Pulley Ridge fishing is the bucket-list trip for Florida bottom fishermen. More than 100 miles offshore in the southeastern Gulf, this remote ridge holds big grouper and snapper on top of the bank and deep-water species like queen snapper and tilefish down its edges. Because it’s so far out, only a few Florida long range boats fish it, on multi-day trips from Key West and Marco Island. This guide covers what Pulley Ridge is, what you’ll catch, how it’s fished and which boats go there.
What Is Pulley Ridge?
Pulley Ridge is a long, narrow underwater ridge off southwest Florida, west of the Florida Keys and northwest of the Dry Tortugas. According to NOAA, it’s a drowned ancient barrier island about 100 km long, and it holds the deepest reef-building coral reef in the continental United States, with live coral at roughly 200 to 230 feet. The top of the bank sits around 200 to 250 feet deep, then drops off the edge into 300 to 1,000 feet of water and beyond.
The ridge is a federally designated Habitat Area of Particular Concern, so some fishing activities that could damage the coral are restricted. Recreational hook-and-line fishing from long range boats is how most anglers experience it, and the captains know where and how they can fish.
Anglers often hear Pulley Ridge mentioned alongside nearby deep-water spots such as Rankin Ridge, Howell’s Hook and the Halfway Ledge, which some boats fish on the same trips.
What You Can Catch at Pulley Ridge
| Where | Species |
|---|---|
| Up on the bank (200 to 250 ft) | Mutton snapper, red snapper, red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, scamp and hogfish |
| Off the edge (300 to 1,000+ ft) | Queen snapper, snowy grouper, yellowedge grouper, Warsaw grouper, golden tilefish, blueline tilefish and barrelfish |
| Mid-water and surface | Blackfin and yellowfin tuna, wahoo, kingfish and mahi-mahi |
Seasons and limits vary by species and time of year, so check the current rules or ask your crew before the trip.
How Pulley Ridge Is Fished
Daytime deep dropping
During the day, boats drift the deep edges and anglers drop heavy rigs hundreds of feet down. Most anglers use electric reels with braided line and two-hook rigs weighted with 2 to 4 pounds of lead. It’s the best way to catch queen snapper, snowy grouper and tilefish. Learn more in our guide to deep drop fishing.
Night bottom fishing on the bank
At night, boats usually move up onto the shallower bank. Anglers switch to conventional rods with egg sinkers and circle hooks for snapper and grouper, and the action can be steady all night.
Jigging
Slow-pitch and vertical jigging have become very popular at Pulley Ridge. A light jigging outfit with 30-lb braid and a fluorocarbon top shot can catch everything from snapper to tuna, with heavier jigs for the deepest drops.
Pulley Ridge Fishing Trips from Florida
Pulley Ridge is too far for day boats, so you’ll book a multi-day long range trip. These boats in our directory fish it:
| Boat | Port | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Yankee Capts | Key West | 3 to 5-day trips, including Pulley Ridge, Rankin Ridge, Howell’s Hook and Halfway Ledge trips |
| American Patriot | Marco Island | 135-ft boat for up to 32 anglers, with chef-prepared meals |
| American Hunter | Marco Island | Limited to 12 anglers; Pulley Ridge trips depart in the evening |
Each boat publishes its own tackle requirements for Pulley Ridge trips, including line strength, number of hooks and lead sizes. Read them carefully before you buy gear, or rent tackle from the boat. Compare all Florida long range fishing charters and read our overview of long range fishing trips.
Gear Checklist for Pulley Ridge
- Electric reel or two-speed reel with 50-lb braid for deep dropping
- A fully charged 12-volt deep-cycle marine battery and a spare power cord, if using an electric reel
- Conventional rod rated for 30 to 50-lb line for night fishing on the bank
- Circle hooks in the 7/0 to 9/0 range and fluorocarbon leader
- Sash weights of 2 to 4 pounds and egg sinkers for night fishing
- A light jigging rod and a selection of jigs
- Two of everything, because there’s no tackle shop 100 miles out
For bedding, clothes, coolers and everything else, see our long range fishing trip packing checklist.
Tips for Your First Pulley Ridge Trip
- Rent tackle if you’re new. The boats’ rental packages are built for these depths.
- Bring a descending device. Deep-water fish suffer from barotrauma, and a descending device helps released fish survive. Many boats provide them; check current federal rules on what’s required.
- Pace yourself. You’ll fish long hours day and night, so sleep during the runs.
- Watch the weather. Trips this far offshore depend on a good weather window and can be rescheduled.
Pulley Ridge Fishing FAQ
How far offshore is Pulley Ridge?
More than 100 miles off southwest Florida, west of the Florida Keys and northwest of the Dry Tortugas.
How deep is Pulley Ridge?
The top of the ridge is roughly 200 to 250 feet deep, and its edges drop to 1,000 feet or more.
Can you fish Pulley Ridge on a day trip?
Not realistically. It’s fished on multi-day long range trips from ports such as Key West and Marco Island.
What is the best way to fish Pulley Ridge?
Most anglers deep drop the edges during the day and bottom fish or jig on the bank at night.
Is Pulley Ridge protected?
Yes. It’s a federal Habitat Area of Particular Concern, and some fishing activities are restricted to protect the deep coral. The boats that fish it follow those rules.
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