Travel

Fishing Old Florida’s Celebrated Cedar Key

West coast hot spot delivers nonstop inshore action in a laid-back location.

By Chris Woodward

December 9, 2019

Executive Editor Chris Woodward traveled to Cedar Key, Florida, this fall to sample some of the inshore fishing. What she found was nonstop action for six different species, easy conditions, and sensational Old Florida charm.

Cedar Key aerial — Cedar Key is a wisp of a town located on an island off the northwest coast of Florida, at the end of a long, mostly two-lane highway. It’s surrounded by sections of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, designated in 1929 to protect its bird rookeries. In the foreground lies a marina with a ramp, and row of restaurants, such as Steamers Clam Bar & Grill, and shops, as well as a fishing pier. Marshes and oyster bars stretch inland; to the west lie numerous keys.Adrian Gray

Sand key off Cedar Key — One of many shell-and-sand keys that proliferate off the Cedar Key coastline. The tiny blue-and-white dot at top left is the boat we fished with Capt. Jimbo Keith of Saltwater Assassin Charters.Adrian Gray

24-foot Carolina Skiff fishing Cedar Key — Staked Out! Our group—which included Jim McGowan (left), marketing manager for Raymarine—fished dead bait, plugs, and Bass Assassin lures for redfish and trout with Keith aboard his customized 24-foot Carolina Skiff, equipped with an elevated helm station, Raymarine Axiom electronics and twin Power-Pole shallow-water anchors.Adrian Gray

Releasing a redfish — Keith releases the first of countless redfish we caught that ranged from rats to overslot bulls. Rod: KastKing’s Estuary series rod. Reel: Tsunami Evict with KastKing Pro Braid.Adrian Gray

Slot redfish — SF Executive Editor Chris Woodward, left, and Keith celebrate a beautifully spotted slot red. Rod: Tsunami Shield 2. Reel: Tsunami 3000 Evict.Adrian Gray

Cedar Key trout — Cedar Key trout prove plentiful, particularly as water temperatures cool, and can be taken on lures such as this Bass Assassin jig.Adrian Gray

Tripletail caught in Cedar Key — Bonus fish! Keith Nets a tripletail for photographer/videographer Adrian Gray. We found the fish, which are more prevalent in warmer months, floating around a stake near Cedar Key’s clam beds. The region is known for its clam aquaculture.Chris Woodward

Cobia caught on jig — Another bonus! This cobia surprised is by snatching a jig.Adrian Gray

Spanish mackerel caught in Cedar Key — Wow, even more! How about a Spanish mackerel?Adrian Gray

Flounder caught in Cedar Key — ...or a flounder! These waters proved very fertile and easy to fish.Adrian Gray

Launching a drone — Gray wanted to launch his DJI drone using Raymarine’s UAV app on Keith’s Axiom display. So here, Keith holds the drone in preparation for launch. The display shows the picture the drone camera sees.Adrian Gray

Island Hotel in Cedar Key — Our Cedar Key home for the week—the Island Hotel, built in 1859—is now run by Andy Bair and his wife, Stanley, who previously owned the Bair Bahamas Guest House on South Andros Island in the Bahamas. In its first years, the building served as a general store before the Civil War brought an end to the region’s growing prosperity. Today, this bed-and-breakfast comes with loads of historic charm: It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, and among many of its famous guests, music superstar Jimmy Buffett is said to have been a frequent visitor during the 1980s.Adrian Gray

Island Hotel's front desk — The Island Hotel’s front desk (left) and parlor (right) really reflect the Old Florida look. Only a handful of such places exist anymore in this popular tourist state.Chris Woodward

Island Hotel room — One of the beautifully appointed rooms in the Island Hotel. We never saw ghosts, but we always wondered…. The hotel’s lore suggests possible hauntings.Adrian Gray

Steamers Clam Bar & Grill interior — The vibe at Steamers Clam Bar & Grill is laid back and casual. The restaurant overlooks the Gulf.Adrian Gray

Clams from Cedar Key — Some famous, and delicious, clams from Steamers. Since the 1990s, Cedar Key has become known for its shellfish aquaculture.Adrian Gray

2nd Street Café salad — Foodie anglers….a serious wedge salad from the 2nd Street Café.Adrian Gray

Local arts in Cedar Key — The local artist scene shows up on the street and in the boutiques and shops.Adrian Gray

Fishing statue in Cedar Key — Fishing has always been a premier Cedar Key pastime.Chris Woodward

Island Hotel’s Neptune Bar — Locals gather to enjoy music and swap stories in the Island Hotel’s Neptune Bar.Adrian Gray

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