Cedar Key Fishing Charters

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Featured Fishing Charters Near Cedar Key, Fl

Top Types of Fishing in Cedar Key

Top Targeted Species in Cedar Key

Half Day and Full Day Fishing Trips in Cedar Key

Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Cedar Key

What are the best fishing charters in Cedar Key?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 36 trips in Cedar Key, and the most popular trips in the area are Cedar Key Inshore guided by Scott, Crystal River Near and Inshore Trip guided by Kevin, and Epic Nature Coast Catch guided by Justin.

Our guides in Cedar Key are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 6634 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

What types of fishing charters are common in Cedar Key?

Inshore fishing is the most popular in Cedar Key as well as flats fishing, lake fishing, and nearshore fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Cedar Key are: 1. redfish, 2. snook, 3. speckled trout, and 4. tarpon.

The most common fishing techniques in Cedar Key are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and artificial lure fishing but fly fishing and cut bait fishing are popular as well.

How much do Cedar Key fishing charters cost?

in Cedar Key prices can range anywhere from $300 to $1,000, but the average price for a half day trip in Cedar Key is $516. The average price for a full day trip in Cedar Key is $649.

What month is best for fishing in Cedar Key?

The most popular season for fishing in Cedar Key is spring, and most anglers book their trips 22 days in advance.

Do I need a Cedar Key fishing license and what are the bag limits in Cedar Key?

If you’re thinking about a saltwater trip, you’re in luck! Our saltwater fishing tours in Cedar Key don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. For freshwater trips, you’ll still need to purchase a license. See here for more information on fishing licenses, bag limits, and fishing season regulations in Cedar Key. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations.

Cedar Key Fishing Overview

Cedar Key, a destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience of ""Old Florida,"" offers a variety of inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. Inshore waters are abundant with species such as Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Sheepshead, while offshore fishing holes offer Mackerel, Cobia, Seabass, Grouper, and Mangrove Snapper. The area's primary offshore structure, Seahorse Reef, is perfect for extended and full day trips.

Fishing charters are readily available at Cedar Key Dock and Marina, and licensed charter boats include a fishing license for customers. However, those fishing from the pier, shore, or their own boat must purchase a Florida fishing license and consult the FWC website for bag and size limits. Cedar Key's small town charm and lack of big chain stores make it a hidden gem for those determined to find it.

Cedar Key Inshore Fishing

Inshore fishing is the crown jewel of Cedar Key angling opportunities. This area is made up of mangrove shorelines, grassy flats, oyster beds, and every other habitat anglers dream of targeting. With perfect spots in every direction, the only thing limiting what you can catch are the seasons. Throughout the year Cedar Key is home to popular inshore species including redfish, speckled sea trout, flounder, and Spanish mackerel each with their own peak bite.

For redfish, the best bite starts at the end of summer and runs through the fall when huge bull reds move into the shallows to spawn. Speckled trout peak twice a year with the strongest bite happening in the spring and the second starting in the fall and continuing into early winter. Spanish mackerel prefer warmer waters with their peak bite starting in the summer and continuing until temperatures start to drop in the fall.

The inshore heavy weights of Cedar Key are tarpon and cobia which can grow into giants. Both of these fish move into the area in the spring and by summer they are firing on all cylinders. Once fall hits, cobia head to deeper water, and tarpon move down the coast to find somewhere warm to ride out the winter.

Tripletail are one of the most interesting and delicious fish that call Cedar Key home. From early spring through the end of the year, tripletail are in the area and feeding heavily. These fish can often be seen floating on their side which is perfect for sight casting but occasionally they will strike while you’re targeting other species.

Cedar Key Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Heading away from shore, the deeper open water flanking Cedar Key holds prized gamefish in the channels and reefs that are surprisingly close. Usually, deep water is nearly impossible to find along the big bend coastline but thanks to deep channels and being located on an island grouper, snapper, kingfish, mahi mahi, and cobia are all hanging around deep structure.

Casting live bait near buoys for cobia is an exciting way to spend a day on the water especially when a school of kingfish or mahi comes through. If the fish are biting near the surface you can always head to the reefs and bottom fish for snapper and grouper species but don’t be surprised if you find a cobia there instead.

Popular Types of Fishing In Cedar Key, FL

Cedar Key fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Cedar Key are inshore, offshore, and flats fishing. Inshore fishing charters are perfect for those who want to stay close to shore and catch species like redfish, trout, and flounder. Offshore fishing charters take you further out to sea to catch larger species like grouper, snapper, and kingfish. Flats fishing charters are ideal for those who want to target species like tarpon, bonefish, and permit in the shallow waters of Cedar Key.

Some of the most common fish to catch in Cedar Key include redfish, trout, flounder, grouper, snapper, kingfish, tarpon, bonefish, and permit. Cedar Key fishing charters often visit landmarks like Seahorse Key and Atsena Otie Key, which are popular spots for fishing and sightseeing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, Cedar Key fishing charters offer a unique and exciting experience for all.

The Best Places To Fish In Cedar Key, FL

Cedar Key fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Cedar Key are inshore, offshore, and flats fishing. Inshore fishing charters are perfect for those who want to stay close to shore and catch species like redfish, trout, and flounder. Offshore fishing charters take you further out to sea to catch larger species like grouper, snapper, and kingfish. Flats fishing charters are ideal for those who want to target species like tarpon, bonefish, and permit in the shallow waters of Cedar Key.

Some of the most common fish to catch in Cedar Key include redfish, trout, flounder, grouper, snapper, kingfish, tarpon, bonefish, and permit. Cedar Key fishing charters often visit landmarks like Seahorse Key and Atsena Otie Key, which are popular spots for fishing and sightseeing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, Cedar Key fishing charters offer a unique and exciting experience for all.

Other Things To Do In Cedar Key, FL

Cedar Key, Florida is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. With its abundance of waterways and diverse marine life, there are plenty of great spots to cast a line. Whether you're looking to fish from shore or book a fishing charter, here are some of the best places to fish in Cedar Key:

1. Cedar Key Pier - This popular fishing spot offers easy access to the water and a variety of fish species, including redfish, trout, and flounder.

2. Atsena Otie Key - This secluded island is accessible only by boat, but it's worth the trip for the excellent fishing opportunities. Look for redfish, snook, and tarpon.

3. Suwannee Sound - This expansive body of water is home to a wide range of fish, including speckled trout, redfish, and black drum. Book a fishing charter to explore the area and increase your chances of a big catch.

4. Snake Key - This small island is surrounded by shallow waters that are perfect for wading and casting a line. You'll find plenty of redfish, trout, and flounder here.

5. Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park - This protected area is a haven for wildlife, including fish. Book a fishing charter to explore the park's many waterways and catch a variety of species, from redfish to sheepshead.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    I’d give him a 100 stars if I could! He was fabulous! My husband and I are retired charter captains and we know the business well. Jason was great. We fished hard, he knew the area well and provided assistance when needed. We will definitely be chartering with him again. We highly recommend him to experienced and novice fishermen. He knew the right baits, had several rods rigged for different fish and different presentations for fishing. Could not ask for more!

    Forrest M. with Jason L. of Cedar Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    The trip was perfect. Despite cold weather, Captain Kevin did everything to make sure the boys were catching fish, and they all did. He shared his knowledge about the local waterways and animals/fish, and the kids learned a lot. He was great with the kids! He was very patient and taught them a lot. We will definitely use Captain Experiences and Captain Kevin again when we return to Crystal River.

    Amanda S. with Kevin T. of Crystal River, Florida

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Top Types of Fishing in Cedar Key

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