Capt. Kyle Messier

Whether you’re staying at one of our local waterfront hotels or making the short drive from Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville, or the Villages, all our fishing adventures begin with a waterfront pickup along one of the Nature Coast’s pristine waterways. Once on board one of our customized flats skiffs or bay boats, you will be amazed by the beauty of one of the few remaining “Old Florida” fishing towns. Hundred-year-old oak trees covered in Spanish moss line the shores of our spring-fed rivers, many of which are home to osprey, ibis, wood storks, and bald eagles. When you're not gazing into the treetops, a simple scan of the water may reveal dolphins, otters, alligators, or our local favorite, the West Indian manatee. With so much wildlife to see along the drive out to the Gulf, you may enjoy the wildlife tour as much as the fishing. During our day spent out on the water, you can expect to target a variety of inshore species including redfish, speckled trout, snook, and tarpon. These species can be found all over our coast and usually within the same day we will target these species along the flats of both Crystal River and Homosassa. Although they’re only separated by seven miles, these two locations are vastly different fisheries, offering anglers a variety of different challenges and opportunities. Included in all our trips are Florida state fishing licenses, use of Orvis fly rods, reels, flies, terminal tackle, fly-casting instruction, and conventional spinning equipment (if requested). Bottled water and deli-prepared lunches are included on all full-day fishing trips. Crystal River and Homosassa have a variety of outdoor pursuits to consider if you wish to combine your fishing trip with other activities. The Nature Coast has the distinctive honor of being deemed the Manatee Capital of the World as visitors from all over flock to our warm waters to swim with them. If you're looking to stay dry during your outdoor fun, the area has many public and private golf courses, several rivers for those who wish to kayak or tube, and lots of great restaurants offering a variety of cuisine.

The flats of Crystal River and Homosassa are a true angler’s paradise. The seven spring-fed rivers that discharge directly into the Gulf of Mexico help to make this an estuary that is second to none in the state of Florida. Gin-clear water and large areas of unspoiled islands, hidden backcountry coves, and miles of untouched creeks are just some of the habitats that anglers from all over the world flock to in search of world-class redfish, speckled trout, grouper, tarpon, tripletail, flounder, black drum, Spanish mackerel, permit, and pompano to name a few. Stalking redfish in shallow water, speckled trout along many of the grass flats, and sight casting to giant tarpon, black drum and cobia are just a few of our many specialties, and opportunities to catch all these species can occur on any given day. As great as the fishing can be, the scenery and wildlife are what make our area truly special. Can you imagine fishing for redfish off a pristine mangrove-laden island only to see a whitetail deer feeding on a mangrove shoot across the bay, while white pelicans fly overhead, and manatees forage on patches of turtle grass right underneath the boat? As unbelievable as this may seem, this is an everyday occurrence for anglers here along the Nature Coast.

Our rate for a 7-hour, full-day fly-fishing trip is $600 for 1-2 anglers/passengers and $500 for a 4-hour, half-day trip. Tarpon fly fishing trips are $700 for a 7-8-hour trip. All lunches, flies, fly gear, tackle, fishing licenses, rods, reels, and fish cleaning are included. Please keep in mind that the customary gratuities that accompany a trip like this are not included in this rate.

Please note: All fly-fishing guides in the area will be targeting tarpon during May and June.

For more rate information, please visit: https://crystalriverfishing.com/charters/charter-info/

What should I bring?

• Hat
• Polarized sunglasses
• Favorite fly rod
• Secret flies
• Drinks
• Lunches in plastic bags
• Camera

Please note: GPS units are not allowed.