Escape to Crystal River for a 3-night stay at Paddletail Waterfront Resort on Kings Bay. This package includes 2 full days of fishing with Capt. Mike, targeting a variety of fish species in the area. You'll be steps away from local restaurants and entertainment, perfect for enjoying your catch at waterfront eateries. The convenient dock location means easy pick-up and drop-off for your fishing adventures. Ideal for pairs, this trip can also accommodate larger groups with additional boats and experienced captains. You'll get a true taste of Crystal River's charm, combining relaxation at the resort with exciting days out on the water. It's a great way to experience the best of inshore fishing while soaking in the local atmosphere.
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Ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime? Grab your gear and join us for three nights of pure angling bliss in Crystal River. We're talking comfy digs at Paddletail Waterfront Resort, two full days on the water with Capt. Mike (who knows these waters like the back of his hand), and some of the best inshore action you'll find in Florida. Whether you're after hard-fighting redfish or elusive snook, we've got you covered. And the best part? You're just a stone's throw from top-notch restaurants eager to cook up your catch. It's time to make some fish stories that'll have your buddies green with envy!
Picture this: You roll into Crystal River, drop your bags at the Paddletail (it used to be the Best Western, for you old-timers), and you're already eyeing Kings Bay from your window. The town's got everything you need right at your fingertips – good eats, cold drinks, and plenty of local flavor. For two solid days, you'll be out on the water with Capt. Mike, chasing whatever's biting. We're talking redfish, cobia, black sea bass, snook, black drum – you name it, we're after it. And when you've had your fill of fishing? Just stroll back to your comfy room or hit up one of the waterfront joints to show off your catch of the day. It's the perfect setup for groups too – we can easily bring in more boats and guides if you've got a whole crew coming.
Alright, let's talk fishing. We're not messing around with any fancy, complicated setups here. Capt. Mike's got you covered with all the gear you need – we're talking light to medium tackle that's perfect for inshore fishing. You'll be doing a mix of live bait fishing and artificial lures, depending on what's working that day. We might be drifting grass flats, working mangrove shorelines, or even hitting some nearshore spots if the weather's right. The beauty of Crystal River is its variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish, the next you're working a popper for snook under the mangroves. And don't worry if you're new to this – Capt. Mike's got the patience of a saint and he'll have you casting like a pro in no time.
"Excellent guide service and was a joy to be around. Very professional and knowledgeable of fishing and other wildlife we encountered. Looking forward to the next trip. Put us on fish and knows how to catch them. I learn something new every time we fish with Mike!" - Paul
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a Crystal River staple. They love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, often giving themselves away with their trademark tailing behavior. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch them year-round. Nothing beats the pull of a big red on light tackle – they'll make your drag sing!
Cobia: These curious creatures are like the puppies of the sea. They're known to follow boats and even sharks, making them a blast to sight-fish. Late spring and early summer is when they really show up, and they can get big – we're talking 30+ pounds. They're hard fighters and even better eating.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these little guys pack a punch. They love structure, so we'll be hitting rocky bottoms and artificial reefs. They're around all year, but winter sees some of the biggest ones. They're a favorite for kids and newbies because they're such eager biters.
Snook: Ah, the sneaky snook. These guys are the ninjas of the mangroves. They're ambush predators with a serious attitude problem – in the best way possible for anglers. Spring and fall are your best bets, especially around the new and full moons. Landing a big snook is a real feather in any angler's cap.
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are the gentle giants of Crystal River. They can get huge – we're talking 50+ pounds – but even the smaller ones put up a great fight. They love crustaceans, so we'll be using shrimp or crab to tempt them. Winter is prime time for the big ones, but you can catch them year-round.
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here in Crystal River, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. This 3-night, 2-day fishing package is the real deal – you get comfy lodging, world-class fishing, and all the local flavor you can handle. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Capt. Mike and the crew at Fishbonz Charters will make sure you have the time of your life. So what are you waiting for? Grab your buddies, clear your calendar, and let's get you on the water. The fish are calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss this call. Book now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action!
January 13, 2025
Black drum are an underrated catch that can really surprise you. Most run 5-30 pounds, but the big ones can top 80 pounds. You'll find them in brackish water around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. These fish put up a stubborn, bulldogging fight. Anglers like 'em for the challenge and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To catch 'em, try bottom fishing with crab or clams. Here's a local trick: listen for their distinctive drumming sound to locate schools. Just be patient - they can be finicky biters. Whether you're after a bull drum or some tasty fillets, black drum are a solid target.

Black sea bass are a fun, tasty target that's perfect for both new and experienced anglers. They usually run 1-4 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 8 pounds. You'll find them around structure like reefs, wrecks, and jetties in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring to summer is prime time when they move inshore. These fish put up a surprisingly good scrap for their size, especially on light tackle. Anglers love 'em for their firm, white meat that's great for fish tacos. To catch 'em, try bottom fishing with squid or cut bait. Here's a local trick: if you find a good spot, anchor up and chum a bit to really get them going. Just watch out for their sharp dorsal spines when unhooking.

Cobia are one of those fish that'll really test your skills. These bruisers can hit 6 feet long and 100 pounds, though most are in the 30-50 pound range. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime times as they migrate through. Cobia put up an epic battle - they're strong, fast, and known for wild jumps and runs. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and excellent eating. To land one, try sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live bait. A good local tip: keep an eye out for rays, as cobia often shadow them looking for an easy meal. Just be ready when you hook up - these fish don't give up easy.

Redfish are a real treat to catch around here. These fish typically run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. Look for them in shallow waters, especially around oyster beds and grassy flats. They love hanging out in water just 1-4 feet deep. Fall and spring are prime seasons when the water's not too hot or cold. Anglers get excited about redfish for their hard-pulling fights and that distinctive tail spot. If you're after a big one, try sight-fishing the flats with topwater lures. A local trick: on sunny days, scan for their copper-colored backs breaking the surface. Just remember to keep it quiet - these fish spook easy in shallow water. Whether you're looking for a fun catch-and-release or a tasty dinner, redfish deliver.

Snook are one of our top gamefish here. They typically run 24-34 inches but can get much bigger. You'll find them in mangroves, around docks, and in coastal creeks. They love moving water, so inlets and passes are good bets. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are right. Snook are famous for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Anglers go nuts for the challenge and their excellent eating quality. To hook one, try live bait like pinfish or lures that mimic baitfish. Here's a local tip: fish the outgoing tide at night around lighted docks - snook stack up to ambush prey in the current. Just be ready for that first run - they'll try to wrap you around every piling in sight.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
Ready for a laid-back fishing getaway in Crystal River? This 2-day, 3-night charter has you covered. Crash at the cozy Paddletail Waterfront Resort right on Kings Bay, where good food and fun are just a stone's throw away. You'll spend two full days out on the water with the skilled Capt. Mike, trying your luck at catching all sorts of fish. The best part? You can have your catch cooked up at one of the nearby waterfront eateries. No need to stress about transportation - the dock is an easy walk from the resort. And if you've got a bigger crew, no worries. We can hook you up with extra boats and guides to make sure everyone's in on the action. It's a chill way to experience some quality fishing and kick back in Crystal River. Why not give it a go?
Excellent guide service and was a joy to be around. Very professional and knowledgeable of fishing and other wildlife we encountered. Looking forward to the next trip. Put us on fish and knows how to catch them. I learn something new every time we fish with Mike!