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Port guide / Florida Keys / Florida

Key Colony Beach fishing guide

Key Colony Beach is a small island city on the ocean side of Marathon, a few minutes from Vaca Cut and the Marathon charter docks. It is a short run to the reef and the Gulf Stream for yellowtail, mahi, sailfish and wahoo, and the Marathon Hump is the classic blackfin tuna spot. Shore anglers fish the bridges at Vaca Cut, Tom's Harbor and Seven Mile, and the Gulf side reefs and ledges hold snapper and grouper.

10 ft, conditions now

Conditions now

Live from NOAA and the National Weather Service. Times show in your own time zone.

Today’s bite

A forecast built from live data and the calendar below. Not a catch report.

Working out today from the tides, water and calendar.

Tides

  1. Loading the next highs and lows from NOAA.

On the water now

Water
Checking
Wind
Checking

Marine forecast

Loading the National Weather Service forecast.

7 day forecast

National Weather Service, for Key Colony Beach. Updates through the day.

  1. Loading the 7 day forecast.

NOAA tides, Key Colony Beach, FL NOAA station Vaca Key, Florida Bay, FL NWS 7 day forecast NWS marine forecast, Hawk Channel from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile Bridge out to the reef

12 ft, the chart

Chart and depths

The official NOAA chart, centered on Key Colony Beach. Depths, channels, reefs and markers, live from NOAA.

The NOAA chart loads when you scroll here.

NOAA electronic navigational chart: soundings, depth contours, channels, markers and hazards. Zoom in to see more soundings. Not for navigation. Green dries out at low water, the numbers are depth at chart datum, and letters like Rk, Sh and Oys mark the hard bottom worth fishing. What the symbols mean Open NOAA ENC Online

13 ft, the radar

Rain on the radar

Live NWS radar centered on Key Colony Beach. The last 50 minutes on a loop, so you can see which way the rain is moving before you launch.

The radar loads when you scroll here.

NowLightHeavy
NEXRAD base reflectivity, updated about every 5 minutes. Radar sees rain and storms, not fog or wind. Not for navigation. Open the NWS radar

15 ft, fishing reports

Fishing reports

What people are catching, on what, and where. Every report links to whoever wrote it. We do not write these ourselves.

Latest reports

From local captains, shops and outdoor writers. Newest first, last 14 days.

  1. Checking the latest reports.

Report sources: Keys Weekly fishing

Straight from the dock

Reports sent to us by shops and captains on this guide. We check each one before it posts.

Checking for reports.

Run a shop or charter here? Send a report

20 ft, what is biting

What is biting, month by month

When each fish is at its best around Key Colony Beach. This month is marked.

SpeciesJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Yellowtail snapper
Mangrove snapper
Mutton snapper
Mahi (dolphin)
Sailfish
Blackfin tuna
Tarpon
Great barracuda

30 ft, seasons and rules

Seasons and rules

Open and close dates we could confirm from official sources, plus where to check limits before you keep a fish.

  • Snook, Monroe County and the Florida Keys (FWC Southwest Region)

    Harvest is closed December 1 through the end of February and May 1 through September 30. You need a snook permit plus a saltwater license to keep one.

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2026 (current FWC rule) Official page

  • Spiny lobster

    The 2026 two-day sport season was July 29 to 30. The regular season runs August 6 through March 31. Night diving for lobster is banned in Monroe County during the sport season, and a lobster permit is required.

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2026 Official page

  • Red, black, yellowfin, yellowmouth and scamp grouper, rock hind, red hind, coney and graysby

    Closed January 1 to April 30 in all state and federal Atlantic waters, including all state waters off Monroe County on both the Atlantic and Gulf sides.

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2026 (current FWC rule) Official page

  • Gag grouper, Atlantic state and federal waters (Monroe County follows Atlantic rules)

    Open May 1 to August 1. New Atlantic gag and black grouper rules took effect October 28, including a combined limit of 2 gag or black grouper per vessel per day, and for-hire captain and crew may not keep any.

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2026 (current FWC rule) Official page

  • Hogfish, Atlantic waters including the Florida Keys

    Open May 1 to October 31; closed the rest of the year.

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2026 (current FWC rule) Official page

  • Greater amberjack, Atlantic waters

    Open January to March and May to December; closed in April.

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2026 (current FWC rule) Official page

  • Permit, Special Permit Zone (all of the Keys south of Cape Florida)

    Harvest is closed April 1 to July 31.

    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2026 (current FWC rule) Official page

  • Red snapper, Gulf side of the Keys (bay side of U.S. 1), Gulf state and federal waters (private recreational), summer

    The 2026 summer season ran daily May 22 to July 31. Anyone fishing for red snapper from a private boat, in state or federal waters, must hold the free State Reef Fish Angler designation, renewed every year, even if they do not need a fishing license.

    FWC, 2026 Official page

  • Red snapper, Gulf side of the Keys (bay side of U.S. 1), Gulf state and federal waters (private recreational), fall

    The 2026 fall season opened Sept. 1 and ran daily Sept. 1 to Oct. 4 and again Oct. 9 to 25. Remaining open days: Oct. 30 to Nov. 1; Nov. 7 to 8, 14 to 15 and 21 to 22; Nov. 26 to 29 (Thanksgiving weekend); Dec. 5 to 6, 12 to 13 and 19 to 20; Dec. 25 to 27 (Christmas weekend); and Jan. 1 to 4, 2027. Private-boat anglers must be signed up for the State Reef Fish Survey (State Reef Fish Angler designation). Charter boats without a federal permit may fish these days in Florida Gulf state waters only.

    FWC, 2026 Official page

  • Red snapper, Atlantic side of the Keys (ocean side of U.S. 1), Florida season in Atlantic state and federal waters

    The 2026 Atlantic season ran Oct. 9 to 22 under Florida's exempted fishing permit and is now closed. It was open to private anglers and for-hire boats; anglers 16 and older had to declare each trip in FWC's Atlantic Red Snapper Reporting app, and private anglers needed the free State Reef Fish Angler designation.

    FWC, 2026 Official page

  • Red snapper, Atlantic side of the Keys (ocean side of U.S. 1), federal season

    The 2026 South Atlantic federal season was three days, Oct. 9 to 11, closing at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 12. NOAA Fisheries and the states will decide whether a second season opens in December 2026; none had been announced as of Oct. 30, 2026.

    NOAA Fisheries, 2026 Official page

40 ft, where to fish

Where to fish

  • Bridge

    Vaca Cut Bridge

    The bridge at the cut between Key Colony Beach and Marathon is a known shore fishing spot.

    Source

  • Bridge

    Seven Mile Bridge

    Tarpon gather around the pilings, and the area has some of the best shore fishing near Marathon.

    Source

  • Bridge

    Tom's Harbor Cut and Tom's Harbor Channel bridges

    Historic bridges with fishing platforms on the Overseas Heritage Trail, known for tarpon.

    Source

  • Beach

    Curry Hammock State Park and Fat Deer Key

    Shore and kayak fishing next door to Key Colony Beach.

    Source

  • Reef

    Gulf side reefs, ledges and wrecks

    Snapper of all kinds, grouper and amberjack on the Gulf side structure.

    Source

  • Offshore

    Marathon Hump

    Seamount about 27 miles southeast of Marathon in 400 to over 1,000 feet of water, the top blackfin tuna spot with wahoo, amberjack, mahi and billfish too.

    Source

  • Offshore

    Gulf Stream edge

    Sailfish and marlin on the edge; Coffins Patch and Sombrero Key closer in are Sanctuary Preservation Areas where all fishing is banned.

    Source

50 ft, launch and piers

Ramps and piers

Public launches and fishing piers. Fees and hours change, so check the link before you tow.

NameTypeFeeWhere
Crawl Key rampRampFreeUS 1 at MM 54 bayside, Marathon, FL
Grassy Key MarinaRampPaid59073 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
33rd Street Boat RampRampFree825 33rd St., Marathon, FL
North Marathon Shores Boat RampRampFreeAviation Blvd. and Harbor Dr., Marathon, FL
Tom's Harbor Cut and Tom's Harbor Channel historic bridgesPierCheckFlorida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, near Duck Key, FL

60 ft, bait, tackle and charters

Bait, tackle and charters

Where to get live and fresh bait, tackle and a guide. We are not paid to list anyone here.

Bait and tackle (8)

Showing all 8 shops

Live bait comes and goes with the weather and the season. Call before you drive.

Charters and guides (15)

Showing all 15

CharterFishingTargetsLeaves fromCall
Marathon Lady73 ft party boat with morning and afternoon trips depending on the season.Party boatsnapper, grouper, mackerel11711 Overseas Hwy, Marathon(305) 743-5580
Top Notch SportfishingListed on the Key Colony Beach page of Captain Experiences.
Just the Tip Fishing Charters Florida KeysListed on the Key Colony Beach page of Captain Experiences.
Black's Pearl Sportfishing CharterListed on the Key Colony Beach page of Captain Experiences.
Atlantic Gulf Fishing ChartersRuns a 45 ft Hatteras and a 24 ft T-Craft; also listed on the Captain Experiences Key Colony Beach page.OffshoreMarathon, about 5 minutes from Key Colony Beach
Sundance Sportfishing Florida KeysListed on the Key Colony Beach page of Captain Experiences.
Uncle Slam Charters26 ft boat for up to 5 people.Marathon, about 5 minutes from Key Colony Beach
Wet Tails Charters31 ft Stamas with a private bathroom, up to 6 people.Marathon, about 5 minutes from Key Colony Beach
Type 1 Sportfishing35 ft sportfishing boat for up to 6 people.OffshoreMarathon, about 5 minutes from Key Colony Beach
Ana Banana Fishing CompanyRuns a 30 ft Grady White and a 24 ft Nautic Star for family trips.Inshore and offshoreMarathon, about 4 minutes from Key Colony Beach
Hennessy Sportfishing28 ft Mako for up to 6 people.Marathon, about 4 minutes from Key Colony Beach
Captain Jay Charters24 ft bay boat that fishes mainly the Gulf side, with offshore trips on a 30 ft Mako.Inshore and offshoreMarathon, about 5 minutes from Key Colony Beach
Callion Fishing Charters25 ft boat for up to 4 people.Marathon, about 5 minutes from Key Colony Beach
Two Conchs ChartersMarathon charters booked through the Two Conchs bait and tackle shop.Two Conchs, 11499 Overseas Hwy, Marathon(305) 481-0495
The Tackle Box charters4, 6 and 8 hour reef, wreck, bay, offshore and tarpon trips, booked by phone only.Inshore and offshoremahi, tuna, snapper, grouper, tarponThe Tackle Box, 1901 Overseas Hwy, Marathon(305) 289-0540

We are not paid to list anyone. Rates, boats and trips change, so confirm when you book.

70 ft, on the calendar

Tournaments and events

Annual events on this water. Dates move, so confirm with the organiser.

80 ft, asked and answered

Fishing Key Colony Beach, asked and answered

Where can I get live bait near Key Colony Beach?

Captain Hook's at 11833 Overseas Hwy has live shrimp daily, Two Conchs at 11499 Overseas Hwy carries live and frozen bait, and Marathon Bait & Tackle at 3740 Overseas Hwy keeps shrimp and crabs in the tanks.

Where can I launch a boat near Key Colony Beach?

The FWC Keys ramp guide lists a free ramp at Crawl Key, MM 54 bayside, and free ramps at 33rd Street and North Marathon Shores in Marathon. Grassy Key Marina charges $50 a day to launch.

When is the best time for sailfish off Key Colony Beach?

Sailfish are around all year but best November through April. Mahi take over from May through October.

Is there a kids fishing derby in Key Colony Beach?

Yes. The free Children's Fishing Derby runs each June aboard the Marathon Lady, followed by an awards lunch at the Key Colony Inn. The 18th annual derby was held on June 18; check with the club for this year's date.

Can I fish Coffins Patch or Sombrero Key?

No. Both are Sanctuary Preservation Areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary where fishing by any means is banned.

90 ft, the kit

What we would take to Key Colony Beach

Save $10.00

No. 01 · Headwear

Catfish Hunter

$30.00 $20.00In stock
Fishy Performance hooded fishing shirt in gray camo, front view Save $15.00

No. 02 · Fishing Shirts

Fishy Performance Hooded Fishing Shirt

$40.00 $25.00Large to XXXL in stock
Choose size

No. 03 · Accessories

Hogfish Sticker

$2.50In stock
Black Performance Rope fishing hat with rope detail, front view Sold out

No. 04 · Headwear

Black Performance Rope

$30.00Sold out
View details
Sources for this guide (30), last checked 2026-10-30
  1. captainexperiences.com/locations/florida/key-colony-beach
  2. captainexperiences.com/locations/florida/tavernier
  3. fishingbooker.com/blog/?p=17528
  4. fishingbooker.com/destinations/location/us/FL/key-colony-beach
  5. fishingbooker.com/destinations/location/us/layton
  6. gis.myfwc.com/boating_guides/florida_keys/pages/boat_ramps.html
  7. grassykeymarinaflorida.com/
  8. keycolonybeach.net/key-colony-beach-fishing-boating-club/
  9. keysweekly.com/?p=96772
  10. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/amberjack
  11. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/atlantic-red-snapper/
  12. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/groupers/
  13. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/hogfish/
  14. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lobster/
  15. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/permit/
  16. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/
  17. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snook/
  18. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/tarpon/
  19. myfwc.com/news/all-news/efp-snapper-0526/
  20. thetacklebox.com/
  21. twoconchs.com/bait-tackle-shop/
  22. visitfloridakeys.com/business-directory/marathon-bait-tackle
  23. visitfloridakeys.com/business-directory/sea-bird-marina
  24. visitfloridakeys.com/experiences/what-were-famous-for/fishing/tournaments
  25. captainhooks.com/
  26. fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/noaa-fisheries-announces-2026-federal-recreational-red-snapper
  27. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/florida-keys-overseas-heritage-trail/experiences-am
  28. google.com/maps?cid=6319405355893071782
  29. google.com/maps?cid=8203776473582100214
  30. marathonlady.net/

100 ft, the seabed

Gear up for Key Colony Beach

UPF 50+ fishing shirts, hats and gloves for the Gulf Coast. Free shipping over $100. Ships from Texas, usually within 1 to 2 business days.

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