The Crystal River area is known for its excellent inshore fishing. Most anglers fish the river for redfish and sea trout with other species mixed in. There is a lot of protected water to fish, so you can usually get out and fish even on windy days. There are so many awesome areas to fish here with the docks, creeks, mangroves and more.
Fish the Bays
Kings Bay is located right by the town of Crystal River, Florida. The bay offers good fishing, however, this is usually the starting point for most anglers as they head out on the river to find their ideal fishing spot. In Kings Bay, anglers benefit from the constant 72 degree water that feeds this entire area. Most people know about the springs from seeing pictures or videos of people swimming in the crystal clear waters with manatees. This constant flow of 72 degree water helps create an awesome year-round fishery right here starting with Kings Bay. As you head further out towards the Gulf of Mexico, there are other bays to fish as well.
Fish the Docks
There are plenty of docks to fish, especially as you get closer to the town of Crystal River. The deeper docks tend to be the better spots for holding more fish, but at times, you can find fish in shallow water around the docks too. Sheepshead are common around the docks, but you may also catch redfish, sea trout and flounder too.
Fish the Flats
Crystal River is home to many areas that have shallow water grass flats. Some of these flats can be very productive for a variety of fish. Most people fish quietly along the flats for sea trout, redfish and flounder, but other fish will be found here as well.
Fish the Islands
There are so many islands and keys to fish in the Crystal River, Florida area. Whether you are fishing a grass flat near an island or mangroves or some other type of cover or structure, you have lots of options with all these islands. You can catch just about anything that swims in the area around these spots.
Fish the Mangroves
There are miles of mangrove trees in the backcountry waters around Crystal River, Florida, so you’re most likely going to be fishing around these trees if you’re fishing the inshore waters here. Anglers catch a variety of fish around these mangroves. Just make sure you’re using heavy enough tackle to get larger fish away from the mangrove roots because you can easily get snagged up in there.
