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Crystal River's Premier 3-Night Fishing Charter
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Crystal River, FL
- $300 - $1,600 price range
Summary
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Crystal River Catches
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Crystal River FL, Redfish delight.
Catching Redfish in Crystal River.
Reeled in a big one!
Peaceful day on the water with a fresh catch.
Peaceful catch of the day!
Caught some tasty ones today!
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Crystal River FL, Redfish delight.
Catching Redfish in Crystal River.
Reeled in a big one!
Peaceful day on the water with a fresh catch.
Peaceful catch of the day!
Caught some tasty ones today!
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Crystal River FL, Redfish delight.
Catching Redfish in Crystal River.
Crystal River's Ultimate Fishing Getaway
Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime with Fishbonz Charters LLC in Crystal River. We're talking three nights at the comfy Paddletail Waterfront Resort (used to be the Best Western) right on Kings Bay, paired with two full days of reeling in the big ones with Capt. Mike. This ain't your average charter - it's a full-on angler's paradise with local eats, waterfront views, and fish that'll make your drag sing.
What's the Deal?
Here's the scoop: You'll be bunking down at Paddletail, which is primo real estate on Kings Bay. When you're not out chasing tails, you've got local grub and good times right at your doorstep. Capt. Mike's your guy for two solid days on the water, and he knows every nook and cranny where the fish are hiding. Best part? We'll cook up your catch at some of the best waterfront joints in town. No need to lug your gear far - the dock's a stone's throw from your pillow. Got a bigger crew? No sweat. We can rustle up extra boats and seasoned skippers to get everyone on the water.
How We Roll on the Water
Alright, let's talk tactics. With Capt. Mike at the helm, you're in for a masterclass in inshore fishing. We're talking light tackle that'll give you a real fight, whether we're sight casting for reds in the shallows or working structure for snook. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might be tossing live bait, working soft plastics, or even fly fishing if that's your jam. Capt. Mike's boat is rigged for success - top-notch electronics to find the fish, and a smooth, quiet ride to sneak up on 'em. You'll pick up tricks on reading the water, spotting fish, and presenting your bait that'll up your game no matter where you fish.
Straight from the Horse's Mouth
"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
The Local Lineup
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the bread and butter of Crystal River fishing. They love to cruise the flats and mangrove shorelines, often tailing in shallow water. Sight fishing for reds is a rush - you'll spot that orange fin waving at you, make a cast, and hold on tight. They pull like freight trains and can reach over 40 inches in these parts.
Cobia: These curious creatures are like the puppy dogs of the sea. They'll often swim right up to the boat to check things out. Cobia are strong fighters that can top 100 pounds, though most are in the 20-40 pound range. They show up in spring and stick around through fall, often hanging around structure or following big rays.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you - these little powerhouses punch above their weight class. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and reefs, and they're suckers for a well-presented bait. They're great eating too, with sweet, white flesh that's hard to beat.
Snook: The wily snook is the ghost of the mangroves. They're ambush predators that love to hang out around structure, waiting to pounce on baitfish. Hooking one is only half the battle - their gill plates are like razor blades, and they'll do their best to wrap you around every piling in sight. But man, when you land a big snook, there's nothing like it.
Black Drum: These are the gentle giants of the inshore scene. They can grow to over 100 pounds, but even the smaller ones put up a great fight. You'll often find them rooting around on the bottom, so a little crab or shrimp on the hook does the trick. When they're really big, we call 'em "big uglies," but they're beautiful in their own way.
Time to Lock It In
Look, if you're itching for a fishing trip that's got it all - comfy digs, killer fishing, good eats, and a guide who knows his stuff - this is your ticket. Two full days on the water means plenty of time to dial in the bite and put some serious bend in your rod. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Capt. Mike's got you covered. Crystal River's fishery is world-class, and this package lets you really sink your teeth into it. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot before someone else does, and get ready for some fish tales you'll be telling for years to come.
Customer Review
Fish Pro Mike Delivers
Paul Martin
January 13, 2025
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Sea Bass
Black Sea Bass are feisty little fighters that pack a lot of punch for their size. Most run 1-4 pounds, but they can get up to 8 pounds in deeper water. Look for them around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and pier pilings in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring to summer is prime time when these fish move inshore. They're structure-oriented, so finding the right spot is key. Once you do, you can often catch a bunch. Anglers love targeting Black Sea Bass for their aggressive bite and excellent table fare. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - great for a fish fry. Use a medium-weight rod with 20-30 pound line. They're mostly bottom feeders, so squid or cut bait on a two-hook rig works well. Jigs and small lures can also be effective. Here's a local trick: If you're not getting bites, try reeling up a few feet. Sometimes the fish suspend just off the bottom, especially around structure.
Cobia
Cobia are some of the most exciting fish we target around here. These solitary swimmers can hit 6 feet long and 100 pounds, though most are in the 30-50 pound range. They're often mistaken for sharks with that single dorsal fin. You'll find cobia around structures like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. They migrate seasonally, showing up here in late spring and summer. That's when we sight fish for them near the surface. Cobia put up an impressive fight and they're excellent eating too. The meat is firm with a mild flavor that's prized by local restaurants. To catch one, try a bucktail jig in the 4-8 oz range. Color doesn't matter much, but make it stand out. When you see a cobia, cast well ahead of it and let the jig sink. These opportunistic feeders can't resist an easy meal. One last tip: Always have a backup rod ready. Cobia often travel in pairs, so you might get a bonus fish if you're quick.
Redfish
Black Drum are tough fighters that'll give you a good workout. These cousins of the Redfish can grow up to 90 pounds, but we usually catch 'em in the 5-30 pound range. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, mudflats, and shallow estuaries. They love to munch on shellfish, so listen for that distinctive drumming sound they make. Spring's the best time to target Black Drum when they school up to spawn. They're not picky eaters - live bait like crabs or clams works great. If you're using artificial, go for slow-moving jigs. Just make sure your bait's on the bottom where these guys feed. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The meat gets tougher in bigger fish, so we usually release those. Here's a local tip: When you feel that telltale thump on your line, give 'em a second before setting the hook. Black Drum like to play with their food before committing.
Snook
Snook are one of our most popular gamefish here in Crystal River. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 1-3 feet long, but can grow up to 4½ feet and 50 pounds. Look for them in estuaries, mangroves, and around structure in both fresh and saltwater. Spring and summer are prime snook seasons, especially around the new and full moons when they spawn. They're ambush predators, so target areas with strong currents where they can pick off passing baitfish. Anglers love snook for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also excellent eating, though heavily regulated to protect the population. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. Try soft plastic swimbaits or topwater plugs around structure. Here's a tip: When you hook a snook, keep your rod tip up and be ready for it to run towards structure. Quick, steady pressure is key to landing these hard-fighting fish.
About the Crystal River Center Console
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
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!