: You're cruising the shallow waters of Crystal River, rod in hand, ready to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. We're talking snook hiding under mangroves, redfish tailing in the grass flats, and sea trout busting bait on the surface. But that's just half the fun! Once we've put some fish in the box, it's time to switch gears and go treasure hunting for those tasty bay scallops. It's like an underwater Easter egg hunt, only way more delicious. And the best part? Captain Dave's got all the licenses and gear sorted, so you can focus on having a blast.
Let's break down how this two-for-one trip works. We'll start off with some good old-fashioned fishing. Depending on the tide and conditions, we might be throwing soft plastics for trout, sight-casting to redfish, or working topwater lures for explosive snook strikes. Captain Dave knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for some prime fishing spots. When it's time to switch to scalloping, we'll anchor up in the crystal-clear shallows. You'll gear up with a mask, snorkel, and mesh bag (all provided), and then it's time to hit the water. Scalloping is a hands-on experience - you'll be swimming along, spotting those little blue eyes peeking out from the grass, and scooping them up. It's a bit like snorkeling meets hunting, and trust me, it's addictive!
Snook: These bad boys are the prize of inshore fishing around here. Known as the 'soap dish' for their distinctive profile, snook are ambush predators that love to hang around structure. They put up one heck of a fight, often making blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Late spring through summer is prime time for snook fishing in Crystal River. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big snook crushing a topwater lure at dawn.
Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these guys are a staple of inshore fishing. They might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and taste. Trout love to school up over grass flats and will happily hit a variety of lures and live bait. The 'gator' trout (the big ones) can put up a surprisingly good fight. Fall and winter are great for targeting big trout in Crystal River.
Redfish: Ah, the redfish - also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a sight to behold. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail, and when they're 'tailing' in shallow water, it's one of the coolest things you'll see while fishing. Reds can be caught year-round in Crystal River, but fall is particularly good. They're not picky eaters, which makes them great for anglers of all skill levels. And let me tell you, a blackened redfish for dinner? That's hard to beat.
This trip is a real crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. Where else can you get world-class inshore fishing AND scalloping in one go? It's like the best of Florida wrapped up in a day on the water. You've got the thrill of hooking into a big snook or redfish, the laid-back fun of scalloping in crystal-clear water, and the satisfaction of bringing home a mixed bag of fish and shellfish for dinner. Plus, Captain Dave's wealth of local knowledge means you're not just catching fish, you're learning about the ecosystem and picking up tips and tricks along the way. It's the kind of trip that turns first-timers into repeat customers, guaranteed.
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a full day of non-stop action on the water, this is your ticket. You'll get to experience the best of Crystal River's inshore fishing and scalloping, all guided by a local pro who knows these waters inside and out. Everything's included - gear, licenses, the works - so all you need to bring is yourself, some snacks, and a good attitude. This trip's priced for two people with room for a third, making it perfect for couples, families, or a group of friends. Trust me, you'll be talking about this day for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Spots fill up fast, especially during peak scallop season. Give Hustons Outdoor Adventures a call and lock in your date. The fish are biting, the scallops are hiding, and Captain Dave's ready to show you the time of your life on Crystal River. Let's go!
Redfish are one of our most popular targets here in Crystal River. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow flats and oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. Most run 20-30 inches, but big bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Fall is prime time as reds school up to spawn. They put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs to break free. Redfish are also excellent eating, with a sweet, mild flavor. To catch more reds, look for their tails waving above the surface as they root for crabs. Cast a gold spoon or scented soft plastic just ahead of them, retrieving slowly. When you feel that telltale thump, hang on tight – it's gonna be a fun ride!
Sea trout are a blast to catch and great eating too. These spotted beauties usually run 14-20 inches but can reach over 30. Look for them over grass flats and along drop-offs in 3-8 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Sea trout hit lures aggressively and put up a nice fight on light tackle. Their mild, flaky white meat is hard to beat. To land more trout, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork. Pop it every few seconds to mimic fleeing bait. When you see the cork go under, reel fast and set the hook – trout have soft mouths, so don't horse them in.
Snook are real bruisers that love to hang around structure. You'll find these silver-sided fighters lurking near mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 3-6 feet of water. They typically run 20-30 inches but can grow over 40. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps change. Snook put up an awesome fight, making blistering runs and aerial leaps. Their white, flaky meat is delicious too. To hook one, work a soft plastic jerk bait or live pilchard along mangrove edges on an incoming tide. Let it sit, then give it a twitch – that often triggers a savage strike. Just be ready to muscle them away from the roots fast or you'll get broken off.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 130