Mahi-mahi fishing out of Key Largo means an offshore run from the Key Largo harbors, with four named reef and wreck sites between 110 and 135 ft to mark on the way. This page covers when the fish are around, where boats run, the named structure, who fishes the port, and where the rules live.
When mahi are around Key Largo
The local marker for mahi is the Skippers Dolphin Tournament, which usually runs in May. The tournament uses "dolphin" for mahi.
For the wider seasonal picture along the coast, see the Atlantic and Southeast mahi guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide).
Where boats run from Key Largo
Boats run offshore from the Key Largo harbors for mahi. Launch and harbor details are in the Key Largo port guide.
One reviewer reports mahi offshore and snapper on the reef. If you plan to split the day between reef and offshore, the offshore gamefish guides cover the other species.
There is no fixed run. Mahi are pelagic, so the fish set the distance on the day, and you hunt open water past the reef rather than a single mark.
- Reef side: snapper, per the reviewer.
- Offshore side: mahi, per the same report.
- Between the two: the named structure below gives you reference points.
Named structure near Key Largo
Four named artificial reef sites sit near Key Largo, in 110 to 135 ft. Mark them as waypoints on the run. They are reef and wreck structure, not mahi grounds.
| Structure | 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 |
You can check these depths against the Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Duane
The Duane is an artificial reef wreck in 118 ft.
Spiegel Grove
Spiegel Grove is an artificial reef wreck in 135 ft, the deepest of the four.
Alva Chapman Reef
Alva Chapman Reef is an artificial reef in 118 ft, the same depth as the Duane.
Eagle
The Eagle is an FWC Florida Keys artificial reef in 110 ft, the shallowest of the four.
How mahi are fished here and who fishes them
Mahi off Key Largo are fished offshore, and the local fleet includes a charter that lists them and a dolphin tournament. Weedlines, trolling spreads, and biology are in the mahi-mahi fishing guide.
Charters
Key Largo Fishing Adventures lists mahi-mahi. It is one option for crews weighing a charter against their own boat.
Tournaments
The Skippers Dolphin Tournament usually runs in May.
FAQ about mahi-mahi fishing out of Key Largo
When is mahi season off Key Largo?
The local marker is the Skippers Dolphin Tournament, usually in May.
How far do boats run for mahi?
Boats run offshore from the Key Largo harbors. There is no fixed distance, because the fish set it on the day.
Are the Duane and Spiegel Grove mahi spots?
They are artificial reef wrecks in 118 ft and 135 ft. Use them as reference waypoints, and hunt mahi in open water offshore.
Is there a mahi tournament out of Key Largo?
Yes. The Skippers Dolphin Tournament, which uses "dolphin" for mahi, usually runs in May.
Where are the fishing rules?
FWC sets the state rules, and you should check them before fishing. The regulations section above links the state and federal pages.
