Nurse Shark fishing in Monroe County
18 rated shore spots in Monroe County hold nurse shark — ranked below with today's live forecast score for the species.
Nurse Shark forecast map for Monroe County
Every spot colored by how it fishes for nurse shark right now. Scrub the timeline, tap a pin for its forecast, or go full screen.
When to go
In season nowJFMAMJJASOND
🌊 Fish the any tide.
Size, bag and season rules in Monroe County
Open: keep up to 1 a day of 54 in or more
Monroe County
Rules set by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Minimum size
- 54 inMeasured nose to the fork of the tail
- Bag limit
- 1 a day
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission · checked Sep 30, 2026
A summary of the rules these authorities publish for anglers, checked on the dates shown. It is not legal advice: the authority's own page is the rule, and rules can change.
Check FWC rulesBest nurse shark spots in Monroe County
1White Street PierLow · 30ReliableCommon in the evening. Cut bait on the bottom with a wire leader, the free FWC shore-based shark permit, and release at the water.2Bahia Honda State ParkLow · 40Worth a tryCommon on the flats and along the seawall. Leave them alone around swimmers; release any hooked fish at the water.3Fort Zachary TaylorLow · 30Worth a tryTake bottom baits in the rocks. Release at the water; keep well away from swimmers.4No Name Key BridgeLow · 41Worth a tryFrequent after dark on cut bait on the bottom; heavy tackle needed to lift or release them at the bridge.5Indian Key FillLow · 30Worth a tryTake bottom baits at night. Release at the water.6Channel Two BridgeLow · 30Worth a tryFind cut bait on the bottom. Use a wire leader, hold the free FWC shore-based shark permit and release them at the water.7Long Key ViaductLow · 30Worth a tryTake cut bait on the bottom. Use wire, get the free FWC shore-based shark permit, and release at the water.8Old Seven Mile BridgeLow · 44Worth a tryTake cut bait on the bottom. Use wire, get the free FWC shore-based shark permit, and release at the water.9Channel Five BridgeLow · 30Worth a tryTake cut bait on the bottom. Wire leader, the free FWC shore-based shark permit, and release at the water.10Tom's Harbor BridgesLow · 41Worth a tryTake cut bait on the bottom; rig with wire and carry FWC's free shore-based shark permit, then let each one go at the water.11Curry Hammock State ParkLow · 36Worth a tryCommon along Keys channel edges and grass beds, and a likely culprit when a bottom bait is picked up slowly. Cut bait on the bottom; release at the water.12Spanish Harbor Channel BridgeLow · 40Worth a tryPick up cut bait left on the bottom. Fish a wire leader, carry FWC's free shore-based shark permit and let them go at the water.13Bow Channel BridgeLow · 38Worth a tryPick up cut bait on the bottom; use heavy line and carry the free FWC shark permit.14Kemp Channel BridgeLow · 38Worth a tryTake cut bait left on the bottom; the free FWC shark permit is needed.15Garden Key, Dry Tortugas National ParkLow · 35Worth a trySnorkelers see them along the moat wall; they pick up baits left on the bottom. Keep them in the water and release; targeting sharks from shore needs the free FWC permit.16Tea Table Relief BridgeLow · 30Worth a tryOn cut bait at night in summer; the free FWC shark permit is needed.17Park Channel BridgeLow · 38Worth a tryOn cut bait on the bottom in summer; the free FWC shark permit is needed.18Pigeon KeyLow · 46Worth a tryCommon in Keys channels and around grass beds; they pick up shrimp left on the bottom. Release in the water; targeting sharks from shore needs the free FWC permit.
Tactics for nurse shark
Top baits, best first
- Cut Mullet
- Cut Ladyfish
- Squid Strips
- Menhaden (Pogy)
Rigs that work, best first
- Shark Rig
- Fish-Finder Rig
