The Bahamas · Southern Bahamas
TARPON FISHING
IN GREAT EXUMA
Great Exuma 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 Great Exuma
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 — Great Exuma
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Great Exuma, BS.
How to Catch Tarpon in Great Exuma
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.
Other Species in Great Exuma
More fish you can target while visiting Great Exuma.
Tarpon Fishing in Great Exuma — FAQ
The peak months for Tarpon fishing in Great Exuma are June, July, August, September. During these months, Tarpon are most active and abundant in the Great Exuma area.
Tarpon fishing charters in Great Exuma 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 Great Exuma, your captain provides all required The Bahamas fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Tarpon regulations in The Bahamas 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 Great Exuma, you may also catch Bonefish, Permit, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Barracuda. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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