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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 game fish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - These fish have a red-colored back that fades to a white belly.
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, snook, and spotted sea trout in Crystal River's shallow waters. This guided fishing experience includes all tackle, bait, and licenses while focusing on light tackle techniques and sight fishing around productive flats and backcountry areas. Perfect for families and beginners, the trip accommodates up to 4 guests with hands-on instruction in calm, clear conditions that make Crystal River one of Florida's premier inshore fishing destinations.
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). This Crystal River inshore charter includes all rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses. Start times adjust based on tides and weather conditions to maximize your success on the water. Captain Richard provides hands-on guidance for light tackle and sight fishing techniques while maintaining safety as the top priority. Book online or call to secure your spot on these productive Crystal River waters.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Crystal River - Redfish, Snook, and More
This inshore fishing adventure targets redfish, spotted sea trout, snook, and black drum in Crystal River's calm shallow waters. The trip combines light tackle fishing with sight fishing and bait fishing techniques around outer islands and productive flats. Captain Richard's local knowledge helps anglers work the backcountry areas where these species feed regularly. Whether you're learning the basics or refining your skills, this charter offers reliable action in waters ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep.
The clear water conditions and steady weather patterns make Crystal River ideal for spotting fish before you cast. Families and beginners appreciate the hands-on instruction, while experienced anglers enjoy the technical aspects of sight fishing in shallow water. All equipment is provided, so you can focus on the fishing experience rather than gear preparation.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Crystal River's shallow flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore waters where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails are perfectly adapted to the 1-4 foot depths around Crystal River's grass flats and oyster bars. In November, redfish become more active as water temperatures cool, making them easier to spot and target with light tackle techniques. Captain Richard's sight fishing approach takes advantage of the clear water conditions to locate feeding fish before making precise casts.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour trip includes a fully equipped boat with all necessary safety gear, plus rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses for up to 4 guests. Captain Richard adjusts departure times based on tide schedules and weather conditions to give you the best fishing opportunities. The shallow-water boat allows access to backcountry areas and flats where larger vessels cannot reach. Bring sun protection, drinks, and snacks for a comfortable day on the water exploring Crystal River's productive inshore fishing grounds.
Fishing in Crystal River: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belong to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive game fish are found along the Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States and are easily identified by their copper-red coloration, white bellies, and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Crystal River waters this November, redfish become increasingly active as temperatures cool, making them prime targets for sight fishing and light tackle techniques.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and are known for their distinctive drumming sound produced by muscles vibrating against their swim bladder. They're perfectly adapted to shallow coastal environments and are considered one of the most important recreational fish species along the Gulf Coast.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish prefer shallow waters ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, making Crystal River's grass flats, oyster bars, and backcountry areas ideal habitat. Redfish move between nearshore waters and inshore flats depending on tides, temperature, and food availability. Around Crystal River, they're commonly found in the same areas where spotted sea trout and snook feed.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are most commonly caught in Crystal River's inshore waters, while larger bull redfish are found in deeper nearshore areas during certain seasons.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other small baitfish. They often feed in shallow water with their tails visible above the surface, a behavior called "tailing" that makes them perfect targets for sight fishing. During cooler months, they become more aggressive and easier to locate in predictable feeding areas.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, with peak activity in September and October. During this time, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper water, while younger fish remain in the shallow flats and backcountry areas where most recreational fishing takes place.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Light tackle fishing with live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures works best for Crystal River redfish. Popular techniques include sight fishing with topwater plugs, jigging with soft plastics, and using live bait under popping corks. In November, anglers around Crystal River find them actively feeding on grass flats during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild flavor that works well grilled, blackened, or fried. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other game fish. Slot-size redfish provide the best eating quality.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and soft plastic jigs are top choices. Topwater plugs work excellent during early morning sight fishing.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Crystal River?
A: Look for them on grass flats, around oyster bars, and in backcountry areas during moving tides, especially in 1-4 feet of water.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with mild flavor and are excellent grilled or blackened. Slot-size fish provide the best table fare.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides, with fall and winter months offering some of the most consistent action.
More species you can explore on this trip
Tops Charters Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Captain Richard runs a shallow-water boat designed specifically for Crystal River's inshore fishing. The vessel handles the 1-4 foot depths around grass flats and backcountry areas with ease, allowing access to prime redfish and snook habitat where larger boats cannot reach. With seating for up to 6 guests and all safety equipment on board, the boat provides a stable platform for sight fishing and light tackle techniques. The shallow draft design lets you work oyster bars and flats while maintaining the maneuverability needed for following schools of fish in tight spaces.
