Fishing in Dry Tortugas: The Ultimate Guide

With its unusual name, unique appearance, and unreal ocean backdrop, this small, remote island was big enough to be the scene of many historic, legendary events. Its rich history captures pirate and maritime legends, as well as the prison complex where the advocate of murder, Abraham Lincoln, was imprisoned! 

But what interests us the most is the aquatic wealth that abounds in the most famous fish species that swim in Florida waters! Today, the Dry Tortugas is a national park that covers seven islands, meaning many animal species have found safety and refuge among the walls and the spirit of history. 

Every visitor, especially the angler who loves history and its intrigues, can find some new, unexplored dimension here. Yes, deciding where to start when getting to know this mysterious, charming island is hard! 

In our ultimate fishing guide to the waters of the Dry Tortugas, we won't promise to reveal the mystery and secret appeal. Our detailed presentation of species, locations, and techniques will hint at what you could experience fishing in Dry Tortugas! 

Fish Species Found in Dry Tortugas 

Some destinations captivate not only with their beauty but also with their overall vibe and energy. Dry Tortugas is such a place that it is hard to resist, regardless of whether you are a fisherman or an angler. So, if you are wondering about the fish species that enrich this beauty, keep reading!

Native Species 

The Dry Tortugas is a natural realm where flora and fauna are delicately interwoven into untouched land and sea wildlife. Together, they define a unique and wonderful aquatic ecosystem full of coral reefs, channels, and structures that favor the growth of various native fish species. Join us while getting to know the intrinsic beauty of native fish!

Grouper 

In the crustal, well-manicured waters of the Dry Tortugas, all species of Grouper fish here reign as one of the most desirable species for anglers. Given that they love habitats like the coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and wrecks that the Dry Tortugas abound in, it's no wonder there are so many of them here.

This species varies considerably but ranges from a few pounds to over 100. Hooking, a big one, proves your angling skills and that you have a lot of fishing luck.

• Best Time to Catch: During spring to fall

• Habitat: Coral reefs, rocky outcrops and wrecks

• Preferred Bait: Mullets, pinfish, squid

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing, jigging, trolling

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate to deep

They will hook on live bait such as mullet, pinfish, or squid. You can hunt them all year round, but the official season is spring to fall. These large fish are very cautious, somewhat lonely, and like to hide in shelters.

Due to the specificity of the terrain, if you chase Grouper in the waters of the Dry Tortugas, it is best to do it with a bottom fishing technique, jigging, or trolling. Although they seem sluggish and disinterested, they will test your patience and persistence, and together with their character complexity and size; they tempt anglers to chase them.

Snapper

In the azure depths of the Dry Tortugas, the Snapper family, especially the Mutton and Yellowtail varieties, is very often encountered and has somewhat of a cult status. Although they belong to the same species, they differ slightly in behavior. The Mutton Snapper frequently swims near reefs, wrecks, and deeper water, while the Yellowtail prefers shallower water.

These creatures are known to grow to impressive sizes, often weighing between 5 to 20 pounds or even more. They share many similarities with Groupers, including their distrustful nature and tendency towards aggressive attacks.

• Best Time to Catch: From spring to fall

• Habitat: Near reefs, wrecks, shallow and deeper water

• Preferred Bait: Live shrimp, sardines, small fish

• Fishing Technique: Light tackle fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Shallow to deep

They like live fish, and you will catch them most easily on live shrimp, sardines, and small fish. It is vital to present the bait well; the best technique has turned out to be light tackle fishing involving fluorocarbon leaders. They are most active from spring to fall, coinciding with their spawning periods and increased hunting for food.

In addition to patience, you will also need the ability to read the signs that indicate this species is hiding in a particular water location. You must also know how to adapt strategies and techniques to catch snapper fish by navigating uneven terrain and observing reefs and rocks.

Amberjack

Amberjack is a beautiful fish with a well-balanced body that shimmers in silver pearl shades. It is intense, persistent, and delicious! You will find it patrolling the depths of wrecks, reefs, and other coastal structures, but since it likes to eat, it will not hesitate to swim into shallower waters to satisfy its appetite.

If the conditions are favorable and there is a regular food supply, the Amberjack can grow to over 100 pounds. Therefore, it is best to catch them on live baitfish such as blue runners, mullet, and pinfish. If the presentation is good, they will not resist artificial baits such as jigs and large plugs.

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to fall

• Habitat: Wrecks, reefs, and other coastal structures

• Preferred Bait: Blue runners, mullet, pinfish

• Fishing Technique: Light tackle fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Amberjack season in the Dry Tortugas is usually during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall. For successful landings, anglers should target them often using heavy gear that will withstand their character and weight. 

Amberjack's appearance and character combine rawness and beauty, which makes it a perfect representative of the waters of the Dry Tortugas and its equally complex history.

Mahi Mahi

The cute Mahi Mahi is always an attraction wherever it appears! Its green-yellow hues always bring joy and excitement. In addition to its beauty, its meat is also delicious, which is why it is a famous catch. It often swims near floating debris and weed lines, searching for tasty bites.

Mahi Mahi have robust bodies that can grow between 10 and 30 pounds, with some exceeding 50 pounds. Anglers often catch them using trolling techniques with a combination of lures, from artificial to live baits and casting, when they spot them in school formations. Dry Tortugas' primary season is from late spring to early fall when these pelagic predators become more active in searching for food.

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Wrecks, reefs, and other coastal structures

• Preferred Bait: Artificial and live baits 

• Fishing Technique: Casting

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Mahi Mahi are a favorite species and one of the most impressive that swims the Florida coast. Despite its clumsy and somewhat strange body, the Mahi Mahi will fight as hard and aggressively as it does when attacking its prey. 

Many people like them because even though they are pretty standard, no matter how often you meet them, you will not be indifferent to these cute dolphins.

Tarpon

Tarpon is a magnificent fish whose elegant silver body can be considered the archetype of the appearance of all fish! It's no wonder that this suave gentleman is a highly prized catch. Appearance and dashing, gentlemanly demeanor that includes acrobatics and fighting skills worthy of a superhero. Tarpons often swim in shallow coastal waters, channels, and flats.

It can grow to incredible sizes, often exceeding 100 pounds and reaching over 6 feet long. The specificity of Tarpon is that they are primarily pursued for the exhilarating fights and not for their culinary value, as they are usually released after being caught.

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Shallow waters

• Preferred Bait: Live mullet, pilchards and crabs or soft plastics, lures and swim plugs

• Fishing Technique: Sight fishing, live bait fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult 

• Depth: Shallow to moderate

Anglers use sight, live bait, and fly fishing techniques. There is a wide variety of bait, so you can try live mullets, pilchards, crabs, soft plastics, lures, and swim plugs. Its season is from late spring to early fall. Then, more often than usual, Tarpon congregates in shallow waters, making it more accessible for exciting encounters.

They are a very challenging opponent who will break the hook with ease. Stubborn and persistent will test all your human and fishing qualities to the maximum.

Migratory Species 

In addition to the usual fish species swimming relatively close or very close to the coast of the Dry Tortugas, fearless rulers of deep, offshore waters also grace the emerald waters of this beautiful island according to their migratory cycles. 

For centuries, anglers have been inspired by these fish, which are associated with marine life's freedom, beauty, and ambiguity. Are you curious to know what they are? Let's find out.

Tuna

You can meet various tuna species in the azure depths around the Dry Tortugas, one of the most prized migratory species! Although it is often primarily hunted for its meat, due to the unique energy that reigns on the Dry Tortugas, anglers here also fish for the pure pleasure of meeting different types of tuna, primarily Blackfin and Yellowfin.

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Deep water and underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Live mullet, pilchards and crabs or soft plastics

• Fishing Technique: Trolling, casting

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult 

• Depth: Shallow to moderate

Tuna is a flamboyant predatory species known for its lightning speed and agility in mastering waves and sea currents. It often travels in flocks in search of schools of bait and, thanks to its hydrodynamic body shapes, can cover large distances quickly. In addition to its speed, tuna's bodies are fleshy and large and can often grow to over 100 pounds.

The primary migratory season around the Dry Tortuga is late spring to early fall. Since they love deep water and underwater structures, it is best to catch them by trolling with lures or casting with artificial bait.

Tuna are ruthless opponents, symbols of raw power and untamed ocean beauty. To land one, you will need powerful gear and equally strong skills.

Sailfish

The Sailfish is another sturdy, somewhat solitary hunter of the dark ocean depths. However, in the wishes and anglers' fishing plans, the Sailfish is considered one of the most famous and sought-after species, recognizable by its characteristic sail-like dorsal fin and elongated beak.

Sailfish is the true epitome of offshore fishing: lightning fast, able to make incredible jumps, and fight hard. Its habitats are underwater structures and areas of strong currents. Typically, their size ranges from 60 to 220 pounds. 

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Underwater structures and areas of strong currents

• Preferred Bait: Ballyhoo, live mullet, pilchards, crabs, or soft plastics

• Fishing Technique: Trolling, casting

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Sailfish's primary season in the Dry Tortugas is from late spring to early fall when they migrate through the region for food and favorable conditions. Trolling is one of the most common fishing techniques for these fish, which implies trolling with rigged baits, live baits such as ballyhoo, pilchards, and mullet, or casting with artificial lures. Once hooked, Sailfish are also known to fight to exhaustion. They are formidable opponents that you have to live up to.

Barracuda

Wise, sleek, and predatory, the Barracuda lurks as one of the most exciting species to inspire anglers. The proud owner of an elongated body with razor-sharp teeth, the Barracuda offers an electrifying fishing encounter. It is not big and not concurrent for a trophy-size catch, but its 10 to 40 pounds weight is enough to fight back vigorously.

Barracudas are found in various habitats, so they can surprise you. They can be found around reefs, wrecks, canals, and basins in shallow or deep water, making them accessible to anglers casting from shore. Barracuda fishing season in this region is from late spring to early fall when the water temperatures are suitable for increased activity.

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Underwater structures and areas of strong currents

• Preferred Bait: Ballyhoo, live mullet, pilchards 

• Fishing Technique: Trolling, casting

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

You can catch them using various methods, including casting with artificial baits, trolling with rigged baits, and live bait, most commonly mullet, ballyhoo, and pilchards. Barracuda are attracted to fast and flashy lures, which mimic the movement dynamics of their natural prey. 

What is certain is that the fight with Barracuda promises an exciting adrenaline experience. At the same time, it challenges anglers to maintain control and finesse. You must be careful with them because their powerful jaws and sharp teeth can injure or damage your gear.

Kingfish

Kingfish, often called "Royal Mackerel," truly rules the ocean's depths and appearance. It is a powerful, beautiful, tasty fish whose popularity never stops. Kingfish is recognizable by its slender, elongated body, sharp teeth, and distinctive lateral line. It can be pursued in deep and shallow waters, often around wrecks. Grown in good, nutrient-rich water, their size can reach over 50 pounds. 

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Deep and shallow waters, most often around wrecks

• Preferred Bait: Mullet, sardine, and blue runner

• Fishing Technique: Trolling, casting, live bait fishing

• Difficulty: Challenging to difficult 

• Depth: Shallow to deep

They like slightly cooler waters, so their peak season is late fall to early spring when they migrate through the region. Given the variety of habitats, it is possible to target them with various techniques, including trolling with rigged baits, live bait fishing, and casting. Among the baits, the best choices are mullet, sardine, and blue runner.

Wherever and however you chase Kingfish, you must be prepared to know that they are a challenging opponent that should not be underestimated. Even if you hunt them purely for the tasty morsel, the Kings will give you such a show and fight that you will become addicted to the encounter more than the meat.

Wahoo

Wahoos are a somewhat lonely species with an alienated character, not surrendered so easily. Wahoos are often pursued because of their tasty meat and relatively solid action in dealing with anglers.

Fast, with an elongated, blue-green body and sharp teeth, the Wahoo often cruises around marine structures, wrecks, and drop-offs, where it hunts schools of bait fish and other prey. Wahoo size can reach from 30 to 150 pounds. They like colder waters, so most are in the area from late fall to early spring.

• Best Time to Catch: From late fall to early spring

• Habitat: Marine structures, wrecks and drop-offs

• Preferred Bait: Small Tuna, bonito, diving plugs, spoons

• Fishing Technique: Trolling

• Difficulty: Challenging to difficult 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Due to the technique's functionality, fishermen generally catch them by fast trolling with small Tuna, bonito baits, or artificial ones such as diving plugs or spoons. Although less attractive than other aquatic species, the fight with Wahoo will satisfy your need for the adrenaline only fishing can produce.

Prime Fishing Spots in Dry Tortugas 

It is probably clear to you by now that fishing in the waters of the Dry Tortugas is an unforgettable experience! Before we introduce you to the best locations, you should know that although fishing is prohibited within the national park area, however, fishing within one nautical mile of the historical area marked with distinctive yellow buoys is possible. Having emphasized that, we will focus on places where you can casually cast your hook. 

Seaplane Beach

Seaplane Beach is an idyllic and cozy location just east of Dry Tortugas' main dock. Its white sand and heavenly crystal clear water are great for enjoying swimming and practicing various fishing techniques, especially casting and surf fishing. Depending on when you decide to come, you can catch Snapper, Tarpon, or Snook here. If you choose to launch a kayak, you can also go into deeper waters and hunt for Barucuda or Kingfish. 

However, due to the specificity of the location and to preserve its natural wealth, fishing on Seaplane Beach is only allowed when there are no seaplanes, which, among other things, ensures the safety of all visitors. Seaplane Beach is indeed, as its name suggests, a multi-task location. Still, despite the restrictions and rules you must follow, it retains the beauty and the opportunity to indulge in fishing in a truly unique location.

Dinghy Beach

If you decide to cast your hook at Dinghy Beach, you'll be treated to the perfect blend of deep tranquility and adventure without becoming anxious. You can enjoy the warm sun and picturesque views while fishing for Snapper, Grouper, or Amberjack. During breaks from fishing or as an introduction, you can learn about the history of the nearby coal dock ruins! If you are a history buff, have friends or children who are curious but love to go fishing, this is the place for you! 

However, while it is allowed to fish anywhere on any Dinghy Beach, you must stay at least 50 feet away from the concrete wall of the historic coal dock ruins. A nearby pier and Dry Tortugas, National Park facilities, will undoubtedly contribute to this location's practicality and adventure of fishing.

The Main Dock

The Dry Tortugas main dock on Garden Key is the island's busiest hot spot, serving as a hub for visitors arriving by ferry from Key West. Many anglers use this spot for more accessible, land-based access to the deeper waters around the Dry Tortugas, so anglers can take advantage immediately upon arrival, casting a line from the dock and enjoying a hassle-free day of fishing. Since the ferry terminal is close by, you can save time, and you won't lose any of the experience of the superb beauty that surrounds you.

It is essential to know that there are also minor restrictions here, namely that fishing is not allowed when the Yankee Freedom ferry is moored. The location is an excellent choice if you are coming here alone because you can find everything you are interested in in the immediate vicinity. However, if you follow these guidelines, you can make the most of your time at the Main Dock, soaking in the scenic views amid the beauty of Dry Tortugas National Park.

The Finger Piers 

The interesting-looking and named location, right next to the main pier on Garden Key, is an eye-catching, relatively quiet retreat from where you can fish for Snapper and even Tarpon if you're lucky. Most of the Finger Piers are open to public use, with the two westernmost piers emerging over time as the preferred spots for casting lines and reeling in catches. 

The place exudes a peaceful atmosphere where you can easily tune in with the surroundings. Considering that it is a historical location, which is crowded on some days, It is essential to show courtesy and patience, ensuring that specific docks are not occupied before fishing begins.

Fishing Techniques in Dry Tortugas 

Dry Tortugas is one of those tropical island paradises, far and away, we all often yearn to go away. It is not dull, and while it is true that fishing from the island itself is quite limited, there are enough ways and fishing techniques that you can practice here to feel the marine dynamics of the one and only Dry Tortugas.

Kayak Fishing

If you are not a fan or want to avoid exploring the waters with a Dry Tortugas charter, you can do kayak fishing. Of course, while respecting the one nautical mile fishing ban, there is plenty of water and depth to cast from a kayak. A significant advantage is that you can approach remote fishing spots that are not easily accessible by yourself, gliding silently on the surface and providing an intimate connection with nature. You can navigate through shallow flats and canals looking for Rockfish, Grouper, or Tarpon,  among many others.

Besides the thrill of the catch, kayak fishing in the Dry Tortugas provides a front-row view of the stunning natural beauty of the National Park. A quality boat and all the necessary safety equipment are essential, and it is a shame to miss such an encounter with one of the most remote points of the USA and, simultaneously, so beautiful.

Casting

Casting is an essential fishing technique. It is simple enough to allow upgrading and versatile enough to catch various species, whether pelagic or close-to-shore species. It is excellent for beginners and anglers who enjoy fishing from piers, bridges, or other coastal structures. You can also cast from a boat, yacht, or kayak. 

Casting is easy to adapt to your fishing dynamics, and in Dry Tortugas waters, it is a great way to catch Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, and Barracuda. It is best to combine flash baits or live fish such as mullet, pinfish, or fast-moving baits as bait. Casting ease and simplicity are also reflected in covering a large surface of water, not moving from one place, significantly increasing fishing opportunities, and offering rapid progress in mastering the basics of fishing.

Surf Fishing

Surf fishing in the Dry Tortugas is accessible from the beaches, and of course, as with all techniques, you must adhere to the applicable rules. However, the beauty of the landscape, the peace, and everything surrounding you make surf fishing at this location a smooth continuation of that scenario.

Unobtrusively, with little equipment, anglers tread on the board, casting their line into the waves in search of various types of fish. This approachability and simplicity set surf fishing apart, making it an ideal technique for anglers of all skill levels, from absolute beginners and amateurs to experienced masters. 

Here you can fish for Snapper, Grouper, Barracuda or Jack Crevalle. The equipment includes longer rods for distant, more accurate casts and one strong enough to withstand surf conditions. They are usually with spinning or baitcasting reels. Although very fun and engaging, surf fishing requires monitoring the weather and tidal patterns and an awareness of the strength of various water currents.

Live Bait Fishing 

Using live bait for fishing is a simple and highly effective technique that's perfect for the romantic setting of Dry Tortugas. This technique involves using live fish such as pilchards, mullet, pinfish, or ballyhoo as bait to closely mimic the natural food of predatory fish like Tarpon, Snapper, and Kingfish.

Live fish are placed on hooks and presented motionless or with a float to simulate the natural prey movements. The advantage of bait fishing is its versatility and adaptability. You can explore from various places, docks, or boats and reach different depths, where baits can be strategically placed in diverse habitats. You can suspend live baitfish under a float or free-line them along the edges of canals near bridges.

The technique requires an eye for detail, a steady hand, and a preference for finesse and elegant movement. You also need to understand the species to present them with natural and attractive baits.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in Dry Tortugas 

To fish in Dry Tortugas National Park, you must comply with special regulations and possess the necessary licenses to preserve the park's delicate ecosystem and surroundings. As a national park, the Dry Tortugas are subject to federal regulations by the National Park Service (NPS), which oversees all recreational activities, including fishing.

Anglers visiting the park to fish must comply with several regulations, including catch limits, minimum size requirements, equipment type, and the availability of a designated fishing zone. 

Also, all anglers over 16 must possess a valid fishing license issued by the State of Florida. This license can be obtained through the official website of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or authorized suppliers.

You must comply with all regulations and have all permits. That way, you will fish peacefully, safe from potential fines and legal consequences, and contribute to preserving and protecting this beautiful place and all its fish and animal species.

Final Thoughts 

At the end of our virtual tour of Dry Tortugas and its diverse fishing options, the fishing experience transcends fish hunting! It is about fully immersing yourself in a world where time seems to slow down, and you feel like you’re standing on the world's edge.

Although fishing is limited in many places, this is also a great advantage. By successfully complying with all regulations, you can almost have one of Florida's most beautiful island destinations to yourself, which is not typical! 

We hope this location has delighted you as much as it delighted us, and we hope you are already planning your next fishing adventure! If you love history, remote islands, and stunning beaches, you shouldn't wait longer to visit.

Remember to share your plans or fishing experiences from this island with us in the comments. When you return, let us know if you've fallen in love with it, as many have before you. Happy fishing!