Long Key Bridge South End, Duck Key Fishing

The southern approach to the Long Key Bridge gives anglers a long, quiet fishing pier on the old railroad right of way, reached from the Duck Key side instead of the busier Long Key end.

• A 2.2-mile historic viaduct kept as a fishing pier and trail
• Snapper, grunts, jacks and barracuda, with tarpon in warm months
• Ocean on one side and Florida Bay on the other
• Quieter than the northern end

This end of the bridge is at about mile marker 63, near Duck Key, and the viaduct is part of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail run by Florida State Parks.

• Access: the trail runs about a mile from a mapped no-fee parking area on the Duck Key side to the start of the bridge, so expect a walk or bike ride before you reach the water
• Surface: the old railroad deck, shared with walkers and cyclists
• Hours: the trail's fishing bridges are state park land, open about 8 a.m. to sunset
• Distance: the whole bridge is about 2.2 miles, so you can walk out to the deeper spans
• Fees: none that we could confirm

Fish move along the viaduct with the seasons.

• Spring (Mar-May): tarpon arrive in numbers, along with barracuda and jacks
• Summer (Jun-Aug): snapper and grunts around the spans, tarpon at first light
• Fall (Sep-Nov): jacks and mangrove snapper in cleaner, cooler water
• Winter (Dec-Feb): snapper and the odd seatrout; fewer tarpon

Use stout spinning gear, as strong fish run for the pilings.

• Snapper and grunts: live shrimp or cut bait on a knocker rig, with a 20 to 30 lb fluorocarbon leader
• Jacks and barracuda: bucktails and spoons cast across the current
• Tarpon: live mullet or crabs, or a swimming plug, on heavy gear; check FWC rules first
• Chum lightly to bring snapper to the pilings
• A long-handled net or bridge gaff is a must

The Keys see two highs and two lows daily, and the flow through the spans can be swift.

• Moving water is best, and the turn of the tide is often prime
• Clear water on an incoming ocean tide brings snapper up from the reef side
• Early and late light is cooler and fishes better in summer
• Strong wind against the tide makes the water choppy and harder to fish

Plan for a long walk on a bare deck high above the water.

• Carry water and sun protection; the bridge has no shade
• Leave at the first sign of lightning
• Landing a big fish takes a net, since the deck is high
• Keep children away from the open edge
• The state plans to replace this bridge, with construction slated to start in 2027, so check for changes before a trip

The end of the bridge has few services.

• A mapped no-fee parking area lies about a mile from the bridge start along the trail; check the signs
• No restrooms or bait shop confirmed at this end
• Bait, tackle and food are available in Marathon and Duck Key
• No lights confirmed; fish in daylight

• Walk out past the approach for deeper water and more fish
• Arrive early; the sun on the deck is hard by midday
• Tarpon rolls are common at first light in spring
• Bring a net and a cooler of ice and bait
• The north end has its own access and a state park nearby if this end is busy

The bridge is part of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, managed by Florida State Parks, and the FWC lists the Long Key Viaduct as a fishing bridge.

• The trail's fishing bridges are open from about 8 a.m. to sunset
• Read any posted signs at the approach
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Shore-based shark fishing needs the free FWC permit
• Tarpon and goliath grouper have release rules; check FWC
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything