Damn good fishing guides in Cedar Key, Florida

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 4 trips in Cedar Key, and the most popular trips in the area are Cedar Key Family Fun - 24’ Carolina guided by Jason, Central Florida Freshwater Trip guided by Jason, and Cedar Key Inshore guided by Scott.

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.

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

The most commonly sought after species in Cedar Key are: 1. cobia, 2. redfish, 3. speckled trout / spotted seatrout, 4. spanish mackerel, and 5. black drum.

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

in Cedar Key prices can range anywhere from $350 to $750, but the average price for a half day in Cedar Key is $439. The average price for a full day in Cedar Key is $573.

The best time to go fishing can depend on a number of factors. Call us to talk fishing!

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Cedar Key, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Cedar Key. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Cedar Key.

Cedar Key is perfectly located just off the Florida coast surrounded by wildlife areas and inlets that lead to endless backwater fishing spots. With an abundance of protected water and freshwater constantly flowing into the bays, a variety of fish species thrive here. With so many fish to target and plenty of ideal habitat, Cedar Key is a world class fishery perfect for any trip.

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.

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.

While Cedar Key is a small island, it has a lot to offer thanks to its historic roots and prime location. An island vacation wouldn’t be complete without a beach day and the Gulf side of the island has beautiful white sand beaches where you can relax and take in beautiful ocean views. If you’re looking to learn more about this island’s unique history check out the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum or Cedar Key Museum State Park. One of the perks of being on an island surrounded by wildlife areas is that you can find an adventure almost anywhere. After a day full of activities, head into town where you will find a variety of restaurants and bars where you can fuel up or wind down.

The weather on the Florida Coast is usually amazing with mild temperature and plenty of sun but occasionally storms will roll through. To make sure you are prepared for your trip check out the tide times and charts here, and weather forecast here.