About Alligator Bay, FL

The Alligator Bay is situated in Monroe County, Florida, at 25.2062181 Latitude and -80.573726 Longitude. It can be found near Everglades National Park, along with other bodies of water such as Joe Bay, Little Madeira Bay, David Cove, and Trout Cove. 

The name of this bay is very significant as it takes after the American Crocodile, which was declared as an endangered species in America back in 1975. During that time, 75% of the remaining population of the American Crocodile nested in Everglades National Park. A number of protected nesting and nursery sites are established in the surrounding bodies of water, with Alligator Bay being one of them. 

All About Fishing in Alligator Bay, FL

The water in Alligator Bay is salt water, and several fish species can be caught here. These species include the goliath grouper, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, nurse shark, peacock bass, alligator gar, spotted bass, and common snook.

As you move further into its neighboring body of water, which is the Davis Cove, you might be able to spot a red drum. But, when you move in the other direction going to Little Madeira Bay, the probability of seeing a red mangrove snapper. 

If you want an intense action that you are going to go for a goliath grouper, you must know that this is a gigantic fish species that require specialized fishing methods. This fish can go over 800 pounds, and it has a lot of stamina to give a good fight. 

It is best to go on the docks and look for smaller goliath grouper if you are still in the learning phase. A light tackle will do the trick for it. However, if you want to go for bigger ones, the best choice of method is heavy tackle with a large reel that has 90 pounds of drag and more than 400 pounds of monofilament. 

The alligator gar is another interesting catch in Alligator Bay. You may utilize the bowfishing technique in catching this fish. It is a legal yet lethal method, so this might not be the best option if you intend to release it later. If so, you may do the baitcasting fishing technique using other fish species like common carp, mullet, or gizzard shad. 

On the other hand, common snook is also abundant in Alligator Bay. You can also use live baits if you want to catch this fish. Live shrimp, pilchards, mullet, and sardine should do the trick. You may also do a light tackle using 30 pounds of line with a fluorocarbon leader weighing 15 to 40 pounds. 

When fishing in Alligator Bay, remember to follow the Florida Fishing Rules and Regulations. Also, don’t forget about the particular rules that will apply when you encounter an American crocodile. 

Fishing Seasonality

The annual open harvest season of goliath grouper in Florida waters takes place from March to May. During this period, harvesting of this fish is allowed in all state water with those from the Palm Beach County heading south to the Atlantic coast of Monroe County as the only exceptions. 

If you are looking for an alligator gar, the peak season is during the hottest months of summer, which is usually during the end of July and August. As the temperature rises, they become more active on the surface. 

Fishing Seasonality

The annual open harvest season of goliath grouper in Florida waters takes place from March to May. During this period, harvesting of this fish is allowed in all state water with those from the Palm Beach County heading south to the Atlantic coast of Monroe County as the only exceptions. 

If you are looking for an alligator gar, the peak season is during the hottest months of summer, which is usually during the end of July and August. As the temperature rises, they become more active on the surface. 

All About Fishing in Alligator Bay, FL

The water in Alligator Bay is salt water, and several fish species can be caught here. These species include the goliath grouper, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, nurse shark, peacock bass, alligator gar, spotted bass, and common snook.

As you move further into its neighboring body of water, which is the Davis Cove, you might be able to spot a red drum. But, when you move in the other direction going to Little Madeira Bay, the probability of seeing a red mangrove snapper. 

If you want an intense action that you are going to go for a goliath grouper, you must know that this is a gigantic fish species that require specialized fishing methods. This fish can go over 800 pounds, and it has a lot of stamina to give a good fight. 

It is best to go on the docks and look for smaller goliath grouper if you are still in the learning phase. A light tackle will do the trick for it. However, if you want to go for bigger ones, the best choice of method is heavy tackle with a large reel that has 90 pounds of drag and more than 400 pounds of monofilament. 

The alligator gar is another interesting catch in Alligator Bay. You may utilize the bowfishing technique in catching this fish. It is a legal yet lethal method, so this might not be the best option if you intend to release it later. If so, you may do the baitcasting fishing technique using other fish species like common carp, mullet, or gizzard shad. 

On the other hand, common snook is also abundant in Alligator Bay. You can also use live baits if you want to catch this fish. Live shrimp, pilchards, mullet, and sardine should do the trick. You may also do a light tackle using 30 pounds of line with a fluorocarbon leader weighing 15 to 40 pounds. 

When fishing in Alligator Bay, remember to follow the Florida Fishing Rules and Regulations. Also, don’t forget about the particular rules that will apply when you encounter an American crocodile.