1. Tarpon 101 – Meet the Silver King

Scientific Name: Megalops atlanticus

Maximum Size: Up to 8 feet long and 280 lbs.

Average Size in the Keys: 50–150 lbs., with giants over 200 lbs. during migration.

Lifespan: Over 50 years; one tagged fish reached 63 years.

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea.

Unique Traits:

-Able to gulp air at the surface thanks to a modified swim bladder acting like a lung—allowing survival in oxygen-poor waters.

-Start life as tiny, transparent ribbon-like larvae drifting in ocean currents before growing into juveniles and eventually full-size adults.

-Nicknamed “Silver King” for their metallic scales that shine brilliantly in sunlight.

2. Fascinating Tarpon Facts

(Sourced from FWC & Florida Oceanographic Society)

-Tarpon are strictly recreational in Florida—commercial harvest is prohibited.

-They can survive in both saltwater and brackish backcountry waters.

-Tarpon are ancient fish, existing for at least 100 million years.

-Their eyes have a special reflective layer for improved low-light vision, aiding night feeding.

-Tarpon can migrate hundreds of miles—some tagged in Florida have been recaptured as far as Louisiana and Mexico.

-When hooked, Tarpon often jump up to 10 feet out of the water in a series of explosive leaps.

3. Seasons & Migration Patterns

Year-Round: Juvenile Tarpon (10–40 lbs.) can be found in warm backcountry creeks, bays, and mangrove shorelines.

Spring Migration (March–June): Peak season for giant adult Tarpon (80–200+ lbs.) moving through the Keys. Schools gather in channels, bridges, and flats.

Summer: Post-spawn fish linger around channels and flats in smaller numbers.

Fall/Winter: Juveniles dominate, especially in sheltered, warmer waters.

4. Best Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing Spots

-Bahia Honda Bridge: World-famous for massive numbers of fish in May and June.

-Seven Mile Bridge: Consistent action during migration, especially at sunrise and sunset.

-Backcountry Mangrove Creeks: Perfect for juveniles and light tackle enthusiasts.

-Gulf & Ocean Channels: Hotspots like Long Key and Moser Channel hold migrating giants.

5. Gear & Tackle for Tarpon Fishing

Light Tackle Spinning

-Rod: 7–8 ft medium-heavy spinning rod.

-Reel: 5000–8000 size Shimano Saragosa, Penn Slammer, or similar.

-Line: 30–50 lb braided main line.

-Leader: 40–80 lb fluorocarbon leader.

-Bait: Live mullet, pilchards, pinfish, small blue crabs.

Fly Fishing

-Rod: 10–12 weight saltwater fly rod.

-Reel: Large arbor with smooth drag.

-Line: Floating or intermediate fly line.

-Leader/Tippet: 60–80 lb shock tippet with 16–20 lb class tippet.

-Flies: Tarpon Toad, Black Death, Cockroach, Gurgler.

6. Proven Tarpon Fishing Techniques

-Live Bait Drift: Free-line a crab or mullet in the bridge/channel current.

  1. Sight Casting: Spot rolling fish on calm mornings and cast ahead of them.

  2. Chumming: Use cut bait to keep fish near the boat in deeper water.

  3. Fly Fishing: Present flies 3–5 feet ahead of a moving Tarpon with slow, steady strips.

Pro Tip: When a Tarpon jumps, “Bow to the King” by lowering your rod tip toward the fish to avoid breaking the line.

7. Conservation & Regulations (FWC Rules)

-Catch-and-release only—keeping a Tarpon is illegal without a $50 state-issued trophy tag (one per person per year, used only for record pursuits).

-Over 40 inches: Must remain in the water for release.

-Handling: Use wet hands, never lift by the jaw, support horizontally, keep gills submerged.

-Reviving Fish: Hold facing into the current until they swim off strongly.

-Use barbless hooks when possible to reduce injury.

8. Why the Florida Keys is Tarpon Heaven

The Keys offer everything Tarpon need:

-Warm, clear water for sight fishing.

-Bridges and channels as natural migration funnels.

-Backcountry mangroves for juveniles.

-A year-round population with a spring migration spectacle unmatched anywhere else.

Book Your Florida Keys Tarpon Fishing Adventure

If the idea of battling a 150-pound leaping silver missile makes your heart race, it’s time to book your trip. Captain Rich Smith and Angling Adventures specialize in putting anglers on Tarpon in the waters around Marathon, Florida.

📅 Peak Season: March–June

📍 Location: Marathon, Florida Keys

🌐 Book Your Trip Now