Florida · Keys
TARPON FISHING
IN KEY WEST
Key West 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 West
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 West
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Key West, FL.
How to Catch Tarpon in Key West
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 West
Top spots where local captains target tarpon and other inshore species.
Key West Backcountry Flats
The shallow backcountry flats north of Key West encompass a maze of mangrove islands, sand flats, and turtle grass beds stretching toward the Content Keys. This is world-class sight-fishing territory for permit, bonefish, and tarpon on the incoming tide. Guides pole skiffs across crystal-clear water for some of the best flats fishing in the Lower Keys.
Fleming Key Flats
Fleming Key's expansive shallow flats on the Gulf side of Key West offer excellent sight-fishing for permit, bonefish, and juvenile tarpon. The white sand bottom provides ideal contrast for spotting tailing fish in skinny water, especially on calm mornings. These flats fish best on the higher stages of the incoming tide.
Boca Chica Channel
Boca Chica Channel funnels strong tidal currents between Boca Chica Key and Key West, attracting tarpon, barracuda, sharks, and jack crevalle. The channel edges hold mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper, and it serves as a prime tarpon migration corridor from April through July. Bridge pilings in the channel concentrate fish on every tide change.
Key West Harbor
Key West Harbor and its surrounding docks, seawalls, and channel markers offer productive fishing for tarpon, snook, mangrove snapper, and barracuda. Night fishing under the dock lights along the harbor wall is legendary for rolling tarpon between May and August. The harbor's deep channels also hold cubera snapper and goliath grouper.
Other Species in Key West
More fish you can target while visiting Key West.
Tarpon Fishing in Key West — FAQ
The peak months for Tarpon fishing in Key West are April, May, June, July. During these months, Tarpon are most active and abundant in the Key West area.
Tarpon fishing charters in Key West 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 West, 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 West, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Mangrove Snapper, Snook. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Tarpon in Key West?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your tarpon fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes