Charter Fishing Cedar Key Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target apex predator sharks in Cedar Key watersExpert safety guidance for bold anglers aboardKeep catches or practice catch and release options
Cedar Key's waters are calling, and we're talking serious shark action. This isn't your typical inshore trip where you're chasing redfish around grass flats. We're heading out with one goal – putting you face-to-face with some of the Gulf's most powerful predators. Our two-person charter keeps things intimate and focused, so you're not competing for rod time or fighting crowds. Just you, your fishing buddy, and whatever monster decides to take your bait.
We launch from Cedar Key and make our way to proven shark grounds where the water gets that perfect color and the current runs just right. This is specialized fishing – we're not throwing artificials or working structure like you would for grouper. Instead, we're setting up a chum slick and deploying serious baits on heavy tackle. The boat stays positioned to drift naturally, letting that scent trail work its magic. You'll feel the difference when a big shark picks up your bait – there's no mistaking that slow, deliberate pull before all hell breaks loose. We keep safety gear ready and walk you through proper handling techniques before we even wet a line.
We run heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-pound braided line because these fish don't mess around. Circle hooks are the standard here – they hook clean and reduce deep hooking, especially important since most of these sharks are going back to fight another day. Our bait selection depends on what's fresh at the dock, but we're talking big chunks of mackerel, bonito, or whatever oily fish is running. We'll set up a proper chum slick using fish scraps and blood to draw them in close. The drag settings are critical – too tight and you'll get spooled, too loose and you'll never gain ground. We coach you through the fight, calling out when to pump and wind, when to let them run, and how to read their behavior as they tire.
Blacktip sharks are the most common encounter out here, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These fish average 20-40 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked. They'll jump clear out of the water multiple times during the fight, spinning and tail-walking like a tarpon. What makes blacktips special is their aggressive feeding behavior – they'll often hit baits hard and fast, giving you that heart-stopping hookup. Best action happens during moving water on the tide changes.
Bull sharks are the heavyweight champions of Cedar Key waters. These thick-bodied bruisers can push 200+ pounds and fight like a submarine with an attitude problem. They prefer the murkier water closer to shore where fresh water mixes with salt. Bulls are year-round residents, but summer months see the biggest specimens. What gets anglers fired up about bulls is their raw power – they don't jump much, but they'll drag you around the boat and test every piece of your tackle.
Lemon sharks bring something different to the table with their distinctive yellow coloration and curious nature. They average 50-80 pounds in our waters and are surprisingly intelligent fighters. Lemons will often circle the boat multiple times during the fight, checking out the situation before making their next move. Spring through early summer gives you the best shot at hooking one. These sharks have excellent eyesight and can be picky about baits, making them a rewarding challenge for experienced anglers.
Tiger sharks are the holy grail of Cedar Key shark fishing. These massive predators can exceed 300 pounds and are built like living torpedoes. Their distinctive stripes and massive heads make them unmistakable. Tigers are most active during warmer months and prefer hunting at dawn and dusk. What makes tiger shark fishing so addictive is their unpredictable nature – they might grab your bait and run straight for the horizon, or they could surface right next to the boat. Either way, you're in for the fight of your life.
Cedar Key shark fishing delivers the kind of action that keeps serious anglers coming back season after season. This isn't about filling a cooler – it's about testing yourself against fish that have been perfecting their game for millions of years. With just two spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and the best chance at hooking up. The Gulf of Mexico doesn't give up its giants easily, but when everything comes together – the right tide, fresh bait, and a hungry shark – you'll understand why this style of fishing becomes an obsession. Ready to see what's swimming in these waters? Let's get you on the books.
This well-maintained 2012 Carolina Skiff is built for serious shark fishing in Cedar Key's productive waters. At 24 feet with a reliable 150HP Yamaha, she cruises comfortably at 30 knots to get you to the best fishing spots quickly. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to battle these apex predators safely. She's rigged with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to navigate to proven shark grounds, fish finder to locate bait schools and structure, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold during the action. The boat handles beautifully in Cedar Key's inshore waters and provides a stable platform when you're locked up with a big shark. Perfect for up to 2 anglers who want dedicated attention from the captain while targeting various shark species. Whether you're after blacktips, bulls, or hammer heads, this Carolina Skiff puts you in prime position to connect with some serious fish in one of Florida's most productive shark fishing destinations.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are easy to spot with those signature black-tipped fins and typically run 4-5 feet, though we've seen some push 8 feet. These guys are athletic - they'll jump clean out of the water when hooked, sometimes right into the boat if you're not careful. Around Cedar Key, we find them cruising shallow flats and nearshore waters, usually in 30-100 feet over sandy bottom or around structure. Spring through fall are prime times when they're feeding heavy on sardines, mackerel, and croaker. What makes them fun is that acrobatic fight - pure energy from hookup to boat. They're schooling fish, so where there's one, there's usually more. My go-to tip: use circle hooks with oily bait like fresh mackerel chunks, and don't set the hook hard - let the circle do its job when they run.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the tough guys of our local waters - thick, powerful fish that average 8-10 feet and pack 200-300 pounds of muscle. What makes them special is they'll hunt everywhere from deep Gulf waters to brackish creeks and rivers where most sharks can't survive. We catch them year-round, but summer months are prime when they move into shallower water chasing bait. The fight is all about brute strength - no fancy jumps, just bulldog pulling power that'll wear you out. They're aggressive feeders and not picky about what they eat, making them reliable targets. Around Cedar Key, we fish them in 20-80 feet over sandy bottom or near structure. Fresh mullet, mackerel, or bonito work great, but here's my ace in the hole: freshwater eel. The high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls, and it stays on the hook through their aggressive hits.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are beautiful fish with that distinctive yellow-bronze coloring that gives them their name. Most run 6-10 feet around Cedar Key, with a stocky build that packs serious power. They love shallow, sandy areas and grass flats where they hunt crabs, small fish, and rays - often in just 10-20 feet of water. We see them year-round but spring and summer produce the best action when they're most active in warmer water. What guests love about lemons is their strong, steady fight without the crazy jumps - just raw muscle and determination. They're also curious fish that'll often circle the boat before committing. For bait, fresh bonefishheads or crab work well, but my secret weapon is a whole blue crab on a circle hook. Lemons can't resist crabs, and the scent trail brings them right to you. Fish it on bottom near grass beds.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the heavyweights you're looking for - these bruisers commonly hit 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds around here. You'll recognize them by those dark stripes that fade as they age. We target them in 60-300 feet of water around reefs and drop-offs, though they'll cruise shallows hunting stingrays. Summer and early fall are best when water temps climb and they move closer to shore following baitfish. What sets tigers apart is their bulldozer fight - pure power and endurance that'll test your tackle and stamina. They're not picky eaters either, which makes them reliable targets. Heavy tackle is non-negotiable: 100-pound mono, big circle hooks, and wire leaders. Here's the trick - fresh tuna or mackerel chunks work great, but don't overlook stingrays as bait. Tigers love rays, and that flat profile drives them crazy.
Cedar Key, FL