Lobstering in Duck Key, Florida: Spots, Access & Tips
Duck Key sits at mile marker 61, roughly halfway down the Florida Keys and just minutes north of Marathon. Heading south, it's one of the first islands where you get the full assortment of Keys lobstering in one place: bayside grass ledges and hardbottom, channel cuts, nearshore coral heads and rockpiles, and oceanside patch reefs all within reach. Whether you're staying at Hawks Cay with a kayak or running a boat, here's how to lobster Duck Key.
Why Duck Key is a great place to lobster
A lot of the Keys make you pick one kind of diving. Duck Key gives you the whole menu within a short run:
- Bayside grass ledges, hardbottom holes, and channel cuts are productive, forgiving water.
- Nearshore coral heads and rockpiles are classic structure that holds bugs.
- Oceanside patch reefs are a relatively short run away for more experienced divers.
That mix makes it a great base for a group with mixed skill levels: beginners can work the shallow bayside while stronger divers run outside.
Where to lobster around Duck Key
Bayside (beginner-friendly)
As a rule of thumb in the Keys, the bay/gulf side is the friendlier place to start, since it's shallower and calmer on windy days. Around Duck Key that means grass ledges along the channels, hardbottom holes, and cuts. Swim slowly along the edge where grass meets sand and look for antennae poking out from under the ledge.
Oceanside (more consistent when weather allows)
When conditions let you get outside, the oceanside patch reefs produce more consistent catches. The structure is permanent and less affected by sand movement, but it's deeper with more current, so it's better suited to experienced divers.
Getting on the water (no boat? no problem)
This is what makes Duck Key great for visitors: on good-weather days you can kayak to grass ledges along the channels within a few hundred yards of shore, which is perfect if you're staying at Hawks Cay without a boat.
With a boat (your own, a rental, or from the Hawks Cay marina), the oceanside patch reefs and a much wider spread of bayside structure open up.
Rules to know before you dive
Duck Key is in Monroe County, which changes a few things:
- Mini-season bag limit: 6 per person (vs. 12 in much of Florida).
- Regular season (Aug 6 to Mar 31): 6 per person, statewide.
- Night diving for lobster is prohibited in Monroe County during the sport season (mini-season) only. It's allowed during the regular season.
- Minimum size: carapace larger than 3 inches, measured in the water. Carry a gauge at all times.
- A Florida saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit are required.
No-take zone alert: the newly designated Turtle Shoal Sanctuary Preservation Area sits just offshore. Like all SPAs, all harvest (including lobster) is prohibited there, but it's excellent snorkeling if you're not diving for dinner. Always check the interactive no-take zone map for current boundaries before you drop in.
Hazards around Duck Key
- Strong currents in Tom's Harbor Cut and the other area channels. They hold lobster, but dive them on a manageable tide and consider drift diving with someone staying on the boat.
- Boat traffic and bridges: fly your dive flag, and idle past anyone flying theirs.
- Shallow runs: know your boat's draft on the bayside.
Maps and spots
Duck Key sits right where Lobsterly's Upper Keys and Middle Keys premium regions meet, so the area is covered well from both sides, with well over 100 marked lobster spots within a few miles. Because Duck Key straddles two regions, the simplest option is All Waypoints ($34.99, one-time), which unlocks everything from Haulover Inlet to Key West.
Around 100 free waypoints, every no-take zone above, and 4,500+ Florida artificial reefs are included for free. It all works offline once you lose cell signal off the channels.
Get every lobster spot around Duck Key
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Frequently asked questions
Is Duck Key good for lobstering?
Yes. Duck Key is one of the first Keys, heading south, with the full range of lobster habitat: bayside grass ledges, hardbottom holes, and channel cuts; nearshore coral heads and rockpiles; and oceanside patch reefs within a short run. There's something for every skill level.
Can you lobster at Duck Key without a boat?
On calm days, yes. You can kayak to grass ledges along the channels within a few hundred yards of shore, which makes Duck Key accessible to visitors staying at Hawks Cay without a boat.
How many lobster can you keep at Duck Key?
Duck Key is in Monroe County, so the daily bag limit is 6 lobster per person during both mini-season and the regular season. Carapace length must be larger than 3 inches, measured in the water.
About Lobsterly
Lobsterly is built by divers, for divers, as the ultimate field guide to lobstering in Florida. The app maps 3,000+ proven spots from Haulover Inlet to Key West, every no-take zone, and 4,500+ Florida artificial reefs, all offline. One-time purchase, no subscription. We keep these guides current and check the regulations against the FWC.
Related guides
Regulations and zone boundaries change. Always confirm the latest rules on the FWC spiny lobster page and check current no-take zones before you dive. Last updated June 2026.
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