Key West Tarpon Fishing

For decades, Key West tarpon fishing has been high on the list of required fishing expeditions for enthusiasts worldwide. Tarpon are a pinnacle in the hunt for big game on the open sea. Giant tarpon are the ultimate aquatic safari for big game hunters, equivalent to the Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and the World Cup. They are plentiful in the Florida Keys and draw thousands of fishermen each year.

Key West Tarpon Fishing Fun

Not much is known about tarpon in comparison to other aquatic life, because they have no food value. The Florida Marine Research Institute has been studying these amazing creatures for several years, hoping to gain more insight to the Megalops atlanticus. They are one of the few fish on earth known to have a swim bladder, which is a unique organ attached to the esophagus that allows them to actually breath from the atmosphere.

Key West Tarpon Fishing Easy to Find in Open Waters

Because of this swim bladder, tarpon are much easier for Key West tarpon fishing enthusiasts to find on the open waters. When they roll to the surface, they are much more visible to anglers hoping to catch one. Adult tarpon can range anywhere from 10 lbs in upwards of 60 to even 100 lbs or more! They are considered trophy fish to avid fishermen all over the world.

Key West Tarpon Fishing Summer Season

There are countless places and methods to fish for summer tarpon, which is why Key West tarpon fishing is such a diverse sport. Tarpon can be found in a channel, dredge hole, river mouth, bridge, deep flat, oyster bar, docks, or just about anywhere. They are migratory fish, and have a huge appetite for crab, which is why they often stick to shallow areas.

Key West Tarpon Fishing in the Bay

No single spot consistently holds more tarpon in the bay than under bridges. During big tides of new and full moons, drifting live sardines and herrings through the pilings create a great atmosphere for tarpon fishing. An experienced tarpon fishing guide will be able to help you determine where the best spots are for Key West tarpon fishing.

Key West Tarpon Fishing Year Round

Regardless of their lack of food use, tarpon fishing is a huge recreational sport for fishermen. The excitement of reeling in a huge fish such as the tarpon, with their intense airborne acrobatics and beautiful shiny silver bodies, is an experience that can last a lifetime. Key West tarpon fishing is now, and will remain for years to come, one of the worlds premier hot spots for fantastic tarpon fishing year round.