Ready for a real Florida fishing adventure? Hop aboard with Capt. David of Salty Day Fishing Charters for a full day of inshore action in Crystal River. We're not just talking about dropping a line and hoping for the best. This is hands-on, get-your-feet-wet kind of fishing that'll have you reeling in snapper, redfish, and more before you can say "tight lines!"
Picture this: You're cruising through Crystal River's pristine inshore waters, rod in hand, with Capt. David at the helm. He knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the fish. We're talking a full day of casting, reeling, and hopefully, catching! But here's the kicker - after you've had your fill of fishing, Capt. David's got a surprise up his sleeve. He'll whisk you away to one of Crystal River's hidden gem islands where he'll fire up the grill and cook up your catch of the day. Now that's what I call the full Florida experience!
Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing or if your last catch was a rubber boot at the county fair. Capt. David's got you covered. He'll walk you through everything from baiting your hook to setting the drag. We use top-notch gear that's perfect for these waters, and Capt. David's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to help you land the big one. Whether you're jigging for snapper or sight-casting to tailing redfish, you'll be fishing like a pro in no time.
"Great day on the water! Dave was ready when we arrived. He was very through with his instructions and the game plan for the day. We stopped in the river for him to give instructions to everyone so even the least experienced of us was prepared for the day. We tried a few locations and moved as necessary to find fish, which we did! Numerous keeper reds and a couple nice overs, plenty of trout, and even a black drum, a pompano, and a Spanish mackerel. Great guide and a fantastic day on the water!" - Ellen
"Captain Dave is a true professional. Great equipment, knowledgeable in finding fish in changing weather conditions. Was a little worried about fishing after a cold front, but Captain put us on the fish. Very accommodating and courteous. Very good day and will be booking again" - Duane
"We had such an amazing experience fishing with Captain David Stump. We had along our two boys, 7 and 9, and Captain was so awesome and patient with helping them fish and showing them what to do. It was a windy day and he powered through it with us and made it so much fun! We would recommend Salty Day Fishing!" - Allysa
Let's talk about what's biting in Crystal River. We've got a smorgasbord of species that'll test your skills and fill your cooler.
Snook: These bad boys are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They're sneaky, they're strong, and they put up one heck of a fight. Snook love to hang out around mangroves and dock pilings, so we'll be casting right into their living room. The best part? They're delicious on the grill, with a flavor that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you. These little guys pack a punch when it comes to both fighting spirit and taste. We usually find them around structure, and they're suckers for a well-presented bait. Grey snapper are available year-round, but they really turn on during the warmer months.
Sea Trout: If you're looking for a fish that's both fun to catch and great on the plate, sea trout is your guy. These spotted beauties love to hang out over grass flats and they're suckers for a well-worked lure. The "gator" trout (the big ones) can put up a surprisingly good fight, so keep your rod tip up!
Redfish: Ah, the redfish. These copper-colored bulldogs are a favorite among Crystal River anglers. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail, and when they're "tailing" in shallow water, it's a sight that'll get any fisherman's heart racing. Redfish put up a great fight and they're absolutely delicious. We often find them cruising the flats or hanging around oyster bars.
Crystal River isn't just another fishing spot - it's a inshore angler's paradise. The mix of fresh and saltwater creates a unique ecosystem that attracts a variety of fish species. You've got grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and plenty of structure for fish to hide around. And let's not forget the crystal-clear water (hey, that's how it got its name!) that lets you spot fish before they even know you're there.
But it's not just about the fish. While you're out there, keep your eyes peeled for manatees, dolphins, and all sorts of birds. It's like fishing in a nature documentary!
So, what do you say? Ready to experience the best of Crystal River fishing? With Capt. David at the helm, you're in for a day of non-stop action, plenty of fish in the cooler, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, this trip is tailor-made for a good time. Don't let this one get away - book your spot on Salty Day Fishing Charters and get ready to make some waves!
March 22, 2025
Captain Dave is a true professional. Great equipment, knowledgeable in finding fish in changing weather conditions. Was a little worried about fishing after a cold front, but Captain put us on the fish. Very accommodating and courteous. Very good day and will be booking again
February 8, 2025
We had a salty day with Capt. Dave! He put in the extra effort to make sure we had a great day fishing in challenging conditions. It was a windy day that kept us inshore. We caught Several Speckled Trout, Mackerel, a Flounder and a Black Drum. Fought a few Bonnet head sharks and ladyfish, fun to fight but not suitable for the menu. Also saw a variety of wildlife to include Manatees, Pelicans, Cormorants and an Eagle! Captain provided everything we needed and will definitely look him up for our next day out. Thanks again Captain.
June 2, 2023
We had such an amazing experience fishing with Captain David Stump. We had along our two boys, 7 and 9, and Captain was so awesome and patient with helping them fish and showing them what to do. It was a windy day and he powered through it with us and made it so much fun! We would recommend Salty Day Fishing!
May 10, 2024
Captain David did it again! He definitely knows the spots and makes sure you have a great fishing experience. Great boat, best dog and happy customers!
October 4, 2024
When in Crystal River, we will always fish with Captain Dave! Great captain and a man of integrity!
January 10, 2025
Great day on the water in Crystal River with Captain David Stump and Salty Day Charters! Lots of fish and easy on and off the boat. Can’t wait to go again!
September 2, 2023
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call 'em, are sneaky little thieves that'll test your skills. Most run 10-14 inches, but the big boys offshore can hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around any structure - docks, rocks, reefs - in 5-50 feet of water. They're here year-round, but summer's prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their clever nature and excellent table fare. That white, flaky meat is hard to beat. To catch 'em, I'd recommend a light fluorocarbon leader and small live shrimp. Hook it through the tail so it swims naturally. Grey snapper have keen eyesight, so keep your presentation subtle. Here's a local tip: chum heavily to get them fired up, then float a bait back into the chum slick. Once they start feeding, it can be non-stop action.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats, known for their powerful runs and stamina. Most reds we catch are "slot" fish between 18-27 inches, but bulls over 40 inches cruise the deeper channels. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or pushing wakes along mangrove shorelines, often in less than 2 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love targeting reds for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, I like using gold spoons or scented soft plastics. Work them slowly along the bottom, mimicking a crab or shrimp. Here's a local tip: look for "nervous water" or mud boils in clear shallows. That's often a dead giveaway for feeding redfish. Once you spot 'em, make a long cast ahead of their path and hang on tight!
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple in Crystal River. Most run 14-20 inches, but gators over 24 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them over grass flats and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They're active year-round, but fall and spring offer the best action as they follow bait schools. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and mild, flaky meat. To target sea trout, I like using soft plastics under a popping cork. Work it with sharp jerks to mimic a wounded baitfish. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times, especially on moving tides. Here's a local secret: fish deeper holes on cold days. The trout stack up in these thermal refuges. A slow-rolled jig can be deadly in this situation. Remember, sea trout have soft mouths, so set the hook with a smooth, sweeping motion.
Snook are a prized catch in Crystal River, known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. These sleek predators typically range from 24-34 inches, with some monsters pushing 40+. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps hit that sweet spot. Snook put up an amazing fight and taste great, but watch out for that sharp gill plate! When targeting them, I like to use live pilchards or pinfish on a circle hook. Let it drift naturally with the current. Patience is key - snook can be finicky, but when they hit, hold on tight! One local trick: fish the outgoing tide around creek mouths. The snook stack up to ambush bait getting flushed out. It's an awesome sight when a big linesider crushes your bait on the surface.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
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Great day on the water! Dave was ready when we arrived. He was very through with his instructions and the game plan for the day. We stopped in the river for him to give instructions to everyone so even the least experienced of us was prepared for the day. We tried a few locations and moved as necessary to find fish, which we did! Numerous keeper reds and a couple nice overs, plenty of trout, and even a black drum, a pompano, and a Spanish mackerel. Great guide and a fantastic day on the water!