Dry Tortugas Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Dry Tortugas Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Dry Tortugas

Hunter Ledbetter
Key West, Florida
Reported: 4 days ago

My team won the the Reef defender division in the recent Reef Lionfish derby What we are really excited about is this year's expanded red snapper season we have 39 days of red snapper season starting May 22. This season will go from May 22 to June 30 and then...

Hunter Ledbetter Key West, Florida Reported: 4 days ago

My team won the the Reef defender division in the recent Reef Lionfish derby
What we are really excited about is this year's expanded red snapper season we have 39 days of red snapper season starting May 22.
This season will go from May 22 to June 30 and then we'll have 4 three day weekends in October

Scroll for more

Sean Okeefe
Key West, Florida
Reported: 1 week ago

Fishing's great!

Sean Okeefe Key West, Florida Reported: 1 week ago

Fishing's great!

Scroll for more

Alex Harmon
Summerland Key, Florida
Reported: 1 week ago

The tarpon bite is still very good! As well as some shallow water snapper!

Alex Harmon Summerland Key, Florida Reported: 1 week ago

The tarpon bite is still very good! As well as some shallow water snapper!

Scroll for more

Justin Ferrell with Good Times Key West
Key West, Florida
Reported: 2 weeks ago

Justin Ferrell with Good Times Key West Key West, Florida Reported: 2 weeks ago

Let's go! The fishing has been pretty good, and the weather is looking great for this week.
Offshore we have had large sargassum weed lines and the mahi have arrived! Early morning, and sunset have also produced some quality blackfin tuna.
The inshore bite has been on fire. Some really nice mutton snappers, mangrove, and yellowtails on the patch reefs and inside the islands. The AM and sunset tarpon bite has been pretty active. Lane snapper population is slowly fading as the water warms up.
On our Dry Tortugas trips we have been catching a ton of species. Last weeks day trip had a laundry list;
Mahi, tuna, mackerels, bonitos offshore. Then we got to the reef for muttons, yellowtails, and mangroves snappers. Once at the park, our guests walked the beach of Garden Key and caught and released some bonefish and tarpon. Also, hand feeding a 300lb Goliath grouper at the dock was a memorable experience.

Scroll for more

Ben Covan
Key West, Florida
Reported: 2 weeks ago

Big fish still running through key west! Looking forward to grouper and hogfish season opener this week!

Ben Covan Key West, Florida Reported: 2 weeks ago

Big fish still running through key west! Looking forward to grouper and hogfish season opener this week!

Scroll for more

Ryan Carter
Key West, Florida
Reported: 2 weeks ago

Ryan Carter Key West, Florida Reported: 2 weeks ago

The past few days have delivered picture-perfect conditions—calm seas, warm temps, and crystal-clear water—and the tarpon fishing has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Key West is loaded with migratory tarpon right now, with hundreds of fish staged throughout the backcountry in their annual spring pattern. Over the last three days, we’ve experienced our best bite of the season, hooking a dozen or more fish per day.
These fish range from 15 to 150 pounds, with a solid average around 60 lbs—plenty of shots at true trophies mixed in with steady action.
Even better, the bite has been aggressive across the board. Whether you’re fishing with live bait or artificials, the tarpon are feeding hard and giving anglers incredible opportunities.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time—this is it.

Scroll for more

Ben Covan
Key West, Florida
Reported: 2 weeks ago

Great day loading up on yellow jacks

Ben Covan Key West, Florida Reported: 2 weeks ago

Great day loading up on yellow jacks

Scroll for more

Joel Cruz
Key West, Florida
Reported: 2 weeks ago

Great weather offshore been catching a lot of mahi and tuna's Lots of yellowtail at the Reef

Joel Cruz Key West, Florida Reported: 2 weeks ago

Great weather offshore been catching a lot of mahi and tuna's

Lots of yellowtail at the Reef

Scroll for more

More Reports »

Need a Place to Stay?

What's Biting in Dry Tortugas

« Previous

★★★★★
The best
Jodie R. | October 9, 2025

Trip: Dry Tortugas Fishing Trip
★★★★★
We had an absolutely unforgettable day on the water with Captain Mason! Our family of six—ranging from more "seasoned" to children—was treated to a private fishing excursion that truly exceeded all expectations. From the moment we stepped on the boat, the Mason made us feel completely at ease. He was incredibly accommodating, making sure each of us was comfortable, engaged, and having a great time. Whether it was adjusting for the kids' needs, helping with baiting hooks, or offering fishing tips to the beginners among us, his patience and positive energy never wavered. What stood out the most was how safe and inclusive he made the entire experience. Every member of the family felt like part of the crew. He kept a watchful eye on everything while still creating a laid-back, fun atmosphere. We never once felt rushed or out of place—just fully present and enjoying every moment. He also went above and beyond in every possible way—from extending our time a bit when the fish were biting to showing us local wildlife and secret spots only a seasoned pro would know. It truly felt like a one-of-a-kind adventure curated just for us. Highly recommend this charter to anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly, and expertly guided day on the water. Can’t wait to book again next time we’re in town!
Lee D. | July 10, 2025

Trip: Dry Tortugas Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Everything about our trip was outstanding! The boat, the Captian, Captain Carlson was fantastic. He wanted fish for every one of us on the boat even more than we wanted to catch! He worked so hard to load the boat and that we did!!! One of the best charters I have even been one. We all can’t wait to come back again and do it all over again!
Kip J. | June 1, 2025

Trip: Dry Tortugas Fishing Trip
★★★★★
We had a great time with mason-fun day on the water
Blaine W. | March 19, 2025

Trip: Dry Tortugas Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Captain Anthony was awesome! Great with the kids and adults alike. The weather wasn't cooperating on our trip but he still managed to put us some fish even if wasn't our target for the day. I would fish with Captain Anthony again anytime!
Jb H. | January 7, 2025

Trip: Ultimate Action Fishing In Key West
★★★★★
We had an absolutely amazing time deep sea fishing with Captain Anthony! He is a fun and knowledgeable fisherman with LOTS of experience and great stories (ask him about how he’d dive for lobsters to impress his dates). He does all the work but lets you learn and participate as much or as little as you want. We knew we had an expert when we heard the radio chatter of all the other guides complaining that nothing was biting, while we pulled in six (only four mahi in pic). The other two were a small tuna and a ~32” barracuda). We highly recommend Kilo Whiskey Charter & Captain Anthony!
Dan W. | July 18, 2024

Trip: Ultimate Action Fishing In Key West
★★★★★
Mason was phenomenal. Easy to talk to, engaging, great at teaching, and fun to be with… we got Mahi-Mahi and an exotic. We had a blast and will go fishing with Mason again soon!!!
Patrick C. | May 27, 2024

Trip: Dry Tortugas Fishing Trip
★★★★★
Has a great time. We all enjoyed
Clayton S. | May 1, 2024

Trip: Ultimate Action Fishing In Key West
★★★★★
Our guide Nick is top notch, he is friendly, knowledgeable and certainly knows great spots to fish. We caught fish all day, brought home three very large mutton’s, some other mutton’s and good size yellow tail. We caught and released fish all day, hogfish, large groupers and other assorted fishes. Thanks Nick .
Chris B. | March 14, 2024

Trip: Ultimate Action Fishing In Key West
★★★★★
We had an amazing time with "Off the Charts" charter and Captain Joe was fantastic! He has a very easy going, friendly personality and it was easy to see he aims to please his customers. He was also extremely patient with my kids and seemed to enjoy teaching them some of his fishing techniques. While my boys have been fishing their whole lives, this was their first time trolling. They loved every minute, especially reeling in their fist Mahi Mahi! I was very satisfied and would highly recommend him for your fishing adventure. We may have just been another charter family for him, but he will live infinitely in our Key West vacation memories!
Alexis C. | August 7, 2023

Trip: Key West Fishing Experience

Top Fishing Trips in Dry Tortugas

Veteran Operated

This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.

Deep Sea, Nearshore, Jetty in Key West

Ultimate Action Fishing In Key West

100% (20) Managed by Anthony

33 ft 1 - 12 People From $800

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.