Top-Rated Crystal River Combo: Fish & Scallop Trip

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! This 9-hour trip kicks off at 7 AM, giving you plenty of time on the water. You'll head out on a boat with a bimini top for some shade, but don't forget your sunscreen. Your guide provides everything you need - fishing gear, snorkel equipment, scallop bags, and even drinks to keep you hydrated. The charter's perfect for two people, but there's room for up to four if you want to bring friends. You'll try your hand at flats fishing, then switch gears to hunt for scallops. At the end of the day, your guide will clean your fish and show you how to prep those scallops. It's a great way to experience both fishing and scalloping in one action-packed day on Crystal River.

Top-Rated Crystal River Combo: Fish & Scallop Trip

Catches and Scallops

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Three big fish caught while fishing in Crystal River

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Gag Grouper fish caught in Crystal River

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Crystal River fishing charters

Crystal River's Ultimate Fish & Scallop Adventure

Get ready for a full day of action on the water with Morris Aquatic Charters' 9-hour combo trip. We're talking serious fishing and scalloping all rolled into one epic outing. You'll be hitting Crystal River's sweet spots, dropping lines for trophy fish, and diving for tasty scallops. It's the best of both worlds, and you won't find a better way to experience everything these waters have to offer.

Trip Overview

We kick things off bright and early at 7 AM, so you'll want to grab your coffee and sunscreen before hopping aboard. The boat's decked out with a bimini top to give you some shade, but don't skimp on the sun protection – Florida's rays don't mess around. I've got you covered with all the gear you need: fishing licenses, rods and reels, tackle, bait, snorkel equipment, and scallop bags. Plus, I'll keep you hydrated with plenty of water and Gatorade on ice. This trip's perfect for a pair, but we can squeeze in up to four if you want to bring the whole crew.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll start the day targeting some of Crystal River's prized gamefish. I'll show you the hotspots where gag grouper, snook, sea trout, redfish, and cobia like to hang out. We'll mix up our techniques based on what's biting – maybe some bottom fishing for those grouper, or sight casting for reds in the shallows. Once we've put some fish in the cooler, we'll switch gears and go scalloping. I'll get you set up with snorkel gear and show you the best spots to find these tasty bivalves. It's like an underwater Easter egg hunt, and trust me, nothing beats the taste of scallops you've caught yourself.

Top Catches This Season

Crystal River's fishing scene is on fire right now. Anglers have been hauling in some monster gag grouper – we're talking 20-pounders that'll make your arms ache. The snook bite has been insane too, with fish busting topwater lures right at the mangrove edges. Redfish are schooling up on the flats, and if we're lucky, we might spot a big school of cobia cruising by. As for scalloping, the beds have been loaded this year. Most folks are limiting out in no time, leaving plenty of time for more fishing or just relaxing on the boat.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweights of Crystal River. They love to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs, and when they hit, you better hold on tight. Gags can grow over 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10-20 pound range. They're most active in cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for grouper fishing. Anglers love targeting gags not just for the fight, but because they're some of the best-tasting fish in the Gulf.

Snook: If you're after a fish that'll test your skills, snook are your target. These line-sided predators are ambush masters, hiding in mangrove roots and around docks. They're famous for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Snook fishing is best in the warmer months, especially around the full and new moons when they're spawning. Landing a big snook is a badge of honor for any angler.

Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout are the bread and butter of Crystal River fishing. They're abundant, eager to bite, and make for some fantastic eating. Trout love to hang out over grass flats and around oyster bars. The best part about trout fishing is the variety of techniques you can use – from topwater lures at dawn to jigs and live bait throughout the day. They're active year-round, but the biggest "gator" trout show up in the cooler months.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among light tackle anglers. Redfish love shallow water, and there's nothing quite like spotting a big red tailing on the flats. They'll eat just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures. Fall is prime time for redfish, when big schools gather to spawn. Hook into a bull red, and you're in for one of the best fights in inshore fishing.

Cobia: These curious fish are like the puppies of the sea. They're known to follow boats and even swim right up to anglers. Cobia are migratory, showing up in Crystal River waters as they follow baitfish schools. They grow big – 30 to 50 pounders aren't uncommon – and they fight like crazy. Cobia season typically peaks in spring and early summer. If you see one, cast quick – they're not shy about taking a bait.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Morris Aquatic Charters rave about the variety this trip offers. One minute you're battling a big grouper, the next you're diving for scallops in crystal-clear water. It's not just about filling the cooler (though we do plenty of that) – it's about experiencing the full range of what Crystal River has to offer. I'll show you how to clean your catch, whether it's filleting fish or shucking scallops. By the end of the day, you'll have stories to tell, skills to brag about, and a fresh seafood dinner to enjoy.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, Crystal River isn't called the "Gem of the Nature Coast" for nothing. This 9-hour combo trip gives you the full experience – world-class fishing and some of the best scalloping you'll find anywhere. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, I'll make sure you have a day to remember. We've got the gear, we've got the know-how, and the fish are waiting. All that's missing is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat and get ready for a day of non-stop action on Crystal River. Trust me, your taste buds (and your Instagram) will thank you later.

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are hard-fighting fish that'll give you a run for your money. These solitary swimmers average 3-4 feet long and cruise near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and other structure. Spring and early summer are prime as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are known for their powerful runs and for circling boats - they're curious fish. Their firm, white meat is also top-notch eating. To land a cobia, sight-fishing is popular. Look for their distinctive shark-like profile near the surface. Live eels or large jigs work great. Once you spot one, cast well ahead and let your bait sink. Cobia often follow bait for a while before striking. When hooked, be ready for strong runs and even some jumps. Apply steady pressure to wear them down. A local tip: Cobia love to hang around big animals like sea turtles or manta rays, so keep an eye out for those to find cobia.

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are tough fighters that'll test your skills. These fish typically grow 2-3 feet long and hang out near rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are milder. Gags put up a great battle and taste delicious, making them a favorite target. To land one, use heavy tackle and drop your bait right into structure. Live pinfish or cut squid work well. Watch for their initial run when hooked - they'll try to wrap you around rocks or debris. Keep your rod tip up and reel steadily to muscle them away from cover. The meat is white, flaky and mild - perfect for grilling or blackening. Just remember, these grouper grow slowly, so practice catch and release when you can to help maintain the population.

Redfish

Redfish are bruisers that'll put your gear to the test. Adults average 20-30 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow bays, flats, and around oyster bars - often in just a foot or two of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Reds are famous for their powerful runs and for tailing in shallow water as they root for crabs. Their firm, white meat is also delicious. To catch redfish, try live or cut bait like mullet or crab. Soft plastics and gold spoons work great too. Look for their signature copper color or spot tails breaking the surface as they feed. When you hook one, be ready for a strong initial run. Keep steady pressure and let them tire themselves out. A local secret: On hot days, look for reds hanging in deeper holes and channels to stay cool. Work your bait or lure slowly along the edges of these areas.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called speckled trout, are a blast to catch on light tackle. These fish typically run 14-20 inches and hang out in grassy flats and channels in 2-6 feet of water. Fall and spring are great times to target them as they feed heavily. Sea trout are known for their soft mouths, so setting the hook can be tricky. They're fun fighters and make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. To catch sea trout, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic jigs bounced along the bottom. Dawn and dusk are prime times. Look for them around points, drop-offs, and areas with good current flow. Sea trout often school up, so if you catch one, work the area thoroughly. A local tip: on sunny days, focus on deeper potholes in the grass flats where trout like to ambush prey. The flats may look barren, but those dark spots often hold fish.

Snook

Snook are crafty predators that love to ambush prey around mangroves and other structures. You'll find them in back bays, inlets, and along beaches, usually in 3-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move between inshore and nearshore areas. Snook put up an acrobatic fight with powerful runs and jumps. Their firm, white meat is also top-notch eating. To fool a snook, try live bait like pilchards or pinfish, or lures that mimic their prey. Work your bait or lure slowly along mangrove edges, dock pilings, or other cover. When you hook one, be ready for it to make a beeline for structure. Apply steady pressure to turn its head and work it away from snags. Keep in mind snook are temperature sensitive, so they may move deeper when it's cold. One local trick: fish the outgoing tide when snook stack up to ambush bait getting swept out of the backwaters.

About the Old Goat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: *

Maximum Cruising Speed: 28

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Ready for a full day of fishing and scalloping fun in Crystal River? This 9-hour combo trip has you covered. We'll head out at 7am on a comfortable boat with a bimini top for some shade. You'll have all the gear you need - fishing rods, reels, tackle, bait, snorkel equipment, and scallop bags. No need to worry about licenses either. I'll even show you how to clean your catch at the end of the day. There's space for up to 4 people, though the base price covers 2. We'll keep you hydrated with water and Gatorade while you're reeling in fish and scooping up scallops. It's a great way to experience the best of Crystal River's waters in one action-packed outing. Bring your sun protection and get ready for a full day of coastal adventures!

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