Tavernier Creek Bridge, Tavernier Fishing

Tavernier Creek Bridge crosses a tidal creek that connects the Atlantic side of Plantation Key to Florida Bay. Fish funnel through on the tide, and anglers work the banks and the bridge shadow for snapper and tarpon.

• A small highway bridge over a busy tidal creek
• Mangrove snapper and tarpon are the named catches, best in spring
• A bait and tackle shop at the marina nearby
• Parking is tight; plan before you go

The bridge is on the Overseas Highway at about mile marker 91 in Tavernier, next to Tavernier Creek Marina.

• Anglers fish from land at the creek's edge and under and beside the bridge
• Parking: described by a bridge guide as a bit challenging nearby; we could not confirm a public lot or its rules
• Stay off the roadway and out of private marina parking
• Hours and fees: not confirmed

The creek is a doorway between ocean and bay, so snapper and tarpon pass through.

• Spring (Mar-May): the best season named by the guide, with mangrove snapper and tarpon
• Summer (Jun-Aug): mangrove snapper hold in the shade; tarpon move through at dawn and dusk
• Fall (Sep-Nov): snapper, jacks and the odd barracuda
• Winter (Dec-Feb): smaller snapper and pinfish around structure, with fewer tarpon

Use a medium spinning rod with 20 to 30 lb fluorocarbon leader; the creek has structure that cuts light line.

• Mangrove snapper: a small live shrimp or pinfish on a knocker rig near the bridge footings
• Tarpon: a live mullet or pinfish on a 5/0 circle hook drifted down current, with heavy leader
• Jacks: small spoons or jigs through the moving water
• Buy live shrimp from the tackle shop at the marina next door and keep a landing net handy

Tavernier Creek links the Atlantic and Florida Bay, and water moves through it on the Keys' two highs and lows a day.

• The strongest current is mid-tide; fish just before and after to control your bait
• Early morning and dusk are the best light, especially in summer
• Clear water on a calm day shows fish, but wind against the tide stirs the creek
• April and May are the best season named by the guide

This is a roadside bridge spot, not a developed pier.

• Traffic is close; keep your gear and children off the road
• Boat wakes and anchored boats crowd the creek
• No railed fishing deck was confirmed; the bank may be rocky and uneven
• Mosquitoes bite at dusk in warm months
• Leave at the first thunder in summer storms

Facilities are those of the neighboring marina and are not confirmed for visitors.

• A bridge guide names the bait and tackle shop at Tavernier Creek Marina, with live shrimp and pinfish
• Restrooms: not confirmed for the public; plan to use them elsewhere
• Food and fuel are along the Overseas Highway in Tavernier
• Parking is limited; do not block the marina

• Buy bait at the marina shop before you set up
• Arrive early or on weekdays, when parking is easier
• Carry a weighted rig; the creek current is stronger than it looks
• Fish the edge of the bridge shadow for snapper
• Respect marina property and the posted signs
• April and May are the best months named by the guide

The Overseas Highway bridge is Florida Department of Transportation land and the creek is tidal salt water; we found no page that lists fishing here, so read any posted signs.

• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Tarpon have release rules; check FWC before keeping or handling one
• Shore-based shark fishing needs a free FWC permit
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything