Cedar Key Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday private charter targeting redfish, trout, and snookLight tackle fishing around oyster bars and grass flatsProfessional guide service accommodating up to six anglers
This 4-hour private charter puts you right in the heart of Cedar Key's most productive inshore waters, where the grass flats meet oyster bars and the fishing gets serious. Local Slayer knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while sharing the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years working these flats. With room for up to 6 anglers, this afternoon trip hits the sweet spot for groups wanting quality fishing time without burning a whole day on the water.
Cedar Key's inshore fishing scene revolves around reading the tides, understanding the structure, and knowing where fish stage up throughout the day. Your guide will work the shallow flats during optimal tide windows, targeting grass lines where baitfish concentrate and predators patrol. The oyster bars here are legendary for holding redfish, especially during moving water, while the deeper pockets and drop-offs consistently produce speckled trout. You'll cover a mix of backcountry creeks, open flats, and structured areas, with your captain adjusting the game plan based on conditions, tide, and what's been biting. The Nature Coast delivers year-round fishing opportunities, but each season brings different patterns and species movements that experienced guides know how to exploit.
This charter focuses on light tackle fishing that maximizes the fight and keeps things interesting all trip long. You'll be working with spinning gear perfectly matched to inshore conditions - responsive enough to feel every bump and strong enough to handle the biggest reds these flats can produce. The approach varies throughout the trip: drifting live bait over grass beds when trout are feeding, sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, and working structure with soft plastics when fish are holding tight. Bottom fishing around oyster bars produces consistent action, while topwater presentations during low-light periods can trigger explosive strikes. Your guide carries a full selection of proven baits - from live shrimp and pinfish to an arsenal of soft plastics in colors that work in Cedar Key's tannin-stained water.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Cedar Key inshore fishing, with good numbers of keeper-sized fish available year-round. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and respond well to both live bait and artificials. Spring and fall produce the biggest specimens, with 20+ inch trout common during cooler months. They're scrappy fighters that make great table fare, and the consistent action keeps everyone engaged throughout the trip.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Nature Coast fishing, and Cedar Key's shallow flats provide perfect habitat for both juvenile and bull-sized fish. Slot reds in the 18-27 inch range are abundant, while oversized bulls exceeding 30 inches patrol deeper edges and channels. Summer months offer the best sight-fishing opportunities, with reds tailing in inches of water during high tide periods. Their powerful runs and stubborn fights make every hookup memorable.
Cobia show up during warmer months, typically from April through October, and they're always a welcome surprise. These brown sharks of the inshore world can exceed 40 inches and provide the trip's most challenging fights. They're curious fish that often follow rays and other cobia, making sight-casting opportunities common during peak season. When you hook into a cobia, expect a long battle and some serious drag-screaming runs.
African Pompano are less common but prized catches that can show up around structure and deeper grass edges. These silvery speedsters are built for speed and put on aerial displays that rival any inshore species. They're typically encountered during summer months and can reach impressive sizes in Cedar Key waters. Their rarity makes each hookup special, and their fight-to-size ratio is off the charts.
Spanish Mackerel arrive in numbers during fall and winter months, providing fast-paced action when other species slow down. These toothy speedsters love moving baits and hit hard, making them perfect for anglers who enjoy constant action. They school up around bait concentrations and can provide non-stop fishing when conditions align. While smaller than other target species, their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights keep the energy high throughout the trip.
Cedar Key's inshore fishing delivers consistent action year-round, but the best trips book fast with guides who know these waters. This 4-hour charter gives you serious fishing time with professional guidance, quality equipment, and access to productive spots that take years to learn. Whether you're targeting a specific species or just want to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing, this trip puts you in position to succeed. The Nature Coast's reputation for world-class fishing isn't just hype - it's built on waters like these and guides who know how to fish them. Don't wait for the perfect conditions; book now and let Local Slayer show you why Cedar Key consistently ranks among Florida's top inshore fishing destinations.
Your fishing adventures around Cedar Key start aboard this beautifully restored 25-foot Scandy-White skiff, fresh from a complete 2022 makeover. The 175HP Suzuki outboard delivers smooth rides across the flats at speeds up to 35 knots, getting you to the productive waters quickly and quietly. Built specifically for Cedar Key's unique inshore fishery, this boat handles the shallow grass lines, oyster bars, and backcountry spots where redfish, trout, and snook love to hang out. The spacious deck comfortably fits up to 6 anglers with room to work, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, GPS keeps you on the productive spots, and there's even a head for convenience during longer sessions. Whether you're casting the flats for tailing reds or working structure for trout, this skiff puts you right where the fish are biting along Florida's Nature Coast.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican pompano are occasional surprises on our Cedar Key trips, especially around deeper structure and channel edges. These silvery, diamond-shaped fish typically run 10-20 pounds but can get much bigger. Juveniles have those distinctive long trailing fins that shrink as they age. You'll find them in 15-50 feet around wrecks, bridges, and hard bottom areas. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them exciting is their speed - these jacks can really run when hooked. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. Since they're attracted to shiny, moving objects, bright jigs and spoons work well. Keep your drag smooth because their first run will test it.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prizes of our spring trips, typically running 20-40 pounds around Cedar Key. These brown, shark-looking fish are loners that cruise structures like channel markers, crab traps, and debris lines from March through May during their migration. They're curious fish that often come right up to the boat, making for exciting sight fishing. You'll find them in 10-30 feet of water, usually just under the surface. What makes them special is their incredible table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They also put up a serious fight, making long runs and testing your drag. Best tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig ahead of its path and work it back steadily.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Cedar Key flats. Most run 18-27 inches, though we get plenty of bull reds over 30 inches too. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass edges, and muddy flats, especially during moving tides. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up heavily. What guests love most is watching these copper-colored fish cruise the shallows with their distinctive black spots near the tail. They fight hard and make great table fare when kept within slot limits. The key here is staying quiet and making long casts - these fish spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout around Cedar Key typically run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. These spotted beauties love our grass flats, especially in 2-4 feet of water around oyster bars and drop-offs. They're most active during moving tides, particularly early morning and late afternoon. Fall through spring offers the best action when water temps cool down. What makes them special is their delicate white meat - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They're also scrappy fighters on light tackle. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and work your lure back slowly through the grass.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that show up in good numbers during warmer months around Cedar Key. These streamlined fish with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in fast-moving schools near the surface. Look for them around grass lines, channel edges, and areas with current in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when baitfish are active. They're a blast on light tackle - hitting hard and making screaming runs. Plus they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. The trick is finding the schools since they move constantly. Once you locate them, small silver spoons or jigs worked fast through the school will get bit repeatedly.
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