Full Day Cedar Key Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and cobiaEight hours exploring Cedar Key's most productive watersAll gear, tackle, bait, and licenses included
When you're serious about putting fish in the boat, Captain Chad's full-day inshore trip is exactly what you need. Eight solid hours on Cedar Key's legendary flats and backcountry waters means you'll have time to work multiple spots, chase different species, and really dial in what's biting. This isn't a rushed half-day where you barely get your bearings – we're talking about a proper fishing day where you can settle into the rhythm and make it count. Cedar Key's maze of oyster bars, grass flats, and deep cuts holds some of Florida's best redfish, speckled trout, cobia, and black drum, and with a full day, we'll find them.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how it should be. The best bite often happens in those first few hours when the water's still cool and the fish are actively feeding. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand – every oyster bar, every grass bed, every drop-off where fish like to hang out. You'll fish a variety of spots throughout the day, moving when the action slows and staying put when it's hot. The boat's rigged with everything you need: quality rods and reels, fresh bait, a full tackle selection, and all the licenses sorted out. Just bring your drinks, some snacks to keep you going, and good sun protection because eight hours under the Florida sun is no joke. The trip covers up to two anglers, but you can bring up to four more friends at $100 each – max of six total, which makes for a fun crew without overcrowding the boat.
Inshore fishing around Cedar Key means adapting to what the conditions and fish are telling you. We'll be throwing live bait around structure, working artificial lures over grass flats, and sight-fishing when the water's clear and the fish are showing themselves. Captain Chad runs medium-action spinning gear that's perfect for the 15-30 inch fish we're targeting, but strong enough to handle that occasional big cobia or oversized drum. You'll learn to read the water – watching for nervous bait, bird activity, and those telltale signs that predators are working an area. The beauty of an eight-hour trip is having time to try different approaches. If the topwater bite dies down, we switch to bottom fishing. If the flats go quiet, we move to deeper structure. This isn't about rushing through spots; it's about fishing smart and staying on the fish.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Cedar Key inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and oyster bars around here, especially during the warmer months from spring through fall. A typical Cedar Key red runs 20-27 inches and fights like it's twice that size, peeling drag and making long runs through the shallows. What makes reds so special is how they feed – you'll often see their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp. When you hook into a good red on light tackle, that first run will get your heart pumping every single time.
Speckled trout are the other staple that keeps anglers coming back to these waters. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spots love the grass flats and can be incredibly finicky or absolutely aggressive depending on the day. Most specks here run 14-20 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing 24-26 inches. They're structure-oriented fish that like to ambush prey, so we'll work the edges of grass beds, around downed trees, and over sandy potholes. Spring and fall are prime time for specks, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. There's something satisfying about the way a good speck hits a topwater lure right at dawn – that explosive strike never gets old.
Cobia are the wild card that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) show up when you least expect them, often following rays or cruising the flats solo. A typical Cedar Key cobia runs 30-40 inches and 15-25 pounds, though bigger fish definitely swim these waters. They're curious fish that will often come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you a perfect shot with a live bait or jig. Cobia season peaks in spring and early summer when they're moving through on their spawning migration, but you never know when one might show up. When you hook a good cobia, get ready for a fight – they're strong, stubborn fish that don't give up easy.
Black drum round out the primary targets and they're absolute bulldogs on the end of your line. These fish love structure – bridges, oyster bars, and rocky bottom where they can root around for crabs and shellfish. Cedar Key drum typically run 16-30 inches, with the bigger fish showing up in the cooler months. They're not the prettiest fish in the water, but they make up for it with pure pulling power. A big drum will get down and stay down, using every bit of structure to try to break you off. They're perfect for anglers who like that steady, heavy pressure rather than the flashy jumps and runs of other species.
Eight hours with Captain Chad means you're getting the full Cedar Key experience – multiple spots, different techniques, and the best shot at a mixed bag of quality fish. This is the trip for anglers who want to fish, not just wet a line for a couple hours. The inshore waters around Cedar Key are consistently productive, but having a full day gives you the flexibility to adapt and move with the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to put together a banner day or someone who wants to really learn these waters, this trip delivers. Captain Chad provides the local knowledge, quality gear, and friendly guidance that turns a good day into a great one. Just
Captain Chad's 24-foot Carolina Skiff is built for serious fishing in Cedar Key's productive inshore waters. This 2017 vessel runs on a powerful 300HP Mercury engine that gets you to the fishing grounds fast and keeps you there all day. The shallow-draft design lets you access those hard-to-reach spots where redfish and speckled trout like to hide in the grass flats and oyster bars. With stable footing for casting and fighting fish, plus comfortable seating for up to 6 anglers, this boat handles both calm backcountry creeks and choppier nearshore runs with ease. The spacious layout gives everyone room to fish without tangling lines, while built-in storage keeps your gear organized and tackle boxes secure. Whether you're sight-fishing the flats for tailing redfish or anchored up waiting for that cobia to cruise by, this reliable fishing platform delivers the performance and comfort you need for a successful day on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prize catch that can turn any trip into something memorable. These brown, shark-like fish average 20-40 pounds around here and grow up to 6 feet long. Being naturally curious, they'll often approach the boat to investigate. You'll find them around structure like channel markers, reefs, and floating debris in 15-50 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May offers the best shot at hooking one, though we see them through summer too. What makes cobia so popular is their incredible fight - they're strong, stubborn, and will test your drag system. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat that tastes similar to shark. Since they're usually solo fish, sight fishing is key. When you spot one, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them and be ready for a serious battle.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here in Cedar Key. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18-32 inches, with those distinctive black spots near the tail. You'll spot them cruising the shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs showing. They love oyster bars, grass edges, and muddy bottoms where they root for crabs and shrimp. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. What makes reds special is their powerful, bulldogging fight and willingness to eat just about anything. They're also great table fare when kept within slot limits. My go-to trick is to look for nervous water and bait getting pushed around - that's usually a red working a flat. Keep your presentations natural and don't spook them with the boat.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a staple of our Cedar Key flats and make for steady action throughout the day. These spotted beauties usually run 14-20 inches, though we see plenty that push 2-3 pounds. Look for them over grass beds and sandy potholes in 2-8 feet of water, especially where there's some current movement. They feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring are prime times when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What guests love about specks is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - soft, flaky white meat that's hard to beat for dinner. The key to consistent success is working your bait slowly along the bottom. These fish have soft mouths, so don't horse them - steady pressure and a smooth drag setting will put more trout in the boat than trying to muscle them up.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most sought-after game fish, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 18-30 inches around Cedar Key, with that signature black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. They love structure and ambush points where they can dart out with surprising speed. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around moving water during tide changes. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and stubborn fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to shake the hook. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back parallel to the mangroves rather than straight at them. Snook often follow before they strike.
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