Top fish species at Matecumbe Bight

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Check which species have trophy potential in Matecumbe Bight

Matecumbe Bight fishing reports

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Southern puffer

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Strawberry hind

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Schoolmaster snapper

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Blue runner

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Yellow drum

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General info

Matecumbe Bight is a part of an ocean located in Monroe County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Mangrove snapper, Great barracuda, and Mutton snapper.

Location

24°52′14.5″N 80°42′48.1″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Matecumbe Bight, 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 Gulf 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

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.

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.Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
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
Great barracuda

Great barracuda

Regulation boundaryFL Barracuda
Bag limit2

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" (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.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 36

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.

Vessel limit6

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

Additional information
These regulations apply in state and federal waters from Martin County to Collier County (Including Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties).Slot Limit: 15-36" fork length with 1 fish greater than 36" per person or vessel per dayDaily Bag Limit: 2 fish per person, 6 per vesselNo closed season.
Edibility
Small to medium barracuda are very good, but large individuals may contain ciguatera toxin and elevated mercury levels. Check out BlueGabe's Great Barracuda catch, clean, cook.
Synonyms
Kaku, Sphyraena barracuda
Season open: year-round
Mutton snapper

Mutton snapper

Regulation boundaryFL Gulf 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 size18" (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

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.

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

Required licenses
Beginning July 1, 2020, anglers 16 years of age and older are required to sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler if they fish from a private recreational boat for any mutton snapper. To sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler, call 1-888-347-4356.
Additional information
This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Lutjanus analis
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of Matecumbe Bight

4.8
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5 ratings

5
4
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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Layton

7.0 miles away

Duck Key

14.3 miles away

Tavernier

16.2 miles away

Key Colony Beach

21.8 miles away

Marathon

22.6 miles away

Key Largo

25.7 miles away

North Key Largo

36.1 miles away

Florida City

42.3 miles away

Big Pine Key

42.9 miles away

Homestead

44.4 miles away

Leisure City

46.4 miles away

Homestead Base

47.5 miles away

Naranja

48.2 miles away

Princeton

50.3 miles away

Cudjoe Key

51.1 miles away

Goulds

51.9 miles away

South Miami Heights

53.6 miles away

Richmond West

54.1 miles away

Cutler Bay

54.2 miles away

Country Walk

55.5 miles away

Palmetto Estates

56.3 miles away

Three Lakes

56.7 miles away

Big Coppitt Key

62.3 miles away

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FAQ about Matecumbe Bight fishing

📍 Where is Matecumbe Bight located?
Matecumbe Bight is a part of an ocean located in Monroe County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
24°52′14.5″N 80°42′48.1″W
.
🎣 Where on Matecumbe Bight is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Matecumbe Bight 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 Matecumbe Bight?
The most common species in Matecumbe Bight are:
📢 What are the latest Matecumbe Bight fishing reports?
The latest Matecumbe Bight fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Matecumbe Bight right now?
According to fishing regulations at Matecumbe Bight, some of the species in season this November include: Common snook, Northern red snapper, Red grouper, Fat snook, and Atlantic bluefin tuna. 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 Matecumbe Bight?

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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