Wahoo fishing out of Key West is offshore work. Boats leave the harbor for the Gulf Stream edge, about 20 minutes out, and run farther to the Marquesas Keys and the Dry Tortugas. Below are the grounds from nearest to farthest, the two tournaments that count wahoo, and where the rules are posted.
Where Key West boats run for wahoo
Wahoo here are an offshore fish, and Key West Harbor is the jump-off point. How far you run depends on what you plan to do when you get there.
Out of Key West Harbor
Eva Marie lists wahoo among its offshore species from Key West Harbor, which puts the fishing past the reef line in blue water. This is trolling water. For speeds, lures and depth, see our wahoo fishing guide.
The Gulf Stream edge
Dream Catcher, a local operation, puts the Gulf Stream edge about 20 minutes by boat. It is the nearest ground and the shortest run on this page. Check wind, wave height and period on the official marine forecast before you go.
Grounds and structure
The Gulf Stream edge is the local piece of the Atlantic and Southeast wahoo picture (see also the wider Atlantic Southeast guide). In the app, Chart Contours shows where the bottom drops toward the edge. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Named grounds, nearest to farthest:
- Gulf Stream edge: about 20 minutes by boat
- Marquesas Keys: the next step out
- Dry Tortugas National Park: Fort Jefferson and Garden Key
- Garden Key Historic Use Area: a 1-mile boat fishing zone around Garden Key
Marquesas Keys
The Marquesas Keys lie beyond the near edge, between the Gulf Stream edge and the Tortugas.
Dry Tortugas and Garden Key
Dry Tortugas National Park is the farthest named ground on this page. Its two features are Fort Jefferson and Garden Key. The Garden Key Historic Use Area is a 1-mile boat fishing zone around Garden Key, and the park’s rules apply there, so check them before you fish it.
When wahoo are fished here
Two Key West events count wahoo, one in winter and one in summer.
| Event | Usual timing | Wahoo counted |
|---|---|---|
| King Master Key West | January | Yes |
| Key West Marlin Tournament | July | Yes |
January: King Master Key West
The King Master Key West tournament is usually held in January and includes wahoo.
July: Key West Marlin Tournament
The Key West Marlin Tournament is usually held in July and lists wahoo among its species. Confirm each year’s schedule with the event.
Who fishes wahoo out of Key West
Two groups work these waters: the listed charter and the tournament fleet.
Eva Marie, 43 ft
Eva Marie Fishing Charters runs the Eva Marie, a 43 ft boat, and lists wahoo among its offshore species from Key West Harbor. For anglers without their own boat, it is the listed local option.
The tournament fleet
The boats fishing King Master Key West and the Key West Marlin Tournament make up the rest of the wahoo fleet out of this port. During those two windows, the event fleet is where wahoo fishing out of Key West is most visible.
FAQ about wahoo fishing out of Key West
How far is the Gulf Stream edge from Key West?
About 20 minutes by boat, according to Dream Catcher, a local operation. Check the marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you go.
Which Key West tournaments include wahoo?
King Master Key West, usually in January, and the Key West Marlin Tournament, usually in July.
Is there a Key West charter that lists wahoo?
Eva Marie Fishing Charters lists wahoo among its offshore species from Key West Harbor, aboard the 43 ft Eva Marie.
Can you fish around Garden Key?
The Garden Key Historic Use Area is a 1-mile boat fishing zone around Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park. Check the park’s rules before you fish it.
Where are the wahoo rules, and where do I look for other species?
FWC sets the state rules, and the Regulations section above points to the state and federal pages. For other offshore species, see our coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
