Crystal River's Premier Fishing & Scalloping Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Crystal River
$500 - $750 price range
Updated Date: July 25, 2025

Summary

Captain Marrio Castello's Crystal River charter offers a full day of fishing and scalloping fun. You'll spend the morning targeting inshore species like redfish, tarpon, and snook in the flats and backwaters. When it heats up, cool off by diving for scallops in clear, shallow waters. It's a perfect mix of action and relaxation that works great for small groups or families. The 8-hour private trip gives you plenty of time to enjoy both activities without feeling rushed. Captain Marrio knows these waters well and comes prepared with all the gear you'll need. His comfortable, well-equipped boat makes for easy fishing and a smooth ride between spots. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying these activities for the first time, he'll make sure everyone has a good time out on the water. It's a unique way to experience the best of Crystal River's marine life in one outing.

Crystal River's Premier Fishing & Scalloping Trip

Fishing and Scalloping Action

Photograph of a Florida Pompano fish being caught while fishing in Florida

Florida Gulf Coast Spotted Seatrout and Pompano.

Gulf Coast angler with a chunky Tripletail.

Spotted weakfish, 27 inches, fishing in FL

Sharp strike!

Tripletail fish caught while fishing in Crystal River

Bold bite!

Crystal River's Ultimate Fishing & Scalloping Combo

Ready for a day that'll knock your socks off? Captain Marrio Castello's got you covered with this 8-hour private charter that combines the best of Crystal River's inshore fishing and scalloping. You'll be casting lines for prized gamefish and diving for tasty bay scallops all in one action-packed trip. It's the perfect mix of rod-bending action and underwater adventure, ideal for families, couples, or a small group of buddies looking to make some serious memories on the water.

What's On The Menu Today?

Kick things off with some primo inshore fishing. We're talking about stalking the flats and backwaters for bruiser redfish, acrobatic snook, and maybe even a tarpon if the silver kings are in town. Cap'n Marrio knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for some real quality time on the fish. Once you've worked up a sweat reeling 'em in, we'll switch gears and cool off with some scalloping. Nothing beats diving into those crystal-clear shallows and scooping up handfuls of fresh bay scallops. It's like an underwater Easter egg hunt, and trust me, these tasty little bivalves are way better than any chocolate you'll find in a plastic egg.

Rods, Reels, and Snorkel Gear

For the fishing portion, we'll be using light tackle setups perfect for inshore species. Expect to do a mix of sight fishing, working grass flats, and maybe even some dock fishing depending on where the bite's hot. Cap'n Marrio's boat is decked out with top-notch gear, so you don't need to bring a thing. When it comes to scalloping, we keep it simple – mask, snorkel, and a mesh bag to hold your catch. The captain's got you covered with all the necessary equipment, sized for adults and kids. The scalloping grounds are typically in 3-8 feet of gin-clear water, so it's easy peasy for swimmers of all skill levels.

Fish Tales and Scallop Scores

While we don't have specific customer reviews for this trip, Captain Marrio's reputation speaks for itself. Folks rave about his ability to put them on fish and his patience with novice anglers and snorkelers alike. Many guests come back year after year, making this combo trip a highlight of their summer vacation in Crystal River.

The Local Lineup

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a staple of Crystal River fishing. They love to cruise the flats, tailing in skinny water as they root for crabs. Sight fishing for reds is a heart-pounding experience – watch for their tails waving above the surface, then make a perfect cast to entice a bite. Fall is prime time for big schools of bull reds, but you can catch them year-round.

Snook: The smartest, craftiest fish in these parts. Snook are ambush predators that love to hang around structure – mangrove roots, dock pilings, you name it. They're known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps once hooked. The fight of a big snook is something you won't soon forget. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but summer can be red hot too.

Tarpon: The silver king is the ultimate game fish for many anglers. These prehistoric beasts can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other when hooked. Tarpon typically show up in Crystal River from late spring through summer. Hooking one is thrilling; landing one is an accomplishment of a lifetime.

Bay Scallops: While not a fish you'll catch on a rod, these little gems are the stars of the scalloping portion of your trip. Bay scallops nestle in the seagrass beds in 3-8 feet of water. They're easy to spot with their electric blue eyes, and scooping them up is a blast for kids and adults alike. The season typically runs from July through early September, and there's nothing better than a fresh scallop dinner after a day on the water.

Lock In Your spot

This combo trip with Tall Tales Charters is the real deal, folks. Where else can you reel in some trophy inshore species and then cool off by diving for your own seafood dinner? Captain Marrio's years of experience mean you're in for a day of non-stop action, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod. With only 3 spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast – especially during peak scallop season. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the best of Crystal River's inshore fishing and scalloping all in one epic day. Book your trip now and get ready for some tall tales of your own!

Learn more about the animals

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite target here in Crystal River. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats and around oyster bars, especially early morning or evening. They love hanging out in water just 1-4 feet deep. Fall is prime time as the reds school up, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting redfish for their strong pulls and delicious meat. Nothing beats seeing that copper flash and spotting their trademark black tail spot. A local tip - if you see muddy water near the shoreline, there's a good chance reds are rooting around for crabs and shrimp. Toss a gold spoon or scented soft plastic in there and hold on tight. These fish can strip line in a hurry when they take off across the flat.

Sea Trout

Sea trout are perfect for light tackle action in Crystal River. These spotted beauties average 15-20 inches but can reach over 25. Look for them over grass flats and around creek mouths, especially on cooler days. Trout fishing is great year-round, but fall and winter can be red hot as they school up. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets. There's nothing like seeing a big gator trout blow up on a topwater plug at dawn. A local secret - when the water gets super clear in winter, downsize your lures and go with light fluorocarbon leader. The trout get spooky but will still crush a well-presented bait. Try a suspending jerkbait worked slowly for some of the biggest fish of the year.

Snook

Snook are one of the wiliest fish in Crystal River. These line-sided gamefish typically run 24-34 inches and love ambushing prey around structure. You'll find them hanging tight to mangrove roots, dock pilings, and fallen trees, especially on moving tides. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between backcountry haunts and beachfronts. Anglers prize snook for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. Plus, they're one of the best-eating fish in these waters when in season. Here's a tip - snook have excellent eyesight, so stealth is key. Use a long rod to make pinpoint casts without getting too close. A well-placed live pilchard or soft plastic jerk bait right up against cover can trigger explosive strikes from these wary predators.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of Crystal River. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach over 6 feet long and put on quite an acrobatic show. You'll find them rolling in deeper channels and along mangrove shorelines, especially in late spring and summer. Tarpon fishing is all about the thrill of the chase and fight. When hooked, they'll leap several feet in the air, shaking their massive heads. It's a test of endurance that can last over an hour with a big one. These fish aren't for eating, but the memories of battling a 100+ pound tarpon last a lifetime. If you want to cross one off your bucket list, try live-lining a mullet or crab during the incoming tide. Just be ready for an arm-wrestling match when that silver flash erupts on your bait.

About the Sundance

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury Pro XS

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Ready for a day of coastal fun? Captain Marrio Castello welcomes you aboard for an 8-hour fishing and scalloping combo trip in Crystal River's scenic waters. Spend your morning casting lines for prized catches like redfish, tarpon, and snook in the area's productive flats and backwaters. When the sun heats up, cool off by diving into the crystal-clear shallows to hunt for tasty scallops. It's the perfect mix of action and relaxation. With room for up to 3 guests, this private charter is ideal for couples, families, or a few friends looking to experience the best of Crystal River. Captain Marrio's local expertise and well-equipped boat ensure a comfortable, enjoyable day on the water for anglers and snorkelers alike. Whether you're an experienced fisherman or trying scalloping for the first time, you're in for a memorable day exploring Crystal River's natural beauty and abundant marine life.

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