Dry Tortugas Bottom Fishing for Reef Species

The Dry Tortugas National Park boasts some of the healthiest and most extensive coral reefs in the Florida Keys. These vibrant underwater ecosystems, along with numerous natural ledges and artificial wrecks, create prime habitat for an incredible variety of fish that live near or on the seabed. Bottom fishing is the cornerstone of many Dry Tortugas fishing charters, offering consistent action and targeting a wealth of delicious species.

Imagine dropping your line into crystal clear water, watching your bait descend towards a colorful reef teeming with fish, and feeling that distinct thump of a bite as a fish grabs your offering from the structure below. This is the essence of Dry Tortugas bottom fishing.

This guide focuses on the techniques and target species you’ll likely encounter when bottom fishing in the reef-rich waters around the Dry Tortugas.

Why Focus on Bottom Fishing in the Dry Tortugas?

• Productivity: The sheer amount of structure (natural reef, ledges, wrecks) provides shelter and feeding grounds for a massive population of fish.
• Target Species: Bottom fishing is the primary method for catching highly desirable food fish like various Snapper & Grouper, as well as numerous other reef species.
• Consistent Action: Compared to sometimes unpredictable pelagic fishing, bottom fishing often provides more consistent bites throughout the day.
• Accessibility: It’s a technique suitable for anglers of various skill levels, though understanding how to fish structure is key.

Key Target Species for Dry Tortugas Bottom Fishing

While Snapper & Grouper are the stars of the show (explore our dedicated guide on them), bottom fishing will also put you in touch with many other fascinating and catchable species:

• Jacks (especially Amberjack): While sometimes cruising higher, larger Amberjack and other Jacks are often found congregated over wrecks and prominent reef structures. They are incredibly powerful fighters when hooked near structure.
• Hogfish: A prized catch known for its delicious meat and unique appearance. Often found around sandy areas adjacent to reefs, they are sometimes targeted with spearfishing but can also be caught on hook and line with small baits.
• Porgies: Various species of porgies are common on the reefs. They are smaller but provide steady action and are decent eating.
• Triggerfish: Like porgies, triggerfish are abundant reef inhabitants. They have a distinct shape and can be tricky to hook due to their small mouths and hard beaks. Good eating.
• Grunts: Several species of grunts are found on the reefs, smaller fish that are good for action and can be kept for food (“fry bait”).
• Barracuda: While also considered pelagic, large barracuda are often found lurking around structure, waiting to ambush prey.
• Various smaller reef fish: You’ll encounter a colorful array of smaller species that contribute to the lively ecosystem.

Techniques for Effective Bottom Fishing

Success in Dry Tortugas bottom fishing relies heavily on presenting your bait correctly near the target structure.

• Live Bait Fishing: Fresh live bait is often the most effective, especially for larger and more cautious fish like grouper and mutton snapper. Species like pilchards, pinfish, sardines, and small grunts are excellent live baits.
• Dead Bait Fishing: Cut pieces of squid, pilchards, sardines, Bonito, or ladyfish are very effective for a wide range of bottom species.
• Rigging:
  • Knocker Rig: A popular setup where the sinker slides directly down to the hook. This provides a direct connection to the bait, making bites easier to detect.
  • Paternoster Rig (Chicken Rig): A rig with multiple hooks branching off the main line above a sinker. Allows you to fish multiple baits at different levels off the bottom, great for smaller species but can tangle easily near structure.
  • Sliding Sinker Rigs: Various rigs where the sinker is above a swivel, running freely on the main line, with a leader and hook below.
• Fishing the Structure: The key is getting your bait close to the structure without getting instantly hung up. Your captain will position the boat carefully. You need to be ready to reel hard immediately after a bite (“get ’em out of the rocks”) to prevent the fish from breaking you off.
• Jigging: Dropping weighted metal or soft plastic jigs down to the structure and working them vertically can also be very effective, targeting species like amberjack, grouper, and snapper looking for a reaction strike.

Where to Bottom Fish

Your captain’s knowledge of specific spots is crucial. They will know the coordinates and characteristics of:

• Natural Reefs: Patches of coral and live bottom areas.
• Artificial Wrecks: Deliberately sunk vessels or structures that become artificial reefs.
• Natural Ledges and Rock Piles: Underwater topographical features that attract fish.

These locations are often outside the strict Research Natural Area (RNA) within the park where taking fish is prohibited, but still within the park’s waters where fishing is permitted under FWC regulations.

Gear and Tackle

Stout tackle is essential when bottom fishing in the Dry Tortugas. You need rods and reels capable of handling strong fish pulling against heavy drag while trying to reach the structure. Expect to use braided line for its strength and sensitivity, with heavy fluorocarbon leader to resist abrasion against coral and rock. Sinkers will vary in weight depending on the depth and current.

Bottom fishing in the Dry Tortugas offers a truly rewarding experience, providing plenty of action and the chance to bring home a cooler full of delicious fish, all while surrounded by the beauty of this remote national park.

Thinking about chasing fish in the open water instead? Check out our section on Targeting Pelagic Fish in the Dry Tortugas (Dolphin, Tuna). For a complete look at potential catches, see Types of Fish to Catch in the Dry Tortugas. And be sure to understand the Dry Tortugas National Park Regulations for Fishing before you go.