Crystal River Fishing Report – November 2025

Hey everyone, Captain Tanner here. November is upon us, and the change of seasons on the Nature Coast is bringing a new rhythm to the water. The heat of summer is gone, the bait is moving, and we’re seeing some of the most interesting shifts of the year in the fishery. Here’s what I’ve been seeing and what you can expect this month.

Conditions & Trends

• Water Temperature: We’re seeing glad signs of the inshore waters cooling into the low to mid 70s°F during the day, with nights dipping further. That’s good news — many predators perk up with that slight drop.

• Water Clarity & Tide: The flatter weather and calmer winds mean clearer water across the flats and back-waters. Strong tidal movements are key — fish are more actively feeding when the water’s moving.

• Weather: Mornings are crisper, and the wind tends to calm down after the prime season crowds fade. Ideal for being on the water early and soaking in the quiet.

What’s Biting in November

Redfish

Schooling reds are still active, and with the clearer water and falling temperatures they’re becoming more predictable. On the shallow flats you’ll spot tailing and cruising, especially near oyster bars and grass edges. Slow-honored presentations using live bait or cut mullet are working well.

Speckled Trout

Trout are also stacking up. While you might see fewer fish than in the peak of summer, the average size is going up. These bigger fish are using structure and deeper grass edges as staging areas. Soft plastics, shrimp under popping corks, or small live bait fished near structure are producing.

Snook

Snook remain game-on through November. With the cooling waters, many are moving into the deeper back-waters and creek mouths, yet still making excursions to feed on the flats. Early morning top-water or jerkbait casts into mangrove roots or sandy potholes are high-reward.

Gag Grouper & Offshore Options

If you’re willing to run out a bit, the shallow gag grouper season is rolling strong in this time period. Water is shallow enough for keeper fish to be accessible. Live pigfish, pinfish or cut bait near reefs and rock structure in 15-30 ft depths are lighting it up.

Sheepshead & Mixed Bags

November also signals the arrival of sheepshead around structure — rock piles, docks, and hard structure. They may not always be the flashiest fight but man, they’re fun and excellent on the table.

Tips & Tactics

• Timing: The key windows remain sunrise to mid-morning when the tide is moving, and again into late afternoon on a decent tide. Make use of the full moon / new moon periods for stronger tidal pushes.

• Bait & Lures:

  • Live mullet, pinfish or cut mullet for reds.

  • Soft plastics (paddle tails, jerk rigs) or shrimp under a popping cork for trout.

  • Top-water plugs or jerkbaits near mangroves for snook.

  • Live pigfish or pinfish for shallow gag grouper.

  • Shrimp or fiddler crabs on light jigs for sheepshead.

• Gear: A medium tackle setup with 20-30 lb leader handles most inshore targets. If you’re chasing grouper or shoulder into deeper structure, move up to heavier gear (50-80 lb) and abrasion-resistant leader.

• Presentation: Clearer water means stealthy presentation wins. Slow your retrieve, keep your profile low, and make sure your bait or lure matches the forage in the area.

Final Thoughts

November is one of those months where the “shoulder season” lives up to the hype. On the Nature Coast, the fishing doesn’t shut down — it evolves. Whether you’re chasing cruising reds in the flats, stacking up on quality trout, hunting down snook, or running out for a shot at gag grouper, the opportunities are very much alive.

If you’re ready to Fish the Nature Coast like never before, give me a call at (352) 577-4084 or book online! Let’s get you on the water before the next shift hits.

Tight lines,
Captain Tanner Martin