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Duck Key

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

4.7·961 catches

Top fish species at Duck Key

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Duck Key fishing reports

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Schoolmaster snapper

length · weight

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length · weight

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Pinfish

length · weight

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Mangrove snapper

8 in · 5 oz

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Mutton snapper

length · weight

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Mutton snapper

length · weight

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General info

Duck Key is a part of an ocean located in Monroe County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Mangrove snapper, Largemouth bass, and Common dolphinfish.

Location

24°46′19.7″N 80°54′23.9″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Largemouth Bass biting on Duck Key?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Duck Key. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Duck Key, FL

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Florida can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Mangrove snapper

Mangrove snapper

Regulation boundaryFL Atlantic State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size10" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit10

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Special gear

Dehooking

Dehooking device use required as needed.

Restrictions & requirements

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

Descending Device/Venting Tool

Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready is required when fishing for reef fish, and use such device if releasing a fish that suffers from barotrauma. Get descending device gear for FREE by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right. Get started here: returnemright.org

Additional information
This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Excellent. Here's a fun and tasty mangrove snapper Catch, Clean, Cook by Deer Meat for Dinner!
Synonyms
Lutjanus griseus, Mangrove Snapper
Season open: year-round
Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Max size16" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit5

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 16

The maximum number of trophy individuals legally harvested per harvester per day. A trophy is any individual of a length greater than the max size limit. Trophy individuals are included in the daily bag limit unless stated otherwise.

RequirementKeep intact

In waters where minimum-length or slot-size limits apply, game fish may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed until the angler has completed fishing for the day.

Special gear

FL FW Game Fish

Freshwater game fish may only be taken with pole-and-line or rod-and-reel. There is no limit on the number of rods an angler may use.

Restrictions & requirements

Keep Intact

In waters where minimum-length or slot-size limits apply, game fish may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed until the angler has completed fishing for the day.

Additional information
No minimum length. Only 1 bass may be 16-inches or longer in total length. Black Bass or any part thereof may not be used as bait.Regulations are the same for both Florida Bass and Largemouth Bass throughout Florida, so there is no need for anglers to distinguish between the two species for regulations purposes. Catch a largemouth bass 8-pounds or heavier, check out our TrophyCatch for some amazing prizes.An angler participating in the TrophyCatch Program may temporarily possess in live condition one largemouth bass, 8 pounds or greater, over the legal length limit and bag limit in order to obtain photographic or video documentation of the fish. All largemouth bass retained for this purpose must be released alive into the waterbody in which it was caught immediately after documentation.An angler may possess one largemouth bass 16.5 pounds or greater, per day over the legal length or bag limit when submitting for the certification of a potential state record provided they contact the Commission at this link MYFWC-Potential state record largemouth bass. Largemouth bass maintained in live condition may only be possessed on the waterbody or adjacent shore from which the fish was caught and may only be released alive in the same waterbody, unless otherwise directed by Commission staff.
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Largemouth Bass by BlueGabe
Synonyms
Micropterus nigricans
Season open: year-round
Common dolphinfish

Common dolphinfish

Regulation boundaryFL Atlantic State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size20" (Fork Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Fork Length means the length of a fish as measured from the most forward point of the head to the rear center edge of the tail.

Vessel limit30

The maximum number of individual fish legally possessed aboard any vessel.

Restrictions & requirements

Zero Bag for Captain

Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

Additional information
Vessel limit does not apply to for-hire vessels. Changes Effective May 1: Recreational daily bag limit = 5 dolphin per person. Private recreational daily vessel limit = 30 fish per vessel. Captain and crew bag limits are prohibited statewide.This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Excellent, and they are considered a very sustainable fishery. Catch, Clean, Cook Mahi Mahi by DMFD
Synonyms
Coryphaena hippurus, dorado, mahi mahi
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of Duck Key

4.7
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39 ratings

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1
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Cities nearby

Duck Key

0.4 miles away

Layton

6.9 miles away

Key Colony Beach

8.0 miles away

Marathon

8.8 miles away

Big Pine Key

29.5 miles away

Tavernier

30.0 miles away

Cudjoe Key

37.8 miles away

Key Largo

39.3 miles away

Big Coppitt Key

48.8 miles away

North Key Largo

49.5 miles away

Florida City

53.8 miles away

Homestead

55.9 miles away

Key West

56.5 miles away

Leisure City

57.9 miles away

Homestead Base

59.4 miles away

Naranja

59.7 miles away

Princeton

61.9 miles away

Goulds

63.4 miles away

South Miami Heights

65.1 miles away

Richmond West

65.1 miles away

Cutler Bay

66.0 miles away

Country Walk

66.4 miles away

Palmetto Estates

67.8 miles away

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FAQ about Duck Key fishing

📍 Where is Duck Key located?
Duck Key is a part of an ocean located in Monroe County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
24°46′19.7″N 80°54′23.9″W
.
🎣 Where on Duck Key is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Duck Key by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Duck Key?
The most common species in Duck Key are:
📢 What are the latest Duck Key fishing reports?
The latest Duck Key fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Duck Key right now?
According to fishing regulations at Duck Key, some of the species in season this October include: Common snook, Red grouper, Fat snook, Atlantic bluefin tuna, and Permit. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Duck Key?

Fishing in Florida requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Freshwater, saltwater, or combination licenses are available for residents and visitors, purchasable online, by phone, or at authorized retailers.

In Florida, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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