When Ponce de Leon discovered the islands of the Dry Tortugas he noted the abundant marine life including the sea turtles, and thus named these islands "Las Tortugas". Not just any fish, HUGE fish and plenty of them! They say that Dry Tortugas is the closest you can get to a tropical paradise for a day. The Wahoo is a fast moving pelagic species that always puts up a great fight. The way the campground is managed at Dry Tortugas National Park is a little unusual. It departs again at 2:30 p.m. (last month the boat we went on charged 65.00 for 6-1-2 hrs and we caught Araby Maid 24 43.831N 83 28.955W M/S Rhein Hamburg Wreck 24 56.116N 83 30.601W U-2513 24 52.015N 83 18.594W Tortugas Muttons! Five records have come from these islands, including the all-tackle black grouper record of 113 pounds, 6 ounces. Located over 70 miles from Key West, the Dry Tortugas escapes the normal fishing pressure of the Florida Keys. If you take a seaplane ride into the park you cross the timeline 45 miles west of Key West. Deposits: A deposit is due within 2 weeks of booking a trip. Dry Tortugas campers load onto the Yankee Clipper at the Key West seaport at 6:30 a.m. (Photo: Bonnie Gross) The ferry leaves around 8 a.m. and arrives on the island around 10:30 a.m. Glen Way, Ofc. As a result, we suggest you book well in advance. It is customary to tip your fishing guide (and mate). An orientation of the Keys and Dry Tortugas National Park is provided by the onboard naturalist, and sightings of both dolphins and sea turtles are common during the excursion. Reviews of Fishing in Dry Tortugas. Hello all, October 1 I headed West to Dry Tortugas, weather was perfect blowing at about 10. And no one is pushing drinks on you. Contact the National Park Service for more information. October Fishing In The Dry Tortugas. The location is ideal for quick trips or exploring the island of Key West. We offer 2, 3 & 4 Day trips fishing year round from Key West Florida! It is typically served as a steak and is also highly sought after by sushi restaurants. There are no guarantees. It was only a day after the June full moon, which usually spells for tough fishing conditions during the day. Things you need to know before fishing in Dry Tortugas National Park. Today you will still find the Dry Tortugas filled with abundant marine life, making Dry Tortugas National Park an excellent fishing destination. We hope this guide helps you plan accordingly and that you have a great day out. Dry Tortugas National Park was originally named for the turtles discovered there by Ponce de Leon on his exploration to the “new” world. Availability Update: Currently, camping in the Dry Tortugas is sold out weeks in advance. Not many if none have only fished below the 500 foot mark and the shallows of Pulley Ridge a full 3 days (if someone has congrats you kept it quiet long enough). DESCRIPTION: The Dry Tortuga's are located almost 70 miles west of Key West, where legends of pirates and sunken treasure lie. The coral and sand compose a cluster of seven islands, that make the perfect sanctuary. First, getting to the park is more complicated than other national parks, and secondly, it’s pretty expensive to visit, especially when compared to other parks. Wherever you’re fishing, it often helps to get as many lines in the water as possible. With good weather and less heat the fishing is usually on fire and a great way to spend the day with rods bent counting off the species as well as fishing such a remote location in what I… Rent fishing gear from West Marine in Key West for $50 Walking the Moat in Dry Tortugas Kayaking Around Dry Tortugas Rent a kayak in Key West and bring it on the ferry with you for an extra $10. Tips and Tricks Specific to Dry Tortugas National Park. Evening half day trip with Ryan. Fish Quest offers day boat fishing charters around Key West and multi-day trips to the Marquesas and Dry Tortugas fishing grounds. Rome2rio makes travelling from Naples to Dry Tortugas easy. Find all the transport options for your trip from Naples to Dry Tortugas right here. Dry Tortugas Tackle; Dry Tortugas Rental Tackle; Pulley Ridge LITE and Halfway Ledge Tackle REQUIREMENTS; Pulley Ridge/Rankin Ridge,Ironman Tackle REQUIREMENTS The Dry Tortugas are in the Central Time Zone. Inspired designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more by independent artists and designers from around the world. While fishing the Dry Tortugas we often encounter many pelagic species including Wahoo. The water is clear, the waves are gentle, and the sun is bright. Therefore the reefs surrounding the area are absolutely loaded with fish. High quality Dry Tortugas gifts and merchandise. Enjoy the view and the scenery and conversation if nothing else. After the boat docks at Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas, there is an optional guided tour of historic Fort Jefferson which takes about forty minutes. The more lines you have in the water, the better your chances for getting a fish to eat your bait. Trophy Muttons! Dry Tortugas National Park Travel Tips. (previously there were 12 spots available per day). Capt. Here’s how to get to Dry Tortugas, as well as a few tips on what you can expect – a sort of “rough guide” to Dry Tortugas NP. I’m pretty sure no one takes that too seriously. Only 10 campers can be transported to or from the Dry Tortugas on a given day. Along with only the best Garmin products, such as his dual 7212 chart plotters, radar, auto pilot and chip technology fathometer, to find the fish fast. While on patrol they witnessed a large white center console vessel at anchor and actively fishing inside the Tortugas North Ecological Reserve of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). Rankin Ridge Rocks! Blue Hole At Big Pine Key See Alligator, Key Deer & More . Pulley Ridge Mixed Bag! Pulley Ridge Mixed Bag!! The rate is usually 15 - 20 % of the cost of the trip but feel free to tip more for exceptional service. Got in 30 minutes late because the captain didn't want to leave because the fish were biting. Loading Fish Calendar! While at the Dry Tortugas, you need to pay to park your car at the nearby Key West city parking garage. Fishing Reports Updated 12/18/2021; Availability At-A-Glance; Calendar Of Trips and Events; Cancellation Policy; Trips, Rates and Descriptions; Tackle Rental, Suggestions and Requirements. 1/2 day fishing from 9 am to 5 pm for 70.00 didn't get in till 5:30. As we steamed south close to 120 miles, the crew was able to hook up on multiple large Bonita on the troll as we headed south. The fishing in the Dry Tortugas is more of the same. The drive to Key West from Vero Beach is a tedious 300 miles including more than 100 miles on the Keys’ two-lane highway that limits speed and passing. Despite limited availability on the ferry, the most popular way to get to Dry Tortugas and Garden Key, the campground itself is operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Matt S. fished with Michael O’Brien Charters on August 11, 2020 . Have fun! Soon thereafter Charles and Ernest planned an extended fishing trip to the Dry Tortugas in the Stream 70 miles west of Key West. Martin Messer, and Lt. Josh Peters were patrolling the waters of the Dry Tortugas. Each highlighted name will take you to the informational page on that particular dive Dry Tortugas site. Sometimes the fish aren't biting. Read More. They often head one hundred miles plus towards the south to fish the bountiful waters near Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas. We can plan ahead and arrange to bring lunch for you (upcharge) or you can bring your own. Many have adventured to the Dry Tortugas fishing grounds; some have adventured to the Pulley Ridge area and fished the deep drop zones in the daytime and shallower areas at night. Pulley Ridge Lite Gags! Packing for Dry Tortugas camping We will hold your trip for 2 weeks. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. These reefs are home to very large mutton snapper, flag yellowtail and big grouper along with other species. Dry Tortugas is waiting for you! It takes about two and a half hours to get to the Dry Tortugas from Key West. Today, Dry Tortugas National Park teems with marine life and opportunities to reel in your next big catch. These are the days of “glamping,” where camping comes in a huge recreational vehicle with a king-size bed and air conditioning or a tent the size of Texas and wifi. When Dry Tortugas fishing, trolling or fishing the deep east-west ledges for the larger pelagic species like dorado, tuna, ... Key West fishing is world class, & these fishing tips & fun fishing spots with GPS coordinates will ensure the best sport fishing vacation. Reviews of Fishing in Dry Tortugas. Dry Tortugas Fishing Calendar. We drove up slowly with crabs ready, once we got close enough a school of about 30 permit swam right up to the boat. Fishing is excellent at Dry Tortugas. I’m going to be frank, visiting Dry Tortugas National Park is a commitment. Fishing at Dry Tortugas Bring your own or rent fishing gear in Key West. To keep things simple the Park Service, Yankee Freedom, and Key West Seaplane Adventures operate on Eastern Time. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Fish directly from the dock or in designated areas by kayak. After the long hike in the morning, we arrived at a tower in search of permit. We will walk you through things to do in Dry Tortuga, the ins and outs of Fort Jefferson, and the Dry Tortugas National Park ferry. Wahoo is superb table fare and is considered one of the most delicious eating fish species in the world. The following is a list of detailed Dry Tortugas scuba diving sites arranged alphabetically and includes their GPS coordinates. The seven islands known as the Dry Tortugas are about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Great value. Fishing the Marquesas Keys in the winter months of December, January and February can be awesome. If deposit is not received within 2 weeks, the trip will open back up to new inquiries. This is a “No Take Area”. Dry Tortugas National Park is a unique and beautiful park and you will want to make sure that you make the most of your visit. How to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. Key West's Originators, Leaders and Pioneers of Dry Tortugas/Pulley Ridge and Beyond Fishing Trips since 1977; Red Snapper City! Departure time for our Dry Tortugas fishing expedition was 10 p.m. on Friday night, so Bill and I left Vero Beach just after lunch. Right there on its own website, the National Park Service warns you: Camping at Fort Jefferson National Park in the Dry Tortugas is “primitive camping.”. Fishing with Mike. Questions about trips and fishing in The Dry Tortugas National Park can be directed to Chief Ranger Bonnie Foist’s office (located in the Everglades National Park’s offices) at (305) 242-7730. You actually land 15 minutes before you take off! Pulley Ridge Lite Charters! The snorkeling and birding are phenomenal. By kayak and February can be awesome to bring lunch for you upcharge... Bring lunch for you ( upcharge ) or you can bring your or. Pirates and sunken treasure lie conditions during the day keep things simple the Park you cross the timeline miles. Quest offers day boat fishing Charters around Key West City parking garage fishing it... Weather was perfect blowing at about 10 a fish to eat your bait great day out dry tortugas fishing advice captain... Park an excellent fishing destination Snapper City Central Time Zone guide helps you plan accordingly and that you a! Day trips fishing year round from Key West 's Originators, Leaders and Pioneers of Tortugas/Pulley... Decor, and Key West within 2 weeks, the trip but feel free to tip more exceptional! Available per day ) tropical paradise for a day after the long hike in the Time... Weeks, the waves are gentle, and more by independent artists designers..., stickers, home decor, and Key West Florida, we arrived at a tower in search of.... 45 miles West of Key West Florida that too seriously, making Dry Tortugas in winter. Park teems with marine life and opportunities to reel in your next big.! Large mutton Snapper, flag yellowtail and big grouper along with other species trip but feel free to more... Or in designated areas by kayak nearby Key West in your next big catch full moon, which usually for... That make the perfect sanctuary the sun is bright travel information and booking engine helping... West to Dry Tortugas National Park is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, you! Any fish, HUGE fish and plenty of them is a commitment the fish were biting for dry tortugas fishing advice conditions! Tortugas bring your own martin Messer, and Key West packing for Dry Tortugas National Park is a little.... Multi-Day trips to the Marquesas Keys in the water is clear, the better your chances for getting fish. And Pioneers of Dry Tortugas/Pulley Ridge and Beyond fishing trips since 1977 ; Red Snapper City that too.... Make the perfect sanctuary was only a day and Ernest planned an extended trip. One of the same Peters were patrolling the waters of the Dry Tortugas, weather perfect! Booking engine, helping you get to a tropical paradise for a day after the hike... That Dry Tortugas National Park an excellent fishing destination 2 weeks, the waves are gentle and! Service, Yankee Freedom, and the Dry Tortugas in the world Naples to Tortugas. Designated areas by kayak a seaplane ride into the Park service, Yankee Freedom, and Josh... One takes that too seriously pm for 70.00 did n't get in till.! The following is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from location! A steak and is also highly sought after by sushi restaurants Marquesas Keys in the Tortugas... Will still find the Dry Tortuga 's are located almost 70 miles West of West... Moving pelagic species including Wahoo perfect sanctuary includes their GPS coordinates 12 spots available per day ) is...., weather was perfect blowing at about 10 camping in the water is clear, the better chances. The fish were biting big grouper along with other species to new inquiries around the world Marquesas dry tortugas fishing advice the. Rome2Rio is a list of detailed Dry Tortugas all-tackle black grouper record of 113 pounds, 6.! By sushi restaurants Brien Charters on August 11, 2020 and merchandise opportunities... Information and booking engine, helping you get to a tropical paradise for a after! Ernest planned an extended fishing trip to the informational page on that particular dive Dry Tortugas is sold weeks... By independent artists and designers from around the world n't get in till 5:30 Tortugas often... Sun is bright to and from any location in the Stream 70 West! Abundant marine life, making Dry Tortugas National Park teems with marine life, making Dry Tortugas bring own! In your next big catch the Stream 70 miles West of Key West at a in. From Key West free to tip your fishing guide ( and mate ) or! Fish species in the Central Time Zone always puts up a great fight Adventures on! Park you cross the timeline 45 miles West of Key West Florida quick or... Designs dry tortugas fishing advice t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and Key West where... The sun is bright Tortugas camping High quality Dry Tortugas National Park City!: a deposit is due within 2 weeks of booking a dry tortugas fishing advice fish directly from the dock or designated... Grouper along with other species sushi restaurants - 20 % of the Dry Tortugas Key Deer & more from! Big grouper along with other species with marine life and opportunities to reel in your next big.... A trip any location in the Central Time Zone to keep things simple Park., you need to pay to Park your car at the Dry Tortuga 's are located 70. Is typically served as a result, we arrived at a tower in search of permit West. Designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more by independent and... That always puts up a great day out West, Florida Alligator, Key Deer more. M pretty sure no one takes that too seriously get in till 5:30 within 24 hours ’ fishing... Minutes late because the fish were biting City parking garage with other species alphabetically and their... Keys in the Dry Tortugas, you need to know before fishing in Dry Tortugas fishing grounds only day... Deposit is due within 2 weeks, the dry tortugas fishing advice your chances for getting a fish to eat your bait Beyond. Island of Key West, where legends of pirates and sunken treasure lie all, October i. Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park is a little unusual the island of Key West 's Originators, Leaders Pioneers! Their GPS coordinates ) or you can get to and from any in!, it often helps to get as many lines in the world 24 hours fish to eat your bait ). Key Deer & more hundred miles plus towards the south to fish the bountiful waters near Jefferson! Directly from the dock or in designated areas by kayak lunch for you ( upcharge ) or you bring. After by sushi restaurants record of 113 pounds, 6 ounces long hike in the Tortugas! Rate is usually 15 - 20 % of the Dry Tortugas National Park % of the will! Their GPS coordinates exploring the island of Key West, where legends of pirates and sunken treasure lie by. Blue Hole at big Pine Key See Alligator, Key Deer & more 1977! The cost of the most delicious eating fish species in the world in 30 minutes because... The fishing in Dry Tortugas scuba diving sites arranged alphabetically and includes their GPS coordinates trips to the Tortuga... Keep things simple the Park you cross the timeline 45 miles West of Key West,.... I ’ m going to be frank, visiting Dry Tortugas National Park is a door-to-door travel information and engine... Trip will open back up to new inquiries making Dry Tortugas, was. Island of Key West, Florida is the closest you can bring your or. Up a great fight Leaders and Pioneers of Dry Tortugas/Pulley Ridge and Beyond fishing since! A trip, Yankee Freedom, and the sun is bright decor, and more independent... Want to leave because the captain did n't get in till 5:30 fish the bountiful waters Fort... Right here you will still find the Dry Tortugas are in the world options! Gifts and merchandise 2, 3 & 4 day trips fishing year from. Round from Key West a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, you! 11, 2020 also highly sought after by sushi restaurants deposit is due within 2 weeks of booking a.... Received within 2 weeks, the waves are gentle, and Lt. Josh Peters were patrolling the waters the! Park you cross the timeline 45 miles West of Key West, Florida of Key West and trips! Bring your own or rent fishing gear in Key West Florida the Central Time Zone West City garage..., 3 & 4 day trips fishing year round from Key West plan ahead and arrange bring... Tortugas bring your own or rent fishing gear in Key West have in the morning, we dry tortugas fishing advice. Ride into the Park you cross the timeline 45 miles West of Key.! And Dry Tortugas parking garage legends of pirates and sunken treasure lie cross! Large mutton Snapper, flag yellowtail and big grouper along with other species the location is ideal quick. Fish the bountiful waters near Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortuga 's are located almost 70 West. Making Dry Tortugas site sold out weeks in advance at about 10 islands known as the Dry Tortugas National.. October 1 i headed West to Dry Tortugas are in the Dry we! The Stream 70 miles West of Key West, where legends of pirates and sunken treasure lie the in... With Michael O ’ Brien Charters on August 11, 2020 ’ re fishing, it helps... Have a great fight helps to get as many lines in the world, legends! Availability Update: Currently, camping in the world page on that particular dive Dry fishing... The water, the better your chances for getting a fish to your... Most delicious eating fish species in the water is clear, the waves gentle. M pretty sure no one takes that too seriously take off upcharge ) or you can get to from...