Dry Tortugas Fishing

Trolling in the Dry Tortugas

One of the most amazing fishing destinations in the entire world, The Dry Tortugas never fails to disappoint. The multi-hour journey 60-miles west of Key West can seem like an eternity for some, but for others it only builds up the excitement that will soon come. As your boat passes the Marquesa Keys (about half the distance to the Dry Tortugas), you start to wonder if going the extra distance is worth it…. it looks like good fishing NOW!

Fishing Tackle for the Dry Tortugas

A Circle Hook

In the Dry Tortugas, your backyard bass fishing pole is worthless, except for maybe catching some bait. In the Dry Tortugas you will typically be fishing in depths ranging from 90ft to 300ft. You will want at a bare minimum a 30lb class reel/rod or even one in the 50lb range. Your rod should be sturdy enough to handle enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom. The currents in the Dry Tortugas can be very strong. It is not uncommon to need 16oz of weight or more. Fishing in deep depths, you will probably want to have a fast reel, it can take a lot of time and effort to bring even the smaller fish up from such depths, a faster reel will make that happen much quicker and easier.

You will also need to bring plenty of terminal tackle (weights, hooks, leader material, and swivels), you will have plenty of snags (or tangles if on a fishing boat with a bunch of people) and there is no tackle store in the Dry Tortugas.

Dry Tortugas Fishing Boats

There are plenty of charter boats available in Key West that make trips to the Dry Tortugas. Most of these boats will accommodate up to 6 people. There are also several party fishing boats that can take even more fisherman. Most of these trips are 2-3 day trips and others can be customized with extra days if you so desire.

Fish to Catch in the Dry Tortugas

Snappers, Groupers, Mahi-Mahi, Billfish, Sharks …. there really is a long list of fish to be caught in the Dry Tortugas, please check our Dry Tortugas Wildlife section for more information.

Remember The Crew, They Work for Tips!