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Premier Crystal River Fishing with Capt. Misty
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Crystal River
- $400 - $650 price range
Summary
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River Fishing Moments
Redfish smiles in the sun
Morning haul, Crystal River
Fish tales from the Gulf
Catch of the morning
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4th Of July scallops trip
Redfish Hooked up in Crystal River!
Redfish kind of day 🎣
Crystal River bite is on!
Inshore gold on the line
Redfish smiles in the sun
Morning haul, Crystal River
Fish tales from the Gulf
Catch of the morning
null
4th Of July scallops trip
Redfish Hooked up in Crystal River!
Redfish kind of day 🎣
Crystal River bite is on!
Inshore gold on the line
Redfish smiles in the sun
Morning haul, Crystal River
Fish tales from the Gulf
Catch of the morning
Crystal River Fishing: 5-Hour Charter Adventure
Ready for some prime freshwater fishing action? Captain Misty Kelly's got you covered with her 5-hour charter trips right here in Crystal River. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Misty's your go-to guide for reeling in some of the area's top catches. She'll set you up with all the gear you need, so all you have to do is show up ready to cast a line and have a good time.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're out on Crystal River's calm waters, rod in hand, with Captain Misty sharing all her local hotspots. She's got a knack for putting clients on fish, whether you're after hard-fighting largemouth bass or a mess of tasty panfish. The trip's perfect for two anglers, so bring a buddy and make a day of it. Misty's boat is well-equipped and comfortable, giving you a stable platform to fish from sunrise to mid-day. No need to pack a lunch, but feel free to bring some snacks and stay hydrated – the Florida sun can be sneaky!
Fishing Know-How & Local Tricks
Captain Misty's been fishing these waters for years, and she's got a few tricks up her sleeve. You might start off pitching soft plastics near structure for bass, then switch to live bait under a bobber for panfish. She'll show you how to work different lures, read the water, and time your hooksets just right. Misty's all about teaching, so don't be shy about asking questions. By the end of the trip, you'll have picked up some solid fishing skills to use on future adventures.
What Anglers Are Saying
"We had a great day fishing with Misty, My 2 kids had never caught a fish. First cast and both caught fish. Her knowledge of the lake was pretty amazing and she made sure we had a fun day!" - Dan
Fish You'll Want to Hook
Largemouth Bass: The king of freshwater game fish, Crystal River's largemouth can grow to impressive sizes. These bucket-mouthed predators love to ambush prey near submerged logs and vegetation. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, but they'll bite year-round. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big bass blowing up on a topwater lure at dawn.
Bluegill: Don't let their size fool you – these feisty panfish punch above their weight class. Bluegills are abundant in Crystal River and make for some of the most fun you can have with an ultralight rod. They're perfect for introducing kids to fishing, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Plus, they're delicious if you want to keep a few for the dinner table.
Redbreast Sunfish: Often overlooked, redbreasts are a colorful treat for light tackle enthusiasts. These gorgeous panfish love to hang out near fallen trees and undercut banks. They put up a spirited fight on light gear and are a blast to catch on small poppers or flies. Look for them in the warmer months when they're most active.
Crappie (Speckled Perch): Known locally as "specks," these tasty panfish are a favorite among Crystal River anglers. They tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Spring and fall are prime times to target crappie, especially around brush piles and submerged structure. Misty knows just where to find them, and there's nothing better than a limit of specks for a fish fry.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Misty Kelly's 5-hour fishing charters on Crystal River are the real deal. You're getting top-notch local knowledge, all the gear you need, and a shot at some of the best freshwater fishing Florida has to offer. Whether you're looking to land that trophy bass or just want to bend a rod with some scrappy panfish, this trip's got you covered. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Captain Misty a call and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before booking. See you out there!
Customer Review
Fish at First Cast
Dan Murashige
December 26, 2022
Learn more about the species
Bluegill
Bluegill are a blast to catch and perfect for anglers of all skill levels. These scrappy panfish usually run 6-8 inches long, though trophy specimens can reach 12 inches or more. You'll find them in shallow areas near weed beds, docks, or fallen trees. They like warm, calm water and tend to school up, so where you catch one, there are likely more. Spring and early summer are ideal, especially during spawning when males guard nests in shallow water. Bluegill are popular because they're abundant, fight hard for their size, and taste great. For best results, use light tackle with small hooks and baits like worms, crickets, or tiny jigs. Here's a local tip: try fishing with a small piece of nightcrawler under a bobber near shoreline structure during early morning or evening hours. The bite can be fast and furious when you find a school, making for non-stop action that's perfect for introducing kids to fishing.
Crappie
Crappie are a favorite target for many local anglers, and for good reason. These silvery panfish usually run 8-12 inches long and put up a fun fight on light tackle. You'll find them schooling around brush piles, fallen trees, or man-made structures in 10-15 feet of water. Early spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn, but fall can be excellent too as they fatten up for winter. Crappie are popular because they're great eating fish with delicate, flaky meat. They also tend to bite in spurts, so when you find a school, the action can be fast and furious. To improve your odds, try using small jigs or minnows under a slip bobber. A local tip: on sunny days, look for crappie suspending in the shade of boat docks or bridge pilings. Vertical jigging in these areas can produce some hefty slabs when other techniques aren't working.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass are the rockstars of freshwater fishing around here. These green-bodied bruisers typically run 2-4 pounds, but trophy fish pushing 10 pounds or more aren't unheard of. Look for them near submerged logs, weed edges, or deep drop-offs. They're ambush predators, so structure is key. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting largemouth for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - nothing beats seeing a big bass explode on a topwater lure. They're also highly adaptable, so you can catch them on everything from plastic worms to crankbaits. Here's a local trick: when the bite is tough, try slow-rolling a big spinnerbait near submerged vegetation. The flash and vibration often trigger reaction strikes from bass, even when they're not actively feeding. Just be ready to hold on when a big one hits!
Redbreast Sunfish
Redbreast Sunfish are a colorful treat to catch in our local waters. These feisty little guys typically run 6-9 inches long and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. You'll find them hanging around shallow, rocky areas or near submerged logs, especially in cooler, flowing water. Spring and early summer are prime times to target them, when they're most active. Folks love going after Redbreast for their beautiful coloration - males get a bright red belly during spawning season. They're also great eating fish if you're looking to keep a few for dinner. To improve your chances, try using small jigs or live bait like worms or crickets. A local trick is to fish with ultralight tackle and a 1/32 oz jig head - these sunfish have small mouths, so matching your gear to their size is key. Keep an eye out for their distinctive long, black ear flaps when you're reeling them in.
About the Xpress
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury Four-Stroke
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
We had a great day fishing with Misty, My 2 kids had never caught a fish. First cast and both caught fish. Her knowledge of the lake was pretty amazing and she made sure we had a fun day!