Florida · Nature Coast
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Cedar Key is an Old Florida fishing village surrounded by pristine Gulf waters, oyster bars, and sprawling grass flats that support one of the healthiest inshore fisheries in the state. Redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead thrive in the shallow waters around the cluster of small islands, while cobia, tripletail, and tarpon patrol the deeper channels and nearshore structure during the warmer months.
The area's remote location and limited development have preserved a fishing ecosystem that feels untouched by time. Wading anglers and kayak fishermen find paradise here, while traditional charter boats work the flats and nearshore reefs for consistent action. Cedar Key's charming waterfront, fresh seafood restaurants, and laid-back island vibe make it a perfect base for a fishing getaway on Florida's Nature Coast.
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Inshore
|
G | G | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | - | F | G |
|
Nearshore
|
G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
G | G | G | G | P | G | G | G | P | P | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
P | P | G | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | G | P |
|
Inshore
|
G | F | G | P | P | G | F | F | G | P | G | G |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | F | G | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | F | F | F | F | F | F | G | G | F | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | F | G | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | F | F | F | - | - | - | F | - | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | - | F | G | G | P | G | F | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | F | F | F | F | - | - | - | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | - | - | F | G | G | F | - | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | - | G | G | G | P | P | G | - |
13+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore.
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersFish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDeep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersCover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersDrop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersSight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersFish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersPaddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing ChartersLocal insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Cedar Key.
Seasonal Guide
Massive Redfish schools flood Cedar Key's flats every fall. Here's the week-by-week breakdown and how to find them.
Read MoreCedar Key offers uncrowded flats, world-class Redfish, and old Florida charm. Here's why serious anglers are paying atte...
Read MoreFished the oyster bars and spoil islands around Cedar Key at first light using topwater plugs. The redfish were exploding on Skitterwalks in the skinny water. Landed nine reds with several in the slot. Cedar Key is old Florida fishing at its best.
Drifted the expansive grass flats north of Cedar Key popping jigs tipped with shrimp and the speckled trout were on a serious feed. We caught over 25 trout and kept a beautiful limit of fat fish. The water was gin-clear and the flats seemed to go on forever.
Ran out to the nearshore limestone bottom and rock piles off Cedar Key and the gag grouper were fired up. Every live pinfish we dropped got crushed. Boxed four nice gags and released several more. The Nature Coast grouper fishery is thriving.
Explored the backcountry creeks and mangrove shorelines around Cedar Key by kayak and it was nonstop action. Redfish, snook, and jack crevalle were blowing up in the creeks. This is remote, untouched fishing that feels like you have the whole coast to yourself.
Found big schools of bull redfish crashing mullet on the outside oyster bars during the fall run. Cast cut mullet into the schools and hooked into some absolute tanks. The biggest red went 38 inches and 22 pounds. Cedar Key fall fishing is spectacular.
Fished the docks and pilings around the Cedar Key marina during an incoming tide and the sheepshead and black drum were eating everything we dropped down. Filled the cooler for a big family fish fry. Cedar Key never disappoints for bottom fishing.
Post your trip request and let Cedar Key's top captains compete for your business. Or browse available charters and book instantly.