Blackfin tuna out of Key Largo
Blackfin tuna fishing out of Key Largo is an offshore game, and the structure that matters sits in a narrow depth band. Blackfin are on the port’s operator target list as an offshore species. Channels, ramps and where to read conditions are on the Key Largo port page. Timing for when the fish are around is in our blackfin tuna fishing guide. This page covers four named grounds, their depths, how the band is worked, who fishes it and where the rules live.
Where boats run and the structure that holds fish
Boats run offshore. For the regional picture of movement and timing, see how blackfin use the southeast Atlantic (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide).
Four named grounds are mapped as FWC Florida Keys artificial reefs. They sit between 110 and 135 ft, a 25 ft spread. Two are ship wrecks and two are artificial reefs. Because the depths are this close, one trip can work several of them.
| Name | Type | Depth (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Duane | Artificial reef wreck | 118 |
| Spiegel Grove | Artificial reef wreck | 135 |
| Alva Chapman Reef | Artificial reef | 118 |
| Eagle | FWC Florida Keys artificial reef | 110 |
Mark all four and read the bottom around them on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Duane
An artificial reef wreck in 118 ft, the same depth as Alva Chapman Reef.
Spiegel Grove
An artificial reef wreck in 135 ft, the deepest of the four.
Alva Chapman Reef
An artificial reef in 118 ft.
Eagle
An FWC Florida Keys artificial reef in 110 ft, the shallowest of the four.
How the deep wrecks are fished
The work here is a vertical water column of 110 to 135 ft over wreck and reef structure. Because the band is tight, you can move between grounds without changing your depth plan. Baits, chunking and jig technique are covered in the species guide linked above.
Who fishes for blackfin here
Private owner-operators running their own boats work these offshore grounds. Key Largo Fishing Adventures is a local charter that lists blackfin tuna. Blackfin are not the only tuna you may meet offshore; see the other tunas offshore.
FAQ: blackfin tuna fishing out of Key Largo
Which wrecks should I mark for blackfin off Key Largo?
Mark Duane, Spiegel Grove, Alva Chapman Reef and Eagle. Duane and Spiegel Grove are artificial reef wrecks. Alva Chapman Reef and Eagle are artificial reefs.
How deep are the Key Largo wrecks and reefs?
They sit in a band from 110 to 135 ft. Eagle is 110 ft, Duane and Alva Chapman Reef are 118 ft, and Spiegel Grove is 135 ft.
Does a local charter target blackfin tuna?
Key Largo Fishing Adventures is a local charter that lists blackfin tuna.
Where do I find the rules for blackfin?
FWC sets them. They are on the Florida regulations page, and you should check them before fishing. Other tunas follow federal rules.
Where do I read conditions before running offshore?
Start with the Key Largo port page, then check wind and sea numbers on the Florida Keys marine conditions forecast before you run offshore.
