Florida’s hidden Gem | Fishing for Cobia, Mahi, Grouper & Scallops in Crystal River

This week we travel up to Crystal River to explore the coast and fish the Gulf of Mexico. We had high hopes of catching grouper on the rock piles. However we were interrupted by Mahi Mahi, Cobia, and Bonita. Thereafter we headed back into our air Bnb where cleaned our Cobia and threw it in the Fridge. The day after we did some scalloping and ended the day off with an awesome Catch Clean and Cook.
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Crystal River Scalloping & Springs:
• You have to do this in...

[@John-yt5zr]

So, a little story Clay, my oldest brother wanted to mold his own hunting and fishing partner, that’s where I came in. From 5 years old he took me fishing and hunting, in 1982, when I graduated high school he bought ALL of my diving gear and took me to Bimini for a week, two months later, we were at Ginny springs, ichetucknee springs and the crystal river diving with manatees, what an adventure and what a fantastic brother! Beautiful video as usual, thanks for sharing this with us, always appreciated.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Love hearing it thanks for sharing John!

[@simpleman3473]

Great Brother

[@timlewis4374]

Better than any TV fishing show I have ever seen. Cant get enough of your videos!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Really appreciate that Tim we look forward to seeing you and future videos!

[@nrg4598]

After discovering and watching your videos for several hours. You guys are the ambassadors of fun..🏝

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thats the goal in life. Always have to have fun!

[@mikestevenson7422]

@@LifeByTheBow Hope to one day visit the Florida Keys again. Next time, might not be on a cruise ship. I really wanna go fishing with my wife and son. Really thinking about planning a vacation in a year or two for it. Awesome vids. Thank you!

[@glennchristie2316]

What a GREAT video. The greatest fishing days I have ever had were the days my wife and I fished together. PLEASE do not take your fishin partner for granted. Cancer took my Sweetie away in 2008. Fishing has not been that fun since.

[@LifeByTheBow]

So sorry to hear that Glenn our thoughts and prayers are with you 🙏🏼

[@joshuadawson8289]

The nature coast welcomes you 2….. I live in crystal river and absolutely love our water ways…. You’re not wrong with a navigational nightmare, but once you learn it, it’s amazing….. come back and enjoy anytime

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Joshua!

[@KosherXY]

Crystal river is such a crazy phenomenon. Mahi in 20ft, clear bahama-esque water, gag grouper in 5 feet, top water red snapper bites... the list goes on.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Agreed we were in awe!

[@TruthfulHunting]

LMAO - Welcome to the gulf my man! we have a fishery like no where else - I love that yall are excited. Funny to hear others when they actually figure out what we have known for years! .. great video!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Agreed, thanks Daniel!

[@talkingdogmusic4349]

Grew up in Florida running out of Crystal River from Pete's Pier. It is definitely a sportsman paradise, and not for the inexperienced boater unless you stay in the channel.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@coopercoming8524]

I love Pete’s pier . I go out of ozello now that I have some knowledge. Invest in Florida marine tracks

[@Got2gofishin]

Ya all seem to have the ultimate dream life. You are so blessed. Love my AVAIL gear. I love watching ur videos.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much my friend we appreciate you 🙏🏼

[@jayrobertson232]

You are very fortunate to have each other….enjoy every precious moment!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much really appreciate it!

[@anatta467]

this whole area is magick

[@LifeByTheBow]

Love it, such a cool place.

[@rmretherford]

Holy Smokies, this is my back yard and I was amazed you caught a dolphin in 20 feet.... then the bonita, you've got to be kidding me. I do have to say since Ian came through the fishing has been odd and amazing. If you want to navigate our waters especially the back country Florida Marine Tracks is a game changer for nav instruments.

[@LifeByTheBow]

We were surprise too Ryan!

[@thechadkc1]

Awesome video, love the bloopers keep up the hard work we really appreciate you both sharing your adventures.

[@thechadkc1]

Hopefully the weather is good this weekend will be heading down this weekend for my birthday gonna hit up the sandbar Saturday maybe Sunday

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much for the kind words. We hope you have a wonderful birthday!! Maybe we will see you out there.

[@summergirl3671]

Again another fantastic day on the water. It’s always a treat to watch you guys fish. You were making my mouth water at the end. 😊

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much we always appreciate your support!

[@michelevickery3318]

Love this video. Our 11 year old grand daughter loves scalloping very competitive like Stephanie so always checking on how many everyone else has so she can have the bragging rights on the boat for the day! The springs at the end of the day is always fun. Thanks for sharing and can't wait until next week!

[@LifeByTheBow]

That’s adorable! Thanks so much for watching!

[@EODtrooper]

Ozella is a 'hidden' town in the crystal river area, probably the best spot in that stretch of the gulf IMO. Great vid 🤙

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for the tip! Appreciate you watching!

[@coopercoming8524]

I fish ozello every weekend. Absolutely my favorite sunrise . But will say buy Florida marine tracks before even attempting to navigate that area . I thankfully know my way to my spots by hand so I haven’t needed to make that purchase. But I know every charter captain and long time residents have fmt in there chart plotter

[@EODtrooper]

@@coopercoming8524 Yah that's what i heard talking to ppl from the area, FMT is the best. I run navionics on the east coast and it has been pretty good there.

[@bololamb79]

Another great watch like always 👌 me and daughter are loving them!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you guys for watching we really appreciate it! So glad we can get the family together 💪🏼

[@davidsearle483]

Incredible video.On a very high level of photography,cinematography,sound,music and fantastic hosts.Keep this train going and everyone sees you love of the ocean.You live a dream life.All the best.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much David. I appreciate the kind words & you taking the time to comment. Wish you all the best!

[@reelcoastal]

Beautiful video! Thanks for sharing ❤️🎣🎣

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much for watching really appreciate it!

[@kathleenaustin9248]

Great job! I could imagine how tasty the meal was 👍👏

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@cameljockey10]

great job as always, thank you .

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@nisargatravels9096]

The way u put the video and explain everything It's just makes me so pleasant To all u guys hands up U bring out the best videos Love the cobia I will definitely try that

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you so much 😀

[@NatDean2]

I was catching Mahi and Bonita less than a mile off the beach in Destin a few weeks ago. They weren't big by any means but just saying, they were there.

[@LifeByTheBow]

That’s really cool. It was very shocking to find them that shallow compared to the Keys. Thanks so much for watching!

[@karinaestep]

Wow so cool to watch the scallops! And stunning views 🔥

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Karina really appreciate you watching come hang out with us again on more videos!

[@beverleyballesteros2333]

Love your videos but this one really stood out. What a great area !

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Beverly!

[@jay53648]

Such a gorgeous intro! Love the cinematics & the enthusiasm is top tier! 🎉

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend this one was edited by Zack he killed it!

[@jay53648]

@@LifeByTheBow keep it coming clay/steph, oh! & more Riley content; it’s encouraged!

[@olddiver]

Every video you offer is outstanding but have to say, this was absolutely masterful! The scenery there in Crystal River and the gulf is amazing and the videography showed it off spectacularly. The fun you guys have and fish you got into are honestly inclusive of the slow times and challenges we get on the water. That realness and epic talent set you apart and above others. Stephi, you are just a one girl cheering section for life. So cool!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Lance! We appreciate your continued support & kindness. Thanks for watching! We hope all is well!

[@normalincoln8502]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@alonsogutierrez7152]

Amazing video guys.... the content is spectacular.... the views and the editing!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Alonso! We try our best!

[@bigdog0149]

Awesome as ever guys!!! Thanks!!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@macferra3647]

Woooow ! 😱😍 Thank you !

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@mike_lives]

I love it here. One of my favorite places

[@LifeByTheBow]

Agreed Mike!

[@walterhunter4011]

Keep singing and smiling, great video ❗️

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much really appreciate it!

[@pechesansfrontiere5917]

Hello Clay and Stéphanie. I am a big fan of your KZbin Channel. You are truly professionnal and inspiring. Thank you Clay for teaching us the different fishing techniques and Thank you Stéphanie for your happines and for your good recipes. You inspired me so much, that I rented a condo in key largo for 2 months next winter. I also bought a seadoo fish pro to allow me to go fishing. I known that you are extremely busy, however it would be a real pleasure to see you for dinner in one of your magnificent restaurants by the sea. Have a nice day and good fishing. I am sorry for mi english 😉🎣

[@LifeByTheBow]

This is so awesome to hear my friend we really hope you had a good time down here!

[@jimwhitman5800]

Man you two are living the good life. If you ever want to hire an assistant please let me know. I run heavy equipment 12 hr shifts but I'd rather be cleaning your boat. Doing one more year of ice fishing in WY, then selling off most of my stuff, leaving my coal mining career and headed towards your area. Need to start enjoying some vitamin D and everything the ocean has.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Hey Jim! Wil definitely keep this in mind 👍🏼

[@jasonclark775]

I’d like to see y’all travel around different spots in Florida to fish them all around from Pensacola to Jacksonville

[@LifeByTheBow]

We hope to do it soon. Thanks for watching!

[@andrewfeds7282]

I love your fishing shows they're fantastic I was wondering if you two ever make fish chowder with the fish you catch like I do with my fresh water fish

[@LifeByTheBow]

We actually haven’t made fish chowder but we have made lobster bisque in the past. Thanks for watching!

[@shakey6069]

Love your videos. Live in Eustis (central Florida), so we enjoy visiting both coasts, but we love Homosassa/Clearwater area!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the support. We love it in that area.

[@beardedwonder1492]

As Always….beautiful video!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend really appreciate you watching!

[@lestergarabito608]

Epic video! Love the background music

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much!

[@pattyerwin7338]

Thank you for the video I can't be there but you make it as close as possible

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for your appreciation!

[@goferizer]

The bait gods were with you!! Great video.

[@LifeByTheBow]

They sure were!

[@thefisher6273]

New subscriber. I can definitely say this is one of the most high quality videos and really well done. Tight lines.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much my friend!

[@jamiehoward4980]

Mahi 10 miles from Crystal River WTH that's awesome! Yeah definitely would've been coolerized lol. That place is awesome I caught 2 cobia trout fishing in May on paddle tails.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching Jaime! It was a great day.

[@daviddaniels8217]

Loved this!❤

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks David hope all is well!

[@rcdel239]

Some super cool content down in my side. Should come see the dome houses in cape romano. Great diversity in species for fishing

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching! We will have to check it out then.

[@joshbrigido440]

Awesome to see ya up here I live in Weekie wachee!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Nice! Thanks for watching Chris

[@rmwallis5943]

Great video!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much!

[@herbertube7627]

Fantastic video

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate that, thank you so much.

[@tmcd366]

The trimmed up rooster tail stern shot was nice!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Terry! We appreciate you watching!

[@benkreitl303]

incredible video!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Ben really appreciate it!

[@clifftaylor8093]

I went out of Crystal River for the first time last September. You are absolutely right about navigating the river. Toughest trip I've ever had getting out to the flats. I fish the Big Bend area fairly often from the St. Marks river to the Econfina river and you have to be careful of submerged rocks and bars in that region, but I was kicking mud half the time and even had to get out and push my Sea Pro 180 DC off a bar in Crystal River. White knuckled fun! Also, where you guys were scalloping I saw the biggest shark I've seen on the water. We were just on the north end of that scalloping area where the water dropped off to about 8 to 10 feet. Water was crystal clear that day. A Hammerhead that I conservatively estimate at least 8 feet, but I believe he was probably closer to 10 feet swam gracefully by as I was fishing for trout. A beautiful animal! He would've gotten the heart rate up for a snorkeler if he cruised up on that swallower flat.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Sounds amazing! However the shark sounds sketchy! Navigating is tough!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

you need a deaoth findèr

[@sharonbraselton4302]

going lok yu boàt draft soexs

[@masonmurphy2294]

Born and raised in Chris River my whole life love it here

[@LifeByTheBow]

It’s awesome!

[@tedkeaton7098]

Videography and sound…from another planet! 🙌🙌🙌👍👍

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Ted!!

[@rolandvance6663]

Love the west coast vibe 👍🏼👍🏼 and she wins the fight lol 😆 bump is a bump

[@LifeByTheBow]

Haha! Thanks for watching!

[@paddleandhook]

This place has been on my list for a couple of years, and you guys have rekindled the desire 🔥

[@LifeByTheBow]

Do it! Thanks for watching buddy

[@fishnchips7823]

Not gonna lie but around 8:58 you said that it was the first cobia you caught I was in disbelief! Dude, I thought you already caught a ton of them. Good on you!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching! We don’t catch many from my hometown.

[@a-perfectcleanwaterdamager6061]

Cobia my favorite fish to chase

[@SteveGrin]

Awesome drone work

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Steve Zack killed it in this one!

[@jrudmanjr]

Been rocking pink hookups in all sizes for many years. Deadly

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertweigt5951]

Love y’all’s videos

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Robert really appreciate your comment!

[@robertweigt5951]

@@LifeByTheBow I also have a drone.Do y’all sometimes have a hard time getting the drone back on the boat?I lost a Mavic air2 that way.

[@armandosierra7807]

You guys rock!!!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Armando!

[@xypher1]

Awesome video🤩🤩🤩

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@iBon1wheel]

5:35 As a freshwater.. fisherman I can’t imagine how good that feels

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watchng Brandon!

[@pepilloni]

Amazing video as always love it keep it like that beautiful couple 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend really appreciate it!

[@donaldeyster8012]

absolutely great video! next time you go to Crystal River try fishing in the back country and get you a big fat Redfish.

[@LifeByTheBow]

That’s on the bucket list! Thanks Donald.

[@huntfishexperiencingtheout6757]

Great video. Sorry the Gag bite wasn’t there for you. Surprised no Triple Tails on that buoy. Go North to dark water next time. Keep up the great work.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching! We should be going back soon so hopefully it’s happening then.

[@Jim-Penn]

Absolutely awesome video, guys .... Loved every minute of it!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Jim!

[@franiannarone8196]

We were in the area in March - the boat hit ground a few times. Hope you had a lucky lottery #🙂🤙

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching Fran. The waters are very tricky to navigate but we managed not to hit a ground…. We got lucky lol.

[@iancordova]

This great to see you guys fish the waters where I live. I assume you guys were somewhere off of the Salt River or Ozello area. I never have navigated the back waters for the reasons you mention. I would be afraid to hit a oyster bar. Great catches and video as always!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Ian! Luckily our pathfinder runs really shallow 💪🏼

[@richardortengren714]

I was wondering the same thing, where was the air bnb? Looked like salt river but not sure. Would love to know. Thx and keep up the great work!

[@leelolley2117]

The creek with the houses is called Louis Creek and he went out towards camp Island and past the beach. My dad owns the crabs traps you see in the creeks

[@diywaterworld]

Another wonderful video! Stellar videography , editing and feeling like we were tagging along for the adventure. Oh, And the bloopers… 😂. Lastly… holy moly that ceviche…. my mouth is watering ! Cheers guys, keep inspiring! 🙌🏼

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much!

[@are6mr2]

Awesome video. Great day on the water for sure. I'm pretty sure that was a False Albacore, not a Bonito. They're a blast to catch but not very good table fare.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend really appreciate you watching!

[@steveross2908]

Didn’t expect you guys in Crystal River, BAMM!! Watch out Jimmie!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Here we are ha ha! Thanks so much for watching Steve

[@couron355]

Dinner looked like it tasted sooooo good, Tell Zack to cut that mop, and of course another great video guys

[@zackattacka]

Never

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much! We have been trying to convince him to cut it. Haha 😂

[@robertoramos2371]

Man get you a simrad and Florida marine tracks charts it will change your world for up here and even for back home. Definitely game changer

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for the suggestion! Garmin did a great job mapping it out 👍🏼

[@dougrobinson7784]

Can I just say I love the out-takes because Steph looks so good. Great catches in a great place Crystal River.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Doug! More to come

[@chrisrottermond6489]

Another great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching Chris!

[@dylancorson241]

Week after week you guys have the best videos!!!! I’ve been rocking your clothes up here fishing in Illinois and Wisconsin as well, love them!! 👌🏼 you guys should make some fishing hats that Stephanie has been wearing for the website!!!! Take care guys!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Dylan!

[@Piratedavessaltylife]

We caught many Mahi off the coast of Sarasota in July and August often.

[@LifeByTheBow]

That’s awesome! I’m sure you can go out and target them no?

[@reelpressurefishing]

I can tell you havnt done much land base fishing lol we catch bonitos on the piers aloootttttt in the keys aswell it’s pretty cool the massive schools we get into

[@LifeByTheBow]

Nope not at all ha ha thanks for watching!

[@howardbrown8432]

Great video! You gotta put on some of the holy city bug off for those no see ums!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Howard and ha ha no doubt about that!

[@iowamatt2519]

You just had to go to Crystal River, we stay on the Weeki wachee for the winter and we are so ready to get down there. This is just rubbing it in

[@LifeByTheBow]

We are planning on going back this winter as well. Thanks for watching! Hopefully we run into y’all then 👍

[@juliafiore120]

Looked like a great time! Those little channels seemed like a cool place to SUP. Stephanie girl, you literally crack me up 😂 ByeEEE btw, Clay did hit your car 😉

[@LifeByTheBow]

Ha ha thanks so much Julia for watching!

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Great episode! In our neck of the woods! Stay safe and keep fishing! 👍👍🎣🎣

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend!

[@ThoughtfulWander]

@@LifeByTheBow 👍👍

[@toadis6949]

My wife was asking what kinda sun hat your wife was wearing. We love the video. Am hopefully moving to crystal river within a years time

[@LifeByTheBow]

Sounds awesome good luck on the move! Stephanie gets all of her hat at TJ Maxx.

[@canucklehead0]

So, so good!!! Some great shots as per usual and they all look so enticing, as if beckoning us to join you on this adventure! Believe me I would if it were possible. Congratulations on that Cobia, Stephanie!! What an unique looking and powerful fighting fish!! It looked fantastic fried and coated with your butter, lemon and caper sauce too!! Once again, Thank you so much for allowing us to tag along on your adventures, I look forward to them every week!! Waiting patiently to see what the new boat is going to be (I have my guess), it's going to be so nice to see you do your jaunts across to the Bahamas or wherever the Island breezes take you in the new boat!! See you next week, take care guys!!!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank my friend!

[@curtalden2223]

YOU SAY "BABY", IN EVERY SENTENCE!!!! LOL

[@LifeByTheBow]

That’s who he is baby! 🥳 Thanks for watching

[@curtalden2223]

@@LifeByTheBow 😆 Hahaaha....Ok baby!!! Lol

[@1stiholland]

Do yall guys ever do tours of boat factories? Would love to have yall guys look at ours.

[@LifeByTheBow]

We’ve wanted to but restrictions have gotten tough.. maybe we will do one soon!

[@toddjones1403]

I love how boredom leads to goofyness! Another great adventure!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Haha for sure!

[@ruthlong6876]

As Always, another great video, that cobia looked fantastic, it's always fun to watch you guys catch scallops, glad you had a great time, and til next time 👍🙏❤️😎bye

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you Ruth!

[@SteveFromWyoming]

Way to go Stephanie on the Cobia, have not tried it but looked delicious. Great video again guys!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Steve!

[@auggyboy284]

OMG!!! You two crack me up…always look forward to your vids😂😂

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend!

[@Legendary_UA]

Great cinematography

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks John!

[@mmcleod111]

Great video. Crystal River a beautiful place

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Mike we love it!

[@laprezionreina3871]

Love this channel

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much we love you!

[@haroldmclarty7317]

Very nice video I like the way you put it together too.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Harold!!

[@garrysaxton5201]

Another great vid, Crystal River and the Gulf look amazing. More bloopers please 😂 Have fun and take care😎🙂

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Garry! Will do

[@ladiesmann1i7]

"Eels are the snake of the sea" Sea snake: "Am I a joke to you?"

[@LifeByTheBow]

Haha they definitely are.

[@gregeconomeier1476]

My wife and I have been going scallop fishing in Port St Joe each year. You're making me think about taking a longer car ride. We are In Gufl Breeze, FL.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Do it Greg!

[@gravis00]

Crystal and Homosassa is where I’m considering retirement. Great areas

[@LifeByTheBow]

That’s awesome Jim I hope you can get there sooner than later!

[@bookertee3057]

One of my favorite places along with Little Gasparilla.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Agreed!