Crystal River First Time Advice Needed

Meloco14

We are headed up to Plantation for 4 days next week. Never been to the area and are looking forward to it. My wife and 4yr old daughter will be with me so it's not a serious fishing trip, but we will be bringing our skiff. We will check in with Plantation to get the lay of the land but if you locals have any suggestions on what to do and where to go for first timers we'd greatly appreciate it. We would like to go to the spring and I'm hoping we can do it on our boat without taking a tour but not sure how close we are allowed to get. Is it worth trying to scallop this late in the season or are they slim pickings at this point? Is there decent fishing in the river itself or at the mouth? Can we fish the docks in the river or is that frowned upon? Also any restaurant recommendations or any other sightseeing recommendations are welcome. Thanks all!

capt louie

They are still getting some scallops I'm seeing. There is a barrier around the main spring near the Plantation during the winter , not sure about now ? Maybe not as I recently seen someone had dove inside it the other day..

Fishing docks is OK , just Don't bounce baits off a boat. The river in good fishing but has a ton of catfish. The bars around the river mouth has snook  , reds and a few trout and flounder. Some tarpon in river also.. Several restaurants up toward north end of Kings Bay.

Have fun !

Meloco14

Thanks capt Louie. I'll check with Plantation on how to do the spring. Sounds like hitting the bars at the river mouth will be a good choice for keeping my wife and daughter entertained. I appreciate the help!

capt louie

Good luck !

ivn

The one time I've been to CR and NOT been there to dive or snorkel we rented a boat.  Rentals (at least from the place we were at) aren't allowed out into the river etc so we prowled the edges and fingers sight fishing for bass and whatever else we could find.

electrodog

Crumps Landing has good food at a decent price-

11210 W. Halls River Road, Homosassa, FL 34448

Meloco14

electrodog said:

Crumps Landing has good food at a decent price-

11210 W. Halls River Road, Homosassa, FL 34448

Thanks we will check it out!