Sailfish fishing out of Key West starts at Key West Harbor and runs offshore to the reef and beyond. By the Dream Catcher operation‘s count, the Gulf Stream is about 20 minutes away.
This guide is for anglers running their own boat. It covers when the fish are around, where boats run, the named grounds, and who fishes them from this port.
When sailfish are around Key West
The Key West Sailfish Tournament is usually held in March, which gives you a port-specific marker for planning. Teams build their trips around it. For the broader season and biology picture, read the sailfish species guide.
Where boats run from Key West Harbor
Boats run offshore from Key West Harbor. Eva Marie’s site describes the fishing as "the reef and beyond." The Dream Catcher site puts the Gulf Stream about 20 minutes away by boat, but that is one operation’s count, and your run time depends on your boat and the day. Check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height, and period before you leave the harbor.
The run at a glance:
- Departure: Key West Harbor
- Inshore of the stream: the reef and beyond, as Eva Marie’s site describes it
- Gulf Stream: about 20 minutes by boat, per the Dream Catcher site
- Planning: wind, wave height, and period from the official forecast
Grounds and structure off Key West
These are named places to look, listed nearest to farthest. None of them is a guarantee.
| Ground | Where it sits | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Stream edge | Offshore | About 20 minutes by boat, per the Dream Catcher site |
| Marquesas Keys | West of Key West | The longer run |
| Dry Tortugas National Park | West of Key West | Includes Fort Jefferson and Garden Key |
| Garden Key Historic Use Area | Around Garden Key | One-mile boat fishing zone |
Gulf Stream edge
The Gulf Stream edge is the closest offshore ground. Chart Contours and OBS SST show where the edge sits on a given day. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Marquesas Keys
The Marquesas Keys are a named ground west of Key West. They are the longer run for owner-operators who want to get past the reef and beyond.
Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson
Dry Tortugas National Park includes Fort Jefferson and Garden Key. It suits boats that can make the run west.
Garden Key Historic Use Area
The Garden Key Historic Use Area is a one-mile boat fishing zone around Garden Key. Dry Tortugas National Park manages it, so check the park’s rules for what applies inside it.
How sailfish are fished and who fishes them out of Key West
Local boats fish the reef and beyond, as Eva Marie’s site puts it. For methods across the wider region, read the Atlantic Southeast sailfish guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide).
Eva Marie Fishing Charters
Eva Marie Fishing Charters lists sailfish out of Key West. Its boat, Eva Marie, is 43 ft.
Key West Sailfish Tournament
The Key West Sailfish Tournament is usually held in March. Anglers who also chase other billfish can start with the billfish guides.
FAQ: Sailfish fishing out of Key West
How far is the Gulf Stream from Key West?
About 20 minutes by boat, per the Dream Catcher site. Run time depends on your boat and the day. The Gulf Stream edge is the closest offshore ground on this page.
When is the Key West Sailfish Tournament?
It is usually held in March. Teams planning for it can scout the Gulf Stream edge and the reef and beyond. Check the organizers for dates.
What is the Garden Key Historic Use Area?
It is a one-mile boat fishing zone around Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, home of Fort Jefferson. Check the park’s rules before fishing it.
Which Key West charters list sailfish?
Eva Marie Fishing Charters lists sailfish. Its boat, Eva Marie, is 43 ft, and its site describes fishing "the reef and beyond."
Where are the sailfish rules for Key West?
Start with the Florida regulations page and the federal billfish rules. Dry Tortugas National Park rules apply around Garden Key.
