Florida · Keys
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN KEY LARGO
Key Largo is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with good fishing in January, February, March, November. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Key Largo
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Key Largo
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Key Largo, FL.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Key Largo
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Key Largo
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Gulf Stream (Key Largo)
The Gulf Stream passes within 5-8 miles of Key Largo's reef line, bringing warm bluewater and pelagic species remarkably close to shore. Sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna patrol the current edges and weed lines. Key Largo's proximity to the Stream makes it one of the most accessible bluewater fisheries in Florida, with boats reaching productive water in under 30 minutes.
The Wall (Key Largo)
The Wall refers to the dramatic reef drop-off where the shallow reef shelf plunges from 100 feet to over 600 feet along the eastern edge of the Florida Straits. Swordfish, tuna, and wahoo patrol the depth transition, while deep-dropping produces tilefish, queen snapper, and snowy grouper. The Wall is accessible on half-day trips from Key Largo due to its close proximity.
USCG Duane Wreck
The USCG Duane is a 327-foot Coast Guard cutter sunk in 1987 as an artificial reef approximately 1 mile south of Molasses Reef in 120 feet of water. The wreck holds massive goliath grouper, amberjack, barracuda, and schools of horse-eye jacks. It is one of the most iconic wreck dives and fishing sites in the Florida Keys.
USCG Bibb Wreck
The USCG Bibb is a 327-foot Coast Guard cutter resting upright in 130 feet of water near the Duane, approximately 7 miles offshore of Key Largo. The wreck attracts amberjack, almaco jacks, barracuda, and large grouper that hold in and around the hull structure. Deep-jigging and dropping baits alongside the wreck produces trophy-class fish on full-day charters.
Other Species in Key Largo
More fish you can target while visiting Key Largo.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Key Largo — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Key Largo is productive during January, February, March, November, December.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Key Largo are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in Key Largo, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Yellowfin Tuna in Key Largo, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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