Cedar Key Inshore Fishing with Hookin it Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
45 hour inshore fishing charter accommodates 6 guests maximumIsland beach stop included for 12 hours of relaxationCaptain Jayson leads familyfocused Cedar Key fishing adventures
Looking for a fishing trip that'll get the whole family hooked? Captain Jayson and the crew at Hookin it Charters know exactly how to make your Cedar Key fishing adventure one for the books. We're talking 4-5 hours of prime inshore fishing action followed by 1-2 hours of beach time on a stunning island that feels like your own private paradise. This isn't just another charter – it's your chance to swap screen time for reel time and watch your kids' faces light up when they land their first redfish.
Cedar Key's backwater flats and grass beds are legendary among Florida anglers, and for good reason. This top-rated charter experience starts early when the fish are most active, giving your family the best shot at multiple species. Captain Jayson has been working these waters for years, so he knows exactly where to find the honey holes when the tide's just right. You'll cruise through shallow channels where crystal-clear water reveals oyster bars and grass flats teeming with life. The boat accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably, making it perfect for families or small groups who want that personal touch you just can't get on crowded party boats. After we've filled the cooler and worn out some arms, we'll head to a secluded island where the kids can build sandcastles while parents relax with cold drinks and swap fish stories.
Inshore fishing around Cedar Key is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be using light tackle spinning rods that are perfect for kids and beginners, but still have enough backbone to handle those surprise bull reds that cruise these flats. Depending on what's biting and where we find them, you'll learn live bait techniques using shrimp and pinfish, plus artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons that drive the local fish crazy. Captain Jayson provides all the gear, tackle, and bait – you just need to bring your fishing license and enthusiasm. The shallow draft boat lets us get into skinny water where the big guys like to hide, and the quiet trolling motor won't spook fish in those gin-clear shallows. Don't worry if you've never tied a knot or cast a line – our crew takes pride in teaching proper technique and making sure everyone gets hands-on time with the rod.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of Cedar Key fishing, especially around the nearshore structure and hard bottom areas. These chunky fighters typically run 1-3 pounds and are absolute fish-eating machines during their peak season from late fall through early spring. What makes them such a customer favorite is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – perfect for families looking to take home a fresh dinner. Kids love them because they fight hard for their size and aren't too difficult to reel in.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Cedar Key's mangrove shorelines and dock lights make it world-class snook territory. These silver missiles can stretch over 30 inches and are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with the best action happening around dawn and dusk. Landing a slot-sized snook is a rite of passage for any serious angler, and the photos alone are worth the trip.
Sheepshead are the clever thieves of the fish world, famous for stealing bait right off your hook if you're not paying attention. These black-and-white striped characters hang around structure like dock pilings and oyster bars, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Winter months are prime time for sheepshead fishing in Cedar Key, and they're renowned for their delicate, sweet meat that rivals any restaurant fish.
Redfish are what put Cedar Key on the map for inshore enthusiasts. These bronze bulldogs patrol the grass flats and oyster bars year-round, with fish ranging from feisty 18-inchers to massive 40-pound bulls that'll test your drag system. Spring and fall offer the best action when schools of reds cruise the shallows looking for an easy meal. The sight of a red's copper back and distinctive black spot cruising through knee-deep water is something every angler needs to experience.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but these silver torpedoes are pure dynamite on light tackle. They travel in schools and hit lures with the subtlety of a freight train, making them perfect for kids who want non-stop action. You'll find them year-round in Cedar Key's waters, especially around bait schools and current breaks. Their powerful runs and never-give-up attitude make them a trending target for anglers who value fight over looks.
Cedar Key inshore fishing delivers everything a family could want – fast action, beautiful scenery, and the chance to create memories that'll last long after the suntan fades. Captain Jayson's approach focuses on putting fish in the boat while making sure everyone has a blast doing it. The combination of productive fishing followed by island beach time gives you the best of both worlds without the rushed feeling of other charters. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing for the first time or you're seasoned anglers looking to explore new water, this charter adapts to your group's experience level and interests. Don't wait for the perfect weather or the perfect time – the fish are biting now, and those family bonding moments won't create themselves. Book your Cedar Key fishing adventure with Hookin it Charters today and see why locals and visitors keep coming back season after season.
Hit the waters around Cedar Key aboard our reliable 24-foot Carolina Skiff, a solid bay boat built in 2012 that knows these shallow inshore waters like the back of your hand. Powered by a dependable 150HP Yamaha, she'll cruise comfortably at speeds up to 30 knots to get you to the best fishing spots without wasting precious angling time. This roomy vessel handles up to 6 anglers with ease, making it perfect for family trips or small groups looking to wet some lines together. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating productive water, while GPS keeps you right on target for those honey holes. Keep your catch fresh and drinks cold in the built-in icebox throughout your 4-5 hour fishing adventure. After working the flats and grass beds for redfish, trout, and whatever else is biting, Captain Jayson will cruise you over to a pristine island where you can stretch your legs on the beach and soak up some Florida sun before heading back to the dock.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky members of the grouper family are perfect for families looking for steady action. Most run 1-4 pounds around Cedar Key, though we occasionally land bigger ones up to 8 pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure - old pilings, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them fun is they fight hard until they break the surface, then give up pretty quick. Kids love the excitement of that initial tug. They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: once you find one, stay put and work the area thoroughly. Black sea bass are social fish, so where there's one, there's usually more hanging around the same spot.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats - pure muscle and attitude packed into a torpedo-shaped body. These brassy-green fighters typically range from 3-15 pounds around Cedar Key, though we occasionally hook into 20+ pound bruisers. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often following bait schools near grass beds and structure. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign jacks are pushing baitfish to the surface. They're active year-round, but summer and fall bring the most consistent action. What guests love is their no-quit attitude and powerful runs that'll test your drag and arms. While not the best table fare, they're pure fun on light tackle. My secret: when you spot a school feeding on top, cast past them and retrieve fast. Jacks love the chase and that aggressive movement triggers vicious strikes.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down the most popular target for families fishing Cedar Key's shallow flats and grass beds. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are exposed - around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes redfish special is their powerful runs and tail-walking fights, plus they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. They're also pretty forgiving for beginners since they'll eat almost anything. Here's my favorite technique: look for "nervous water" or slight wakes in the shallows - that's usually redfish pushing through. Cast ahead of them and work your bait slowly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese black-and-white striped "convict fish" are some of the smartest fish you'll encounter around Cedar Key's docks and bridges. Most sheepshead we catch run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though the occasional monster hits 10+ pounds. They live around any hard structure - bridge pilings, oyster bars, and old docks where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they gather for spawning. What makes them challenging and fun is they're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth, requiring patience and quick hook sets. The reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard and fast.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the perfect mix of beauty and brawn that make them a favorite target around Cedar Key's mangroves and shallow flats. These golden beauties with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though the bigger females can stretch past 3 feet. They love hanging around docks, mangrove roots, and creek mouths in anywhere from 2-20 feet of water. Summer months bring the best action when they're actively feeding and their fins turn bright yellow during spawning season. What guests love most is their explosive strikes and stubborn fights - they'll jump, run, and use every trick in the book. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to tip: work your lure close to structure and be ready - snook ambush their prey with lightning speed, so keep that drag loose for the initial run.
Cedar Key, FL