Marathon Fishing Areas
Looking for some spots to start out at on your fishing trip in Marathon or the Middle Keys? New to fishing and have no idea where to even start? You’ve arrived at your haven! At Keys Maritime Specialty Bait and Seafood we know that sometimes the locals need a few beers before they start talking, and in today’s world that can be easier said than done. Let us share some local knowledge so you can spend more time having fun with your family.
Impacts of fishing the same spot
We hope you understand that fishing is an environmentally impactive sport, and that by sharing our spots we are ensuring their usage by future fisherman. Please do your part to ensure your spots stay clean and thriving by following all laws and regulations and picking up after yourself! All fish, especially sharks, need a steady flow of water in order to prolong survival. You should always return fish to the water as soon as possible when releasing, and let large fish and sharks remain in the water. Remember in order to fish from land for sharks in Monroe County you must have a shore based shark permit: a free license awarded at the end of a short online class, required for anyone fishing from shore for sharks.
Bridge Fishing in Marathon
Bridges can be a fisherman’s best friend for landing a catch on both land and water. There are several bridges located throughout marathon and middle keys considered prime grounds by locals. Keep the wind and tide in mind when fishing from land, since many bridges only allow you fish easily in a single direction! Highlighted below are several popular fishing bridges in the area. Many fishing spots in marathon are only accessible by foot so plan ahead!
popular fishing bridges
The Seven Mile Bridge
The newly reopened seven mile bridge is one of Marathon’s most popular fishing grounds. With fishing somewhat available off both sides of the bridge (better when the tide is flowing to the gulf), and a wide variety of species to catch supporting themselves off each pilon’s artificial reef, it is truly Marathon’s go to fishing grounds both by land and by water. By land, the old bridge is accessed through the parking area or by parking nearby and walking.
Seven Mile Bridge fishing area
Long Key Bridge fishing grounds
Long Key Bridge is the second most popular fishing bridge in the Marathon and Duck key area. Accessible by parking, and better for fishing the ocean side. This one involves a lot of walking to get away from others!
Long Key Viaduct
KOA Bridge area
A hidden gem, the KOA bridge is better for fishing the ocean side, and poor in the other direction. The parking for the bridge is located before you reach the KOA campground in Upper Sugar Loaf Key
KOA bridge fishing area/ parking
No Name Key Bridge fishing spot
One of the the only fishing bridges in the keys that allows you to fish both sides easily! Very popular Big Pine fishing area. Make sure to always have your shore based, saltwater fishing permits ready at this location as it is a hot spot for FWC.
No Name Key Fishing Bridge
Shore Fishing Areas in Marathon
When fishing on land, and not on a privately owned dock, the other option is fishing from shore or shallows. There are several popular areas often used to pull off on the side of the road and go wading! These spots are sometimes best found by searching for tire tracks when traveling between islands. The locations on the map are approximate, so make sure to do some scouting!
Spots to go wading around Marathon
Fishing Spots on Marathon’s Waters
When looking for fishing spots on the water in the Marathon area, your actions are guided mostly by the wind. No one likes it rough, so when not inshore always use the land to block the winds. You might be surprised how heading into the gulf yields drastically different results than staying on the ocean side. In general there are more fish in the Ocean, but strong currents and muddy waters can make it hard for fish to find your bait. The best spots are at the points where the depth changes quickly- channels, ledges, and holes. Using a sonar and depth chart is the best way to find these areas! For more information on how to use a sonar, check here.
Marathon Fishing Areas
Sharing fishing spots
The spots below are general fishing grounds in and along the Marathon area, good fishing areas are anywhere the water changes from deep to shallow (channels). For more information on finding spots, ask our bait shop!
We hope you understand that fishing is an environmentally impactive sport, and that by sharing our fishing areas we ensure their use by future fisherman. Monroe County Fisheries struggles with overfishing in a tourism centered economy, please do your part to ensure your spots stay clean and thriving by following all laws and regulations!
Keys Maritime Specialty Bait and Seafood Market, Marathon
We’ve been serving Marathon since 2011, where we began our goal to provide the highest quality bait in the Middle Keys. Our team is dedicated to making sure your fishing experience is full of finding fish, not looking for deals.
At Keys Maritime, we baby our bait, and think it shows. We have the largest variety, of the highest quality live bait and frozen bait Marathon has to offer. Get skunked? Keys Maritime has local seafood sourced from Marathon and Key West to make those rainy days a little brighter. Located at 890 15th St. #3 right up the road from Castaways.