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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Crystal River

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Crystal River
  • $400 - $650 price range
  • Updated Date: September 20, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a fantastic day of inshore fishing in Crystal River with Captain Misty Kelly. This 5-hour charter takes you through the scenic backwaters and flats of Citrus County, Florida, where you'll cast for prized catches like Redfish, Snook, and Sea Trout. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, Captain Misty's local knowledge ensures everyone has a great time on the water. With all the gear provided and everything set up for you, it's easy to focus on the fishing and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You'll explore hidden channels and productive spots while learning about the area's ecology. It's a perfect way to experience Florida's rich coastal waters and hopefully land some impressive fish. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture your catches and the stunning scenery. This trip is ideal for small groups or families looking for a personalized fishing adventure in one of Florida's most picturesque locations.
Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Crystal River

Reels and Ripples

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Two people enjoying fishing tours in Citrus County

Angler success on Crystal River

Summer flounder caught while fishing on the coast of Florida

Flounder caught in shallow flats

Angler catching a gag grouper fish in Florida

Grouper thrill on the line

Two redfish caught during a fishing tour in FL

Crystal River backwater fishing

Photograph of an Atlantic Sharpnose Shark caught during a fishing tour in FL

Reeling in shark in Crystal River

Redfish caught by two anglers in Citrus County

Crystal River inshore fishing fun

White grunt fish caught while fishing and touring in FL

Hooked a big grunt today

A gag grouper caught during a fishing tour in Citrus County

Catching grouper with Captain Misty

Snook fish caught in Citrus County during fishing tour

Casting for snook at sunrise

Angler fishing in Florida

Fishing the Nature Coast waters

Two people enjoying fishing tours in Citrus County

Angler success on Crystal River

Summer flounder caught while fishing on the coast of Florida

Flounder caught in shallow flats

Angler catching a gag grouper fish in Florida

Grouper thrill on the line

Two redfish caught during a fishing tour in FL

Crystal River backwater fishing

Photograph of an Atlantic Sharpnose Shark caught during a fishing tour in FL

Reeling in shark in Crystal River

Redfish caught by two anglers in Citrus County

Crystal River inshore fishing fun

White grunt fish caught while fishing and touring in FL

Hooked a big grunt today

A gag grouper caught during a fishing tour in Citrus County

Catching grouper with Captain Misty

Snook fish caught in Citrus County during fishing tour

Casting for snook at sunrise

Angler fishing in Florida

Fishing the Nature Coast waters

Two people enjoying fishing tours in Citrus County

Angler success on Crystal River

Summer flounder caught while fishing on the coast of Florida

Flounder caught in shallow flats

Angler catching a gag grouper fish in Florida

Grouper thrill on the line

Two redfish caught during a fishing tour in FL

Crystal River backwater fishing

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Crystal River's Top Inshore Fishing Charter

Ready to reel in some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species? Captain Misty Kelly's got you covered with her Crystal River fishing charter. This isn't your average day on the water – it's a 5-hour adventure that'll have you casting lines for redfish, snook, and sea trout in some of Citrus County's most productive spots. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, Captain Misty's got the know-how to put you on the fish and make sure you're having a blast while doing it.

What to Expect on the Water

Hop aboard Captain Misty's skiff and get ready for a day of non-stop action. We'll be cruising through Crystal River's backwaters, flats, and channels, hitting up all the local honey holes where the fish are biting. With room for up to four guests, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies. Don't sweat the gear – Captain Misty's got all the tackle, bait, and artificial lures you'll need. She'll even throw in a cooler with ice and bottled water to keep you hydrated while you're working those lines. The best part? Everything's set up and ready to go, so you can focus on what really matters: catching fish and making memories.

Techniques & Terrain

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish on the flats, working a topwater plug for explosive snook strikes, or jigging for sea trout in deeper channels. Captain Misty's always got a few tricks up her sleeve, whether it's free-lining live shrimp or twitching a soft plastic under the mangroves. The waters around Crystal River offer a diverse playground for inshore fishing, from skinny water flats to deeper, grass-lined channels. We'll adapt our tactics to the conditions and the fish's mood, making sure you're in the best spot to hook up.

Customer Stories

"Misty is an amazing Captain! We had a great experience- she put us right on the fish!. We had all skill levels in our group and she worked with us all flawlessly! Highly recommend a trip with Captain Misty - we will certainly be going g out with her again!" - Charles

"This is our second trip with Capt misty. She is really fantastic. She full of fun and knows where the fish are and how to catch them. That's a 26" redfish my daughter is holding!" - Jim

"Our first time fishing with Captain Misty and it won't be our last! Thank you Cap!" - Mike

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Crystal River anglers, and for good reason. Redfish, also known as red drum, are hard-fighting and great eating. They love to cruise the shallows, often giving themselves away with their signature tail waving above the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. In Crystal River, you can find reds year-round, but the fall is particularly exciting when schools of big bull reds move into the area. Nothing beats the sight of a redfish's spot-covered tail as it inhales your bait!

Snook: If you're looking for an inshore gamefish that'll test your skills and your tackle, snook are your target. These line-sided predators are ambush hunters, often hanging around structure like mangrove roots, dock pilings, and oyster bars. Snook are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a blast to catch on light tackle. In Crystal River, the snook fishing heats up in the warmer months, particularly from late spring through fall. Landing a big snook is a badge of honor for any angler visiting Florida's Nature Coast.

Sea Trout: Spotted sea trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are a staple of inshore fishing in Crystal River. These speckled beauties are known for their willingness to hit artificial lures, making them a favorite for both novice and experienced anglers. Sea trout tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found many. They prefer grassy flats and deeper channels, and they're active year-round in Crystal River. The "gator" trout – the big ones over 20 inches – are trophy catches that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks don't just book one trip with Captain Misty – they come back year after year, and it's easy to see why. Her local knowledge is top-notch, honed by years of fishing these waters. She's got a knack for putting clients on fish, whether you're after a cooler full for dinner or looking to land that trophy catch of a lifetime. But it's not just about the fish – Captain Misty makes sure everyone on board is having a good time, cracking jokes and sharing stories that'll have you laughing all day long.

What sets this Crystal River charter apart is the personalized attention you get. Captain Misty tailors the trip to your skill level and what you want to catch. Got kids who've never held a rod before? She'll have them reeling in fish in no time. Looking to improve your artificial lure game? She'll show you the ropes and have you working those lures like a pro by the end of the day.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Crystal River and tangle with some redfish, snook, and sea trout, now's the time to lock in your date with Captain Misty. These trips are hot sellers, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait until the last minute. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Florida's inshore fishing, this charter's got you covered. Remember, everything's included – rods, reels, bait, and even that ice-cold water to keep you going. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture your catches. So what are you waiting for? Give Captain Misty a call and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on the crystal-clear waters of Florida's Nature Coast. Trust me, once you fish with Captain Misty, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock!

Customer Reviews

Misty Magic on Sea

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Misty is an amazing Captain! We had a great experience- she put us right on the fish!. We had all skill levels in our group and she worked with us all flawlessly! Highly recommend a trip with Captain Misty - we will certainly be going g out with her again!

Read More
CH
Charles Hoover

April 11, 2025

Fish Whisperer Misty

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This is our second trip with Capt misty. She is really fantastic. She full of fun and knows where the fish are and how to catch them. That’s a 26” redfish my daughter is holding!

JS
Jim Stafford

November 20, 2023

Hooked on Misty

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Our first time fishing with Captain Misty and it won’t be our last! Thank you Cap!

MH
Mike Howell

June 6, 2025

Reel Fun with Misty

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First time fishing around this area and it was a BLAST!! We had such a fun time and misty is so knowledgeable and a great captain! We got a big snook misty hooked on, doubled up on some redfish, and some Cats. And after all that work, we docked around the sandbar and cooled off! Highly recommend for anybody wanting to have a great time Fishing!

Read More
TN
Tiffany Neil

April 4, 2023

Learn more about the animals

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite target in Crystal River's shallow waters. Most are in the 18-27 inch range, but bull reds over 40 inches show up in deeper channels. Look for them tailing in water as shallow as 1-2 feet, often near oyster bars or mangroves. Fall is prime time as reds school up to spawn. They're known for powerful runs and dogged fights, especially in shallow water. That copper color and signature tail spot make for great photos too. Redfish are excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. To catch them, try sight-fishing with gold spoons or weedless soft plastics. One local tip: on hot days, look for reds "laid up" in deeper potholes on the flats. A well-placed cast can trigger an explosive strike.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called spotted seatrout, are a staple of Crystal River fishing. Most run 15-20 inches, but gator trout over 24 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them over grass flats and near creek mouths, especially during moving tides. They're active year-round but really fire up in spring and fall. Sea trout are known for their soft mouths, so a steady retrieve and gentle hook set are key. They put up a decent fight and often make several short runs. Anglers love targeting them for their willingness to bite and excellent table fare. Try a popping cork rig with live shrimp or a soft plastic jig bounced along the bottom. One local trick: fish the edges of grass flats on an outgoing tide, where trout set up to ambush bait being swept off the flat.

Sea Trout

Snook

Snook are a prized catch in Crystal River's inshore waters. These sleek, powerful fish typically range from 24-38 inches, with some monsters pushing 48 inches. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars, especially in the warmer months. Snook are ambush predators, so look for them in current breaks and structure edges. They put up an epic fight, often launching into acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their firm white meat is delicious too, though harvesting is strictly regulated. For best results, try live bait like pinfish or mullet, or lures that mimic their natural prey. Work your bait slowly along the bottom near structure. When a snook hits, set the hook hard and be ready for that initial powerful run. These wary fish can be challenging, but landing a big snook is an experience you won't soon forget.

Snook

About the Xpress

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury Four-Stroke

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Hop aboard Captain Misty Kelly's boat for a laid-back 5-hour fishing trip in Crystal River's inshore waters. Whether you're new to fishing or have been casting lines for years, this charter welcomes anglers of all skill levels. You'll cruise through scenic backwaters, flats, and channels, trying your luck at catching redfish, snook, and sea trout. Captain Misty knows these waters like the back of her hand and will put you on the fish. No need to fret about gear - all the tackle, bait, and lures are provided. Plus, there's a cooler stocked with ice and water to keep you refreshed. It's an easy-going day on the water where everything's taken care of, so you can focus on reeling in some Florida favorites. Bring a friend or three, as the boat can accommodate up to four guests. Ready to wet a line in Crystal River? Book your spot and get ready for a fun day of inshore fishing.
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Book your next adventure with Windy Day II Fishing Charters to experience epic saltwater and freshwater fishing excursion. Bring your family & friends along and enjoy a fantastic day out on the water—whether you came to fish, scallop, relax or just enjoy the stunning scenery of the Florida coast, Windy Day II Fishing Charters will make sure it will be something worth remembering!

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