Tarpon Fishing Charters in the Keys – Stunning Action-Packed Fights

Incredible leaps, hard runs, gill rattling and heart-pounding action, are guaranteed on our Tarpon Fishing Charters in Florida. Tarpon can grow to trophy sizes and make spectacular leaps and flips in the air. From the moment we head out onto the ocean, you’ll have the time of your life. Breathing in the fresh salty air, we’ll witness the ocean’s wildlife up close as we hunt for bait before the main event – the Tarpon. Once hooked, you’ll feel the line tighten before the fish makes an almighty tug – hold on for the show! The Silver King will then explode from the surface, making your jaw drop as it shimmers in the sun. There’s nothing else like it. For many, Tarpon fishing charters in Florida are considered the pinnacle of sports fishing. Are you ready?

The Silver Kings – Tarpon Fishing Charters in Florida

Tarpon, also known as ‘The Silver Kings’, are prehistoric treasures of the flats. Regarded as one of the ultimate game fish, these acrobats populate inshore waters throughout Florida, from Newport Richey to the Keys, Tampa Bay and Boca Grande. They are perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re an experienced angler ready to show off your craft or a newbie looking to learn.

How to Identify Tarpon?

Tarpon can be identified thanks to their shimmering silver beauty, with dark blue-green or greenish-black backs. Look out for their one dorsal fin and very large scales to confirm it’s a tarpon. They also have large mouths that point upwards.

How Big is Tarpon in Florida?

Tarpon can grow to sizes up to 8ft and weigh over 280lbs. They can live for decades, with some found as old as 50. The oldest Tarpon in captivity died aged 63! On average, you’ll find a Tarpon around 100lbs, aged 11-13 years. The record catch in Florida was 243lbs. Though surely there is a bigger one swimming about, will you catch it?

Where to Catch Tarpon in Florida?

Most dedicated anglers agree that Florida is THE best Tarpon fishing location in the world. The Nature Coast of Florida, including Islamorada, is famous for its monster-sized Tarpon. It’s here where hardcore anglers try to find their biggest catches and where countless world records are broken. That’s thanks to the waters being full of Tarpon’s favorite feed, crabs, forage fish and shrimp.

That said, Tarpon has one of the widest ranges of habitat of all fish species. They can tolerate pure freshwater and also open-ocean saltwater. They tend to be found in deep channel cuts and passes, around bridges, flats and near beaches. Ultimately, it depends on the season. During our Tarpon Fishing Charters in Florida, we’ll take you to the hotspots to experience the world’s true Tarpon kingdom up close.

When to Catch Tarpon in Florida?

Most Tarpon Fishing Charters in Florida run early in the morning or late in the evening. That’s because Tarpon feeds on the tide and during these hours the tide changes, making Tarpon fishing a better experience.

In Florida, every season is Tarpon season. But the monster size catches are usually found during late spring and summer. Tarpons are highly migratory, so they head to waters of around 79°F. They first show up in the south around spring, before heading north as summer progresses. In early fall/late summer, they’ll head back south for winter. There is no closed season, so our Tarpon Fishing Charters run all year!

How to Catch Tarpon in Florida

Live, cut and artificial baits are all great. But any Tarpon swimming near banks and flats tends to like artificial ones, including jigs and swimbaits. Cut Mullet, Plugs, Ladyfish and Menhaden are all efficient.

Remember that Tarpon are large, powerful acrobats. So you can’t go too light with tackle selection; otherwise, you’ll exhaust the Tarpon too much. Often, a seven-foot medium action rod with a very heavy reel is the preferred method.

Spinning tackle is the preferred choice when the water is open. Baitcasting is also a decent option around bridges and other structures, where you need to lure the fish out of cover.

When fly fishing, the color of the fly should contrast the color of the bottom. So use warm colors when fishing near sandy floors and green/blue around dark grass. Many people consider slow-sinking ‘toads’ as the best flies, as Tarpon finds them irresistible in shallow waters. We’ll provide you with all the best gear during our Tarpon Fishing Charters in Florida and advise you on what will work best.

What is Tarpon Fishing Like?

Incredible. Once hooked, the battle can last as long as an hour. You’ll witness fast-paced, action-packed acrobatics, as the time flies by. There’s nothing else like it.

Regulations on Tarpon Fishing Charters in Florida

Tarpon are a sports fish only. Catch-and-release only. When pursuing a Florida state or world record, you can purchase a Tarpon tag permitting you to retain a catch. Any Tarpon over 40″ must remain in the water, unless you have a Tarpon tag. Tarpon fishing is hook and line only. Despite not being able to retain it, we’ll take a photo with your catch before release that you can show off to friends and family for the rest of your life! These days, you can take your catch measurements and get a high-quality, life-like mount that represents your catch.

Tarpon Fishing Tips and Guidance

Here are some tips for handling and fishing for the iconic Silver Kings during a Tarpon Fishing Charter in the Keys.

• Use proper tackle – barbless, single, non-offset circle hooks.
• Don’t use treble hooks.
• Use a tackle heavy enough to land the Tarpon quickly. This prevents exhaustion so the Tarpon can avoid predators after release.
• Do not drag Tarpon over the boat.
• Horizontally support Tarpon smaller than 40″ when removed from the water.
• Keep the head and gills below the water.

Fun Facts about Tarpon

• Tarpon have been swimming since prehistoric times!
• Tarpon have a unique ability to gulp air at the surface when they’re struggling to find oxygen in the water.
• When very young, at around one inch long, Tarpon are translucent and have a ribbon-like body with fang-like teeth.