Sint Maarten · Sint Maarten Coast
TARPON FISHING
IN PHILIPSBURG
Philipsburg 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 Philipsburg
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 — Philipsburg
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Philipsburg, SX.
How to Catch Tarpon in Philipsburg
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 Philipsburg
Top spots where local captains target tarpon and other inshore species.
Great Bay
Great Bay fronting Philipsburg is the primary harbor of Sint Maarten, where tarpon, barracuda, and jacks patrol the cruise ship docks, seawalls, and channel edges. Baitfish concentrate around the harbor pilings and draw predators within casting distance of the boardwalk, especially during early morning before cruise ship activity.
Great Salt Pond
Great Salt Pond is a large, shallow lagoon connected to both Great Bay and Simpson Bay, creating a tidal flow that attracts bonefish, tarpon, and mangrove snapper along its mangrove-lined edges. The pond's sheltered waters provide calm inshore fishing when ocean conditions are rough.
Point Blanche Reef Edge
The shallow reef edge extending from Point Blanche on Philipsburg's eastern end holds barracuda, yellowtail snapper, and jacks over coral rubble and seagrass in wading depth. The rocky shoreline provides shore-accessible fishing with reef fish within casting distance.
Bobby's Marina Channel
The channel running through Bobby's Marina and the Philipsburg waterfront holds tarpon and large jacks that ambush baitfish flushed through the channel on tidal changes. Night fishing around marina lights produces excellent action on barracuda and snapper.
Other Species in Philipsburg
More fish you can target while visiting Philipsburg.
Tarpon Fishing in Philipsburg — FAQ
The peak months for Tarpon fishing in Philipsburg are June, July, August, September. During these months, Tarpon are most active and abundant in the Philipsburg area.
Tarpon fishing charters in Philipsburg 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 Philipsburg, your captain provides all required Sint Maarten fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Tarpon regulations in Sint Maarten 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 Philipsburg, you may also catch King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Mangrove Snapper, Wahoo. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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