$100 Reward For Tagged Seatrout–Thanks to UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station in Cedar Key

The Conservation Fund awarded the University of Florida a grant for $19,500 to fund a tagging study on spotted sea trout in Cedar Key and Steinhatchee. The project is determining tagging mortality rates and fishing mortality to assist with stock assessment and management.To date about 150 fish have been tagged with $100.00 reward tags and …

Fishing Feature: Cedar Key’s Main Ship Channel

Cedar Key In the 1880’s, steamships plied the waters between New Orleans, Havana, and Cedar Key. Yet after the hurricane of 1896 and the depletion of the cedar trees by pencil manufacturers, Cedar Key became a sleepy fishing village on Florida’s Big Bend. But in spite of the town’s loss of commerce and population, its …

Spring is Cobia Time on Florida’s Big Bend!

Our Big Bend channel markers provide good cover for predators. Proof comes in the springtime when visitors to our coastline question the appearance of boats circling almost every marker alongside the Barge Canal south of Yankeetown and either of the major channels at Cedar Key. Spring is “cobia time” and lots of anglers are on …

10 Wonderful Waters For Summer Heat in Natural North Florida

For folks looking to escape the summer heat, Natural North Florida provides countless opportunities to cool down with its extensive collection of springs, rivers, lakes, and coastline. Most of Florida’s 700 identified freshwater springs are located in North Florida or along the Gulf Coast, and more than 40 are open to the public. Our section …

52nd Annual Cedar Key Arts Festival, April 9 & 10, 2016

  2016 marks the 52nd year of the Cedar Key Arts Festival.  The town of Cedar Key comes alive with fun for the entire family during the event.  Expect great food, professional arts and crafts and a chance to see one of Florida’s best-kept secrets–the town of Cedar Key.  Located just an hour west of …

Cedar Key’s Shell Mound, a “Sea Kayaker’s Playground”

While the town of Cedar Key is 24-miles off the beaten path, at the western (Gulf) end of SR24, Shell Mound is a bit farther! “The Shell Mound Unit of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is adjacent to Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. This unique feature was created by archaic period Eastern Woodland Indian cultures …

Heading to Cedar Key, FL With Your Boat? Don’t Forget The Backwaters Near The #4 Channel

Anglers and boaters headed to Cedar Key are sometimes put off by the crowds at the downtown boat basin.  Yes, they’re closer to the Gulf of Mexico, and there’s an inside and an outside ramp.  If you use the inside ramp, you’ll be in the shallow boat basin and if your boat has a T-top …

Tour Cedar Key’s Lighthouse, February 20, 2016

It’s Open House time! February 20th from 9am-3pm the Cedar Keys Lighthouse will be open to the public. Seahorse Key Marine Lab will be doing marine ecology interpretations. You can come in your own boat or for a fee, take one of the tour boats from the Cedar Key Marina.

Can You Catch Fish In Natural North Florida? You Betcha!

Our spring fed rivers, coastal creeks and rivers, as well as the inshore and offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide some of the best fishing in the world.  Here are a few photos to prove our point.  Explore our many coastal communities–Yankeetown, Cedar Key, Suwannee, Horseshoe Beach, Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, St. Marks and …

3-Day Trip: Fish North Florida’s Hidden Coast

The shorelines of Florida’s northwest counties are known for more than their white, sandy beaches and quaint, coastal cities. Their waters are abundant with a wide variety of salt and freshwater fish, and each county offers an assortment of boating, scalloping and other water activities. From freshwater kayak fishing to deep-sea charters, Florida’s northern shores …