Pulley Ridge Fishing: Every Angler’s Dream

Written By: Captain Kody Michael

If you’ve spent any time fishing the waters of Florida, you’ve probably heard whispers about a remote offshore spot called Pulley Ridge. Known for its deep water, massive bottom fish, and limited pressure, Pulley Ridge fishing has become somewhat of a legend among serious anglers. This isn’t your casual half-day trip out of Marathon.. it’s a full-send offshore mission that yields rewards for those willing to go the distance.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler planning your first Pulley Ridge fishing trip or just curious what all the hype is about, this blog breaks down everything you need to know—from what you can catch, the gear you’ll need, to the best time of year to fish Pulley Ridge. As a Captain in Key West, this is not a trip that I take often, but when I do.. I know I’m in for a treat.

At the end of this blog I will include top recommended charters to Pulley Ridge that are guaranteed to put you on the fish!

What is Pulley Ridge?

Let’s start with the basics. Pulley Ridge is a deepwater coral reef system located about 100 to 120 miles west of the Florida Keys. It’s one of the deepest known photosynthetic coral reefs in the continental U.S., sitting in depths of 150 to over 500 feet.

Because of its distance from land and the effort it takes to get there, fishing Pulley Ridge has become somewhat of a badge of honor. You’re not just hopping on a center console for a quick troll; you’re planning an overnight (or multiple-day) expedition that often includes sleeping on the boat, battling weather windows, and burning a ton of fuel. At the VERY least, you are gone for one full day, but a smart guide will be leaving before sunset and getting back at sunset to make the most of the day.

What Can You Catch While Fishing Pulley Ridge?

The better question might be: what can’t you catch?

Pulley Ridge fishing is all about variety and size. On any given trip, you might hook into:

• Mutton Snapper – One of the main targets out here. Big, aggressive, and absolutely delicious.
• Blackfin Tuna – A common sight in the early mornings or at sunset, busting bait balls at the surface.
• Yellowtail Snapper – Smaller but numerous. Great table fare and super fun on lighter tackle.
• Black Grouper – The deeper you drop, the bigger they get.
• Red Grouper – Often caught in slightly shallower depths than blacks but just as fun to reel up.
• Snowy Grouper & Tilefish – These are true deep drop species, usually found beyond the 400-foot mark.
• Scamp Grouper – A bonus species that often gets overlooked but is incredibly tasty.
• Wahoo & Kingfish – Often caught on the troll during the run out or back in.

Because of the range of depths and structure types, Pulley Ridge fishing lets you target a wide spectrum of species in a single trip. That’s part of what makes it so epic.

Best Time of Year to Fish Pulley Ridge

Here’s the deal: you can fish Pulley Ridge year-round, but some months are definitely better than others. The best time of year to fish Pulley Ridge really depends on what species you’re targeting and what kind of weather you’re comfortable dealing with.

• Spring (March–May): Generally one of the best windows. Weather is more stable, currents are manageable, and many fish species are actively feeding.
• Summer (June–August): Very popular due to calm seas, but it can get brutally hot and you’ll battle pop-up thunderstorms. That said, it’s peak time for Mutton Snapper and Tuna.
• Fall (September–November): Arguably the best time of year to fish Pulley Ridge. Fish are still active, crowds thin out, and weather can be surprisingly cooperative.
• Winter (December–February): Risky business. Cold fronts and wind make trips less predictable, and most charters shy away unless there’s a solid weather window.

If you’re planning a multi-day offshore trip, always give yourself buffer days on both ends of the trip in case you need to reschedule due to weather.

How to Get to Pulley Ridge

Because of how far Pulley Ridge is from shore, your best bet is booking with a long-range charter operator out of the Florida Keys. Most boats leave from Key West or Marathon and offer 2- to 3-day trips. Expect to cover 100–120 nautical miles—so fuel, food, and planning are all part of the package.

There are also a few party boats that make Pulley Ridge runs from the Gulf side (like Fort Myers), but they typically only run in the summer due to weather constraints.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Permits & Regulations: Make sure your charter complies with federal fishing regulations for that zone. This area is regulated by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and bag limits are strictly enforced.
• Weather Matters: This is not an area you want to gamble with in bad weather. Seas can kick up fast, and you’re a long way from shore.
• Plan for Multiple Nights: Some trips are “sleep on deck” situations—bring appropriate bedding and layers.
• Ice is Key: If you’re keeping fish, you’ll need lots of ice. Make sure your boat is properly equipped.

Final Thoughts

Pulley Ridge fishing is hands-down one of the most rewarding offshore experiences in the state of Florida. It’s remote, it’s raw, and it’ll test your endurance. But the rewards—giant bottom fish, epic tuna bites, and the kind of camaraderie that only comes with multi-day offshore trips—are unmatched.

Whether you’re in it for the meat haul or the experience of fishing a world-class offshore reef system, fishing Pulley Ridgeis something every serious angler should have on their bucket list.

If you’re looking for a Pulley Ridge fishing charter or just want to follow along with our trips, check out our YouTube channel where you can watch us fish in this unique and incredible area.

Tight lines, friends!

Best Fishing Charters to Pulley Ridge

Although there are many great captains who run trips to Pulley Ridge, I highly recommend three in particular—each of whom I know personally and can vouch for. They have the boats, the knowledge, and the experience to put you on the fish and ensure you have an unforgettable day on the water.

1. Captain RJ and Captain Warren
These guys know Pulley Ridge like the back of their hand:
👉 Fish Pulley Ridge with RJ & Warren

2. Captain Justin
A skilled and seasoned guide who knows how to deliver a solid trip:
👉 Pulley Ridge Fishing Charters with Capt. Justin

3. Captain Jake
For a deep drop experience you won’t forget:
👉 Pulley Ridge Trip with Capt. Jake

If you end up fishing with any of them, drop a comment and let us know how it went!

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