Dry Tortugas fishing trips take you to one of the most remote and productive fishing grounds in Florida. Roughly 70 miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas are a cluster of small islands surrounded by reefs, wrecks and deep ledges that hold big mutton snapper, grouper, yellowtail and amberjack. Because the area is so far from shore, most anglers fish it on multi-day long range trips. This guide covers where the Dry Tortugas are, what you’ll catch, the rules that protect the area and which Florida boats run trips there.
Where Are the Dry Tortugas?
The Dry Tortugas sit at the far western end of the Florida Keys, about 70 miles west of Key West. Most of the islands are part of Dry Tortugas National Park, home to the massive 19th-century Fort Jefferson. The surrounding waters are part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the mix of shallow reefs, deep ledges and strong currents makes it a magnet for fish.
Fishing Rules Around the Dry Tortugas
Large parts of the area are protected. Fishing is not allowed in the park’s Research Natural Area, which covers about 46 square miles of Dry Tortugas National Park, or in the no-take Tortugas Ecological Reserve in the marine sanctuary. Long range captains know these boundaries well and fish the productive waters outside them. If you fish the area on your own boat, study the current park and sanctuary rules first.
What You Can Catch on a Dry Tortugas Fishing Trip
| Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mutton snapper | The signature fish of the Tortugas, especially on night trips |
| Yellowtail snapper | Plentiful on the reefs, best on light tackle |
| Mangrove and lane snapper | Steady action day and night |
| Red, black and gag grouper | On deeper reefs, ledges and wrecks |
| Amberjack | Hard fighters on wrecks and deep structure |
| Kingfish, blackfin tuna and cobia | Often hooked while drifting or trolling between spots |
Seasons and limits change by species and time of year, so check the current rules or ask your crew which fish are open on your trip dates.
Dry Tortugas Fishing Trips from Florida
These boats in our directory run trips to the Dry Tortugas:
| Boat | Port | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Yankee Capts | Key West | 3, 4 and 5-day trips, usually departing between 8 and 10 pm |
| American Patriot | Marco Island | 135-ft boat with bunks, a lounge and three chef-prepared meals a day |
| American Hunter | Marco Island | Small-group trips for up to 12 anglers; Dry Tortugas trips depart at 3 pm |
| Sea Trek Fishing | Fort Myers Beach | Dry Tortugas trips from April through January, departing Fridays |
Each boat sets its own trip lengths, tackle rules and schedules, so read the listing and the boat’s website before you book. Compare every Florida long range fishing charter or read our overview of long range fishing trips.
Tackle for the Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas trips are mostly reef and wreck fishing, so you won’t need the heavy deep-drop gear used farther offshore. A typical setup includes:
- A 7 to 8-ft conventional rod with 50-lb line for grouper and amberjack
- A 7 to 8-ft conventional rod with 30-lb line for mutton snapper
- A 7-ft spinning rod with 20-lb line for yellowtail
- Circle hooks in 5/0 and 7/0
- Egg sinkers from 4 to 10 ounces
- Fluorocarbon leader from 50 to 100 lb
- Beads and swivels, and spares of everything
Most boats rent tackle and sell terminal tackle on board if you’d rather not bring your own.
What to Expect on the Trip
- The run out: Expect several hours of travel, often overnight, so you arrive ready to fish.
- Day and night fishing: Days are spent on reefs and wrecks; nights are prime time for mutton and mangrove snapper.
- Life on board: You’ll sleep in a bunk, so bring your own bedding. Some boats serve meals, while others ask you to bring your own food.
- Cooler space: Bring plenty of cooler space for the trip home.
Our long range packing checklist covers everything to bring, and if you want to fish even deeper, read about Pulley Ridge fishing.
Dry Tortugas Fishing Trips FAQ
How far is the Dry Tortugas from Key West?
About 70 miles west of Key West.
How long is a Dry Tortugas fishing trip?
Most long range trips last two to five days, including travel time.
Can you fish in Dry Tortugas National Park?
In parts of it. Fishing is prohibited in the park’s Research Natural Area and in the nearby Tortugas Ecological Reserve, but allowed in some other areas. Charter captains fish the open waters around these zones.
What is the best fish to catch at the Dry Tortugas?
Mutton snapper is the most famous, but grouper, yellowtail, amberjack and kingfish are all common.
Can I take a day trip to fish the Dry Tortugas?
It’s a long run for a day trip. Most anglers book a multi-day long range trip so they have time to fish both day and night.
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