Redfish are the inshore fish we can count on out of Crystal River, and they are open year-round. We catch them on the grass flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, the Barge Canal and the outer islands and shoals, from the 27′ AmeraCat on our Inshore Half Day and Inshore Full Day trips. Live or cut bait worked around structure on a moving tide is the standard approach, and when reds are schooled up the fishing can be fast.
When we fish for redfish
There is no closed season. From late summer into fall, reds push along the coast and school up around the outer shoals, creek mouths and island shorelines, and the bite gets predictable. Spring and fall are the two strongest windows for inshore variety overall.
Winter concentrates redfish in deeper channels and holes where the water temperature is more stable, and we work those areas on the day’s tide. Rules in the Big Bend region: 18 to 27-inch slot, 1 per person, 4 per boat. Check FWC for the current rules.
Where we fish for them
Reds patrol the shallow grass flats and oyster bars, hold along the island shorelines, and stage in the troughs beside the outer shoals. We have put first-time anglers on redfish tailing in a foot of water and run sight-fishing trips for experienced anglers in the same week. After heavy rain they move toward the outer islands and pass mouths where the salinity is stable.
How we fish for them
Live bait is the consistent producer: pinfish, live shrimp and threadfins around the outer islands, with cut bait a close second. When the bite is hot, artificials work too, but come prepared to cast and cover water. Boat positioning relative to the current and the structure makes the difference, and that is our job.
A half day (5 hours, 8:00 AM start) is usually plenty when reds are on. A full day (7–8 hours) gives you more water to cover, and the Inshore & Offshore Combo adds a bottom-fishing stop. The AmeraCat suits kids, families, first-time anglers and seniors, and early morning on a moving tide is the strongest window.
On the table
Mild, firm white fillets, and a slot red is the right size to eat. We clean and bag your catch; no fishing license is needed on our charter.
