/filters:format(jpeg,png)/fit-in/300x300/guide_websites/2295/images/huston-logo.jpg){kind=logo}
/filters:format(jpeg,png)/fit-in/237x80/guide_websites/2295/images/huston-logo.jpg){kind=logo}
Trophy Redfish Success with Dave Huston
Redfish Fishing in Crystal River
5.0
2 Reviews
- 5
100% - 4
0% - 30%
- 20%
- 10%
%2F%2Fusers%2F55aa61e4-e6f0-4d2c-8129-eaa0a80f506e%2Fimages%2Fredfish-catch-hustons-outdoor-adventures-4516.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. - Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Also known as Red Drum, prized by anglers for their fighting ability and light flavor.
Fishing, Hunting Adventures by Captain Dave Huston in September
Meet your Captain Dave Huston
- Best Fishing and Scalloping in Crystal River, FL
Summary
Captain Dave Huston of Hustons Outdoor Adventures on Sunday September offers exceptional inshore fishing charters targeting redfish, trout, snook, and flounder in Crystal River's pristine backcountry waters. These 4-hour or 7-hour fishing trips combine drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting techniques across the grass flats and mangrove maze that make Crystal River famous for consistent redfish action. With all gear and licenses included, up to 6 anglers can experience the hot fall bite when redfish cruise the flats and feed aggressively. Local knowledge and proven techniques ensure memorable fishing experiences in one of Florida's premier inshore destinations, complete with complimentary catch cleaning service.
Fishing Charter with Captain Dave Huston – Rates & Booking
Captain Dave Huston of Hustons Outdoor Adventures on Sunday September offers 4-hour and 7-hour inshore fishing charters starting at competitive rates for up to 6 anglers. All essential fishing gear, licenses, and tackle are included, plus complimentary catch cleaning service. Book your Crystal River redfish charter online or call for current availability and seasonal pricing. Licensed guide with extensive local knowledge of Crystal River's backcountry waters and grass flats.
Highlights of Half Day Fishing Trip In Crystal River - Redfish, Trout And More
Experience Crystal River's renowned inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, snook, and flounder in the scenic backcountry waters. Captain Dave combines drift fishing in deeper pockets with casting lures along grass lines, utilizing the varied structure and flats that make these waters so productive. The fall season brings aggressive feeding patterns, with redfish cruising the flats and providing consistent action for anglers of all skill levels.
Recent trips showcase the quality fishing available, with bent rods and great memories throughout the day. The combination of techniques keeps lines in the water and maintains steady action, whether you're new to inshore fishing or a seasoned angler looking for that next trophy redfish.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Crystal River's redfish thrive in the shallow grass flats and mangrove maze, feeding aggressively during fall months when water temperatures cool and baitfish concentrate. These copper-backed fighters prefer 1-4 feet of water around structure, making them perfect targets for light tackle fishing. Captain Dave's local knowledge pinpoints the best spots where redfish cruise and feed, using proven techniques like drift fishing over deeper pockets and casting lures along grass edges for consistent hookups.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Crystal River fishing adventure includes a well-equipped boat suitable for navigating shallow backcountry waters, all fishing gear and tackle, plus Florida fishing licenses. Trips accommodate up to 6 anglers with flexible 4-hour or 7-hour options to match your schedule. Early morning departures take advantage of prime feeding times, and complimentary catch cleaning service ensures you take home fresh fillets. Captain Dave provides local expertise on techniques, tides, and seasonal patterns that make Crystal River one of Florida's premier inshore fishing destinations.
Fishing in Crystal River: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are iconic game fish found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Members of the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order, these copper-backed fighters are easily identified by their distinctive red coloration and one or more black eyespots near the tail. In Crystal River waters this September, redfish provide some of the most consistent inshore fishing action available to anglers.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and grow quite large, with the biggest specimens exceeding 50 pounds. Their popularity stems from their willingness to take both live bait and artificial lures, making them accessible to anglers using various techniques.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in shallow coastal waters, grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Crystal River's backcountry waters provide ideal habitat with extensive grass flats, deeper pockets, and varied structure. Redfish prefer water depths of 1-4 feet but can be found in deeper channels and nearshore waters depending on season and feeding patterns.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, weighing between 10 and 45 pounds at maturity. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches in Florida) are most commonly targeted by anglers, while oversized "bull" redfish over 27 inches provide trophy fishing opportunities. The largest recorded redfish exceeded 90 pounds, though fish over 40 pounds are considered exceptional catches.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, pinfish, and other small fish. They often feed by "tailing" in shallow water, with their tails visible above the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp in the grass. This behavior makes them excellent sight-fishing targets, especially during calm conditions when their wakes and tails are easily spotted.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, typically when water temperatures range from 70-85°F. During this period, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper waters to spawn, creating excellent fishing opportunities. Post-spawn fish often move back into shallow waters to feed heavily, rebuilding energy reserves.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include sight fishing with topwater lures, casting soft plastics along grass edges, and using live shrimp or crabs near structure. In Crystal River, drift fishing over deeper pockets combined with casting lures along grass lines proves highly effective. During September, anglers find success using gold spoons, soft plastic jigs, and live bait around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines where redfish ambush prey.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is lean and flakes easily when cooked, making it versatile for grilling, blackening, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other game fish species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crabs are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic jigs, and topwater plugs work well for artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Crystal River?
A: Focus on grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and deeper pockets in the backcountry waters where redfish cruise and feed.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried, and they're high in protein and omega-3s.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months like September offer excellent redfish action as they feed aggressively in preparation for spawning, with early morning and late afternoon being prime times.
More species you can explore on this trip
Hustons Outdoor Adventures Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Ready for some laid-back fishing fun in Crystal River? Join us for a half-day trip where you can cast your line for redfish, trout, flounder, and other local favorites. We've got everything you need - rods, reels, bait, and even the fishing licenses are covered. No need to sweat the details. This cozy boat has room for you and a buddy to stretch out and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying your hand for the first time, you'll have a blast reeling in the catch of the day. And when it's time to head back, we'll even clean your fish for you. It's the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon soaking up the Florida sunshine and experiencing the natural beauty of Crystal River. So grab a friend, pack some snacks, and get ready for a chill day of fishing and fun.