Fishing Charters in Florida
Browse fishing charters in Florida that can help you catch bigeye tuna.
Island Baby Islamorada
Tavernier, Florida
Flying Thief Charters
Big Pine Key, Florida
Key West Tarpon Fishing with Flying Thief Charters. Let us be your guide to the best Bonefish Spin Fishing, and excellent Flats Fishing in the Florida Keys.
Fat Cat Charters
Big Pine Key, Florida
Sea Glass Excursions
Cudjoe Key, Florida
Sea Glass Excursions offers offshore and inshore fishing, snorkeling, sandbars, sunset cruise, or just a ride, I’m your guide. My Name is Captain Brian and I live in the Lower Florida Keys.
Double O Fishing Charter
Cudjoe Key, Florida
Tarpon Trips
Summerland Key, Florida
Shane Wood Fishing
Summerland Key, Florida
Shane Wood Fly Fishing Guide - Rates and Information. Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit Photo Gallery. Book your fishing charter now.
Stock Island Fishing Charters
Naval Air Station Key West, Florida
Stock Island fishing charters at the entrance to Key West. Many different charters offered for all types of anglers and vacationers.
Captain Eddie Griffiths Charters
Key West, Florida
Dry Tortugas fishing trips with Andy Griffiths charters out of Key West, Florida. Overnight fishing to Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas and Marquesas Keys. Enjoy fishing and diving on your private charter, 2 or 3 day fishing charters for snapper, grouper, mahi mahi, wahoo and more. Best reef and wreck fishing available year round in the Florida Keys and west of Key West near the Dry Tortugas National Park.
Captain Bill Lowman Anna Maria Sportfishing
Holmes Beach, Florida
Anna Maria Island Charter Fishing Guide
Destination Fish Charters
Marco Island, Florida
Danny Fabian is one of Southwest Florida's premier backwater and sport fishermen in Naples and Marco Island, Florida. As a professional fishing quide, Danny specializes in fishing in Everglades National Park and focuses on Snook, Grouper, Tarpon, Trout, Redfish.
Captain Rio Adventures
Marco Island, Florida
Go fish with fun catching Charter fishing at its best!
Best Time to Catch Bigeye Tuna
Peak season: April, May, June, July, August. Also good: January, February, March, September, October. Right now in February, activity is good.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Bigeye Tuna
Chasing bigeye tuna out of Key West means heading into the deep blue Gulf Stream waters. This area is renowned for its pelagic fishing, and bigeye tuna are a prized target. The best time to pursue them is typically during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. These tuna are often found in deeper waters, so techniques like deep dropping or trolling with heavy tackle are essential. Look for areas with underwater canyons or drop-offs, as these can concentrate baitfish and attract tuna. A local tip is to pay attention to water temperature breaks, as these can be productive areas. Given the distances involved and the specialized gear required, a charter boat is highly recommended. Be prepared for a grueling fight – Key West bigeye are known for their stamina. Always double-check Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations to ensure compliance with size and possession limits.
How to Catch Bigeye Tuna
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Bigeye Tuna in Key West.
Bigeye Tuna Fishing Regulations in Florida
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
3 per person or vessel, whichever is less, in the aggregate with other tuna species (excluding Albacore, Skipjack, and Yellowfin).
Size Limit
27-inch curved fork length minimum
License Required
Saltwater fishing license and possibly a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit.
Federal regulations and permits may be required. Check current regulations for any updates.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for Bigeye Tuna in Key West?
Bigeye Tuna in Key West respond well to live bait such as blue runners and goggle eyes. Artificial lures like trolling plugs and skirted lures are also effective, especially when targeting them offshore.
When is the optimal time to target Bigeye Tuna near Key West?
Bigeye Tuna can be caught year-round in Key West. However, the bite is often best during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring, when they are more active in the area.
What are the regulations for Bigeye Tuna in Florida?
In Florida, the bag limit for Bigeye Tuna is 3 per person or vessel, whichever is less, in the aggregate with other tuna species (excluding Albacore, Skipjack, and Yellowfin). The minimum size limit is 27 inches curved fork length. A saltwater fishing license and possibly a Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit are required.
Where are some productive spots for catching Bigeye Tuna around Key West?
Bigeye Tuna are typically found in deeper offshore waters around Key West, often near underwater structures, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Popular spots include areas along the Gulf Stream and deep-sea fishing charters often know the best locations.
More Bigeye Tuna Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Key West
Ready to Catch Bigeye Tuna in Key West?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.