Key Largo Blackfin Tuna Arrive, Offshore Season Starts Heating Up
Local reports on December 31 show blackfin tuna in Key Largo waters in good numbers, with typical fish landing around 30 lb, while mahi and sailfish activity is increasing. This matters because anglers and charter operators can expect livelier offshore trips and should plan tackle, trips, and safety checks accordingly.
Local fishing activity around Key Largo is picking up as winter shifts into early spring, with blackfin tuna showing in stronger numbers and other offshore targets becoming more active. Captain Eric reported today that schools of mahi and tuna are forming, and that anglers are already landing solid fish in the 30 lb range. Those shifts are prompting more charters to schedule offshore trips and local anglers to tune their gear.
The earliest reports describe scattered schools arriving over the last couple weeks, with larger concentrations anticipated. "Mahi and some tuna fishing are starting to fire up. The start of the season has brought us some schools the last couple weeks, but the big ones are soon to follow," said Captain Eric. He added that sailfish remain plentiful and that larger blackfin are present. "Plenty of sailfish still around and the big Blackfin Tunas have showed up in good numbers. We have been catching tuna in the 30 lb range."
Beyond schooling tuna and mahi, anglers are also seeing action on swordfish and on reef and wreck structure as the winter to early spring transition continues. That mix of species gives fishers a variety of trip options, from drifting in open water to bottom work over structure. For the local economy, increasing bite rates mean more business for charter captains, tackle shops, and processing services as anglers book trips and replace or upgrade gear.
Practical preparation matters now more than ever. Verify your license and federal registration, check weather and sea conditions before heading offshore, and match tackle to mid sized pelagics rather than tournament scale game fish. Expect most blackfin to run near 30 lb, so medium class rods, stout reels with fresh line, and a supply of live bait or fast trolling rigs will be useful. If you plan a charter, reserve spots early as captains report growing demand.
Community members who head out should share reports with captains and other anglers to keep information current, especially on bite locations and sea conditions. Local anglers who fish reefs and wrecks should also be mindful of seasonal closures and size rules. The arrival of blackfin and the uptick in mahi and sailfish offer a lively end to the year and a promising start to the new season for Key Largo anglers and the charter community.
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