Place · 0.5 mi away
Overview
Tom's Harbor Cut Fishing Bridge spans the channel between the Gulf and the Atlantic near Marathon/Grassy Key. It’s a no‑frills spot that anglers love because the cut concentrates water flow—and fish. You’ll share the span with walkers and cyclists as part of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, but the vibe is relaxed and decidedly local.
What You’ll Catch
This bridge produces permit, bonefish, and mangrove snapper, with kid‑friendly action from blue runners and mackerel. When the water really moves, predators push bait through the shadow lines; it’s common to see life in the clear water, including sharks cruising the current seams.
How to Fish It
Work the tide. Transition periods (incoming to slack, slack to outgoing) and late afternoon are dependable windows. Shrimp works for a mixed bag; pinfish helps weed out pickers and tempts larger fish. Jigs that match the current—slow‑sinking flats jigs, shrimp imitations, and heavier heads—let you stay in the strike zone when the flow picks up. After dark can be especially good around the bridge lights for mangrove snapper, snook, tarpon, and permit.
Access & Amenities
Parking is simple: a gravel shoulder near the bridge. There’s no entrance fee, it’s open 24 hours, and there are monofilament‑recycling tubes. Don’t expect frills—no bait/tackle sales, no fresh water, no fish‑cleaning tables, and no picnic area. You may see a “No Fishing From Bridge” sign on the traffic span; that applies to the US‑1 road bridge, not the adjacent fishing bridge.
Conditions & Hazards
Tides rip through both the old and new spans here. That’s great for feeding fish but tough on tackle. The bottom is rocky and will eat rigs—bring spares and heavier jigs or leaders. Be deliberate landing fish; swells and current can surge hard along the pilings.
Scenery
Even if you’re not fishing, the water color here is classic Keys—turquoise gradients and big‑sky horizons. Sunsets can be lovely from the bridge, and the water clarity often lets you watch the action below.
Best Time to Visit
Because it’s open 24/7, plan around light and tide rather than the clock. Late afternoon into sunset offers soft light and a solid bite window; nighttime around the lights can be excellent when the tide is moving. If you’re bringing kids, target gentler current periods to keep it fun.
Pros
- Free, 24‑hour access with convenient gravel shoulder parking
- Moving tides funnel gamefish like permit and mangrove snapper
Cons
- Currents rip through the spans; conditions can be challenging
- Snaggy, rocky bottom and limited on‑site facilities
Tips
- Park on the gravel shoulder and walk onto the fishing span.
- Fish tide changes; late afternoon is a reliable window.
- Night sessions can shine under bridge lights when water is moving.
- Bring extra terminal tackle—rocks and current cause frequent snags.
- Obey signs: no fishing from the US‑1 traffic bridge; use the fishing bridge.
