When yellowfin are around Sarasota
Yellowfin tuna fishing out of Sarasota is a multi-day proposition, run by sportfisher-class boats leaving from Siesta Key. If you are planning from Sarasota, expect to spend nights offshore.
Every bearing on this page is magnetic and measured from the New Pass Gulf marker. For timing and behavior, see our yellowfin tuna species guide. For the regional pattern, see our Gulf of Mexico guide (see also the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide).
How far boats run from Sarasota
Mother Ocean Charters runs multi-day trips out of Siesta Key. Local operators who target yellowfin plan for nights offshore rather than a morning run.
The named marks off New Pass extend to about 18 miles, and the tuna trips go well past a single day.
- Run pattern: Multi-day trips out of Siesta Key.
- Reference mark: New Pass Gulf marker.
- Named structure: Ends near 18 miles from New Pass.
Grounds and structure off New Pass
These are the named marks off this port, measured from the New Pass Gulf marker, with bearings in degrees magnetic. Boats cross them heading west and south.
| Mark | Depth (ft) | Bearing (°M) | Distance | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-2 Fisher reef | 30 | 239 | 1.43 nm | New Pass |
| I-1 Silvertooth reef | 25 | 187 | 1.74 nm | New Pass |
| Point of Rocks | Off Siesta Key beach | |||
| Cuda Hole / Table Rock ledge | 49 | 246 | 9.54 miles | New Pass Gulf marker |
| The Gully | 259 | 10.29 miles | New Pass | |
| Casey Key / Grassy Key ledges | 25 (5-8 ft ledges) | 152 | 11 nm | |
| Old Barge | 80 | 249.6 | 17.69 miles | New Pass |
| Swiss Cheese | 70-85+ | about 250 | 18 miles | New Pass |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
You can save these marks as waypoints in Breakpoint. Chart layers are not for navigation, so check these marks against your own charts and electronics.
Reefs at the pass
I-2 Fisher sits at 30 ft, 1.43 nm, 239°M. I-1 Silvertooth sits at 25 ft, 1.74 nm, 187°M. Point of Rocks lies off Siesta Key beach.
The 10-mile ledges
Cuda Hole / Table Rock ledge is at 49 ft, 246°M, 9.54 miles from the New Pass Gulf marker. The Gully is at 259°M, 10.29 miles from New Pass. Their bearings differ by 13 degrees along the westward line.
South to Casey Key
The Casey Key Beach / Grassy Key ledges are at 25 ft, with 5-8 ft ledges, 11 nm at 152°M. It is the only named mark that lies south rather than west.
The 18-mile line
Old Barge is at 80 ft, 249.6°M, 17.69 miles. Swiss Cheese is at 70-85+ ft, about 250°M, 18 miles. These are the deepest and farthest named marks off New Pass, and yellowfin trips from Siesta Key run multi-day.
Who fishes yellowfin out of Sarasota
Two local operators list yellowfin tuna.
Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters
Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters runs FISH TALES, a 2001 Luhrs 40 ft sportfisher. The operator’s FAQ names Captain Tyler.
Mother Ocean Charters
Mother Ocean Charters lists yellowfin tuna and runs multi-day trips out of Siesta Key.
Reading conditions before the run
The nearest NDBC station is NDBC station VENF1 at Venice, a C-MAN station at 27.072 N 82.453 W. It is a coastal station rather than an offshore buoy, so it reports conditions at the coast, and water 18 miles out can differ.
Check these numbers before each run:
- Wind speed and direction
- Wave height
- Wave period
Pair them with the NWS Tampa Bay marine forecast (FZUS52 KTBW). On a multi-day trip, recheck it before each run.
FAQ: yellowfin tuna out of Sarasota
Is there a yellowfin season out of Sarasota?
Local trips run multi-day from Siesta Key. The yellowfin tuna species guide covers timing and behavior, and the Gulf of Mexico guide covers the regional pattern.
How far do yellowfin trips run from Sarasota?
Yellowfin tuna fishing out of Sarasota is run as multi-day trips out of Siesta Key. The named marks off New Pass end near 18 miles.
Which Sarasota charters list yellowfin tuna?
Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters runs FISH TALES, a 2001 Luhrs 40 ft sportfisher, with Captain Tyler. Mother Ocean Charters runs multi-day trips from Siesta Key.
Which buoy should I check before running offshore?
Check NDBC C-MAN VENF1 at Venice, 27.072 N 82.453 W. It is a coastal station. Pair it with the NWS Tampa Bay marine forecast.
Where do I learn the general tuna picture or other tuna species?
Start with our tuna fishing guides. The hub covers species beyond yellowfin.
