Fishing Florida Keys

Dry Tortugas National Park sits 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, a cluster of small islands anchored by Fort Jefferson—a massive Civil War-era brick fortress that rises from the shallow turquoise water. The park is reachable only by private boat, charter, or seaplane, which means the flats here see far less pressure than the more accessible Keys to the east. The water is gin-clear over white sand and turtle grass, with depths ranging from two to eight feet across the productive shallows.\n\nThe fishery centers on permit and tarpon in the warm months (April through October), with permit being the primary draw. These fish cruise the flats in small schools or singles, feeding on crabs and shrimp in water so clear that sight-casting is the only effective method. Permit here are notoriously spooky—the lack of tidal current and the open water mean fish can see you coming from a long distance. Tarpon show up in summer, particularly around the deeper channels and the fort's pilings, and respond to live bait or large streamers. Bonefish are present but secondary to permit. The park's remoteness and protection mean fish densities remain strong, though success depends entirely on calm conditions and a skilled guide who knows the specific flats and channels.\n\nWind is the limiting factor. The exposed location means days with northeast or east winds can make the flats unfishable, and the park's isolation means you cannot simply relocate to sheltered water nearby. Most outfitters base out of Key West and run full-day or multi-day trips, timing visits around favorable forecasts. The best light is early morning, before the sun climbs high enough to make polarized spotting difficult. Bring heavy-duty sun protection and expect a long boat ride; the reward is solitude and permit fishing in one of the clearest waters in the continental United States.