The Dry Tortugas area is known for having a huge variety of fish. Because it’s so far offshore where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean, and because it includes reefs, wrecks, and deep water, you can encounter many different species depending on the season and where you’re fishing.
Think of the Dry Tortugas as a major highway in the ocean, or even a kind of feeding ground where different types of fish come and go throughout the year. Some fish live there all the time, while others are just passing through on their way somewhere else. Knowing which fish are around and when is part of the excitement.
Table of Contents
Here are some of the most popular types of fish you might catch on a Dry Tortugas fishing charter:
Reef and Wreck Fish (Bottom Fishing)
Many charters focus on the structures and reefs in the area, which attract lots of fish.
- Snapper: This is a huge category, and the Dry Tortugas is famous for them.
- Yellowtail Snapper: Very common and great fighters on light tackle. Found over reefs.
- Mutton Snapper: Larger and harder fighting than yellowtail. Often found near deeper rocks or wrecks.
- Mangrove (Grey) Snapper: Tasty and challenging to catch sometimes. Found closer to structure.
- Lane Snapper: Smaller but good eating.
- Vermilion Snapper: Smaller schooling fish found on deeper ledges.
- Red Snapper: Highly prized but often complex regulations (closed seasons are common).
- Grouper: Dry Tortugas has several species of grouper, known force their strong fights and delicious meat.
- Black Grouper: Common and a popular target.
- Red Grouper: Another common species.
- Gag Grouper: Strong fighters.
- Goliath Grouper: These are huge fish and a major attraction, but they are protected and must be released carefully. You often hook up to them on wrecks.
- Ambersjack (AJs): Powerful fish found on deep wrecks. They pull hard!
Pelagic Fish (Open Water/Migratory)
These fish are often caught by trolling (dragging lures or bait behind the boat) or by finding schools of baitfish in the open water.
- Blackfin Tuna: A major draw for Dry Tortugas trips. Found in open water, often around certain structures. They fight hard for their size and are excellent to eat. Best in Spring and Fall.
- Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish): Colorful, fast-growing fish found near weed lines or floating objects. Excellent fighters and jumpers. Common in Summer and Fall.
- Wahoo: Fast, toothy fish often caught by high-speed trolling. More common in Fall and Winter.
- King Mackerel (Kingfish): Fast, strong fighters with sharp teeth. Troll or use live bait. Found more often in cooler months.
- Sailfish: The Dry Tortugas isn’t a primary Sailfish destination like other parts of Florida, but you can encounter them, especially in the Fall and Winter.
- Cobia: Strong, curious fish often seen swimming near rays, turtles, or floating debris. Excellent to eat.
Other Interesting Fish
You never know what you might find in the Dry Tortugas!
- Barracuda: Abundant and aggressive, often caught near reefs and wrecks.
- Sharks: Various species live in the area. Some might be targeted for sport (often released), while others are just bycatches.
- Permit: A prized game fish, known for being spooky and hard to catch. Found on flats and reefs. Strongest during their Spring migration.
- Triggerfish: Found on reefs, good to eat.
What Your Charter Will Target
Your captain will decide where to fish and which species to target based on:
- The time of year: Different fish are more common during certain seasons (see our guide on the Best Time to Go).
- Current conditions: Weather, water temperature, and currents affect where the fish are.
- What’s been biting: Captains share information to know where the fish have been caught recently.
- What you want to catch: Tell your captain if you have a preference, but be realistic about what’s available!
The Dry Tortugas offers a thrilling chance to catch a wide variety of impressive and tasty fish. Each species presents its own challenge and reward.
Want to know how to prepare before going in a Dry Tortugas charter? Check out our blog on Essential Gear to Bring on a Dry Tortugas Fishing Charter. And for overall trip planning, return to our main Dry Tortugas Fishing Charter Guide.
