Tarpon Fishing Charters in Marathon, Florida
When most people think of the Florida Keys, they picture warm tropical breezes and breathtaking sunsets. But for anglers, one thing stands above it all: the Tarpon. Known as the “Silver King,” Tarpon are one of the most powerful and exciting sport fish in the world. Their explosive surface strikes, acrobatic leaps, and drag-screaming runs make them a bucket-list catch for fishermen everywhere.
At Angling Adventures in Marathon, Florida, Captain Rich Smith offers an authentic, hands-on Tarpon fishing experience. We don’t just hand you a rod with a fish already hooked. Every angler is part of the process. From rigging bait to spotting fish and making the perfect cast, you’ll learn the techniques and tactics to successfully target these incredible fish.
Tarpon Fishing Charter Options & Pricing
Half-Day Charter (4 Hours)
Ideal for quick trips or targeting juvenile Tarpon in the backcountry mangroves. Perfect for families or anglers wanting to experience the Silver King without a full-day commitment.
3/4-Day Charter (6 Hours) ⭐ Most Popular
Our recommended option for prime migratory season (March through May). Enough time to target the famous bridge hotspots and maximize your shots at giant Tarpon.
Full-Day Charter (8 Hours)
Maximum time on the water during peak bite windows. Perfect for serious anglers chasing bucket-list fish or combination trips targeting multiple species.
Capacity: 23′ Center Console accommodates up to 4 anglers (only 2 rods fishing at a time). 18′ Flats Skiff holds 1-2 anglers for sight-fishing.
For pricing and availability, visit our Booking & Reservation Page →
The Marathon Tarpon Season: When to Book
Prime Season: The Migration (March through May)
This is peak time for giant migratory Tarpon moving through the Keys. Large schools gather around famous hotspots like the Bahia Honda Bridge, Seven Mile Bridge, and Long Key Bridge. These are the fish that make legends, with explosive strikes and jumps that will have you talking about this trip for years.
Year-Round Opportunities
While the migration is seasonal, resident juvenile Tarpon can be caught all year in warm, calm conditions, especially in the backcountry and mangrove creeks. Baby Tarpon ranging from 5 to 30 pounds offer blistering runs and spectacular jumps on light tackle.
Why Captain Rich Smith is Your Best Bet for Tarpon
Unmatched Local Knowledge
After 25+ years fishing Marathon’s waters daily, Captain Rich knows exactly where Tarpon are holding based on tide, season, and conditions. We target proven hotspots: Bahia Honda Bridge, Seven Mile Bridge, Long Key Bridge, backcountry flats, and mangrove-lined creeks where juvenile Tarpon cruise.
Hands-On Experience You Can’t Get Elsewhere
We don’t just hand you a rod with a fish already hooked. This is the real deal. You’ll learn to rig bait, spot rolling Tarpon in crystal-clear water, make accurate casts, and fight these incredible fish yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing a bucket-list fish or a beginner ready for an unforgettable adventure, we teach you the techniques that work.
Professional Equipment & Gear
We tailor every Tarpon trip to conditions, skill level, and the experience you’re looking for.
- Light tackle spin: Shimano Saragosa spinning reels spooled with 20-50 lb braided line paired with custom-built Islamorada Fishing Outfitters rods
- Live bait: small blue crabs, mullet, pinfish, or pilchards
- Artificial lures: soft plastics, paddle tails, and topwater plugs
- Fly fishing: 12-weight fly rods for giants, 5-10 weight fly rods for juveniles, and our favorite flies mimic shrimp, crabs, and baitfish
Logistics: Boats, Location, and What to Expect
Our Tarpon Fleet (By Fishing Style)
23′ Center Console
Best for bridge fishing and live bait trips. Perfect for targeting giant migratory Tarpon around the famous Marathon bridges. Accommodates 1-4 anglers (only 2 rods fishing at a time for safety and effectiveness). Departs from our docks at Island Fish Company Restaurant in Marathon, FL.
18′ Flats Skiff
Ideal for sight-fishing with artificial lures or flies. Gets into skinny backcountry water where juvenile Tarpon cruise mangrove edges. Holds 1-2 anglers. Launched at various locations depending on fish activity and conditions.
Departure Point & Directions
Angling Adventures
Island Fish Company Restaurant
Mile Marker 54, Oceanside
Marathon, FL 33050
Get Directions on Google Maps →
Convenient free parking. Fuel, ice, and tackle shop on-site. Restaurant available for pre-trip breakfast or post-trip meals.
Tarpon Fishing FAQ
Is Tarpon fishing catch and release?
Yes, it’s mandatory. Tarpon are a protected species in Florida and must be released. The fight is the reward with these incredible fish. We’ll help you get great photos before releasing your catch.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, camera, rain jacket (Florida weather changes fast), food and drinks. We provide all fishing equipment, licenses, bait, tackle, and ice. Check our Getting Prepared page for a complete packing list.
Are fishing licenses included?
Yes. All Florida fishing licenses are covered under your charter. You’re legal to fish from the moment you step on the boat.
Do I need experience to fish for Tarpon?
Not at all. We teach you everything: how to spot fish, proper casting techniques, hookset timing, and fighting strategies. Tarpon are challenging but incredibly rewarding. We adjust tactics based on your skill level.
What’s the best time of day for Tarpon fishing?
It depends on tides and season. During spring migration, bridge fishing is often best during moving tides. For backcountry juveniles, early mornings or calm afternoons are ideal. We customize departure times for optimal conditions.
Can we fish for other species on a Tarpon trip?
Absolutely. Tarpon trips can be combined with other targets like snook, permit, redfish, or barracuda. Many anglers enjoy mixed-bag trips, especially during non-peak Tarpon season.
Understanding the Silver King: Tarpon 101
What Makes Tarpon Special
Tarpon begin their lives in the sheltered backcountry waters of the Florida Keys, where mangrove roots provide protection from predators like sharks, barracudas, and birds. Juvenile Tarpon, often called Baby Tarpon, can range from 5 to 30 pounds and are known for their blistering runs and spectacular jumps.
In the early mornings or calm afternoons, these fish can be found cruising along mangrove edges, feeding on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. We often target them with light tackle soft plastics or flies for a highly visual, adrenaline-pumping experience.
Giant migratory Tarpon (80-150+ pounds) pass through Marathon from March through May, creating legendary fishing opportunities around the bridges. These fish are bucket-list material, with power and aerial displays that test even experienced anglers.
Where We Fish for Tarpon
Backcountry Mangroves
Ideal for juvenile Tarpon. Sight-casting opportunities in calmer, protected waters. Perfect for learning techniques and experiencing explosive strikes on light tackle. These fish jump just as high as their bigger cousins.
Bridges & Channels
Bahia Honda, Seven Mile, and Long Key bridges are legendary Tarpon spots during the spring migration. Large schools stage near the bridges, feeding on baitfish pushed through by current. This is where you target giant fish.
Flats & Bays
Sight-fishing for rolling Tarpon in shallow crystal-clear water. Watch them cruise, make your cast, and see the entire strike unfold. Visual fishing at its finest.
See the Action: Tarpon Fishing Video Gallery
- Tarpon fishing at Bahia Honda Bridge
- Tarpon fly fishing
- Florida Keys Everglades tarpon fishing
- Tarpon vs. Child
- Light tackle tarpon action in the Florida Keys
Book Your Marathon Tarpon Trip Today!
The spring Tarpon migration (March through May) is the most sought-after fishing experience in the Florida Keys. Spots fill quickly during prime season.
Juvenile Tarpon are available year-round for those seeking action outside peak season. Both offer incredible fights and memories that last forever.
Call or Text: (786) 508-2483
Email Us
Visit our Booking & Reservation Page for pricing and availability.
Check out our Getting Prepared page to learn what to bring on your trip.
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