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Sandy Key Basin

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

5.0·37 catches

Top fish species at Sandy Key Basin

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Check which species have trophy potential in Sandy Key Basin

Sandy Key Basin fishing reports

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Sheepshead

20 in · 9 lb 6 oz

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Spotted seatrout

length · weight

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Spanish mackerel

length · weight

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Yellowtail snapper

length · weight

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Blue runner

length · weight

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Lemon shark

length · weight

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General info

Sandy Key Basin is a part of an ocean located in Monroe County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Spanish mackerel, Spotted seatrout, and Blue runner.

Location

25°03′46.9″N 80°58′57.7″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Sandy Key Basin, 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
Spanish mackerel

Spanish mackerel

Regulation boundaryFL Everglades National Park
Bag limit10

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 size12" (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.

Additional information
Why is the bag limit = 10 Spanish Mackerel? In general, Florida state fishing regulations apply within Everglades National Park. Nonetheless, for fish species with a state bag limit that is greater than 10 fish, the Everglades National Park's special rules and regulations, defined in the annual Park Compendium, states the bag limit per person shall be ten for any finfish species having no limit or a vessel or per person limit greater than ten. If a State vessel limit applies, the limit shall be ten per person or the vessel limit, whichever is less. Furthermore, the maximum daily possession limit, of all finfish species in aggregate, shall be 20 fish per person; however, neither the state nor the park limit for a species may be exceeded within the aggregate. No closed season.
Edibility
Very good, but may contain elevated mercury levels. Catch, Clean, Cook Spanish Mackerel by DMFD
Synonyms
Scomberomorus maculatus
Season open: year-round
Spotted seatrout

Spotted seatrout

Regulation boundaryFL Seatrout Southwest
Bag limit3

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 size15" (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.

Max size19" (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.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 19

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.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Multiple Hooks

Harvest of this species by or with the use of any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.

Zero Bag for Captain

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

Hook & Line Only

Allowable gear: hook and line.

Additional information
Southwest RegionRecreationalSlot limit: 15–19 inches total lengthBag limit: 3 per person/daySeason: Open year-roundOver-slot allowance:May possess no more than one fish per person or per vessel, whichever is less,that is greater than 19 inches total length, included in the bag limit. StatewideIllegal Gear: cannot harvest using any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or deadnatural bait; snatching prohibitedAllowable Gear: hook and line and cast netZero captain and crew bag limit when on a for-hire trip Southwest: All Florida Waters and adjacent federal waters lying south of the Charlotte Harbor Region and all Florida Waters and adjacent federal waters lying south of the Southeast Region, all waters of Collier County south of 26°15.227' North Latitude, all waters of Monroe County, and all waters of Everglades National Park.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Cynoscion nebulosus, Speckled Trout
Season open: year-round
Blue runner

Blue runner

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
Bag limit100

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.

Special gear

Circle Hooks

The use of a dehooking device is required when fishing for reef fish. All persons aboard a vessel harvesting reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico must possess and use non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks when using natural baits.

Additional information
No minimum size limit This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Poor
Synonyms
Caranx crysos
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of Sandy Key Basin

5.0
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2 ratings

5
4
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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Layton

19.6 miles away

Duck Key

20.6 miles away

Marathon

23.5 miles away

Key Colony Beach

23.6 miles away

Tavernier

29.5 miles away

Big Pine Key

35.3 miles away

Key Largo

35.9 miles away

Florida City

41.4 miles away

Cudjoe Key

42.0 miles away

North Key Largo

43.3 miles away

Homestead

43.5 miles away

Leisure City

45.2 miles away

Naranja

47.0 miles away

Homestead Base

47.4 miles away

Princeton

49.2 miles away

Goulds

50.6 miles away

Richmond West

51.2 miles away

South Miami Heights

52.0 miles away

Country Walk

52.1 miles away

Big Coppitt Key

53.4 miles away

Cutler Bay

53.8 miles away

Three Lakes

54.0 miles away

Palmetto Estates

54.7 miles away

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FAQ about Sandy Key Basin fishing

📍 Where is Sandy Key Basin located?
Sandy Key Basin is a part of an ocean located in Monroe County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
25°03′46.9″N 80°58′57.7″W
.
🎣 Where on Sandy Key Basin is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Sandy Key Basin 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 Sandy Key Basin?
The most common species in Sandy Key Basin are:
📢 What are the latest Sandy Key Basin fishing reports?
The latest Sandy Key Basin fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Sandy Key Basin right now?
According to fishing regulations at Sandy Key Basin, some of the species in season this November 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 Sandy Key Basin?

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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