Saint-Martin · Saint-Martin Coast
TARPON FISHING
IN MARIGOT
Marigot is an outstanding destination for tarpon fishing, with peak season in June, July, August and good catches in April, May, October. Book a charter and target tarpon with local experts.
About Tarpon Fishing in Marigot
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 — Marigot
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Marigot, MF.
How to Catch Tarpon in Marigot
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 Marigot
Top spots where local captains target tarpon and other inshore species.
Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is the main harbor of French Saint-Martin, where tarpon, barracuda, and jacks patrol the waterfront docks, ferry terminals, and channel edges. The bay's sheltered waters hold baitfish around structure, attracting predators that can be targeted with light tackle from the boardwalk or small boats.
Sandy Ground Lagoon
Sandy Ground Lagoon (Étang de la Baie Nettlé) is a large tidal lagoon south of Marigot that holds tarpon, bonefish, and mangrove snapper along its mangrove edges and seagrass flats. The lagoon connects to Simpson Bay Lagoon through a narrow channel, creating tidal flows that concentrate fish.
Baie Nettlé Flats
The shallow flats along Baie Nettlé (Nettle Bay) offer sight-fishing for bonefish and permit over turtle grass and sandy bottom. The flats are protected from trade winds by the bay's orientation and provide calm conditions for wade fishing and kayak-based light-tackle angling.
Fort Louis Shoreline
The rocky shoreline below Fort Louis in Marigot drops into deeper harbor water where mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, and jacks hold along the rocks and historic fortification structure. Shore fishing from the rocks at dawn and dusk produces consistent action on light tackle.
Other Species in Marigot
More fish you can target while visiting Marigot.
Tarpon Fishing in Marigot — FAQ
The peak months for Tarpon fishing in Marigot are June, July, August, September. During these months, Tarpon are most active and abundant in the Marigot area.
Tarpon fishing charters in Marigot 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 Marigot, your captain provides all required Saint-Martin fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Tarpon regulations in Saint-Martin 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 Marigot, you may also catch Yellowfin Tuna, Mangrove Snapper, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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