Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Cedar Key (Complete Guide)

Cedar Key offers plenty of opportunities to have a good time and experience great fishing in Florida. Boasting hundreds of varieties of seasonal and year-round species of fish, Cedar Key is truly a fisherman’s dream spot and should be on every fisherman’s bucket list.

The best time to fish in Cedar Key for sailfish, tarpon, spotted seatrout, mahi-mahi, and cobia is from January through September. The best times for amberjack, grouper, and king mackerel are November through March.

Fish SpeciesBest Times to Fish in Cedar Key
AmberjackDecember-February are the best months; March & November offer decent fishing.
BarracudaMarch-October are the best months; November-February offer decent fishing.
Blue MarlinApril & May are the best months; June-August offers decent fishing.
GrouperNovember-March are the best months; April-October offer decent fishing.
King MackerelOctober-April are the best months; May & September offer decent fishing.
Mahi MahiApril-August are the best months; March & September offer decent fishing.
PermitMay-August are the best months; April & September offer decent fishing.
TarponJune-October are the best months; May & November offer decent fishing.
SailfishJanuary-April are the best months; May can be good fishing for Cedar Key sailfish.

One of the places you want to visit in Florida is Cedar Key. The best time to visit Cedar Key for fishing is spring, summer, and fall months. You should fish the waters of Cedar Key from April through October for a productive session.

man holding a fish
(Image courtesy of J. Lowe’s Guide Service (Cedar Key) & Fishing Booker)

Best Times to Fish Cedar Key

The best time of the year to fish the waters of Cedar Key is during the fishing season. The fishing season provides large numbers of fish species that you can catch. It also provides the best conditions for successful and productive fishing in Cedar Key.

The fishing season in Cedar Key begins from mid-spring till mid-fall. You should begin your fishing trip to Cedar Key from April through October for the best results. You can enjoy your fishing operations and catch as many fish species as you want.

You also have to know the best time of the day to go fishing in Cedar Keys. You have to fish during the right time of the day to enjoy a productive fishing session. The best time to fish the waters of Cedar Key is during the active hours.

The active hours of most fish species fall in the morning and evening. You should begin your fishing during this time as this is when most fish species are in abundance.

Fishing the waters of Cedar Key during this time will provide you with a productive and successful fishing trip.

You must consider the time you visit the waters of Cedar Key to make the best catch. Fishing during the appropriate time will allow you to fish several fish species. And this will make your fishing trip highly successful, fun-filled, and memorable.

Recommended Fishing Charters in Cedar Key

These Cedar Key-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing ChartersType of Fishing Offered
Tides Turn Fishing ChartersInshore, Nearshore & Flats
AJ Brown Fishing ChartersNearshore, Inshore, River, Reef, Backcountry & Flats
Stickin & FishinInshore
G.FIN Fishing ChartersInshore, Flats, Reef & Nearshore
In The Slot FishingNearshore, Inshore, River, Offshore, Backcountry & Flats
J. Lowe’s Guide ServiceFlats, Lake, River & Inshore

Cedar Key Species Breakdown: Best Times & Seasons

Cedar Key houses varieties of fish species, which is one of the reasons you should visit its waters. You can catch these fish species and make your fishing trip a fantastic one in Cedar Key. Here are some of the fish species you will find in the waters of Cedar Key.

Tarpon

Fishing tarpons in Cedar Key is best done in the spring and summer. You should visit Cedar Key from mid-spring through summer to get the best tarpon fishing. Prepare and fish the waters of Cedar Key from April through August to enjoy your fishing operations.

The early morning and late afternoon hours are some of the best times to fish for tarpons in Cedar Key. You should target the early and late hours of the day to make the best catch. You can also target the night hours where tarpons bite well during dark hours.

One of the places you can visit in Cedar Key for your tarpon fishing is the Seahorse Reef. The Seahorse Reef provides one of the best chances for fishing tarpons in Cedar Key. You can catch as many tarpons as you want and make your fishing trip fulfilled.

Redfish

You should target the late summer and autumn seasons for the best catch when fishing red drums in Cedar Key. You should begin your fishing operation from August through November for the best redfish fishing operation. You can catch as many redfish as you want during these seasons.

Redfish love the cool temperature of the water, so you should target the cool hours of the day for the best fishing results.

You should carry out your redfish fishing during the morning hours just before the sun heats the water. You can also fish in the late evening when the water temperature is low.

If you want to experience a great encounter with redfish, you should visit the Snake Key. The Snake Key provides excellent conditions that support successful redfish fishing. You should visit the fishing location and catch as many fish species as you want.

King Mackerel

You should fish the waters of Cedar Key from spring through fall to get the best results. You can catch as many king mackerels as you want during these seasons. Prepare your fishing gear and visit the waters of Cedar Key from April to October for the best fishing results.

You can catch king mackerels in the morning and the evening. The waters of Cedar Key supports mackerel fishing during the early and late hours of the day. You can enjoy your fishing operations during this time and make your fishing trip a memorable one.

The Kingfish Hole is also one of the perfect places for your king mackerel fishing in Cedar Key. The place provides one of the best conditions for successful fishing. You can visit the Kingfish Hole to catch and enjoy your mackerel fishing.

Cobia

Fishing cobias is best done during the spring through the fall season. You get the best results when fish cobias in Cedar Key during the appropriate season. You should begin your cobia fishing from April through October to make the best catches.

Unlike most fish species, cobias can be difficult to see or catch during the early morning or late evening hours. The best time to fish cobias is when the sun is highest. You should visit the waters of Cedar Key during this time to make the best catch.

One of the places near Cedar Key where you can catch Cobias is the Deadman’s Key. You can catch cobias and several other fish species at this fishing location. You can enjoy your fishing and make your fishing trip to Cedar Key a memorable one.

Snook

The best time to fish snook in Cedar key is during the fall months. You can also fish snook during the spring months and enjoy high success and productivity. Fish the waters of Cedar from September through November and from March through April for the best results.

You should target the morning and evening hours to get the best results when fishing snooks in Cedar Key.

The morning and evening hours provide the best weather and water conditions to support snook fishing. Fish during the appropriate time to give yourself a productive fishing operation.

The Finger Channels are places you can visit when fishing snooks in Cedar Key. You can catch as many fish species as you want and give yourself a memorable fishing experience. Enjoy your snook fishing at the Finger Channels.

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Best Time of the Day to Fish Cedar Key

You should fish Cedar Key at the appropriate time of the day to get the best fishing results. The best time of the day to fish Cedar Key is during the morning and evening hours. You can record high fishing results and catch as many fish species as you want during this time.

Cedar Key Fishing & Tidal Impacts

You have to consider the tides when fishing in Cedar Key. The best time to fish the waters of Cedar Key is hours before and after a high and low tide. This tidal time is called the slack tides, a perfect time to get the best fishing results.

Storms & Cedar Key Fishing

When fishing the waters of Cedar Key, you should consider the storm. You should fish at the right moment of the storm to get the best fishing results.

The best time to fish is immediately after a storm. This is when several fish species become active and are ready to take a bite.

man holding a fish
(Image courtesy of Stickin & Fishin (Cedar Key) & Fishing Booker)

Is Winter Fishing Good or Bad in Cedar Key?

Winter fishing is popular and highly productive in Cedar Key. There are several fish species you will find in the waters of Cedar Key during the winter season. Fishing the waters of Cedar Key during the winter can make your fishing operations highly memorable.

Night Fishing in Cedar Key

The nights are also one of the best times to fish in Cedar Key. You can visit the waters of Cedar Key during the dark hours to enjoy the best fishing results. You can catch several fish species of your choice, making your fishing in Cedar Key highly productive.

Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons

The shores of Cedar Key are also one of the places you should fish on your fishing trip to Cedar Key. You should miss out on the fun of surf fishing in Cedar Key, so you should visit the shores and enjoy your fishing operations. Give yourself memorable fishing operations by fishing the shores of Cedar Key.

Top 5 Fishing Spots in Cedar Key

There are several places in Cedar Key you can visit for your fishing operations. You can visit these places and catch several fish species. You can record high fishing success at these fishing spots.

Here are the fishing spots you will find in Cedar Key;

  • Kingfish Hole: Kingfish Hole is one of the places you should visit when fishing the waters of Cedar Key. You can enjoy your fishing operations at this place and give yourself a worthy fishing trip.
  • Snake Key: The Snake Key is also one of the places you should visit for your fishing operations in Cedar Key. You can catch as many fish species as you want at this fishing spot.
  • Seahorse Reef: The Seahorse Reef is an excellent fishing spot to visit when fishing the waters of Cedar Key. The fishing spot provides you with conditions that support successful fishing.
  • Finger Channels: You should visit the finger channels during your Cedar Key fishing trip. You can catch your favorite fish species at this place and give yourself a memorable fishing trip.
  • Deadman’s Key: You should not miss this fishing location when you go on your fishing trip to Cedar Key. You can enjoy your fishing operations at this location and give yourself an unforgettable fishing experience.
man holding a fish

Booking Charters in Cedar Key (Best Times)

Booking your charters is very important when you are on a fishing trip to Cedar Key. Charters provide many benefits to anglers and fishing enthusiasts on a fishing adventure.

It provides you with easy transportation, an excellent guide to several fishing spots, and also provides you with certain fishing resources.

Cedar Key has several charter services you can book. Book one of your choices and enjoy your fishing operations in Cedar Key.

Best Season to Go

You have to book your charters during the right season to get the best results. Booking your charters at the wrong season will reduce the productivity and success of your fishing operations.

So, you should always consider the right season to book your charter and fish the waters of Cedar Key.

The best time to book your charters in Cedar Key is during the fishing season. The fishing season provides the most successful and productive fishing in Cedar Key. Booking your charters during this season allows you to explore and enjoy your fishing operations at the right time.

The fishing season in Cedar key starts from spring through fall. So, to make the best of your fishing, you should book your charter from mid-spring through mid-fall. Book your charter anytime from April through October for the best fishing results.

Booking your charter and fishing during this time is also fun-filled as summer and spring are the busiest seasons. These seasons are full of life, allowing you to enjoy every bit of your fishing trip.

You will also be able to catch several fish species and experience several events during your fishing trip.

Enjoy your fishing trip and create a memorable fishing experience in Cedar Key by booking your charters during the right season. You can catch several fish species and give yourself an enjoyable fishing operation in Cedar Key.

Morning vs. Afternoon

When fishing the waters of Cedar Key, you should know the best time to book your charters in the day. Booking your charter needs to be at a precise time during the day. Doing this will assure you of high productivity and fishing success.

You have to consider the fish species you want to catch and check out their active times for you to know what time to book your charter.

The best time to go fishing is during the active hours, as this is the easiest and most successful time to catch them. You have to first discover the active time of the fish species you want to catch before you know the right time to book your charter.

Generally, most fish species are usually active during the morning hours. So you should target the morning hours when booking your charters in Cedar key. Booking your charters in the morning will give you access to varieties of fish species that you can catch.’

Enjoy your fishing trip and operations in Cedar key by booking your charter and fishing during the appropriate time. You can catch several fish species and give yourself a fun-filled time in Cedar Key.

Give yourself that memorable fishing experience you’ve always longed for in the waters of Cedar key.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Islamorada, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Marathon, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Key West, please check out this helpful article.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Florida Keys, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Key Largo, please check out this helpful article.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Stock island & Crystal River, please check out this helpful guide. I wrote a concise article on the quality of Key West fishing.

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