Crystal River & Kings Bay
Spring-fed Kings Bay is the winter home of hundreds of manatees and the only national wildlife refuge created for them. Seven sanctuaries close to boats Nov 15–Mar 31. USFWS (opens in a new tab)
Crystal River • Homosassa • Ozello • Chassahowitzka
Citrus County Fishing Charters
A local’s guide to fishing Citrus County, Florida: the four coastal areas, a month-by-month calendar, and what to ask before you book any charter.
Four Coastal Areas, One County
Citrus County’s Gulf coast runs from Crystal River in the north to Chassahowitzka in the south. All of it is shallow, spring-fed and full of fish.
Ozello & St. Martins Marsh
A 28,461-acre aquatic preserve of marsh, mangrove islands, oyster bars and seagrass between Crystal River and Homosassa. Florida DEP (opens in a new tab)
Homosassa River
Starts at a first-magnitude spring inside Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and is famous for tarpon and rocky flats. Homosassa charters
Chassahowitzka River
The quietest of them all: nearly seven miles through protected land and a 31,000-acre wildlife refuge. Captain Al’s home water since 1997. Fishing guide
Citrus County Fishing Calendar
- Jan–Feb Coldest water of the year. Trout, redfish and sheepshead gather in spring-fed rivers and deep holes; snook catch-and-release. Peak manatee season in the springs.
- Mar–Apr Water warms and fish return to the flats. Snook harvest opens. A great time for redfish and trout on moving tides.
- May–Jun Warm water and long days. Tarpon season on the Nature Coast; snook harvest closes May 1. Early starts beat the heat.
- Jul–Sep Scallop season (July 1–Sept 24 in 2026) on the grass flats. Inshore fishing is best early in the morning, before afternoon storms. Snook harvest reopens Sept 1.
- Oct–Nov Many locals’ favorite season: cooling water, bait on the flats, hungry redfish and trout, snook open through November.
- Dec Cold fronts start pushing fish toward the rivers. Snook harvest closes Dec 1; redfish and trout stay open, and the manatees return to the springs.
Snook, redfish and trout rules are for FWC’s Big Bend region, checked November 10, 2026. FWC snook (opens in a new tab), FWC redfish (opens in a new tab), FWC scallops (opens in a new tab).
How to Choose a Fishing Charter in Citrus County
There are dozens of guides between Crystal River and Chassahowitzka. Whoever you book, these questions save surprises:
- What does the price include? License, bait, rods and tackle, ice, fish cleaning? Captain Al includes license, bait, rods and tackle.
- How many people does the price cover? Rates are usually per boat, not per person, up to a limit. For Captain Al, it depends on the trip and timing, so call or text for group size.
- Is the trip private? Ask whether your group has the boat to itself.
- Is the captain licensed? Carrying paying passengers requires a captain’s license. Captain Al is a licensed captain.
- What happens if the weather turns? Ask about rescheduling and cancellation before you pay anything.
- Where do we meet, and how far is the run? A short run means more fishing time. Captain Al’s guests meet at 8501 W Miss Maggie Dr, right on the Chassahowitzka.
- What will we target on my date? A good local guide will tell you honestly what’s biting and what’s in season.
Captain Al’s Fishing Rates
Half Day
$400
- Fishing license, bait, rods and tackle included
Full Day
$600
- Fishing license, bait, rods and tackle included
Citrus County Fishing FAQ
What fishing charters are in Citrus County, Florida?
Citrus County covers Crystal River, Homosassa, Ozello and Chassahowitzka on the Gulf. Charters run inshore trips for redfish, trout and snook, scalloping in summer, river and wildlife tours, and nearshore trips. Chassahowitzka Charters offers inshore and nearshore fishing up to 9 miles from shore, scalloping and Chassahowitzka River tours with a licensed captain. Ask Captain Al about other areas.
How much does a fishing charter cost in Citrus County?
Published half-day inshore rates in the area commonly run from roughly $400 to $550 and full days from about $600 to $800, depending on group size and what’s included. Captain Al’s rates are $400 half day and $600 full day, with license, bait, rods and tackle included.
What is the best month to fish in Citrus County?
There’s good fishing year-round. Fall (October and November) and spring (March and April) are favorites for redfish, trout and snook; summer brings scallops and tarpon; winter concentrates fish in the spring-fed rivers.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter?
Not if the charter vessel has a valid charter license, and not if you’re under 16. Captain Al’s charters include the license. FWC license exemptions (opens in a new tab).
Book by call or text
Ready to get on the water?
Call or text Captain Al with your date, the number of people and the trip you’d like. He’ll confirm availability, rates and where to meet. No payment or deposit is collected online.
Tap “Text Captain Al” and a message is started for you. Just fill in your date and group size.