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Crystal River's Top-Rated 8-Hour Fishing Charter

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Crystal River, FL
  • $400 - $750 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing and scalloping in Crystal River, FL with Jimmy G Charters. This 8-hour trip gives you the best of both worlds. Spend the morning dropping lines and reeling in local fish species. After lunch, switch gears and dive into the crystal-clear waters to hand-harvest fresh scallops. It's a unique combo that lets you experience two popular Crystal River activities in one go. The charter provides all the gear you'll need, so just pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for small groups or families looking for a fun day on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying scalloping for the first time, the crew will make sure you have a great time out on the flats and shallows of Crystal River.
Crystal River's Top-Rated 8-Hour Fishing Charter

Catch of the Day

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One angler holding a big fish in Crystal River

Crystal River Redfish

One person fishing in the waters of Crystal River

Black Drum in Crystal River

3 fishing in FL

Sea Trout out of Crystal River

4 people fishing in FL

Crystal River fishing charters adventures

Scenic view of Crystal River area

Book Your Crystal River Fishing Charters!

Two anglers reeling in big fish in Florida

Guided Crystal River Fishing

Two spotted weakfish, 14 inches, fishing in FL

Sea Trout catches in Florida fishing

Eight black margate and sea bass caught while fishing in FL

Black Sea Bass in Crystal River, FL

3 fish caught while fishing in FL

Crystal River Fishing bounty

Lone angler fishing in Crystal River

Famous Florida Red Snapper

One angler holding a big fish in Crystal River

Crystal River Redfish

One person fishing in the waters of Crystal River

Black Drum in Crystal River

3 fishing in FL

Sea Trout out of Crystal River

4 people fishing in FL

Crystal River fishing charters adventures

Scenic view of Crystal River area

Book Your Crystal River Fishing Charters!

Two anglers reeling in big fish in Florida

Guided Crystal River Fishing

Two spotted weakfish, 14 inches, fishing in FL

Sea Trout catches in Florida fishing

Eight black margate and sea bass caught while fishing in FL

Black Sea Bass in Crystal River, FL

3 fish caught while fishing in FL

Crystal River Fishing bounty

Lone angler fishing in Crystal River

Famous Florida Red Snapper

One angler holding a big fish in Crystal River

Crystal River Redfish

One person fishing in the waters of Crystal River

Black Drum in Crystal River

3 fishing in FL

Sea Trout out of Crystal River

4 people fishing in FL

Crystal River fishing charters adventures

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Crystal River's Ultimate Fishing & Scalloping Adventure

Hey there, fellow water lovers! Get ready for a day that'll knock your flippers off. This 8-hour trip with Jimmy G Charters is the real deal – we're talking primo fishing in the morning, followed by an afternoon of scallop diving that'll make you feel like a treasure hunter. It's the best of both worlds, right here in Crystal River's backyard. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to get your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your sunscreen and let's dive into what makes this outing a local favorite!

What's On The Menu Today?

Alright, here's the lowdown on your day out with us. We kick things off bright and early, hitting the water when the fish are still rubbing the sleep from their eyes. For the first four hours, it's all about the thrill of the catch. We'll be targeting some of Crystal River's most sought-after species – we're talking snook, tarpon, and if we're lucky, maybe even a king mackerel that'll make your arms ache (in the best way possible).

After we've worked up an appetite reeling in the big ones, we'll switch gears. The afternoon is all about getting up close and personal with the ocean floor as we go scalloping. It's like an underwater Easter egg hunt, only tastier. Don't worry if you've never done it before – we'll show you the ropes, and before you know it, you'll be scooping up these little sea jewels like a pro. Best part? We provide all the gear you need, so you just need to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks to keep you fueled up).

Rods, Reels, and Dive Gear

Let's talk shop for a minute. When it comes to fishing, we're not messing around. We use top-notch gear that's perfect for the species we're after. Light to medium action rods paired with quality reels – that's our bread and butter. We'll be doing a mix of techniques, from live bait fishing to some light trolling, depending on what's biting and where.

For the scalloping part of our day, it's all about getting in the water. We're talking masks, snorkels, and fins – all provided by yours truly. The water's usually crystal clear (hey, that's why they call it Crystal River), so you'll have no trouble spotting those tasty bivalves. It's like snorkeling, but with a delicious purpose. And don't sweat it if you're not a strong swimmer – we'll be in relatively shallow water, and safety is always our top priority.

Why Folks Can't Get Enough

Look, I could go on all day about why this trip is the bee's knees, but I'll let some of our happy customers do the talking:

The Local All-Stars

Now, let's chat about the real stars of the show – the fish and those tasty little scallops.

Red Snapper: These guys are the crowd-pleasers of the Gulf. With their bright red scales and white, flaky meat, they're as good-looking as they are delicious. They love structure, so we'll be hitting some prime spots where they like to hang out. The fight they put up is just right – enough to get your heart pumping, but not so much that you'll be sore for days.

Snook: If you're looking for a fish with attitude, snook is your guy. These silver-sided battlers are known for their acrobatics when hooked. They love to hang around mangroves and structures, so we'll be casting close to cover. The best part? They're catch-and-release most of the year, which means you get all the excitement of the fight without any guilt.

Tarpon: Now we're talking about the silver king. Tarpon are the stuff of fishing legends. They can grow over 6 feet long and put up a fight that'll have you telling stories for years. When they jump, it's like seeing a Volkswagen come out of the water. We typically see them more in the warmer months, and even if you don't land one, just hooking up is an experience you won't forget.

Sheepshead: Don't let their funny name fool you – these striped bandits are smart cookies. They're masters at stealing bait, but when you hook one, you're in for a treat. They hang around structures and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Plus, they're delicious if you decide to keep a few for dinner.

King Mackerel: These speedsters are the drag-screamers of our waters. When a king mackerel hits your line, hold on tight! They're known for their blistering runs and aerial displays. We usually target them by trolling, and when you hook up, it's like you've tied into a rocket.

And let's not forget about those bay scallops! These little guys might not put up a fight, but searching for them is half the fun. They're like underwater hide-and-seek champions, nestled in the seagrass. When you spot one, it's like finding a little treasure. And trust me, there's nothing quite like the taste of scallops you've harvested yourself.

Time to Get Your Feet Wet!

Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. This 8-hour trip with Jimmy G Charters is more than just a fishing trip or a scalloping adventure – it's the best of both worlds rolled into one awesome day on the water. You'll get the thrill of battling some of Crystal River's most prized fish, followed by the laid-back fun of scallop diving. It's the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation, and trust me, you'll be hooked (pun absolutely intended).

So what are you waiting for? Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a local looking for a new weekend adventure or a visitor wanting to experience the best of what Crystal River has to offer, this trip's got your name on it. Give us a call, shoot us an email, or heck, smoke signal if you have to – just make sure you don't miss out on this unforgettable day on the water. See you soon, and tight lines!

Learn more about the animals

King Mackerel

Red Snapper are the kings of the reef, with their bright red color and tasty white meat. Most run 5-10 pounds, but 20-pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them over hard bottom and artificial reefs in 60-300 feet of water. Summer is prime time when they move to shallower structure. These fish put up a good fight and love to dive for cover when hooked. Live bait like cigar minnows or squid works great, but they'll hit cut bait too. Here's a local tip: use a fish finder to locate the schools, then drop right on top of them. Anglers target red snapper for their excellent table quality and the fun of bottom fishing. There's nothing like feeling that solid thump when a big snapper takes your bait. Just be aware of regulations - seasons can be short. When you do get to keep one, you're in for some of the best eating the Gulf has to offer.

King Mackerel

Red Snapper

King Mackerel are speed demons of the sea, often reaching 30 pounds but sometimes topping 90. You'll find these sleek predators in depths from 40 to 150 feet, with the big boys hanging around inlets and harbors. They love water temps between 68-84°F, so late spring through fall is prime time. Kingfish are a blast to catch - they hit hard and run fast. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures works well. Here's a local trick: use a two-hook rig with one in the bait's mouth and a trailing treble. These guys like to attack from behind. Anglers love targeting kings for their fight and size. Just be aware they're high in mercury, so catch-and-release is often best. When the bite is on, you might hook into several in a day. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that often means kings are pushing bait to the surface. It's an exciting fishery that'll get your heart racing.

Red Snapper

Sheepshead

Snook are the prize of our inshore waters. These crafty predators hang around mangroves, docks, and bridges, ambushing bait with lightning-fast strikes. Most run 5-15 pounds, but 30-pounders aren't unheard of. Spring and fall are prime, when they're transitioning between spots. These fish fight hard and often head straight for structure when hooked. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish is deadly, but they'll crush lures too. Here's a local secret: fish the outgoing tide around dock lights at night for some of the best action. Anglers love snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're also excellent table fare when in season. The challenge of outwitting these wary fish keeps folks coming back. When you hook into a big snook, hold on tight - it's going to be a wild ride!

Sheepshead

Snook

Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, with distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might luck into a 20-pounder. Look for them around structure - docks, bridges, and reefs are prime spots. They love munching on barnacles and crabs with their weird human-like teeth. Spring is spawning time, so February to April can be hot. These fish are nibble experts, so use a sensitive rod and set the hook fast. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs on a light setup work great. Here's a local tip: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up. Anglers dig sheepshead for their fight and fantastic table fare. The white, flaky meat is delicious. Just be ready for a challenge - they're notorious bait stealers. Patience and a quick hookset are key. When you do hook up, it's a satisfying catch that's worth the effort.

Snook

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing. These prehistoric beasts can top 80 pounds and put on jaw-dropping aerial shows. You'll find them in coastal waters, rivers, and even around offshore structure. They love warm water, so late spring through summer is prime time in Crystal River. These fish are pure muscle and known for their spectacular leaps. Live bait like mullet or pinfish works well, but fly fishing for them is the ultimate challenge. Here's a pro tip: when they jump, lower your rod tip to prevent them throwing the hook. Anglers chase tarpon for the thrill, not the meat. It's all about the fight and that heart-stopping moment when a big silver sides rolls on your bait. Landing one is a real accomplishment - they're smart, strong, and crafty. Just remember to handle them carefully for release. A tarpon trip is something you'll never forget.

Tarpon

About the Center Console

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Get ready for a full day of fishing and scalloping fun in Crystal River! This 8-hour charter trip offers the best of both worlds. Spend the morning reeling in local fish species, then switch gears for an afternoon of scallop hunting. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, our knowledgeable captain will guide you to the best spots and help you improve your technique. After lunch, dive into the clear waters to hand-collect delicious scallops—it's like an underwater treasure hunt! We provide all the gear you need, from rods and bait to snorkeling equipment. Just bring your favorite snacks, drinks, and a sense of adventure. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with friends. Don't miss this chance to experience the diverse marine life of Crystal River. Book your trip now and get ready for a day of fishing, diving, and making memories on the water!
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Catch Your Dream in Crystal River

Don't wait another minute to experience the thrill of scalloping and fishing in Crystal River, FL! Book your adventure with Captain Butch Batts and Jimmy G Charters today, and get ready for an unforgettable day filled with excitement on the water. Limited spots available, so grab your friends and make lasting memories now!

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