Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing

Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing

Ahh the majestic Silver King! Fly Fishing Tarpon in the Florida Keys is the ultimate fly fishing experience! Tarpon are prehistoric ocean migrators that are perfectly adapted to their environment for millions of years.

Tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys offers the premiere sight fishing experience on fly or spin gear. If you’ve seen the Silver Kings Fishing Show, I’m sure you are already aware of how awesome these fish are!

Fly Fishing Tarpon Florida Keys

Stalking, casting to and playing cat and mouse with a 6 ft long dinosaur in the crystal clear water of the ocean side coral flats here in Islamorada.  Tarpon fishing in Islamorada is certain to inspire the awe of even the most seasoned angler! If you’re looking for a premier Islamorada tarpon fishing charter, look no further!

Florida Keys Tarpon share many of the attributes of all flats species wrapped up in one savage and spectacular beast.

Once a Tarpon is hooked, expect chaos to quickly ensue.   Tarpon of the Florida Keys are known for their blistering runs, tail walks and backflips along with a display of raw power, humbling even the most experienced anglers time and time again..

Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing Techniques

Florida Keys Tarpon fishing can be experienced in a variety of ways and effective with multiple techniques available.  

Here at Golden Glare Fly Charters we specialize in Tarpon fly fishing by sight casting hand tied flies to cruising, or laid up fish.  Poling the flats, stalking then presenting to the Tarpon, offering the fish a choice and in that interaction we find our satisfaction.

Captain Dan possesses a deep admiration and respect for these ancient fish. 

Although pitching a shrimp, crab or artificial is often more productive, the classic art of flycasting is the most rewarding way to catch a Tarpon, and our ultimate goal.

This style of fishing paired with the tenacity of an adult Silver King, is a developed skill, practiced and tuned over a period of time.  A laser like focus and relentless desire to progress is often where a Tarpon angler finds success. 

When to Fish for Tarpon in the Florida Keys

Tarpon will reside in the endless rivers and bays of the Everglades National Park, as well as the deeper basins of the Florida keys. Some fish will join the migrating schools upon a certain age and size.  Others will remain in here as resident fish for the duration of their lives.

While the prime season, or best time to fish for Tarpon in the Florida Keys, is considered March thru September, there are opportunities year round if the conditions are right.  Migratory schools of Tarpon show up on the ocean side of the Florida Keys mid April and the whole of this island chain will be inundated thru May and June. 

Once the infamous Palolo worm hatch subsides in mid June,  the coinciding Tarpon spawn will wind down and many fish will slide out of the Keys north, south or on a westerly route continuing the migratory patterns they've traveled for what seems like an eternity. One of the best times of the year to hire tarpon fishing guides in Islamorada is during this window.

Florida Keys Tarpon Facts

Some incredible facts about Tarpon include their lengthy age span with a full grown female living well over 50 years, some recorded to be 100 years old.  Surviving and adapted to breathe in fresh or saltwater, they also have a primitive lung of sorts allowing them to take air from the surface like a mammal. 

This characteristic gives them a major advantage at a young age, able to survive in places where no predation occurs due to lack of oxygen in the water.  As they mature the advantage becomes higher oxygen intake translating into stronger faster more intelligent fish than other species in similar environments.   

Notoriously explosive and wild fighters, they dictate a very particular sort of equipment.

Specialized leaders, fly tying techniques and a unique set of knots are common knowledge to serious Tarpon anglers and guides.  More so than most other species in the fly fishing world, a Tarpon will test and often destroy gear. Exploiting any weak link in the outfit, including your body..

10-12 wt fly rod

10-13 ft fluorocarbon specialized Tarpon leader 16-25lb class tippet to 40-80lb shock or bite tippet.

Tarpon, also known as Silver Kings are the ultimate saltwater fly angling fish. Tarpon can grow to giant proportions. Once hooked, Tarpon put on a show with their aerial displays and endurance. Tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys should be at the top of your fishing bucket list.

Tarpon fishing in Florida with a qualified Florida Keys Fishing Guide will prove to be a wise investment. Many anglers try to fish for Tarpon on their own, but it takes a skilled Florida Keys Fishing Guide to put you on the fish consistently.

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