What is the best time to fish for tarpon in the Florida Keys?

The best time to fish for large migratory tarpon in the Florida Keys is when the water temperatures reach and stay above seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. That can be as early as mid-March, but usually equates to late March to as late as early April. May is all safe as well as most of June.

Where can I catch a tarpon fish in Key West?

There are in fact “local fish” that hang around Key West harbor. These tarpon seem to always be somewhere in the vicinity of downtown Key West on the water. They are not the easiest to find, or get to eat, but yes they are there year round. Also, a few spots in the backcountry have this happen too, with local tarpon.

What is the best bait for tarpon?

Best Live Bait for Tarpon Some of tarpon fishing bait are shrimp, pinfish, mullet and crabs. Stake out above areas that hold tarpon and drift your live bait down to the fish. Hook crabs in the corner of the shell and baitfish through the mouth.

Is tarpon good eating?

Tarpon is edible but people rarely eat them because their meat contains a lot of small bones and it’s reported that they don’t taste very good.

When can you catch tarpon in Key West?

The prime months for tarpon fishing in Key West are March, April, May, June, and July. This is when large numbers of tarpon gather in the Key West Harbor. It’s also busy with anglers trying to book tarpon charters. So, if you want to catch a tarpon you need to book a trip in the Key West Harbor.

Where is the best tarpon fishing in Florida?

Islamorada The Florida
Islamorada. The Florida Keys remain the most popular tarpon-fishing destination on the planet, and Islamorada is the fishery’s epicenter. Anglers target giant tarpon around the bridges with live bait and conventional tackle. Fly fishermen stalk the flats and shallow “lakes” sight-fishing for giant fish.

What size fly rod for tarpon?

10-weight
A 10-weight is not only a great tarpon rod, but works well for permit, roosterfish, milkfish, and most larger tropical species as well as a host of coldwater gamefish like pike and stripers.

What is the best month to fish in the Florida Keys?

While most tourists flock to the Florida Keys in Spring, the best fishing is actually from January through May. Good fishing with lesser crowds can be also be found June through October for various species of gamefish.

What kind of hook do you use for a tarpon?

A 5/0 hook is the best size hook for catching tarpon. That hook size is perfect for hooking all of the tarpon’s favorites like finger mullet or large threadfin herring, ladyfish, pin fish, crabs or silver and striped mullet without affecting their swimming abilities too much.

Do Tarpons eat on bottom?

You will find that most of the big tarpon that are caught around the world every year are caught with dead bait on the bottom. They would much rather scavenge for a meal than use up valuable energy to chase down their food. Big fish are smart and lazy. That is how they got to be so big in the first place.

What size hooks for tarpon?

Why can you not eat tarpon?

Tarpon are rarely eaten because their flesh is filled with small, hard to clean bones. In the United States, the tarpon usually is caught for sport — and then released. As a bony, strong-smelling saltwater fish, it may be more trouble than pleasure to eat.

How old is a 100 pound tarpon?

about 13 to 16 years old
An average 100 pound tarpon is about 13 to 16 years old.

What’s the best bait for tarpon?

How far do you need to cast for tarpon?

Before even trying to tackle a tarpon on a fly, practice casting with heavy gear such as an 11-13 weight fly fishing outfit and stiff fly rod. You need to be able to cast at least 50 feet, preferably into a moderate wind.

How long does it take to reel in a tarpon?

The average fight with a 100lb tarpon is between 20 minutes and 30 minutes but I’ve seen some fights go as long as an hour. We try to land fish as fast as possible to ensure the fish can be quickly revived (and also that you don’t get worn slap out).

What weight fly rod for small tarpon?

6- to 9-weight
Fly rods from 6- to 9-weight are ideal for baby tarpon, just let the size of both the flies and the fish you’ll be targeting dictate the tackle selection.

What is tarpon fishing like in the Florida Keys?

Key West Tarpon fishing is a lot of fun. The Florida Keys are an incredible destination for it that many anglers come back to year after year. I have been a tarpon fishing guide since the early 90s. Offering tarpon fishing trips using live bait, artificial and fly fishing.

When is the best time to fly fish for tarpon?

Night tarpon, summertime bonefish and permit, and shark fishing are some of his favorites. We are your fly fishing guides for tarpon and permit in the Florida Keys! Fly fishing for tarpon in the early fall and spring can be the best of the year! Fly fishing for permit in March provides possibly the best permit fishing of the year.

What kind of fish can you catch in Florida Keys?

Night tarpon, summertime bonefish and permit, and shark fishing are some of his favorites. We are your fly fishing guides for tarpon and permit in the Florida Keys!