Florida · Keys
TARPON FISHING
IN KEY LARGO
Key Largo is an outstanding destination for tarpon fishing, with peak season in April, May, June and good catches in March, August. Book a charter and target tarpon with local experts.
About Tarpon Fishing in Key Largo
The Silver King. One of the most exciting gamefish in the world, known for spectacular aerial acrobatics.
The Silver King is arguably the most exciting gamefish in the ocean. Atlantic Tarpon are massive, silver-scaled fish that can exceed 200 lbs, with mirror-like scales the size of silver dollars. When hooked, they launch into spectacular aerial acrobatics — sometimes jumping 6-8 feet out of the water — creating the most thrilling sight in sportfishing. Their oversized, upturned mouth and prehistoric appearance (the species is 100+ million years old) make them instantly recognizable. Tarpon are catch-and-release only in most areas.
Scientific name: Megalops atlanticus
Tarpon Seasonal Calendar — Key Largo
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Key Largo, FL.
How to Catch Tarpon in Key Largo
Techniques & Bait
Live crabs (blue crabs or pass crabs) drifted in passes and channels during the spring migration is the classic technique. Live mullet, pinfish, and threadfin herring are also top baits. Artificial lures like DOA Baitbusters, large soft plastic swimbaits, and heavy jigs worked near bridges and passes at night produce trophy fish. Fly fishing for rolling tarpon on the flats using large Tarpon Toads, EP baitfish patterns, and Black Death flies (2/0-4/0 hooks) is considered the ultimate fly fishing challenge.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy spinning: 7'6" heavy rod, 6000-8000 reel, 50-65 lb braid, 60-80 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fly: 12-weight rod, large arbor reel with 200+ yards of backing. Circle hooks (5/0-7/0) are required in many areas.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Key Largo
Top spots where local captains target tarpon and other inshore species.
Blackwater Sound
Blackwater Sound is a large shallow basin on the bayside of Key Largo, featuring extensive grass flats and mangrove shoreline that hold bonefish, permit, redfish, and snook. The sound's clear water allows sight-fishing on calm days, with bonefish tailing on the flats during incoming tides. It is one of the northernmost reliable bonefish fisheries in the Florida Keys.
Dusenbury Creek
Dusenbury Creek winds through dense mangrove forest on the bayside of Key Largo, providing sheltered habitat for snook, tarpon, and juvenile gamefish. The creek's deeper holes and undercut banks hold fish on low tides when the surrounding flats drain. Small boats and kayaks excel in the creek's narrow passages where larger vessels cannot navigate.
Tarpon Basin
Tarpon Basin is a sheltered bay on the oceanside of Key Largo near mile marker 99, surrounded by mangroves and connected to the Atlantic through tidal channels. Tarpon, snook, and barracuda patrol the basin year-round, with the best tarpon action from April through July. The basin's calm waters make it an ideal spot for fly fishing and light-tackle enthusiasts.
Garden Cove
Garden Cove sits within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on the northern end of Key Largo, with mangrove-lined shorelines holding snapper, barracuda, and snook. The cove's proximity to the Atlantic and its mix of hard bottom and grass provides diverse habitat. It serves as an easily accessible inshore spot for anglers staying in the Key Largo resort area.
Other Species in Key Largo
More fish you can target while visiting Key Largo.
Tarpon Fishing in Key Largo — FAQ
The peak months for Tarpon fishing in Key Largo are April, May, June, July. During these months, Tarpon are most active and abundant in the Key Largo area.
Tarpon fishing charters in Key Largo are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live crabs (blue crabs or pass crabs) drifted in passes and channels during the spring migration is the classic technique. Live mullet, pinfish, and threadfin herring are also top baits. Artificial lures like DOA Baitbusters, large soft plastic swimbaits, and heavy jigs worked near bridges and passes at night produce trophy fish. Fly fishing for rolling tarpon on the flats using large Tarpon Toads, EP baitfish patterns, and Black Death flies (2/0-4/0 hooks) is considered the ultimate fly fishing challenge.
No — when you book a charter in Key Largo, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Tarpon regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Tarpon in Key Largo, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Mangrove Snapper, Snook. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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