In 1976 the Florida Department of Transportation completed the project of replacing all of the bridges built by Henry Flagler (the railroad that went to sea). The Flagler bridges were begun in the early 1900’s and took many years to complete. Many of the Islamorada bridge fishing structures that were replaced have been turned into fishing piers. The best fishing bridges began just south of Bud n’ Mary’s Marina, at the south end of Upper Matecumbe Key, mm 79.8 and continue all the way to Key West. The bridges span the deep channels that run between the islands of the Key’s, separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Florida Bay. Many species of fish that swim in both bodies of water can be caught in these channels and around the structures of the bridge. Since there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the designated fishing bridges, it’s very safe and an ideal place to have fun and enjoy the true Keys’ atmosphere.
You can watch the sunset, the sunrise, ships passing on the Oceanside, birds feeding, look upon the mangrove islands, watch fish swim below you in the crystal clear waters, and even see some of the lighthouses that mark the coral reef. All of this creates a unique bridge experience. You don’t even have to fish to enjoy the setting. Many people just go for walks and to enjoy the anglers. Long Key Bridge for example is 2.3 miles long and is ideal for a morning walk or jog. If you do decide you would like to try your hand at angling and you need some information we can help you right here at Bud n’ Mary’s Marina. We have everything you need from rod rental, frozen and live bait, tackle, and local knowledge. You can rent a rod for a day or for a week and the staff will be happy to get you rigged up and on your way. We can discuss rigging techniques fishing strategies, maps, the best bridges, and tell you what fish you should be targeting. So if you want an inexpensive, enjoyable experience in the keys, stop by anytime at Bud n’ Mary’s Marina (mm 79.8), and we ‘ll be glad to introduce you to the bridges of the Keys. We can also help with your key largo shore fishing bait needs, or key largo bridge fishing tactics as well! We can sell or rent your equipment so you can enjoy a day of fishing while not having to spend the money on a more expensive charter. Florida Keys Bridge Fishing is fun for the whole family!
For general information, we rent rods for $20.00 a day, and $15 a day for any additional days. Bait & chum usually runs around $10.00-$25.00 depending on the number of people. Basic tackle costs around $5.00 – $10.00.A fishing license is required (Phone, 1-888-FISH-FLO or online click here).
We recommend the following bridges for fishing.
Channel 2 Bridge at mile marker 73. The bridge has fishing platforms and parking on both sides of the bridge. Channel 5 bridge at mile marker 71.This Bridge has parking at the south end. Long Key Bridge at mile marker 65. We rate this bridge the best because of the amount of water and fish that pass under the bridge. There’s fishing platforms as well as parking on both ends of the bridge.
This is a very inexpensive way to enjoy fishing here in the keys, and remember we are open from 6:30 A.M. to 9 P.M.
Let me just say that I thought I was going to have to write a 1-star review. I called last night to book seats on the party boat and the fun gentleman told me all about the charter. I was excited. He said to come by in the morning and grab tickets and go. Fast forward to 8:00 this morning. We get there and are met with friendly smiles from the nice cafe lady. We make our way to the back and ask about the charter. The cranky old lady in the back (named Robin) told us angrily they were sold out and we couldn't go. I explained that the gentleman last night told me to drop by and she essentially accused me of lying. She literally said, "I don't believe you." Oooookkay, Robin. I'm making it up. Let me make this clear. Robin stinks at her job. Robin is a good vibes killer. Whatever misery Robin is going through in her life, she wants to share every bit of it with you. So Robin shut down any fun or excitement about fishing in the Keys. Had she answered when I first called Bud n' Mary's, I would have NEVER been interested in spending the day with a miserable wretch like her. Thank goodness the sweet older gentleman talked to us and got us excited about the trip! He may have given us some misinformation but he was so nice and trying to be helpful. I much prefer enthusiasm over anal retentiveness anyway. When I explained that we had driven 12 hours to get there and were really excited about the fishing charter being the highlight of our trip, she again accused me of lying and asked which hotel we were staying in for verification. Really???? Ooookay, I'm evidently making that up too. Robin gets negative 10 stars. So I had to get all Karen on her and ask for the manager. No regrets. Enter Bill. Bill is the manager and he is way more competent and friendly than his evil desk monitor, Robin. He comes along and talks to the captain and works us in. It wasn't hard. He did it with a smile. Bill made it happen. Bill is in the business of working with people and helping them have positive experiences so they will come back. Bill rocks. So my son gets on the fishing boat for the day and he has an awesome time. Catches a lot of fish and has a great time. Crew was fantastic. I was really happy that Bill and the captain of the boat could accommodate us. My son had an epic day, and that is why I give them 4 stars. Every place has that one employee who hates their job and spends their day making sure everyone else is as miserable as they are. Luckily, we were able to Karen above her and enjoy the wonderful people, personalities, and epic fishing adventures that Bud N' Mary's is known for! So things I learned: 1. BOOK ONLINE. Even if the adorable cheerleader fishing enthusiast who works night shift tells you to come in the morning and get on the boat, book it from their website. 2. Website says they have 49 spots. Not true during COVID. Only 30. And evidently they are full EVERY DAY. So book early. 3. Bring your food and drinks. Website says they have food served on the boat. Not true. Bring your own. 4. Have a great time!
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Rachel S.
8/16/2021
Great “days” fishing Great days fishing, helpful crew. Caught our quota of yellow tailed snapper so finished about an hour and half early. It was a really hot day, so we had had enough by then.
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Clive C
5/28/2024
Captain Trent’s fishing excursion in the Florida Keys Our fishing excursion with Captain Trent was all that I hoped for and more! He was so knowledgeable and helpful. My husband and I are both elementary school teachers, and we were both very impressed with how good he was with our kids! He was patient, and extremely encouraging! He made small talk with us and even acted as a tour guide by going to places that he knew we would be able to see crocodiles and other Florida wildlife while we fished. Both my husband and son were able to catch lots of fish, and my son was over the moon about catching his dream fish, a tarpon, even though it isn’t tarpon season! We had such a great time, and I would definitely recommend him to anyone!