Half Day or Full Day Fishing in Cedar Key
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, seatrout, flounder, and sharks in Cedar Key watersChoose from 4, 6, or 8-hour inshore flats fishing optionsAll fishing gear, rods, and reels provided for up to 2 guests
Looking for some serious action on the flats? Cedar Key's waters are loaded with hungry redfish, seatrout, and a bunch of other species that'll keep your drag screaming. Taylor's Pokin' Fun has been putting anglers on fish in these waters for years, and we know exactly where they're holding. Whether you've got 4 hours or want to make it a full 8-hour day, we'll put you on the spots that produce. This is real flats fishing – sight casting to tailing reds, working the grass beds for trout, and maybe even tangling with a bull shark if you're lucky.
We're talking about some of Florida's best inshore fishing right here. Cedar Key sits where the Suwannee River meets the Gulf, creating this massive network of shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds that fish absolutely love. You'll be fishing with just one other angler max, so there's plenty of room to work and no fighting over the best spots on the boat. The guide knows these waters like the back of his hand – every pothole, every bar, every place the fish like to hang out during different tides. Morning trips often start with the sun coming up over the flats, and that's when the magic happens. Fish are moving, feeding, and you can actually see them working in the shallow water.
All your rods and reels are provided, so you don't need to haul your gear down here. We're talking about light tackle fishing – spinning reels with 15-20 pound braid, perfect for these clear shallow waters. Depending on what we're targeting and where we find them, you might be throwing live shrimp under a popping cork, working soft plastics through the grass, or sight casting with topwater plugs. The boat gets you into water that's sometimes only 2-3 feet deep, places where the big boats can't go. That's where the fish feel safe, and that's where we catch them. Live bait works great here – pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish all produce. Artificials can be even more fun though, especially when you watch a red absolutely destroy a gold spoon in 18 inches of water.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Cedar Key fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs love the shallow oyster bars and grass flats around here. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, especially during the warmer months, and watching one blow up on a topwater bait is something every angler needs to experience. Most reds here run 18-27 inches – perfect eating size – but don't be surprised if you hook into a bull that'll test your drag and your nerves.
Sea trout are everywhere in these waters, and they're eager biters most of the year. Spring and fall are peak times when big gator trout move shallow to feed. These fish love live shrimp bounced along the bottom, but they'll also crush a well-placed soft plastic. The trout fishing here is so consistent that it's rare to have a day without catching several, and when you find a school, you can usually stay on them for a while.
Spanish Mackerel show up in big numbers during their seasonal runs, usually spring through fall. These speed demons will absolutely scream line off your reel, and they're suckers for small spoons and jigs worked fast through the water column. When the Spanish are running, you can catch them one after another until your arms get tired. They're also fantastic on the dinner table if you decide to keep a few.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. The cooler months are prime time for doormat flounder, and Cedar Key's waters hold some real slabs. They're usually caught bouncing baits along the bottom near structure, and when a big one hits, you might think you're snagged until it starts shaking its head. These fish are pure table fare – hard to beat for a fish fry.
Black Drum don't get the respect they deserve, but they're incredible fighters and the big ones will absolutely wear you out. These bottom feeders love crabs and shrimp, and Cedar Key's oyster bars are perfect habitat. You might catch smaller ones all day, but when you hook into a 30+ pound drum, you'll understand why guides get excited about them. They're strong, stubborn, and will make multiple runs that'll have you wondering if your knot's going to hold.
Cedar Key fishing is world-class, but the best guides stay busy. Taylor's Pokin' Fun has earned a reputation for putting clients on fish, and that means trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you want to try a 4-hour half-day trip to see what all the fuss is about, or go all-in with an 8-hour adventure, you're going to have shots at multiple species and probably come home with some great stories. The boat's set up right, the guide knows the water, and the fish are here year-round. All you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, and drinks – everything else is covered. Don't sleep on this one – book your Cedar Key charter and get ready to see why this area has such a loyal following among serious anglers.
This airboat cuts through Cedar Key's shallow flats like a dream, getting you into those skinny water spots where the big redfish and sea trout love to hide. Built for navigating Florida's back country waters, she handles the grass beds and oyster bars that bigger boats can't touch. The GPS keeps you on track while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper pockets. Perfect for up to 2 anglers who want to fish the hard-to-reach spots where the action really heats up. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working the grass lines for trout, this shallow-draft setup puts you right where the fish are feeding. The elevated seating gives you great visibility for spotting fish in the clear water, and the quiet operation won't spook wary targets in these pristine Florida waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from schoolie-sized 5-10 pounders up to true giants pushing 30+ pounds. These powerful fish cruise oyster bars and grass flats, using their crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're bulldogs that'll test your tackle with long, steady runs. The smaller ones make great eating, but we usually release the big breeders. You'll find them in 2-8 feet of water around structure. My go-to technique: fresh cut crab on a Carolina rig fished right on the bottom. Stay patient - they'll mouth the bait before committing, so let them run with it before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Cedar Key flats, running anywhere from slot-sized 18-27 inchers up to bull reds over 40 inches. You'll spot them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs stick out. That distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze color make them unmistakable. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they school up. They fight like freight trains with powerful runs and head shakes. Smaller ones are excellent eating, while the big bulls are pure sport. These fish eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials all work. Here's my local trick: look for "muds" - cloudy water where they're rooting around feeding. Cast ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sink naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are bread-and-butter fish around Cedar Key, with most running 14-20 inches and the occasional "gator trout" pushing 5+ pounds. Look for them over grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around potholes and drop-offs. They're most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime feeding periods. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are right. These fish have a delicate mouth, so they're called "paper mouths" for good reason. The meat is tender and flaky - perfect for the table. Topwater plugs at dawn create explosive strikes, but soft plastics under popping corks are my most consistent producer. Key tip: use a light drag and steady pressure when fighting them - too much force and you'll pull the hook right through their soft mouth.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout our shallow bays and grass flats. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch some nice 3-5 pounders that'll surprise you with their fight. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they can change color to match the bottom perfectly. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. What makes them special is that ambush strike - they'll hammer a bait drifted right past their nose. The meat is sweet and white, perfect for the dinner table. Here's the key: fish slow and stay in contact with the bottom. Use a Carolina rig with live shrimp or small jigs, and when you feel that subtle tap, wait a second before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese fast-swimming silver bullets are one of our most reliable targets here in Cedar Key. Spanish mackerel typically run 1-3 pounds with that classic streamlined body and yellow spots along their sides. You'll find them schooling near the surface around grass flats and structure, especially during spring and fall migrations. They hit hard and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent - mild and flaky when fresh. Best fishing happens when the water warms up in late spring through early fall. Pro tip: when you see diving birds, get there fast and throw small spoons or jigs. These guys move in big schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find plenty more.
Cedar Key