Florida · Keys
TARPON FISHING
IN MARATHON
Marathon 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 Marathon
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 — Marathon
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Marathon, FL.
How to Catch Tarpon in Marathon
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 Marathon
Top spots where local captains target tarpon and other inshore species.
Seven Mile Bridge
The historic Seven Mile Bridge connects Marathon to the Lower Keys and is one of the most famous fishing bridges in the world. Tarpon, permit, barracuda, and mangrove snapper congregate around the old bridge pilings during tidal changes. The bridge channel is a major tarpon migration corridor from April through July, with fish exceeding 100 pounds.
Boot Key Harbor
Boot Key Harbor is a large, protected harbor on the south side of Marathon offering sheltered inshore fishing for snook, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, and tarpon. The harbor's docks, channel markers, and mooring balls provide structure that concentrates gamefish. Night fishing under the harbor lights produces consistent snapper and tarpon action.
Vaca Cut
Vaca Cut is a deep channel between Vaca Key and Fat Deer Key in the heart of Marathon, funneling strong tidal currents that attract tarpon, snook, and barracuda. The cut is narrow enough to cast across during outgoing tides when bait gets swept through the channel. Mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper hold along the bridge pilings year-round.
Marathon Bayside Flats
The shallow flats on the Gulf side of Marathon stretch across expansive turtle grass beds toward the Content Keys and Nine Mile Bank. Permit, bonefish, and barracuda cruise the flats in skinny water, with guides poling skiffs for sight-fishing on calm mornings. The flats are less pressured than the Islamorada backcountry and offer excellent year-round fishing.
Other Species in Marathon
More fish you can target while visiting Marathon.
Tarpon Fishing in Marathon — FAQ
The peak months for Tarpon fishing in Marathon are April, May, June, July. During these months, Tarpon are most active and abundant in the Marathon area.
Tarpon fishing charters in Marathon 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 Marathon, 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 Marathon, 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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