CRYSTAL RIVER FISHING
THE FISH
Crystal River offers a wide variety of species to target on your fishing adventure. Captain Frank will teach you everything he knows on targeting these species from light tackle to fly fishing. Come enjoy the fishing here in Crystal River with Turtlehead Charters!!!
TARPON
Tarpon season is literally the greatest time of the year, hands down. Crystal River tarpon fishing is a hidden gem and own some of the largest tarpon in the ocean. Captain Frank is a world renowned tarpon angler. He will take you sight casting, dead baiting, chunking, drifting, fly fishing or artificial casting for the silver king. The best time of year is the end of April through early July to catch your Crystal River trophy tarpon!
SNOOK
Snook fishing in Crystal River is an everyday fisherman's query. The bite is best early spring through mid summer but Captain Frank can find these fish year round. Cruising the thousands of islands in beautiful Crystal River and feeding trophy snook hiding in the mangroves and shallow water runs is a memorable experience. Snook fishing is one of the best light tackle species Crystal River has and it offers an awesome table fare when they are in season!
REDFISH
Redfish is a staple sport fish in Crystal River. Whether you're in town to sight cast, fly fish or just let some drag run off your reel, there are countless ways to fish for redfish in Crystal River. As one of Captain Franks favorite inshore species, he will teach you everything you need to know about how to catch and land redfish! These fish are found on the flats in skinny water, or tucked under the magnificent mangroves on the nature coast. Fall through early summer is best for your Crystal River redfish adventure!
KING MACKEREL
Offshore and south of Crystal River is the home of the largest king mackerel tournament in the world both fall and spring. Why you might ask? Because Nature Coast king mackerel fishing is out of this world! These smokers run the coast both near shore and offshore when the water temperature drops or rises into the low to mid 70's. This means from October through the end of November, and again from March through early May, bring your "A" game because Captain Frank knows where to find them. Oh, and they taste great too so bring an appetite!
PERMIT
Permit fishing is on every big game anglers bucket list. Both light tackle and fly fishing these giants is an artform in itself. This is a highly specialized trip by Captain Frank and the peak timing for these fish in Crystal River and south is April through August out on wrecks. If you want to catch your trophy permit, look no further than Turtlehead Charters!
GROUPER/SNAPPER
Grouper and snapper fishing Crystal River is a year round adventure. Your best timing will be the cool down and warm up months from October through December and again from February through July. Winter time months offer some of the coolest shallow water fishing you could ever hope to experience. Captain Frank can find these fish and have a lot of success, but if filling the cooler is your thing, his friends primarily target Crystal River grouper and can be appointed to take you!. Book today for your cooler filling experience!
COBIA/TRIPLETAIL
Cobia and Tripletail are plentiful in Crystal River at certain times of the year. When the water temperature begins to dip and again when it begins to rise, these fish show up to party with us. Captain Frank runs these trips when he knows the fish are in town, usually fall and spring. They are two of his favorite fish to target on fly as well!
THE REST
Black drum, sheepshead and sea trout are some of the fun fish we have in Crystal River. When the water temperatures get cold, these are the species we target. From light tackle to fly fishing, Crystal River has some amazing cold water experiences and Captain Frank of Turtlehead Charters will put you on the meat. These three fish offer some of the best table fare the area has along with the seasonal pompano!
