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World-Class Inshore Fishing | Crystal River Charters

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Crystal River
  • $325 - $600 price range
  • Updated Date: September 8, 2025

Summary

Spend a half day on the water with Fish Hunter Tours, exploring the rich fishing grounds of Crystal River. This 8-hour trip gives you plenty of time to target a variety of species, including redfish, cobia, spotted seatrout, snook, and more. Your experienced guide knows the best spots to find the fish you're after, whether that's stalking the mangroves for snapper or searching for big cobia in open water. With room for two guests, it's a perfect outing for a pair of fishing buddies or a parent and child. The Crystal River area offers diverse habitats, from grass flats to deeper channels, giving you a shot at both inshore favorites and some larger offshore species. Your guide will provide all the gear and knowledge you need, so you can focus on enjoying the day and hopefully landing some impressive catches. Remember, a great fishing trip is about more than just the fish – it's about soaking in the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast and creating lasting memories on the water.
World-Class Inshore Fishing | Crystal River Charters

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

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Redfish caught in FL

Trophy redfish caught in Crystal River

Photo of a single 16-inch redfish caught fishing in FL

Crystal River: angler’s fishing paradise

Redfish caught during fishing tour in Florida

Hooked on Crystal River’s freshwater fish

A fisherman stands in the Crystal River, ready for a great fishing adventure.

Austin dropped the hammer on his personal best redfish!!

3 redfish caught during a fishing tour in Crystal River

Crystal River Redfish Fishing: reels and thrills

Best fishing tours in FL

Reeling in trophy fish at Crystal River

Redfish caught during guided fishing tour in Crystal River

Crystal River flats: perfect fishing spots

Angler fishing in FL

Catching shark in Crystal River waters

One person enjoying a fishing tour in Crystal River

Crystal River shark on the line today

A person fishing in FL

Fishing the scenic Crystal River flats

Redfish caught in FL

Trophy redfish caught in Crystal River

Photo of a single 16-inch redfish caught fishing in FL

Crystal River: angler’s fishing paradise

Redfish caught during fishing tour in Florida

Hooked on Crystal River’s freshwater fish

A fisherman stands in the Crystal River, ready for a great fishing adventure.

Austin dropped the hammer on his personal best redfish!!

3 redfish caught during a fishing tour in Crystal River

Crystal River Redfish Fishing: reels and thrills

Best fishing tours in FL

Reeling in trophy fish at Crystal River

Redfish caught during guided fishing tour in Crystal River

Crystal River flats: perfect fishing spots

Angler fishing in FL

Catching shark in Crystal River waters

One person enjoying a fishing tour in Crystal River

Crystal River shark on the line today

A person fishing in FL

Fishing the scenic Crystal River flats

Redfish caught in FL

Trophy redfish caught in Crystal River

Photo of a single 16-inch redfish caught fishing in FL

Crystal River: angler’s fishing paradise

Redfish caught during fishing tour in Florida

Hooked on Crystal River’s freshwater fish

A fisherman stands in the Crystal River, ready for a great fishing adventure.

Austin dropped the hammer on his personal best redfish!!

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Crystal River's Top-Rated Half-Day Fishing Trip

Ready to hook into some of Florida's most prized inshore species? Fish Hunter Tours has got you covered with our half-day guided fishing trip right here in Crystal River. Whether you're chasing redfish in the flats or battling cobia near the reefs, we'll put you on the fish and show you the ropes. This isn't just another day on the water – it's a chance to learn from a local pro and land some serious catches.

What's Biting Today?

Our half-day trips are perfect for anglers of all skill levels. We'll cruise the crystal-clear waters, hitting prime spots for redfish, snook, tarpon, sheepshead, and cobia. The beauty of fishing Crystal River is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds, the next you're working a mangrove line for snook. I'll bring all the gear and local know-how, you just need to be ready to reel 'em in.

Rods, Reels, and Local Secrets

We use light tackle spinning gear, perfect for the inshore action. I'll show you how to work soft plastics, throw topwater lures, or use live bait depending on what's hot. We might be poling the flats, drifting grass beds, or anchoring up on a honey hole. The key is adapting to what the fish want, and I'll teach you how to read the water and pick the right presentation. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing – I'll walk you through everything from setting the hook to handling those toothy critters.

Tales from the Boat

"Bryan is such an awesome and down to earth guide! We have used him several times now and he always manages to make our day amazing and is always able to put us on the fish! He is also great with kids and he even incorporated some math into our fishing trip during the summer with our 9 year old!" - Kristen

"Had a great experience on a half day fishing charter. Bryan knows all the spots for each fish in season and all the rules on what you can keep. We caught some good keepers and even accidentally brought in a shark. He brought the bait, baited hooks, helped us learn to cast, and we caught some giant fish. Overall great day. Highly recommend" - Lucas

"This was our first saltwater experience and Bryan was fantastic! We are lifelong freshwater fishers and what a difference. Bryan was great at teaching us how to stop setting the hook like we do with freshwater bass. We finally got it....well mostly and caught plenty of fish. Bryan was great and professional. We all laughed at our setting the hook and slapping each other while doing it. This was a paid trip but it was more like being out with a lifelong friend just having a great time on the water. Can't wait to do it again with Bryan even though we have our own boat." - Ryan

Crystal River's Inshore All-Stars

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Crystal River anglers. They love to cruise the shallows, often with their tails waving above the water as they root for crabs. Redfish put up a great fight and are delicious on the dinner table. Fall is prime time for big schools, but we catch them year-round.

Snook: The legendary snook is one of Florida's most sought-after game fish. These ambush predators love to hang around mangrove shorelines and dock pilings. They're known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Spring and summer are peak seasons, but we target them whenever water temps are right.

Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," tarpon are the ultimate test of an angler's skill. These prehistoric giants can reach over 100 pounds and are famous for their spectacular leaps and powerful runs. Late spring through summer is prime tarpon time in Crystal River, offering heart-pounding action.

Sheepshead: Don't let their striped appearance fool you – these fish are masters of bait-stealing. Sheepshead have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. They're a blast to catch around structure and make excellent table fare. Winter is the best time to target big schools.

Cobia: Often called "ling" or "lemonfish," cobia are curious and hard-fighting fish that can reach over 50 pounds. They love to follow large rays or hang around buoys and markers. Spring and fall migrations offer the best shot at these prized fish, known for their excellent meat.

Time to Wet a Line

Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our Crystal River half-day trip is the perfect way to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing. We'll work hard to put you on fish, teach you new techniques, and create memories that'll have you coming back for more. The beauty of Crystal River, the thrill of the catch, and the knowledge you'll gain – it all adds up to an experience you won't forget. Don't let another season slip by without getting out on the water. Book your trip with Fish Hunter Tours today, and let's go catch some fish!

Customer Reviews

Bryans Fish Magic

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Bryan is such an awesome and down to earth guide! We have used him several times now and he always manages to make our day amazing and is always able to put us on the fish! He is also great with kids and he even incorporated some math into our fishing trip during the summer with our 9 year old!

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Kristen T

August 13, 2024

Crystal River Bonanza

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Had an awesome fishing trip on Crystal River with Captain Bryan!!! Our crew was 3 boys and myself! He knew right where the fish would be! We even had a dolphin lead us out of the Crystal River area! Best fishing trip ever! This was the only fishing trip where I have caught the most fish in one trip! We can’t wait to go again, the boys are already planning their birthday trips to fish with captain Bryan! He also brings ice cold water to beat that Florida sun! Fish on!!!!!

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HM
Heather M

August 26, 2024

Hooks Baits Keepers

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Had a great experience on a half day fishing charter. Bryan knows all the spots for each fish in season and all the rules on what you can keep. We caught some good keepers and even accidentally brought in a shark. He brought the bait, baited hooks, helped us learn to cast, and we caught some giant fish. Overall great day. Highly recommend

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LT
Lucas T

August 26, 2024

Family Fish Frenzy

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Captain Brian was such a pleasure. Our family had an incredible time. He had us on fish for most of the morning. It was a half day charter and he cleaned our catches. I would recommend 100% especially if you have kids or anyone new to fishing. He taught us so much! Thanks Captain!

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Courtney J

July 17, 2024

Scallop Fun Ahoy

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We had the best time on our scalloping trip! Bryan made sure we were all comfortable and safe the whole time letting us just focus on having a ton of fun. We definitely plan on going back again for more scalloping and fishing in the future! :)

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KS
Kelsey S

June 15, 2024

Saltwater Sensation

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This was our first saltwater experience and Bryan was fantastic! We are lifelong freshwater fishers and what a difference. Bryan was great at teaching us how to stop setting the hook like we do with freshwater bass. We finally got it....well mostly and caught plenty of fish. Bryan was great and professional. We all laughed at our setting the hook and slapping each other while doing it. This was a paid trip but it was more like being out with a lifelong friend just having a great time on the water. Can't wait to do it again with Bryan even though we have our own boat.

Read More
RF
Ryan F

May 15, 2024

Monster Catch Thrill

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This was my second time going out with Bryan in Crystal river and I was not disappointed!! He’s extremely knowledgeable of both the area, fishing conditions for the time of the year, what to catch and how to catch it! I caught multiple trouts including a 24” monster! Also first time ever catching and holding a puffer fish. Not only was it an amazing fishing experience, but also a great learning experience as well. Captain Bryan genuinely enjoys teaching his clients fishing skills they can’t take home with them! I recommend this charter to both natives and tourists who want to have a blast on the water and catch monster fish!

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KS
Kendall S

April 10, 2024

Nonstop Fish Fest

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We had an amazing day on the water with Captain Bryan! He had us on fish nonstop all day and was great about teaching all of us (including an 8 year old who outfished everybody) the tips and techniques to hooking up all sorts of fish. He was super friendly and knowledgeable, really can't say enough good things about the experience. I've been on other charter boats before with mixed results but this trip was awesome start to finish! Thank you again Captain Bryan!

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Jason P

May 16, 2024

Shark Landing Thrills

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Amazing adventure with Captain Bryan! We landed many fish, including two huge sharks! Can't wait for our next trip!!!

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NB B

July 15, 2024

Fish Freezer Filler

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I recommend everyone to take one day out of this crazy busy world we live in and book a day charter with Captain Bryan.... we have now done at least 10 and can honestly say I wouldn’t book with anyone else. Such an amazing person and very wonderful fisherman. He said we would put fish in the freezer and we definitely did.. Thank you for an amazing time and no worries we will be booking again real soon..

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Cindy E

June 25, 2024

Scallop Day Delight

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We had the most amazing day with Captain Bryan! He gave us the perfect balance of freedom and advice for us to have a perfect day!!! We had our 7 year old with us which wasn’t the easiest while scalloping but any time he was with Captain Bryan we were blown away with his care and attentiveness! We will absolutely be booking with Captain Brian again!

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Ellen H

March 12, 2024

Family Fish Fantasy

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Our family had the best time with Captain Bryan. He was persistent in making sure all 3 kids caught fish and was just so kind, patient and a great teacher. He took us to several locations where we were able to catch a lot of fish. I’ve been fishing my whole life and this was the best experience I’ve ever had. Anyone looking for an amazing fishing experience look no further. We will definitely be back.

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Julie S

February 13, 2024

Learn more about the animals

Cobia

Cobia are the bruisers of Crystal River, often mistaken for sharks with their long, dark bodies. These lone wolves typically run 20-40 pounds, but can top 100 pounds. You'll find them around buoys, channel markers, and floating debris from spring through fall. Cobia are curious fish, often swimming right up to the boat. Anglers love their hard-fighting nature and excellent table quality. To catch one, keep your eyes peeled – sight-fishing is key. When you spot a cobia, toss a live eel or large jig their way. They're not picky eaters. My local trick is to always have a ready rod with a bucktail jig – cobia often show up unexpectedly, and you need to be quick on the draw. Once hooked, be ready for a long, powerful fight. These fish don't give up easily!

Cobia

Redfish

Redfish are a Crystal River favorite, known for their coppery color and distinctive tail spot. Most "reds" we catch run 18-27 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches in deeper water. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, often in just a foot or two of water. Fall and winter are prime seasons when big schools push into the flats. Anglers love sight-fishing for reds, watching them crush topwater lures or scented soft plastics. They put up a strong, bulldogging fight and make excellent table fare. To improve your odds, look for "nervous water" or mud boils where reds are rooting for crabs and shrimp. My local tip: on sunny days, use gold spoons – the flash mimics baitfish and drives redfish crazy.

Redfish

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the striped convicts of Crystal River, easily recognized by their human-like teeth and black bars. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they can reach up to 15 pounds. You'll find these structure-loving fish around docks, pilings, and oyster beds year-round, with the best action in winter and early spring. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, using those teeth to nibble crabs and barnacles off pilings. Anglers enjoy the challenge of outsmarting them and their delicious, mild white meat. To catch one, use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp. My local secret is to scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up, then drop your bait right in the mix. Just be ready to set the hook fast – these crafty fish can strip a hook clean in seconds!

Sheepshead

Snook

Snook are a prized catch here in Crystal River, known for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty white meat. These sleek, silver fish typically run 20-30 inches, but can grow over 40 inches. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structures in our shallow coastal waters. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between their summer and winter haunts. Anglers love targeting snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps when hooked. To land one, try using live bait like pinfish or mullet, or lures that mimic their prey. My local tip: fish the outgoing tide around mangrove points for your best shot at a trophy snook. Just remember, they're catch-and-release only from December through February to protect the spawning population.

Snook

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of Crystal River, and for good reason. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 6 feet long and 100 pounds, putting up a spectacular aerial show when hooked. You'll find them rolling in our shallow flats and channels from spring through fall, with peak action in summer. Tarpon migrate through our waters, following bait schools and warming temps. Anglers come from all over to test their skills against these giants. The thrill is in the chase and the jumps – tarpon are strictly catch-and-release. To hook up, we'll sight-fish with live bait or flies, looking for their telltale silver flashes. My go-to trick is to "bow to the king" when they jump, lowering your rod tip to prevent the hook from tearing out. Be ready for a battle royale that can last over an hour with a big one!

Tarpon

About the The Fish Hunter

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 140

Hop aboard for a half-day fishing adventure in the scenic waters of Crystal River. Our experienced guides know all the best spots to reel in prized catches like redfish, cobia, and more. Whether you're an avid angler or new to fishing, this trip offers something for everyone. We'll cruise the inshore areas, targeting a variety of species including spotted seatrout, snook, mangrove snapper, and sheepshead. With room for two guests, it's perfect for a fun outing with a friend or loved one. Our knowledgeable crew will share tips and techniques to help you land that big one. Soak in the Florida sunshine and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery as we navigate Crystal River's waterways. This 4-hour trip provides ample time to cast your line and hopefully bring home some fresh fish for dinner. All necessary gear is provided, so just bring your sense of adventure and get ready for a memorable day on the water.
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