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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Crystal River
Redfish Inshore in Crystal River
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized gamefish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - These fish have red-colored backs that fade to white bellies.
Fishing Charter by Captain Richard Delgado in December
Meet your Captain Richard Delgado
- Crystal River Fishing Charters
Summary
Captain Richard Delgado of Tops Charters on Sunday November offers a 4-hour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish, spotted sea trout, and snook in Crystal River's shallow waters. This beginner-friendly trip includes all tackle, bait, and licenses while focusing on light tackle techniques and sight fishing around productive flats and backcountry areas. With calm conditions and excellent water clarity, anglers enjoy hands-on guidance learning proven methods for catching gamefish in these productive waters. The charter accommodates up to 4 guests with flexible start times based on tides and weather for optimal fishing success.
Fishing Charter with Captain Richard Delgado – Rates & Booking
Captain Richard Delgado of Tops Charters on Sunday November runs a 4-hour guided fishing trip for up to 4 guests at $75 per additional person (6 people maximum). All rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are included in your trip cost. The charter focuses on light tackle and sight fishing techniques in Crystal River's shallow inshore waters, with start times adjusted based on tides and weather conditions. Captain Richard provides hands-on instruction for beginners while offering advanced techniques for experienced anglers targeting redfish, spotted sea trout, and snook.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Crystal River - Redfish, Snook, and More
This Crystal River fishing charter targets productive flats and backcountry areas where redfish, spotted sea trout, snook, and black drum feed in 1-4 feet of water. The trip combines light tackle jigging with sight fishing and bait fishing techniques, taking advantage of the area's excellent water clarity and calm conditions. Captain Richard focuses on teaching proper presentation and fish handling while maintaining safety as the top priority throughout your half-day adventure.
The charter operates year-round with flexible scheduling to match optimal tide and weather windows. Whether you're learning basic inshore techniques or refining your skills, this trip provides reliable access to Crystal River's most productive fishing areas with all necessary equipment and local expertise included.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Crystal River's shallow flats and backcountry waters, feeding actively around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangrove shorelines. These copper-colored gamefish respond well to light tackle presentations, especially when sight fishing in clear water conditions. November brings excellent redfish activity as water temperatures cool and baitfish concentrate in shallow areas, making this an ideal time for targeting these prized inshore species using jigging and live bait techniques.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour trip includes all fishing equipment, tackle, bait, and required licenses for up to 4 anglers. Captain Richard provides hands-on guidance with light tackle techniques while navigating Crystal River's productive inshore waters. The charter focuses on safety and education, with start times adjusted based on tide schedules and weather conditions to maximize your fishing success. Bring sun protection, snacks, and drinks for a comfortable day on the water.
Fishing in Crystal River: Redfish and Blue Catfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belong to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These prized gamefish are found along Atlantic Ocean coastlines and are easily identified by their distinctive copper-red coloration, white bellies, and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Crystal River waters this November, redfish provide excellent inshore fishing opportunities for anglers targeting shallow flats and backcountry areas.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly sought-after inshore gamefish known for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. They inhabit shallow coastal waters, making them perfect targets for sight fishing and light tackle techniques. Anglers value redfish for their aggressive strikes, strong runs, and willingness to feed in very shallow water where exciting visual encounters are common.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish prefer shallow waters ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, including grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and backcountry areas. Around Crystal River, redfish frequent the productive flats and nearshore waters where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. They tolerate varying salinity levels, allowing them to move between saltwater and brackish environments.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-sized fish between 18-27 inches are most commonly targeted by recreational anglers, while larger "bull" redfish over 27 inches provide trophy fishing opportunities in deeper nearshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that hunt crabs, shrimp, mullet, pinfish, and other small baitfish. They often feed with their heads down and tails up while rooting through grass beds and sandy bottoms. Peak feeding activity occurs during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk when baitfish are most active in shallow areas.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and early fall when water temperatures range from 70-85°F. During spawning season, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper waters before moving to traditional spawning grounds, creating excellent fishing opportunities for anglers targeting these aggregations.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include sight fishing with gold spoons, soft plastic baits on jig heads, and live shrimp under popping corks. Light tackle spinning gear works well for slot redfish, while heavier tackle is needed for bull redfish. In November, anglers around Crystal River find them feeding actively on shallow flats during incoming tides, making sight fishing particularly productive.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is lean and flakes easily when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to larger offshore species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and soft plastic baits like paddle tails work exceptionally well. Gold spoons and topwater plugs are also highly effective for sight fishing.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Crystal River?
A: Look for redfish on shallow grass flats, around oyster bars, and along mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. They also frequent backcountry areas with good tidal flow.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have excellent table quality with firm, white meat and a mild flavor that works well grilled, blackened, or fried.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides provide the best redfish action, especially during cooler months when they feed more aggressively in shallow water.
More species you can explore on this trip
Tops Charters Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Ready for some laid-back fishing in Crystal River? Join Captain Richard on his comfortable boat for a relaxing half-day trip. You and up to two friends can try your luck catching redfish, snook, sea trout, and black drum in the calm inshore waters. Don't worry about gear - all the rods, reels, bait, and licenses are provided. The captain will show you the ropes if you're new to fishing, or help you refine your technique if you've got some experience. He'll adjust the schedule based on tides and weather to boost your chances of reeling in some nice catches. It's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water, whether you're looking to learn the basics of inshore fishing or just enjoy some quality time outdoors. This easy-going trip runs year-round, so you can get out on the water whenever the mood strikes.
