Crystal River - Citrus, FL Fishing Report on 22nd Aug, 2026 - 2

Vince and Angel joined me for two days of fishing out of Crystal River, and their trip turned out to be a great example of just how much conditions can change from one day to the next.

Day one started with Angel telling me she had never caught a redfish before.

Challenge accepted.

At our first stop, we put a live pinfish up near the mangroves, and within about 30 seconds Angel was hooked into her first-ever redfish. After a good fight, she brought a nice 22-inch red to the boat. It didn't take long for her to understand why so many people enjoy catching these fish.

The bite slowed almost as quickly as it started, so after giving the area about 10 minutes, I decided it was time to move and find some more active fish.

At the next island, Vince and Angel both cast their pinfish toward the mangroves, and almost immediately we had a double hookup. Vince brought a solid 22-inch redfish to the boat while Angel topped her first fish with a beautiful 26-inch red.

After some pictures, we put the baits back out, and it happened again — another double hookup.

Vince kept his fish under control while Angel fought the larger fish, eventually bringing another beautiful redfish of around 25 inches to the boat. We were able to get some great pictures of the two of them doubled up, and by that point they were pretty happy with what they had accomplished.

The fishing had been fast. Between the run out, getting bait and actually fishing, we hadn't been at it very long and probably hadn't used more than five pinfish. Sometimes when the fish are ready to eat, there's no reason to make things complicated.

We originally planned to try some scalloping afterward, but the water was too dirty to make it worthwhile. Instead, we headed over to the springs, where Vince and Angel were able to cool off and enjoy another part of what makes Crystal River and the Nature Coast such a special place.

Day two was a completely different kind of fishing day.

We were dealing with an extremely high tide, there wasn't much mullet activity, and the redfish bite had shut down considerably from the day before. On top of that, storms and lightning kept moving through the area.

We spent a good portion of the day running and gunning — heading south, then north, and eventually back south again — trying to stay ahead of the weather while continuing to look for active fish.

Those are the days when attitude makes a big difference, and Vince and Angel stayed with it. They kept making casts and stayed positive even though Mother Nature wasn't making things easy for us.

Their persistence eventually paid off.

We found a solid 25-inch redfish along with another 19-inch red to add to the fish they were taking home.

Over two days, Vince and Angel got to experience both sides of Crystal River redfishing. The first morning gave us quick bites, quality fish and multiple double hookups. The following day made us work for every opportunity while dealing with high water and summer thunderstorms.

That's fishing. Conditions can change overnight, and sometimes the best thing you can do is keep moving, keep adjusting and make the most of the opportunities you're given.

Thanks again to Vince and Angel for two enjoyable days on the water. I really enjoyed having you both aboard and look forward to fishing with you again.

Capt. Mike Haynes Fishbonz Charters Crystal River, Florida