Sint Maarten · Sint Maarten Coast
TARPON FISHING
IN SIMPSON BAY
Simpson Bay 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 Simpson Bay
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 — Simpson Bay
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Simpson Bay, SX.
How to Catch Tarpon in Simpson Bay
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 Simpson Bay
Top spots where local captains target tarpon and other inshore species.
Simpson Bay Lagoon
Simpson Bay Lagoon is the largest enclosed body of water in Sint Maarten, offering sheltered inshore fishing for tarpon, bonefish, barracuda, and mangrove snapper along its mangrove-lined shores. The lagoon's multiple channels and tidal flows create current seams where predators ambush baitfish throughout the day.
Simpson Bay Bridge
The drawbridge connecting Simpson Bay to the lagoon creates a powerful tidal funnel that concentrates tarpon, jacks, and barracuda during each bridge opening and tidal change. The bridge pilings hold large schools of mangrove snapper and provide structure for ambush predators day and night.
Mullet Bay Flats
The sandy flats extending from Mullet Bay hold bonefish, permit, and juvenile barracuda over turtle grass and sand in wading depth. The flats flood on incoming tides, bringing gamefish within sight-casting range of wading anglers. Calm mornings provide the best visibility for spotting fish.
Cole Bay Mangroves
The mangrove shoreline along Cole Bay inside Simpson Bay Lagoon provides sheltered habitat for tarpon, snook, and mangrove snapper. The mangrove roots and overhanging branches create ambush points where predators wait for baitfish swept along by tidal current. Kayak fishing through the mangrove edges is highly productive.
Other Species in Simpson Bay
More fish you can target while visiting Simpson Bay.
Tarpon Fishing in Simpson Bay — FAQ
The peak months for Tarpon fishing in Simpson Bay are June, July, August, September. During these months, Tarpon are most active and abundant in the Simpson Bay area.
Tarpon fishing charters in Simpson Bay 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 Simpson Bay, 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 Simpson Bay, you may also catch Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Caribbean Red Snapper, Wahoo, Amberjack. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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