Damn Good Cedar Key Fishing Charters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.