Blackfin Tunas Off Key West Deep Sea Fishing Report

Key West for tunas fishing / Key West deep sea fishing report.

blackfin tuna key west anglers fishermen Two large blackfin tunas caught in Key West with these anglers on board the INXS charter boat out of Key West, Florida

February 26th 2020 – With our interesting weather this winter we have had some interesting Key West deep sea fishing. Not as good as I think it should be for this time of the year but interesting non the less. This winter has been warmer than usual, therefore the bait was not on schedule to do what it normally does on the reef and just off the reef. Thats mother nature, she does what she wants. If it were the same every year fishing would be easy and we would all get bored.. So lets talk about the deep sea fishing in Key West.

Blackfin tuna held by fishing guy
Blackfin Tuna invited for lunch in Key West. On board the INXS Deep Sea Fishing Charter boat.

Deep Sea Fishing Report

Tuna.. Yep, its whats for dinner offshore deep sea fishing Key West. Blackfin tuna to be exact. Most days here in the last week or two we have had a pretty good bite of blackfin tuna in the early morning or afternoon. This has been a welcome event to our deep sea fishing fleet out of Key West as the rest of the species we generally fish for this time of the year have become scarce or hit and miss.

The blackfin tuna are the smallest tuna in the tuna species Thunnus. A very good sushi grade tuna and great on the grill or pan seared. Here in Key West we catch them up to 30 lbs in the Atlantic and the Gulf using trolling techniques and live baiting techniques.

Along with blackfin tuna we also get bonito. Not well considered for table fare but a great fight on light tackle, great strip bait and good filler between bites when deep sea fishing.

See our Key West fishing species page

Tuna Trolling Tip

When we are trolling for tuna we keep it simple and duplicatable. Generally darker colors seem to do the trick. Troll them at about 6 knots and wayyyyyyy back, keep the drags tense and dont drop back on the hook set.
I personally like the following.

  • Ilander Tracker Flasher series TR500F Rigged with 6/0 long shank non offset trolling hook.
  • Williamson flash feather 04 rigged with 80lb and 4/0 long shank non offset trolling hook.

 

Deep Sea Fishing Forecast

The last week or so The deep sea fishing bite has been hit or miss. In the spirit of true fishing reports we tell it like it is. The fishing has been a little slow deep sea. Many of our deep sea fishing charter have been resorting to staying on the reef working on yellowtail snapper and king fish to entertain the anglers that go out with them. Next week the weather looks pretty unstable as well. A strong cold front will come through starting tomorrow (thursday) with a North wind dropping our temps to the low 60s. Next week a high pressure will establish brining fresh winds from the East and South East increasing our sail-fishing opportunities but in higher sea conditions.

We offer all different types of fishing.. Just Call us and learn more. We are right here in Key West every day and on the water Always getting up to the minute reports.

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To Learn More About Key West Fishing Or To Book A Trip.. 
Call Us.. 1-305-292-7212

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1-786-847-3808

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About Capt. Steven Lamp
Dr Catcher Is - Capt. Steven Lamp - Owner of Dream Catcher Charters is a veteran Key West fishing guide for flats fishing, deep sea fishing, wrecks and reef fishing, and fly fishing. An expert waterman and licensed captain since 1986. A Veteran of the United States Coast Guard Heavy Weather Search and Rescue, I.G.F.A. Certified Captain and Standing regional board member of The Florida Fishing Guides Association