Half Day Inshore Fishing – Cedar Key, Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and snookAll gear, tackle, bait, and licenses included in packageExpert Captain Chad guidance for beginners and experienced anglers
Looking for a solid fishing trip without burning the whole day? Our half-day inshore adventure with Chums Guide Service puts you right in the heart of Cedar Key's best fishing spots for 4-5 hours of serious angling. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the gear, bait, and local knowledge to put you on fish. Whether you're hoping to land your first redfish or you're chasing that trophy snook, this trip delivers the goods without the full-day commitment.
Cedar Key's inshore waters are pure gold for anglers who know where to look. We'll launch early and head straight to the productive flats, grass beds, and structure where redfish, trout, and snook like to hang out. The beauty of a half-day trip is we can focus on the prime feeding times – usually early morning or late afternoon when fish are most active. Captain Chad runs a clean, well-maintained boat that's perfect for navigating the shallow waters around Cedar Key's maze of islands and oyster bars. You'll spend your time casting to visible structure, working the grass flats, and maybe even sight-fishing if conditions are right. The trip covers up to 2 anglers in the base price, but we can accommodate up to 6 total if you want to bring the crew – just add $100 per additional angler. All your gear, tackle, bait, and licenses are handled, so just bring snacks, drinks, and good sun protection.
We're talking classic inshore tactics here – the kind of fishing that separates the weekend warriors from the guys who actually know how to read water. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll use everything from live shrimp under popping corks to artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons. The grass flats around Cedar Key are perfect for wade fishing when the water's right, and there's nothing quite like stalking redfish in 2 feet of crystal-clear water. We'll also work the oyster bars and dock pilings where snook love to ambush baitfish. Captain Chad provides quality spinning gear that's perfectly matched to the fishing we're doing – medium-light rods with smooth drags that can handle a bull red's initial run but still have the finesse for spooky trout. Live bait is always productive here, but don't be surprised if we tie on some artificial lures when fish are actively feeding. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish are telling us on any given day.
Cedar Key's inshore waters serve up three main targets that keep anglers coming back for more. Redfish are the bread and butter around here – these copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars that define this fishery. They typically run 18-28 inches, with slot fish being the most common, though we occasionally tangle with oversized bulls that'll test your drag and your patience. Peak redfish action happens during the cooler months from October through March, when schools move into the shallows to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes reds so special is their fight – they'll make long, bulldogging runs and use every oyster bar and grass bed to try to break you off. Sea trout are another staple that keeps lines tight throughout the year. These spotted beauties prefer the grass flats and sandy potholes, especially during warmer months from April through October. They're excellent table fare and great fun on light tackle, typically running 14-20 inches with the occasional gator trout pushing 24+ inches. Trout are perfect for beginners since they're aggressive feeders and relatively easy to hook, but they require a gentle touch since their mouths are soft. Snook round out the big three and are probably the most exciting fish you'll encounter in these waters. They're ambush predators that love structure – docks, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths are prime snook real estate. These fish are catch-and-release only, but that's fine because they fight like they're twice their size. Snook fishing peaks during the warmer months when they're most active, and there's nothing quite like watching a slot snook explode on a topwater lure in shallow water.
This half-day trip hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without the full-day investment. You'll get hands-on instruction from Captain Chad, who's been fishing these waters for years and knows exactly where to find fish when others are coming up empty. The all-inclusive setup means you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear, licenses, or bait. Whether you're a first-timer looking to learn the ropes or an experienced angler wanting to explore new water, this trip delivers consistent action in one of Florida's most productive inshore fisheries. Cedar Key's laid-back vibe and world-class fishing make it a top-rated destination that keeps customers coming back season after season. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak fishing months.
Step aboard this 24-foot 2017 Carolina Skiff and get ready to chase redfish, trout, and snook in Cedar Key's productive waters. Powered by a reliable 300HP Mercury engine, this shallow-draft boat cuts through the flats and gets you to the hot spots fast. The stable platform gives you plenty of room to cast and fight fish, while the shallow draft opens up backwater areas where bigger boats can't reach. Built tough for Florida's inshore conditions, this skiff handles everything from grass flats to nearshore structure with ease. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this boat gets you there in comfort. Perfect for small groups who want to focus on fishing without feeling crowded.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water bruiser, cruising oyster bars and grass flats in just 1-4 feet of water. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we regularly see oversized bulls pushing 35+ inches that'll test your drag. Year-round fishing stays solid, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is their power - they don't jump much but pull like freight trains, plus that distinctive black spot near the tail makes them easy to identify. The meat is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor. My best advice: look for tailing fish in super shallow water during incoming tides. When you see that copper back and black spot, make a quiet approach and put your bait right in their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for beginners and pros alike - they're willing biters that hang over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water. Most weigh 1-3 pounds with the occasional 4-5 pounder to keep things interesting. Cool weather from fall through early spring brings the best fishing when they school up in deeper pockets. What guests love about trout is their delicate fight and how good they taste - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish, making them fairly predictable. Here's a local trick: when you find one trout, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They travel in groups, so where there's one, there's usually several more nearby. Soft plastics on light jig heads work magic.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators that love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 1-10 feet of water. Most run 18-28 inches, but we see some real bruisers over 30 inches. They're temperature sensitive, so spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps stay above 70°F. What makes snook so popular is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll try every trick to wrap you around structure. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the best eating around here. My go-to tip: cast your bait upcurrent and let it drift naturally past structure. Snook hate anything that looks forced, so patience and a natural presentation will get you more bites than aggressive retrieving.
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