Cedar Key Inshore Fishing: Half & Full Day Charters
Cedar Key's shallow flats and grass beds create some of Florida's most productive inshore fishing grounds. Taylor's Pokin' Fun puts you right in the heart of it all with half-day (4-hour), three-quarter day (6-hour), and full-day (8-hour) charters targeting the Big Bend's best species. We're talking redfish tailing in skinny water, sea trout hitting topwater baits at dawn, and black drum that'll test your drag system. This isn't a cattle boat operation – just you, one other angler, and a guide who knows every grass flat, oyster bar, and channel from Inglis down to Cedar Key. All tackle, bait, and gear come with the trip, so grab your cooler and let's go fishing.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early when the water's calm and fish are feeding. We'll meet at the dock in Cedar Key, load up the flats boat, and head out to productive waters based on tide, weather, and what's been biting. The beauty of this fishery is its diversity – one cast might produce a keeper redfish, the next a fat sea trout or aggressive Spanish mackerel. We fish the grass flats using live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures depending on conditions and target species. The boat's designed for shallow water work, so we can get into spots bigger vessels can't reach. Expect to cover water, make lots of casts, and adapt techniques as we find active fish. Water depth ranges from 2 to 8 feet most of the day, with crystal clear visibility when conditions are right. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and prepare for some serious fishing action in one of Florida's top-rated inshore destinations.
Flats Fishing Techniques
Cedar Key flats fishing is all about reading the water and matching your approach to conditions. We primarily sight-fish and structure-fish using medium-action spinning gear rigged with circle hooks and fluorocarbon leaders. Live shrimp under popping corks work magic on sea trout over grass beds, while free-lined shrimp or small crabs target redfish cruising oyster bars. When Spanish mackerel show up, we switch to small spoons and jigs for fast action. The boat's equipped with a shallow-water anchor system and push pole for stealthy approaches to spooky fish. Bowfishing gear is also available for guests interested in targeting gar, rays, and other alternative species. Water clarity determines whether we sight-cast to visible fish or work structure blindly. During moving tides, we position near channels and drop-offs where baitfish concentrate. Your guide handles boat positioning, bait selection, and rigging – you focus on casting accuracy and fighting fish properly.
Top Catches This Season
Redfish are the backbone of Cedar Key fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers love the area's shallow oyster bars and grass flats. Most fish run 18 to 28 inches with plenty of slot-size keepers, though oversized bulls over 30 inches show up regularly during cooler months. They're aggressive feeders that hit live shrimp, cut mullet, and gold spoons with authority. Best fishing happens during moving tides when they cruise structure looking for crabs and baitfish. Redfish fight hard with long runs and head-shaking jumps that'll test your drag.
Sea trout provide consistent action throughout the year, with peak numbers during spring and fall months. These spotted beauties average 14 to 20 inches, with trophy-class fish over 24 inches possible during winter. They school over grass beds in 3 to 6 feet of water, hitting live shrimp under corks and soft plastic baits. Early morning topwater action can be explosive when conditions align. Sea trout have delicate mouths, so proper hook-setting and fighting techniques are essential for landing these customer favorites.
Spanish mackerel arrive in spring and stay through fall, providing some of the most exciting light-tackle action available. These speedsters average 12 to 18 inches and hit small lures with lightning-fast strikes. They school near structure and baitfish concentrations, often jumping completely out of the water when hooked. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their speed makes for heart-pounding fights on light spinning gear.
Southern flounder are the area's premier table fare, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms near grass edges and channel drop-offs. Most fish range 14 to 20 inches, with doormat-sized specimens over 24 inches caught regularly. They're ambush predators that prefer live or fresh-cut bait presented slowly along the bottom. Peak season runs from late spring through early winter when they're fattening up for offshore spawning runs.
Black drum are the heavyweights of Cedar Key flats, with fish over 30 inches common around oyster bars and deep grass edges. These bottom-feeders love live or cut crabs and put up bulldogging fights that'll wear out your arms. They feed by sound and smell, often traveling in schools that create world-class fishing opportunities when located. Best action happens during warmer months when they're actively feeding in shallow water.
Time to Book Your Spot
Cedar Key's inshore fishing delivers year-round action with species variety that keeps every trip interesting. Whether you choose a 4-hour morning trip, 6-hour combination, or full 8-hour adventure, you'll experience some of Florida's best flats fishing with a guide who knows how to put you on fish. The 2-person limit ensures personalized attention and plenty of fishing time for everyone. All gear, tackle, and bait are included, so just bring yourself and get ready for a day of serious fishing. Deposits are non-refundable, so book early to secure your preferred dates. This renowned charter operation fills up fast during peak seasons – don