Expert-Guided Scalloping & Fishing on Nature Coast

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Crystal River
$350 - $600 price range
Updated Date: September 18, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fun on the water with this Crystal River combo trip. You'll spend the morning snorkeling for scallops in shallow grass beds, then switch gears for some inshore fishing in the afternoon. Captain Richard provides all the gear and know-how to help you find scallops and hook into species like redfish, trout, and black drum. The Nature Coast's diverse ecosystem makes for great fishing year-round. With room for up to 3 people, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Don't forget to pack your snorkel gear, some snacks, and plenty of sunscreen. The captain will time your trip around the tides to give you the best shot at both scallops and fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, you'll come away with great memories of Crystal River's natural beauty and abundant marine life.

Expert-Guided Scalloping & Fishing on Nature Coast

Scallops and Tight Lines

Crystal River redfish action

A Crevalle Jack fish caught in Florida during a cruises and fishing trip

Inshore bite in Crystal River

Crystal River fishing charters

Big catch day in Crystal River

Crystal River: Scallop & Fish Double-Header

Get ready for a Nature Coast adventure that packs a one-two punch of underwater treasure hunting and rod-bending action. This full-day trip with Tops Charters takes you and up to three buddies out on Crystal River's pristine waters for a combo you won't soon forget. We're talking about scooping up tasty bay scallops in the morning and then switching gears to chase some of Florida's most prized inshore gamefish. It's the kind of day that'll have you grinning from ear to ear, whether you're a seasoned saltwater junkie or just looking to dip your toes into the Gulf Coast lifestyle.

What's on the Menu Today?

Picture this: You're cruising out with Captain Richard as the sun's coming up, coffee in hand, ready to hit the scallop grounds. We'll anchor up in some clear, shallow grass flats where these little bivalves love to hang out. Grab your mask and snorkel, and get ready for an underwater Easter egg hunt – except these eggs are way tastier. Once we've bagged our limit (or your arms get tired), we'll dry off and switch to fishing mode. That's when things really heat up. We'll be targeting the inshore slam: redfish, trout, and maybe even a bruiser black drum or two. If we're lucky, we might even tangle with a hard-fighting cobia. It's like getting two trips for the price of one, and trust me, by the end of the day, you'll be hooked on both.

Scalloping 101 & Fishing Know-How

For the scalloping part of our day, it's all about keen eyes and quick hands. We'll be in anywhere from 3 to 8 feet of water, so it's perfect for swimmers of all levels. You'll be amazed at how many scallops you can spot once you get the hang of it. As for the fishing, we'll be using light tackle and live bait to entice those reds and trout. Might throw some artificial lures too if the bite's on. Captain Richard's got all the gear and local knowledge to put you on the fish, whether you're casting under mangroves for snook or working a grass flat for trout. Don't worry if you're new to this – he'll show you the ropes and have you feeling like a pro in no time.

Target Species Breakdown

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. They love to hang around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines, often giving themselves away with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. In Crystal River, we get some real beauties in the 20-30 inch range. There's nothing quite like the initial run of a big red when it realizes it's hooked.

Spotted Sea Trout: The speckled trout is a Crystal River staple. These guys are ambush predators that love to hang in the grass flats and around deeper potholes. They're known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hook set is key. The "gator" trout (over 20 inches) are prized catches and put up a great fight on light tackle.

Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousin of the redfish, black drum can grow to massive sizes. In Crystal River, we typically catch them in the 5-30 pound range. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, and when they're biting, it's not uncommon to catch several in a row. The bigger ones can really test your drag system!

Cobia: While not as common as our other targets, hooking into a cobia is always a thrill. These powerful fish often show up around structure or following large rays. They're curious by nature and can grow over 100 pounds, though most we see are in the 20-40 pound range. Be ready for some serious pull if we hook into one of these bad boys.

Bay Scallops: Okay, not a fish, but definitely a target species for this trip! These little mollusks are found in the shallow grass flats from July through early September. They're relatively easy to spot with their bright blue eyes, and gathering them is a fun, interactive experience for the whole family. Plus, they're absolutely delicious if you decide to take some home for dinner.

Why Locals Can't Get Enough

Ask any Crystal River regular, and they'll tell you – this scallop and fish combo is the ultimate way to experience the Nature Coast. You're not just sitting on a boat all day; you're actively engaged whether you're in the water or casting a line. It's the variety that keeps folks coming back year after year. One minute you're floating in crystal clear water, plucking scallops from the sea grass, and the next you're locked in battle with a hard-charging redfish. It's the kind of day that flies by, leaving you with a cooler full of scallops, maybe a few fish fillets, and memories that'll last a lifetime.

Time to Get Your Feet Wet

Listen, if you're on the fence about booking this trip, let me give you a little nudge. The scallop season is short, running from July to early September, and spots fill up fast. This isn't just another day of fishing – it's a full-on Nature Coast experience that'll have you seeing why folks fall in love with this part of Florida. Captain Richard's got all the gear you need for the fishing part, so all you've gotta bring is your snorkel gear, some sunscreen, and a good attitude. Whether you're a local looking for a staycation or a visitor wanting to see the best of what Crystal River has to offer, this trip checks all the boxes. So what are you waiting for? Give Tops Charters a call and lock in your date. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're enjoying those fresh scallops and swapping fish stories at the end of an epic day on the water.

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black drum are the bulldogs of Crystal River's inshore waters. These powerful fish can reach 30+ pounds, with a typical catch in the 5-15 pound range. You'll find them lurking around oyster beds, mud flats, and channel edges in 3-10 feet of water. Spring is prime time as big schools move in to spawn. Black drum aren't the prettiest fish, but they more than make up for it with their bulldogging fights and excellent table fare when smaller. They use sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp, so fresh peeled shrimp or cut blue crab on a fish finder rig is tough to beat. A local tip: if you feel a subtle "tap-tap" instead of a hard strike, let the fish mouth the bait for a few seconds before setting the hook. Black drum can be finicky eaters, but the fight is worth the wait.

Cobia

Cobia are one of Crystal River's most exciting catches. These hard-fighting fish typically run 30-50 pounds and show up in our waters spring through fall. You'll often spot them cruising just below the surface near channel markers, buoys, or large rays. Cobia are curious and aggressive, making them a blast to sight-fish. They put up a tenacious fight and are excellent eating. To target them, keep a heavy spinning rod rigged with a large bucktail jig ready for quick casts. When you spot a cobia, cast well ahead of its path and retrieve quickly to trigger a strike. A local tip: if a fish follows but doesn't commit, try letting your jig sink - the change in action often seals the deal. Be ready for long, powerful runs when you hook up.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are a favorite target in Crystal River's shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches and love to prowl the flats and mangrove shorelines in 1-3 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime as schools push into the shallows. Reds are known for their powerful runs and bulldogging fights, especially around structure. They're also excellent on the table. Look for their tell-tale tailing behavior as they root for crabs in shallow water. To hook up, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or weedless soft plastic. A local trick is to chum with cut mullet to get a school fired up, then present your bait. Be ready for explosive strikes and drag-screaming runs when you hook into a big red on light tackle.

Sea Trout

Spotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are a staple of Crystal River fishing. These silvery predators typically run 15-20 inches and love to hang out over grass flats and around creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. Fall through spring offers the best action as water temps cool. Trout are aggressive feeders and will readily hit artificial lures, making them fun for anglers of all skill levels. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat. To target specks, try drifting grass flats while working a soft plastic jig or live shrimp under a popping cork. One trick is to vary your retrieve speed and add occasional twitches - sea trout often strike when the lure changes direction. Listen for their distinctive "pop" as they attack bait on the surface, especially early mornings.

Snook

Snook are a prized catch in Crystal River, known for their strength and acrobatic fights. These sleek fish typically run 24-36 inches and hang out around mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between inshore and offshore areas. They're ambush predators, so look for them lurking near points, drop-offs, and creek mouths. Snook put up an impressive battle on light tackle and make excellent table fare. To entice a strike, try working a soft plastic jerk bait or live bait like pinfish along mangrove edges during incoming tides. A local trick is to cast just past likely holding spots and slowly retrieve your lure through the strike zone. Be ready for explosive hits and powerful runs - snook will test your skills and gear.

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