About Cudjoe Basin, FL

The Cudjoe Basin is a bay situated in Monroe County, Florida. Not to be confused with Cudjoe Key, the Cudjoe Basin is also within the world-famous Florida Keys. The Keys are a popular fishing destination for anglers for their bountiful waters and stunning beauty. The Cudjoe Basin is no exception, as the bay is teeming with gamefish as well as sights to see. The Great White Heron National Wildlife Reserve is just north of the bay. Nearby islands and other water bodies include Sugarloaf and Rhiannon Keys to its south, Sawyer Key to its northwest, and the Riding Key to its north. 

And speaking of the Great White Heron National Wildlife Reserve, this popular tourist attraction is a haven for several of Florida’s native animals and plants. Visitors will find a wide variety of creatures here, from Sea Turtles laying their eggs on its shores to the Great White Herons who stay on the preserve. The preserve has a total area of 130,187 acres. Only 6,207 acres of it is land, while 123,980 acres of it is water. It stretches from Marathon to the north of Key West. Established on October 27, 1938, the reserve is a haven for migratory birds in the area. It is under the National Key Deer Refuge’s administrative jurisdiction. Aside from being able to see the various animals staying here, anglers can also fish in its bountiful waters as well. 

All About Fishing in Cudjoe Basin, FL

Although not as well-known as the other fishing spots in the Key West, Cudjoe Basin has plenty to offer to anglers fishing here. Its proximity to the Great White Heron National Wildlife Reserve’s mangrove forests makes the perfect hiding spot for gamefish. Due to the Key West being the meeting point between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, there are plenty of deep-sea fishing to be had here. Anglers will find crevalle jack, sailfish, and yellowfin in its waters. There are also tarpon in the mangrove forests and flats near the Great White Heron National Wildlife Reserve’s waters. For anglers looking for a more exotic catch, there are also lemon and blacktip shark available here. 

Popular fishing spots on or near Cudjoe Basin include the Cudjoe Channel, Johnston Key Channel, Content Passage, and the Bow Channel. These spots are where anglers go fishing when around Cudjoe Basin, as gamefish are plenty here. Because it’s not as well-known as the other fishing spots in the Key West, there won’t be many anglers fishing in Cudjoe Basin. Anglers who wish to fish in peace without large crowds will find fishing here to be very pleasant. The popular fishing techniques used by anglers here are fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, light tackle, and even spearfishing. Due to the presence of flats and mangroves forests here, flats fishing is also popular here. Because the popular fishing spots here are far from the shore, consider bringing your boat when visiting, as that makes fishing here simpler.

Fishing Seasonality

With the amount of gamefish available here, fishing is an all-year-round activity in Cudjoe Basin. But for anglers making the most of their fishing experience, it is recommended that you visit the area from May to October. Not only are these the months when fish appear in numbers, but it’s also the time when they’re most active due to the increase in water temperature. Anglers looking for sailfish and other offshore gamefish can find assistance via the many fishing charters operating around Key West. These charters know very well when these gamefish will appear in numbers and where to catch them. So if it’s your first time in the area, hiring a charter to show you around is a wise choice. 

Fishing Seasonality

With the amount of gamefish available here, fishing is an all-year-round activity in Cudjoe Basin. But for anglers making the most of their fishing experience, it is recommended that you visit the area from May to October. Not only are these the months when fish appear in numbers, but it’s also the time when they’re most active due to the increase in water temperature. Anglers looking for sailfish and other offshore gamefish can find assistance via the many fishing charters operating around Key West. These charters know very well when these gamefish will appear in numbers and where to catch them. So if it’s your first time in the area, hiring a charter to show you around is a wise choice. 

All About Fishing in Cudjoe Basin, FL

Although not as well-known as the other fishing spots in the Key West, Cudjoe Basin has plenty to offer to anglers fishing here. Its proximity to the Great White Heron National Wildlife Reserve’s mangrove forests makes the perfect hiding spot for gamefish. Due to the Key West being the meeting point between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, there are plenty of deep-sea fishing to be had here. Anglers will find crevalle jack, sailfish, and yellowfin in its waters. There are also tarpon in the mangrove forests and flats near the Great White Heron National Wildlife Reserve’s waters. For anglers looking for a more exotic catch, there are also lemon and blacktip shark available here. 

Popular fishing spots on or near Cudjoe Basin include the Cudjoe Channel, Johnston Key Channel, Content Passage, and the Bow Channel. These spots are where anglers go fishing when around Cudjoe Basin, as gamefish are plenty here. Because it’s not as well-known as the other fishing spots in the Key West, there won’t be many anglers fishing in Cudjoe Basin. Anglers who wish to fish in peace without large crowds will find fishing here to be very pleasant. The popular fishing techniques used by anglers here are fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, light tackle, and even spearfishing. Due to the presence of flats and mangroves forests here, flats fishing is also popular here. Because the popular fishing spots here are far from the shore, consider bringing your boat when visiting, as that makes fishing here simpler.