Florida · Keys
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN KEY WEST
Key West 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 West
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 West
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Key West, FL.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Key West
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 West
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
The Hump (West Hump)
The Hump is a legendary deepwater seamount about 14 miles west of Key West where the bottom rises from 1,100 feet to around 480 feet. This underwater mountain concentrates blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi in massive numbers. It is also one of the top swordfish deep-dropping spots in the entire Florida Keys.
The Wall (Gulf Stream Edge)
The edge of the continental shelf runs just 10-15 miles south of Key West where blue Gulf Stream water meets the reef line. Sailfish, blue marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi patrol this edge, making Key West one of the closest ports to bluewater fishing in the entire United States. Winter sailfishing along The Wall is a Key West tradition.
Marquesas Keys
The Marquesas Keys are an uninhabited atoll roughly 24 miles west of Key West surrounded by pristine flats and deeper offshore waters. The surrounding depths hold permit, tarpon, and barracuda on the flats, while deeper edges produce mutton snapper, grouper, and pelagics. The remote location means less fishing pressure and bigger fish.
Riley's Hump
Riley's Hump is a deepwater reef formation in the Tortugas Ecological Reserve roughly 30 miles west of the Dry Tortugas. It is a critical spawning aggregation site for mutton snapper and attracts large pelagics including yellowfin tuna and wahoo along its deep edges. The area's protected status ensures a healthy ecosystem that benefits surrounding fisheries.
Other Species in Key West
More fish you can target while visiting Key West.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Key West — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Key West is productive during January, February, March, November, December.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Key West 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 West, 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 West, 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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