Florida · Nature Coast
REDFISH FISHING
IN CEDAR KEY
Cedar Key is an excellent destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in May, September, October and good catches in January, February, March. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Cedar Key
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Cedar Key
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Cedar Key, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in Cedar Key
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Cedar Key
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Suwannee Sound
Suwannee Sound is the massive estuary where the Suwannee River meets the Gulf, creating a brackish-water paradise north of Cedar Key. Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder thrive in the river's nutrient-rich outflow, with massive schools of redfish during fall. The sound's shallow flats and oyster bars provide structure-rich habitat that holds fish year-round.
Cedar Key Backcountry
The maze of mangrove islands, oyster bars, and tidal creeks behind Cedar Key is one of Florida's most pristine inshore fisheries. Redfish, snook, and trout navigate the winding channels and flat edges, offering excellent sight-fishing on low tides. The backcountry sees minimal boat traffic, preserving its old Florida character and productive fishing.
Waccasassa Bay
Waccasassa Bay extends south of Cedar Key through dense coastal marsh and mangrove shoreline, offering remote inshore fishing. Redfish and trout patrol the shallow flats and creek mouths, with trophy-sized reds common in the deeper channels. The bay's isolation means less fishing pressure and more natural, undisturbed habitat.
Seahorse Key
Seahorse Key sits just south of Cedar Key in the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, with surrounding flats that hold redfish, trout, and flounder. The deeper channels around the key attract cobia and jack crevalle during warmer months. While the island itself is restricted, the surrounding waters offer some of the most productive inshore fishing in the area.
Other Species in Cedar Key
More fish you can target while visiting Cedar Key.
Redfish Fishing in Cedar Key — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Cedar Key are May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Cedar Key area.
Redfish fishing charters in Cedar Key are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Cedar Key, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Cedar Key, you may also catch Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Gag Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Red Grouper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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