Port guide / Florida Keys / Florida

Sugarloaf Key fishing guide

Sugarloaf Key sits at mile marker 17 in the Lower Keys, between Cudjoe Key and Key West, and it is a flats and backcountry town first. Sugarloaf Marina has been home base for a group of fly and light tackle guides for decades, and the shallow, protected water around the island holds tarpon, bonefish, permit, barracuda and sharks. Unlike Marathon, which is built around the Seven Mile Bridge, Sombrero Reef and its offshore fleet, or Key West, whose boats run to the Marquesas, the Dry Tortugas and the Gulf Stream, Sugarloaf's calendar is built on flats events: the Cuda Bowl is headquartered here in February, the Del Brown permit tournament in July and the Sugarloaf Showdown in November. Reef, mahi and yellowtail trips still run from nearby Cudjoe Gardens Marina.

Conditions now
Chart and depths
Fishing reports
What is biting
Seasons and rules
Where to fish
Ramps and piers
Bait and charters
Events
Questions

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

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 Sugarloaf Key. Updates through the day.

Loading the 7 day forecast.

NOAA tides, Sugarloaf Key East Side, FL (opens in a new tab) NOAA station Key West, FL (opens in a new tab) NWS 7 day forecast (opens in a new tab) NWS marine forecast, Hawk Channel from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal out to the reef (opens in a new tab)

12 ft, the chart

Chart and depths

The official NOAA chart, centered on Sugarloaf Key. 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. Open NOAA ENC Online

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.

Checking the latest reports.

Report sources: Coastal Angler Florida Keys Fishing Reports (opens in a new tab) Keys Weekly Florida Keys Fish Report (opens in a new tab) Captain Experiences Sugarloaf Key guide reports (opens in a new tab)

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 Sugarloaf Key. This month is marked.

What is biting by month around Sugarloaf Key. Peak, good and slow months for each species.
Species	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Tarpon	Slow	Slow	Good	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Slow
Permit	Good	Good	Good	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Good
Bonefish	Slow	Slow	Good	Good	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Good	Slow
Barracuda	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good
Sharks (blacktip, bull, bonnethead)	Slow	Slow	Slow	Good	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Good	Good	Good
Mangrove snapper	Slow	Slow	Good	Good	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Good	Slow
Mutton snapper	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Peak	Peak
Yellowtail snapper	Good	Good	Good	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Good
Mahi mahi (dolphin)	Good	Good	Good	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Good

Tarpon
Peak: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Sugarloaf guides pole the backcountry for tarpon through spring and summer, and juvenile fish stay around into the fall.
Source 1 (opens in a new tab) Source 2 (opens in a new tab)
Permit
Peak: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Permit are the signature flats fish here, with the Del Brown Invitational fly tournament held on Sugarloaf every July.
Source 1 (opens in a new tab) Source 2 (opens in a new tab)
Bonefish
Peak: May, June, July, August, September
Bonefish are sight fished on the shallow flats near Sugarloaf, catch and release only, with FWC calling March through October the peak in the Keys.
Source 1 (opens in a new tab) Source 2 (opens in a new tab)
Barracuda
Peak: January, February, March
Barracuda are the winter flats fish here, and the Cuda Bowl in early February is headquartered on the island.
Source 1 (opens in a new tab) Source 2 (opens in a new tab)
Sharks (blacktip, bull, bonnethead)
Peak: May, June, July, August
Sharks cruise the backcountry flats and channels in the warm months and are a regular target on Sugarloaf flats charters.
Source 1 (opens in a new tab) Source 2 (opens in a new tab)
Mangrove snapper
Peak: May, June, July, August, September
Mangrove snapper bite around backcountry structure and the shallow patch reefs, best from late spring into early fall.
Source 1 (opens in a new tab) Source 2 (opens in a new tab)
Mutton snapper
Peak: January, February, March, April, November, December
Muttons come off the reef and patch reefs, with the best months November through April.
Source 1 (opens in a new tab) Source 2 (opens in a new tab)
Yellowtail snapper
Peak: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Yellowtail are the reef fish of choice, and the Cudjoe Gardens Dolphin and Tail Classic next door pairs them with mahi each April.
Source 1 (opens in a new tab) Source 2 (opens in a new tab)
Mahi mahi (dolphin)
Peak: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Mahi are an offshore fish here, found along the Gulf Stream edge south of the reef from spring through fall.
Source 1 (opens in a new tab) Source 2 (opens in a new tab)

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.

Spiny lobster, regular season
Regular season runs Aug. 6 to March 31, so the current season is open through March 31, 2027. A saltwater license and lobster permit are required.
FWC, 2026 to 2027 season Official page (opens in a new tab)
Spiny lobster, sport season (mini-season)
The last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July; FWC lists the next one as July 28 to 29, 2027. Monroe County has its own lower sport-season bag limit, and night diving for lobster is prohibited in Monroe County during sport season only.
FWC, 2027 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Hogfish, Atlantic including the Florida Keys
Open May 1 to Oct. 31 in state and federal waters south of Cape Sable; closed Nov. 1 to April 30.
FWC, current FWC rule (annual) Official page (opens in a new tab)
Black, red and other shallow-water grouper, Atlantic (includes all Monroe County state waters, Atlantic and Gulf side)
Red, black, yellowfin, yellowmouth, scamp, rock hind, red hind, coney and graysby are closed Jan. 1 to April 30 and open May 1 to Dec. 31.
FWC, current FWC rule (annual) Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gag grouper, Atlantic (includes all Monroe County state waters)
The Atlantic gag season is listed as May 1 to Aug. 1 in state and federal waters, and FWC closed Atlantic state waters to gag harvest starting Aug. 2, 2026. Closed for the rest of 2026.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gag grouper, Gulf federal waters
Gulf gag was open Sept. 1 to 30, 2026 and closed Oct. 1. During the Atlantic grouper closure you may fish open Gulf federal waters and run back to a Monroe County port through closed state waters if you go directly to port without stopping to fish.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red snapper, Atlantic state waters
The 2026 Atlantic state season was open Oct. 9 to 22 and is now closed for 2026.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red snapper, Gulf state and federal waters (private recreational)
Remaining 2026 Gulf dates: Oct. 30 to Nov. 1; Nov. 7 to 8, 14 to 15 and 21 to 22; Nov. 26 to 29; Dec. 5 to 6, 12 to 13 and 19 to 20; Dec. 25 to 27; and Jan. 1 to 4, 2027.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Snook, Southwest region (runs through the Florida Keys to the Monroe and Miami-Dade line)
Closed Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Sept. 30; open the rest of the year. A snook permit is required to keep one.
FWC, current FWC rule (annual) Official page (opens in a new tab)
Bonefish
Catch and release only, year-round.
FWC, in effect since Sept. 1, 2013 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Tarpon
Catch and release only, year-round. Fish over 40 inches must stay in the water unless you hold a tarpon tag for a record attempt.
FWC, current FWC rule Official page (opens in a new tab)

Rules change. Check before you go.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Monroe County state waters, on both the Atlantic and Gulf side, follow Atlantic grouper rules.
Anglers fishing for certain reef fish from a private vessel need the free State Reef Fish Angler designation, renewed every year.
Fishing by any means is prohibited in sanctuary preservation areas, which are marked by round yellow buoys.
In the Great White Heron and Key West National Wildlife Refuge management areas, personal watercraft, airboats and water skiing are prohibited.
Feeding or attracting fish, including sharks, from a vessel is prohibited throughout the sanctuary.
Lobster harvest is prohibited at all times in sanctuary no-take areas, Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park.
The old Lower Sugarloaf and Niles Flagler railroad bridges are closed to fishing for safety.
FWC recommends against fishing for tarpon from bridges, because a big fish has to be cut off and left trailing line.

Size and bag limits Fishing licenses

Last checked 2026-10-27

40 ft, where to fish

Where to fish

Flats
Sugarloaf backcountry flats
Shallow, protected water minutes by boat from Sugarloaf Marina where guides pole for tarpon, bonefish, permit, barracuda and sharks.
Source (opens in a new tab)
Marsh
Mangrove creeks off Sugarloaf Marina
Serene mangrove creeks a short paddle from the marina, good for kayak anglers who launch at the shallow kayak ramp.
Source (opens in a new tab)
Flats
Great White Heron and Key West National Wildlife Refuge backcountry
Sanctuary management areas where personal watercraft, airboats and water skiing are banned, so the flats stay quiet for poling skiffs.
Source (opens in a new tab)
Reef
Shallow patch reefs
A Summerland Key guide reported the patch reefs producing lots of snapper and grouper in October 2026.
Source (opens in a new tab)
Bridge
Old Lower Sugarloaf bridge
This old Flagler bridge on the Overseas Heritage Trail is closed to fishing for safety, so look elsewhere for a land-based spot.
Source (opens in a new tab)
Offshore
Gulf Stream south of the reef
The NWS put the Gulf Stream edge about 24 nautical miles south-southeast of Sand Key and 19 off Looe Key on Oct. 9, 2026; it moves, so check the Key West forecast before running.
Source (opens in a new tab)

50 ft, launch and piers

Ramps and piers

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

Public boat ramps and fishing piers around Sugarloaf Key
Name	Type	Fee	Where
Sugarloaf Lodge and Marina (opens in a new tab)	Ramp	Paid	17015 Overseas Hwy, Sugarloaf Key
Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA (opens in a new tab)	Ramp	Paid	251 CR 939, Sugarloaf Key
Cudjoe Gardens Marina (opens in a new tab)	Ramp	Paid	477 Drost Dr, Cudjoe Key
Cudjoe Key Boat Ramp (opens in a new tab)	Ramp	Free	North end of Blimp Road, Cudjoe Key
Shark Key Public Boat Ramp (opens in a new tab)	Ramp	Free	US-1, MM 11, Oceanside, Big Coppitt Key
Gulf View Park (opens in a new tab)	Ramp	Free	Corner of Barcelona St. and Del Mar Blvd., Big Coppitt Key

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 (5)

Showing all 5 shops

MarinaLive bait
Sugarloaf Marina
Bait: live bait, frozen bait
17015 Overseas Hwy, Sugarloaf Shores, FL 33042
Mile marker 17 ship store with tackle, fuel, ice and a public boat ramp; open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Call (305) 745-3135 Directions (opens Google Maps)
Website (opens in a new tab) Source (opens in a new tab)
MarinaLive bait
Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Marina
Bait: live bait, frozen bait
251 State Road 939, Sugarloaf Key, FL 33042
Open to the public 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with fuel, a fee ramp and rod rentals; sells fishing licenses, including on Sundays.
Call (305) 745-3549 Directions (opens Google Maps)
Website (opens in a new tab) Source (opens in a new tab)
MarinaLive bait
Cudjoe Gardens Marina
Bait: live bait, frozen bait
477 Drost Dr, Cudjoe Key, FL 33042
Mile marker 21 ship store with tackle, gas, ice and a deep boat ramp; staff help set up charters.
Call (305) 745-2352 Directions (opens Google Maps)
Website (opens in a new tab) Source (opens in a new tab)
Bait and tackleLive bait
Lower Keys Tackle
Bait: live pinfish, live shrimp, live crabs, frozen ballyhoo, frozen squid
Big Pine Key tackle shop next to the Sea Center boat yard, selling rods, reels, lures, charts and fishing licenses.
Source (opens in a new tab)
Fuel dock
Triton Sea Center
29740 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
West side of Big Pine Key with dockside fuel, ice and a ship store on a wide, deep canal.
Call (305) 735-4551 Directions (opens Google Maps)
Website (opens in a new tab) Source (opens in a new tab)

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

Charters and guides

Fishing charters and guides around Sugarloaf Key
Charter	Fishing
Capt. Bryan (Bear) Holeman (opens in a new tab)	Inshore and offshore
Capt. Will Benson (opens in a new tab)	Fly
Capt. Tim Carlile (opens in a new tab)	Fly
Capt. Luke Kelly (opens in a new tab)	Fly
Capt. Scott Kolpin (opens in a new tab)	Fly
Fair Winds Flats Fishing Charters (Capt. Ben Moloney) (opens in a new tab)	Inshore

70 ft, on the calendar

Tournaments and events

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

Cuda Bowl (opens in a new tab)
usually early February
2026: February 5 to 7, headquartered at South of the Seven Restaurant on Sugarloaf Key
Del Brown Invitational Permit Tournament (opens in a new tab)
usually early July
2026: July 7 to 10
Sugarloaf Showdown (opens in a new tab)
usually mid November
2026: November 12 to 14
March Merkin Invitational Permit Tournament (opens in a new tab)
usually mid March
2026: March 9 to 12
Cudjoe Gardens Dolphin & Tail Classic (opens in a new tab)
usually late April
2026: April 25 to 27
IGFA Permit Invitational (opens in a new tab)
usually late September to early October
2026: September 29 to October 2

80 ft, asked and answered

Fishing Sugarloaf Key, asked and answered

How is fishing Sugarloaf Key different from Key West or Marathon?

Sugarloaf is a flats and backcountry town, with a group of fly and light tackle guides based at Sugarloaf Marina and shallow, protected water close by for tarpon, bonefish, permit and barracuda. Marathon is built around the Seven Mile Bridge and Sombrero Reef, and Key West boats run to the Marquesas, Dry Tortugas and Gulf Stream.

When is the Sugarloaf Showdown?

The 2026 Sugarloaf Showdown runs Nov. 12 to 14. It is one of the flats events on Sugarloaf's calendar, along with the Cuda Bowl in February and the Del Brown permit tournament in July.

Where can I buy live bait on Sugarloaf Key?

Sugarloaf Marina at mile marker 17 and the Sugarloaf Key KOA marina both list live and frozen bait, and the KOA sells fishing licenses on Sundays. Cudjoe Gardens Marina at mile marker 21 also carries live and frozen bait.

Is hogfish open right now off Sugarloaf?

Hogfish in the Keys follows Atlantic rules, open May 1 to Oct. 31 and closed Nov. 1 to April 30, so it closes at the end of October.

Where do I get tides and water temperature for Sugarloaf Key?

The nearest NOAA tide prediction station is Sugarloaf Key East Side, 8724347, which has predictions only. For water temperature and wind, use the Key West station, 8724580.

Where can I launch near Sugarloaf Key?

Sugarloaf Marina and the KOA both have ramps that charge a fee, as does Cudjoe Gardens Marina. FWC lists free ramps at the north end of Blimp Road on Cudjoe Key, at Shark Key at mile marker 11 and at Gulf View Park on Big Coppitt Key.

90 ft, the kit