About Madeira Bay, FL

Madeira Bay is a saltwater bay located in Monroe County, Florida. It is bordered by the Everglades National Park, which closes it off from easy land access. This secluded, shallow water body has a maximum water depth of 3 feet and is separated from Florida Bay by a shoal known as the Crocodile Dragover. Because of its geography, anglers who opt for more peaceful fishing spots will definitely enjoy Madeira Bay.

Madeira Bay is located just beside the protected wildlife areas, Little Madeira Bay and Joe Bay, which were closed to protect and support the increase of population of the then threatened American crocodile. Joe Bay has partially reopened in 2016, after 30 years of closure, to allow non-motorized boating and catch-and-release fishing. Anglers may want to enjoy a casual fishing trip in Joe bay after a run in Madeira Bay.

All About Fishing in Madeira Bay, FL

The entire shoreline of Madeira Bay is lined with mangroves, which attract fish to feed near the shore. Skilled anglers may want to try the accuracy of their casts as fish in this area tend to hide rather quickly between the roots of the mangroves. Baits and lures also need to be placed as closely as possible to the targeted fish in order to steer them away from the abundant natural food available in the waters.

Most Florida Bay fish may be spotted in Madeira Bay, such as snook, redfish, and spotted sea trout, while anglers who frequent the area also say they commonly catch mangrove snapper, and black grouper. Others have reported reeling in barracuda, goliath grouper, whiting, bonnethead shark, and even a small blacktip shark. Fish in Madeira Bay can easily be lured in using baits like live shrimp and grunt, specifically for mangrove snapper, redfish, and black grouper. 

Because of the shallow water of the area and the shoal that closes off the bay, it is advisable to come in boats that drift less than 12 inches. Poling or trolling motors are also preferred, but anglers should avoid stopping and starting the motors because it creates craters at the bottom and may disrupt the natural habitat. This makes Madeira Bay a perfect spot to go for drift fishing. The clear waters of the bay also make it easier to bottom fish, as the clear waters make it easier to see the entire ecosystem. 

Because Madeira Bay sits beside crocodile sanctuaries, some may be able to spot an American crocodile from time to time. Sightings of smalltooth sawfish are not uncommon in the area as well, so being mindful of the waters is important at all times.

Fishing Seasonality 

Plenty of fish are available all year around Madeira Bay, the most notable one being mangrove snapper. Redfish and barracuda are also available but witness a slight slowing down of activity during certain months. Expect a little less availability of redfish by May until September of barracuda from August to March. Tarpon are available all year round but are specifically plentiful around May to June, while spotted seatrout peak from February to April. 

The snook, being a fish that can be caught exclusively in the Florida Keys, is so popular that anglers all over the world visit the state just to try their hands on catching it. This has led to authorities imposing a closed season in order to leave the snook’s spawning season undisturbed. For areas near the Atlantic Coast, the peak spawning months would be July through August, so anglers aiming for this fish had better come during the open season, which begins early September to mid-December.

Fishing Seasonality 

Plenty of fish are available all year around Madeira Bay, the most notable one being mangrove snapper. Redfish and barracuda are also available but witness a slight slowing down of activity during certain months. Expect a little less availability of redfish by May until September of barracuda from August to March. Tarpon are available all year round but are specifically plentiful around May to June, while spotted seatrout peak from February to April. 

The snook, being a fish that can be caught exclusively in the Florida Keys, is so popular that anglers all over the world visit the state just to try their hands on catching it. This has led to authorities imposing a closed season in order to leave the snook’s spawning season undisturbed. For areas near the Atlantic Coast, the peak spawning months would be July through August, so anglers aiming for this fish had better come during the open season, which begins early September to mid-December.

All About Fishing in Madeira Bay, FL

The entire shoreline of Madeira Bay is lined with mangroves, which attract fish to feed near the shore. Skilled anglers may want to try the accuracy of their casts as fish in this area tend to hide rather quickly between the roots of the mangroves. Baits and lures also need to be placed as closely as possible to the targeted fish in order to steer them away from the abundant natural food available in the waters.

Most Florida Bay fish may be spotted in Madeira Bay, such as snook, redfish, and spotted sea trout, while anglers who frequent the area also say they commonly catch mangrove snapper, and black grouper. Others have reported reeling in barracuda, goliath grouper, whiting, bonnethead shark, and even a small blacktip shark. Fish in Madeira Bay can easily be lured in using baits like live shrimp and grunt, specifically for mangrove snapper, redfish, and black grouper. 

Because of the shallow water of the area and the shoal that closes off the bay, it is advisable to come in boats that drift less than 12 inches. Poling or trolling motors are also preferred, but anglers should avoid stopping and starting the motors because it creates craters at the bottom and may disrupt the natural habitat. This makes Madeira Bay a perfect spot to go for drift fishing. The clear waters of the bay also make it easier to bottom fish, as the clear waters make it easier to see the entire ecosystem. 

Because Madeira Bay sits beside crocodile sanctuaries, some may be able to spot an American crocodile from time to time. Sightings of smalltooth sawfish are not uncommon in the area as well, so being mindful of the waters is important at all times.