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Hey there, fellow water enthusiasts! If you're looking for a day that'll knock your socks off (and maybe your flip-flops too), you've just stumbled upon the jackpot. Captain Heath's extended half-day trip in Crystal River is like hitting two birds with one stone – or in this case, two fish with one line. We're talking about a 6-hour adventure that'll have you switching gears between reeling in some serious inshore action and scooping up those tasty bay scallops. It's the kind of trip that'll have you grinning from ear to ear and telling fish tales for years to come.
Picture this: You're out on Crystal River's crystal-clear waters (see what I did there?), and Captain Heath's at the helm. He's not just any captain; he's the guy who knows these waters like the back of his hand. You've got 6 whole hours to split between fishing and scalloping however you fancy. Want to spend more time chasing redfish? No problem. Itching to fill your bucket with scallops? Captain Heath's got you covered. And get this – he's bringing all the gear you need to turn your catch into a feast. Talk about the freshest seafood you'll ever taste!
Alright, let's break it down. When we're fishing, we're talking inshore magic. We'll be using light tackle to target species that'll give you a run for your money. Captain Heath's got all the tricks up his sleeve – from sight fishing in the shallows to working the mangrove edges. Now, for the scalloping part, imagine it's like an underwater Easter egg hunt, but way cooler. You'll be snorkeling in about 3-8 feet of water, spotting those little bivalves hiding in the seagrass. It's a blast for everyone, whether you're a pro or it's your first time in fins.
"Captain Heath is truly one of the best. He dedicates his time and energy to making sure your trip is a success. His deep knowledge of the area shines through, and he eagerly shares his expertise to enhance your experience." - Maryann
"We had a fantastic day on the water and caught some fish! Heath was an excellent guide, and I look forward to fishing with him again on my next visit to Crystal River." - John
Let's talk about the stars of the show – the fish. First up, we've got redfish. These copper-colored beauties are like the bulldogs of the flats. They'll test your drag and your patience, often tailing in shallow water where you can sight cast to them. The best part? They're around all year, but fall is when they really shine. Redfish up to 30 inches are common, and trust me, when one of these guys hits your line, you'll know it.
Now, onto the snook. These guys are the ninjas of the inshore world. They love to hang out near structure, ambushing their prey with lightning-fast strikes. Snook fishing is all about precision casting and quick reflexes. They're most active in the warmer months, and catching a big snook is like winning the inshore lottery. They're not just fun to catch; they're delicious too (when in season, of course).
Listen, I could go on all day about how awesome this trip is, but why not experience it for yourself? Captain Heath's Extended Half Day Fishing and Scalloping Trip is the real deal. It's perfect for families, friends, or even a solo adventure. You'll come back with a cooler full of fish and scallops, a camera full of memories, and trust me, you'll be itching to book your next trip before you even hit the dock. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, the scallops are hiding, and Captain Heath's ready to show you the best day on the water you've ever had. Let's make it happen!
July 5, 2024
We had a fantastic day on the water and caught some fish! Heath was an excellent guide, and I look forward to fishing with him again on my next visit to Crystal River.
May 16, 2024
Redfish are a Crystal River favorite, with their distinctive copper color and black tail spot. You'll find these guys in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster beds and grass flats. They grow fast, hitting 28-33 inches in just a few years. What makes 'em fun to catch is their powerful fight and tasty meat. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temps are just right. Look for 'tailing' reds in super shallow water - you might even see their backs sticking out! For best results, try live shrimp or a gold spoon lure. Redfish will hit topwater lures too, giving you some exciting strikes. Just remember, they spook easy in clear shallows, so a stealthy approach is key. Once you hook one, hold on tight - these fish pull hard and don't give up easy.

Snook are the prize catch around Crystal River - sleek, powerful, and smart. These ambush predators love to hide around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings. They'll grow over 4 feet long, but most are in the 1.5-3 foot range. What makes snook special is their fighting ability - they've got a wide tail that lets them explode with speed. Best time to target them is May through September during spawning season. Look for snook gathering in areas with strong current. They're temperature sensitive, so warm summer nights are ideal. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works great, but soft plastic swimbaits are deadly too. Here's a local trick: when you see snook laid up in the shallows, try a slow-moving jig right in front of their nose. The fight and the table fare make snook a top target for both newcomers and seasoned anglers.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Captain Heath is truly one of the best. He dedicates his time and energy to making sure your trip is a success. His deep knowledge of the area shines through, and he eagerly shares his expertise to enhance your experience.