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Key Vaca Cut

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

4.7·486 catches

Top fish species at Key Vaca Cut

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Check which species have trophy potential in Key Vaca Cut

Key Vaca Cut fishing reports

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Mangrove snapper

length · weight

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Mangrove snapper

length · weight

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Mangrove snapper

length · weight

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Bull shark

75 in · 140 lb

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Tarpon

60 in · 50 lb

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Atlantic porkfish

length · weight

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General info

Key Vaca Cut is a part of an ocean located in Monroe County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Mangrove snapper, Crevalle jack, and White grunt.

Location

24°43′54.6″N 81°01′44.7″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Crevalle jack biting on Key Vaca Cut?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Key Vaca Cut. 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 Key Vaca Cut, 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
Crevalle jack

Crevalle jack

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
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 Bag limit = 100 pounds If you catch a Crevalle jack over 36" fork length for adults (or 27" fork length youth), enter it into the Saltwater Reel Big Fish program to be recognized. For more information or to register your catch, visit Catch a Florida Memory. This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Large individuals may contain elevated mercury levels. Most people think Jack Crevalle are not good to eat, but check out this Catch, Clean, Cook video of Jack Crevalle by DMFD
Synonyms
Caranx hippos, River tuna
Season open: year-round
White grunt

White grunt

Regulation boundaryFL Gulf State Waters
Additional information
No minimum size limit. Bag limit = 100 pounds. This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Trevor S. says they're better than mangrove snapper!
Synonyms
Haemulon plumierii
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of Key Vaca Cut

4.7
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38 ratings

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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Marathon

0.6 miles away

Key Colony Beach

0.8 miles away

Duck Key

7.8 miles away

Layton

15.0 miles away

Big Pine Key

21.4 miles away

Cudjoe Key

29.7 miles away

Tavernier

37.9 miles away

Big Coppitt Key

40.6 miles away

Key Largo

47.1 miles away

Key West

48.4 miles away

North Key Largo

57.1 miles away

Florida City

60.3 miles away

Homestead

62.5 miles away

Leisure City

64.4 miles away

Homestead Base

66.0 miles away

Naranja

66.2 miles away

Princeton

68.4 miles away

Goulds

69.9 miles away

Richmond West

71.3 miles away

South Miami Heights

71.5 miles away

Country Walk

72.5 miles away

Cutler Bay

72.7 miles away

Three Lakes

74.1 miles away

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FAQ about Key Vaca Cut fishing

📍 Where is Key Vaca Cut located?
Key Vaca Cut is a part of an ocean located in Monroe County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
24°43′54.6″N 81°01′44.7″W
.
🎣 Where on Key Vaca Cut is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Key Vaca Cut 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 Key Vaca Cut?
The most common species in Key Vaca Cut are:
📢 What are the latest Key Vaca Cut fishing reports?
The latest Key Vaca Cut fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Key Vaca Cut right now?
According to fishing regulations at Key Vaca Cut, 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 Key Vaca Cut?

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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