Cedar Key State Scrub is a small saltwater and brackish preserve with limited public fishing access

Cedar Key State Scrub sits on the Gulf coast near the town of Cedar Key and protects about 4,500 acres of scrubland, salt marsh, and shallow water habitat. Unlike the larger state parks in the area, this preserve has no developed boat ramp, no fishing pier, and no marked trails open to the public. Most of the water access is restricted to protect nesting birds and sea turtles during breeding season.

If you want to fish near Cedar Key, you have better options at nearby public waters. The preserve itself is primarily a wildlife refuge, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages it with conservation as the main goal. Anglers who fish the Cedar Key area typically launch from the town's public ramp or fish the open Gulf waters and tidal flats outside the preserve boundary.

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar Key State Scrub has no public boat ramp, fishing pier, or developed shoreline access for anglers.
  • Most of the preserve is closed to public entry to protect wildlife, especially nesting birds and sea turtles.
  • The town of Cedar Key, just outside the preserve, has a public boat ramp and better access to productive fishing grounds.
  • Seasonal closures and restricted zones within the preserve change throughout the year based on wildlife breeding cycles.
  • Redfish, spotted seatrout, and tarpon move through the shallow waters near Cedar Key during the right tides and seasons.

What waters are actually open to fishing

The preserve itself contains shallow bays, tidal creeks, and salt marsh that hold redfish and spotted seatrout, but public fishing within the preserve boundary is extremely limited. The FWC closes most interior waters seasonally to protect nesting birds from March through August and sea turtle nesting areas from May through October. These closures are not optional — violating them carries fines and can result in loss of fishing privileges.

The Gulf waters immediately outside the preserve are open year-round and hold the same species you would target inside. Shallow flats in 2 to 4 feet of water near the preserve's perimeter hold redfish and seatrout, especially during incoming tide. If you want to fish the Cedar Key area, launching from the town ramp and fishing the open Gulf is the practical route.

Launching and access from Cedar Key town

Cedar Key's public boat ramp is located at the municipal dock on Second Street and is free to use. The ramp is narrow and can get crowded during peak season (October through April), but it is the only public launch point in the immediate area. Parking is limited, and the lot fills on weekends. Arrive early if you plan to fish during morning hours.

From the ramp, you can reach productive flats in 10 to 15 minutes. The water is shallow — most of the area runs 2 to 6 feet deep at high tide — so a skiff or shallow-draft boat is ideal. If you are wading, the flats near Atsena Otie Key and the shallow bays north of town hold redfish and seatrout. Mud bottom and seagrass are common, and the water is often stained, so sight-fishing is difficult. Work the edges of deeper channels and tidal cuts where fish concentrate.

Species and seasonal patterns near Cedar Key

Redfish are the most reliable target year-round in the Cedar Key area. They move onto the shallow flats during high tide to feed and retreat to deeper channels and holes on the drop. Fall and winter (October through March) bring the most consistent fishing, with water temperatures in the 60s and 70s triggering aggressive feeding. Spotted seatrout are present but less abundant than redfish; they prefer slightly deeper water and are more active in cooler months.

Tarpon show up in spring and early summer (April through June) as they migrate along the coast. They are not easy to catch, but the shallow flats near Cedar Key hold enough fish to make it worth trying if you have experience with tarpon. Mullet, pilchards, and live shrimp are the standard baits. Artificial lures — topwater plugs and soft plastics in natural colors — work well for redfish and seatrout, especially on incoming tide when fish are feeding actively.

Tides and timing

Cedar Key experiences a tidal range of about 2 to 3 feet, and tide timing is critical to success. Incoming tide pushes redfish and seatrout onto the shallow flats to feed; the first two hours of the incoming tide are usually the most productive. Slack high tide (the period when the tide stops rising but has not yet started falling) is often slow because fish stop moving. The outgoing tide concentrates fish in deeper channels and holes, which can be good if you know where those features are.

Check the tide tables for Cedar Key before you launch. The NOAA tide prediction tool (tides.noaa.gov) gives accurate predictions for the area. Plan your fishing around the incoming tide if you are targeting shallow flats, and focus on channel edges and deeper holes during the outgoing tide. Wind direction matters too — a strong wind from the west or southwest can push water off the flats and make them too shallow to fish.

Regulations and what you need to know

Florida saltwater fishing requires a saltwater fishing license, which you can purchase online through the FWC website or at most tackle shops in Cedar Key. A three-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting. Redfish have a slot limit of 18 to 27 inches (one fish per day), and spotted seatrout have a 15-inch minimum with a two-fish daily limit. Tarpon are catch-and-release only and require a special tarpon tag if you plan to land one.

The preserve itself has specific rules posted at the entrance and online through the FWC. Do not enter closed areas, and respect all seasonal restrictions. Violations are enforced by FWC officers, and fines start at $150 for fishing in closed zones. If you are unsure whether a particular area is open, ask at the Cedar Key tackle shops or call the FWC's Cedar Key office before you launch.

Tackle and gear for shallow-water fishing

A 6 to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braided line is standard for redfish and seatrout in the Cedar Key area. Braided line casts farther and is more sensitive than monofilament, which matters when you are sight-fishing in shallow water. A 12 to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader (20 to 25-pound test) prevents line-shy fish from seeing the braid.

Soft plastics in 3 to 4-inch sizes — pearl, chartreuse, and natural colors — work well on jig heads in the 1/8 to 1/4-ounce range. Topwater plugs are effective early and late in the day when light is low. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a reliable bait option if you prefer live bait. Bring polarized sunglasses and a hat — the sun reflects hard off the shallow water, and you will miss fish if you cannot see them.

When to fish and what to avoid

October through April is peak season for Cedar Key fishing. Water temperatures are cooler, fish are more active, and the weather is generally more stable than in summer. Spring (March through May) can be good for tarpon and large redfish, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Summer (June through September) is slow for most species, and afternoon heat and storms make it uncomfortable to fish.

Avoid fishing during the bird nesting season (March through August in most of the preserve) and sea turtle nesting season (May through October). These closures are not just regulations — they protect species that depend on the area to survive. If you fish the open Gulf waters outside the preserve, you can fish year-round, but check the FWC website for any temporary closures or emergency restrictions before you launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wade fish inside Cedar Key State Scrub?

Wading is not permitted in most of the preserve due to wildlife protection. The open Gulf waters and tidal flats outside the preserve boundary are your best option for wading. Check the FWC website or ask at the Cedar Key tackle shops to confirm which areas are open before you enter the water.

What is the best time of year to fish near Cedar Key?

October through April offers the most consistent fishing for redfish and seatrout. Water temperatures are cooler, fish feed more actively, and weather is more stable. Spring (March through May) is good for tarpon, but afternoon storms are common. Summer is slow and uncomfortable due to heat and afternoon thunderstorms.

Do I need a guide to fish Cedar Key?

You do not need a guide, but one can save time if you are unfamiliar with the area. Local guides know the tides, the shallow-water structure, and which areas are open. If you prefer to fish on your own, arrive early, check the tide tables, and focus on incoming tide over shallow flats near the preserve boundary.

What happens if I fish in a closed area of the preserve?

Fishing in closed zones carries fines starting at $150 and can result in loss of your fishing license. The closures change seasonally, so check the FWC website or call ahead before you launch. Tackle shops in Cedar Key can also tell you which areas are open.

Are there other fishing spots near Cedar Key if the preserve is closed?

Yes. The Gulf waters outside the preserve are open year-round and hold the same redfish and seatrout. Nearby areas like the Suwannee River mouth and the flats around Atsena Otie Key offer good fishing when the preserve is restricted. The Cedar Key tackle shops can point you to productive open water.