About Lower Sugarloaf Sound, FL

Lower Sugarloaf Sound is a secluded bay located in Monroe County, Florida. This mangrove-lined body of water is found just south of the U-shaped Sugarloaf Key. The Key consists of mostly undeveloped groups of islands that are lined with shallow, sandy flats and marshy areas, making it an ideal home to diverse flora and fauna. It is a great destination for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing.  

The first settlement near Lower Sugarloaf Sound was developed by Richter Clyde Perky in the early 1900’s. He had bought most of the Lower Sugarloaf Key and planned to turn it into island resorts. Due to the mosquitoes coming from the mangroves, he decided to build the now-infamous Bat Tower. It was supposed to house mosquito-eating bats in order to keep the insects away from future guests. Sadly, no bats were interested in inhabiting the structure. It still stands empty to this day and is considered a historic landmark.

All About Fishing in Lower Sugarloaf Sound, FL

Lower Sugarloaf Sound is one of the best places to go inshore saltwater fishing in the United States. Its waters come from the Gulf of Mexico through a creek called Sugarloaf Creek, located south of the bay. In the north, it is surrounded by the Lower Sugarloaf Channel and Harris Channel. The shallow flats are filled with great barracuda, mangrove snapper, bonefish, permit, and tarpon. It is possible for the experienced angler to chase the grand slam with just the conventional tackle, but for more chances of success, anglers may opt to use flies such as streamers, crabs and shrimp patterns. Blue crabs, live mullet and big artificial lures are specifically great for catching tarpon, while live shrimp and shrimp-imitating lures attract permit and bonefish. The mangrove snappers may be caught in the mangroves, as well as in deep water, and can be lured with live or cut bait, jigs and shrimp-imitating lures. Other notable, most sought-after catches in the surrounding area are the blacktip and the bull shark. 

There are plenty of ways to fish in Lower Sugarloaf Sound. Kayak fishing through the mangrove-filled backwater, open waters and connecting channels is the most popular option for anglers. Several charter services are also available, with many offering guides to help navigate and accomplish the grand slam. Some lodges also provide private docks for added convenience. Both the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean are accessible from Lower Sugarloaf Sound, making it easy to go offshore deep-sea fishing when the weather permits. You can reel in giants like sailfish, mahi-mahi, grouper, mackerel and kingfish through trolling.

Anglers may also want to visit Islamorada Hump (“The Hump”) found in the Upper Keys. This 200-feet high seamount is known for trapping baitfish in its upwelling, attracting predator fish such as blackfin tuna. 

Fishing Seasonality

Though fish are abundant through all seasons, anglers have a higher chance of completing the grand slam from May to September. Fish are more active on more shallow flats in the warm Floridian summer, specifically bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Conditions are generally mild in summers, so it is an ideal time to get on a kayak. In winter months (mid-December to mid-April), anglers can catch snapper, jack, barracuda, seatrout and ladyfish.

For challengers of the grand slam, early April is the best time to visit Lower Sugarloaf Sound. Water temperature during this time is ideal for tampon, permit and bonefish. You can find permit and bonefish in the flats and backcountry islands, while tarpon typically hang in the flats. The migratory permit begins to move offshore by mid-April to lay eggs there. Anglers who are specifically targeting this species have the best luck around March.

Fishing Seasonality

Though fish are abundant through all seasons, anglers have a higher chance of completing the grand slam from May to September. Fish are more active on more shallow flats in the warm Floridian summer, specifically bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Conditions are generally mild in summers, so it is an ideal time to get on a kayak. In winter months (mid-December to mid-April), anglers can catch snapper, jack, barracuda, seatrout and ladyfish.

For challengers of the grand slam, early April is the best time to visit Lower Sugarloaf Sound. Water temperature during this time is ideal for tampon, permit and bonefish. You can find permit and bonefish in the flats and backcountry islands, while tarpon typically hang in the flats. The migratory permit begins to move offshore by mid-April to lay eggs there. Anglers who are specifically targeting this species have the best luck around March.