Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing – Marathon, Florida

The Ultimate Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing Experience

When most people think of the Florida Keys, they picture warm tropical breezes, breathtaking sunsets, and endless stretches of blue water. 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.

Best Time to Fish for Tarpon in the Florida Keys

-Prime Season: March – May 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.

-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.

How We Catch Tarpon

We tailor every Tarpon trip to the conditions, the angler’s skill level, and the type of 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 weights for juveniles. Our favorite flies mimic shrimp, crabs, and baitfish.

Tarpon Fishing 101 – Understanding the “Silver King”

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.

Where We Fish for Tarpon

-Backcountry Mangroves – Ideal for juvenile Tarpon, with sight-casting opportunities and calmer waters.

-Bridges & Channels – Bahia Honda, Seven Mile, and Long Key bridges are legendary Tarpon spots during the spring migration.

-Flats & Bays – Sight-fishing for rolling Tarpon in shallow crystal-clear water.

Our Tarpon Fishing Boats

-23′ Center Console – Perfect for bridge fishing and live bait trips. Accommodates 1–4 anglers (only 2 rods fishing at a time). Departs from our docks at Island Fish Company Restaurant in Marathon, FL.

-18′ Flats Skiff – Ideal for sight-fishing with artificial lures or flies. Holds 1–2 anglers, launched at various locations depending on fish activity.

Booking Your Tarpon Charter

Tarpon trips are available in 4, 6, or 8-hour durations, with departure times customized for the best tides and bite windows. Rates and reservations can be found on our Booking & Reservation Page.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing a bucket-list fish or a beginner ready for an unforgettable adventure, our Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing trips will put you in the heart of the action with one of the ocean’s most incredible gamefish.