UTERBlackfin tuna fishing in The Florida Keys
In The Florida Keys, blackfin tuna peak February–May and October–November and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Blackfin on the Islamorada and Marathon humps — live pilchards in the chum.
Fall blackfin back on the humps.
Blackfin tuna in The Florida Keys, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeakBlackfin on the Islamorada and Marathon humps — live pilchards in the chum.
- AprilPeak
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeakFall blackfin back on the humps.
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish blackfin tuna near Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon
Oceanside flats and patch reefs inside the reef line, the reef itself, then the Gulf-side banks and basins of Florida Bay and the backcountry. Bridges and channels connect the two. The clearest, warmest water in the state.
Fish Scouter charts 1,715 ledge / hard bottom, 695 artificial reef, 340 wreck spots in the The Florida Keys map area — the kinds blackfin tuna hold on.
What to use for blackfin tuna
- Pilchards (whitebait)Free-lined or under a cork, hooked through the nose on a #1 to 2/0 circle hook. The one bait that catches everything inshore.
- Threadfin herring (greenbacks)Nose-hooked on a circle hook and free-lined, or slow-trolled. Fragile — handle them wet and fast.
- Goggle-eyesBridled through the eye sockets for sailfish and kingfish, kite-fished or slow-trolled.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 70–86°F water, best at 74–82°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch blackfin tuna in The Florida Keys?
Peak season is February–May and October–November. Blackfin tuna are here year-round. March: Blackfin on the Islamorada and Marathon humps — live pilchards in the chum.
Where do blackfin tuna hold in The Florida Keys?
Look on wreck, ledge / hard bottom, artificial reef — around Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, Key West.
What is the best bait for blackfin tuna in The Florida Keys?
Live bait: pilchards (whitebait), threadfin herring (greenbacks), goggle-eyes. Pilchards (whitebait): Free-lined or under a cork, hooked through the nose on a #1 to 2/0 circle hook. The one bait that catches everything inshore. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
What are the rules for blackfin tuna in The Florida Keys?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
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All about blackfin tuna · The Florida Keys, the whole year