Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing
Truly one of the most
magnificent fish that occupy the waters of the Florida Keys.
Thousands of people each year, from all over the world, congregate
here from early March to mid-July to experience the massive
run of Tarpon. Although Tarpon can be found here year round,
the height of Tarpon season is from late April to June. There
are a few ways that we can fish for Tarpon. Poling along shallow
water flats in search of cruising or laid up fish ("laid
up" is a term for non cruising fish that holds still
on or just under the surface) either casting small crabs,
shrimp or flies. This is truly an art of stalking and sight
casting. Fishing depth ranges from 2 feet to 11 feet of water
and it is not uncommon to see a school of Tarpon with numbers
of 50 to 100 fish
Prime Tarpon Time
April, May and June are prime times for migratory tarpon.
The summer time can be so incredible for Tarpon fishing. In most of these descriptions, I state that there is no boat traffic in the summer, far less pressure on fish. This holds true for Tarpon fishing as well. Fish tend to be a bit smaller during this time but big fish are not uncommon. I catch big Tarpon on the flats until at least the last week of August almost every year. These are hungry and eat a fly incredibly well. Summer time is also well known for baby tarpon. Early morning departures are a must. Schools of baby tarpon invade the flats at first light, rolling and eating any thing that swims in their path. Baby Tarpon are definitely one of my favorites. Most people think the word "baby" means tiny, 5 - 10 lbs. I consider baby tarpon 5 - 40lb range. You can see schools of 10 lbers in one area and half way down the flat there might be 50 lbers rolling around. The only draw back of the summer is, of course, the heat. On clam days, it can get pretty hot. Half day fishing trips are the norm. Leave the dock at 6:30 am and return by 11am or so BUT if the fishing stays good, we can stay longer. I usually fish smaller tarpon in the early morning and after that, I can be found poling the ocean side flats looking for big Tarpon or Permit. I wait until the best light of the day. SO please, DO NOT discard coming to the Keys this time of year. It is some of the best fishing of the year.
Winter Months - The winter time, to be honest, it is not the best time to fish for Tarpon. There are exceptions though. If the water temp gets above 75, I head up into the Everglades where Tarpon hang around the grass flats and in the deeper channels. If you get 3 or 4 days of good weather, the fishing can actually be pretty good.
Fly Fishing for Tarpon
Fly Fishing for tarpon is my favorite
thing to do.
Personally, I think catching a tarpon on fly
is the easiest of the "BIG THREE". The other two
thirds of the big three are as you know, the bonefish and
the permit. Tarpon are eager eaters and you would be amazed
that a 130 lb. tarpon would eat a 3 inch fly but they are
also lazy, very lazy and precise casting is very important.
Ocean Migratory Fish: Ocean side Tarpon are a bit harder to feed. Longer cast are necessary but you can get by with a 40 foot cast especially when it's windy. The longer you can cast though, the more success you will have. Ocean fish are spawning fish and are not necessarily feeding. You must FEED the fish. Slow long strips are essential. You might hear different techniques from different guides on this one but I find I have a lot of success with a long slow strip. Strings of fish consist of any where from 10 fish to 80 or 90 fish (sometimes more) in a school. Strings of fish look like a giant snake coming at the boat. It is a sight to see. There are also "Meatballs" Yes, Meatballs. A Meatball consists of many tarpon tightly schooled together consisting of sometimes 100 fish or more. Another sight to see.
Laid Up Tarpon: Generally fished in the backcountry, these are fish that are
sitting still on the surface so you might get 2, 3 or even 4 shots. It is easier to hit
a still target than a moving target but don't get me wrong
it is still hard no matter how you look at it. You know what
they say, "good things come to those that cast well."
A reminder, practice your casting before your fishing trip.
Place some targets in the backyard and practice
your accuracy. The better you get the better the chance you
have at catching a tarpon.
Hey Guys, Happy New Year! WInter time has been great so far. Redfish are plentiful when its cold which is always a good thing. Annette (on left) with her first Redfish ever! And it was a nice one too! Mackerel and snapper bite has been awesome as well. Baby Tarpon are just starting to show back up with water temps hitting over 76 degrees. Early Spring time is near and my favorite time of year is coming, PERMIT FISHING! Cant wait for Feb and March! 
Check out some really cool fly fishing apparel @ Skinny Water Culture. Vince has some great stuff! 
Ghost Stalker Mask
