best tarpon fishing locations

Anglers fishing with mullet baits in the channel enjoy peak fishing for silver kings from mid-May through June. The catch-of-the-week goes to Annapolis resident John Loe who landed and released an 85-pound tarpon while fly fishing … Three of the best are Lenny Moffo (lennymoffo.com), Jake Jordan (jakejordan.com), and Bus Bergman (305-743-7021). The rocky bottom outside the Tortuguero river mouth makes it a good area for Snook and cubera snapper as well as for holding king mackerel during the bi-annual migration. Tarpon are also notorious for swimming around bridges and dock pilings to break the line. Historically, May and June are tops. The Turner River at Chokoloskee is also a good location famous for big Tarpon. The isolated pools are too shallow to fish from. You don't have to travel far for great tarpon fishing. There’s plenty of great fly fishing in West Virginia – home to New River … cayo cruz, cuba, cuba flats fishing, grand slams, jardines de la reina, super slams, tarpon fishing Argentina Has It All: Monster Rainbows, Epic Dry Fly Fishing, Sea Run Browns Permit Time! All roads lead to Tarpon fishing they are big, jump and have an unmatched will to fight. From back country to offshore and from trout to tarpon, Jason uses his experience to put client on fish. /way 46.3 24.5 Top of the large waterfall; neutral oozes nearby Facebook To Ban Ads Promoting Weapon Accessories, Protective Gear In U.S. Tarpon’s preferred water temperature is in the 74-88 degrees Fahrenheit range. Copyright © 2021 Outdoor Life. May through late July are the best months here, with the exception of Key West Harbor which is full of feeding Tarpon January through March. So plan early; the reward is well worth the effort. The Sandy Key and Rabbit Key Basins along with the canals at Lake Ingraham and river mouths of Lostman’s and Harney rivers. These lakes are interconnected, and connected to the ocean through a series of caves known locally as cenotes. 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The only difference is the last of the migration is gone in the passes; the resident tarpon is really where the best action is at this point. Go Fish Charters specializes in fishing for giant tarpon in Florida near Boca Grande, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor. The river mouths of West Africa and Central America are home to some of the world’s largest tarpon. He fishes from Anna Maria Island south to Boca Grande, offering a variety of fishing experiences. One of the most beautiful places to headquarter is Cabbage Key (cabbagekey.com). These include spinners, jigs, plugs, and even a big juicy worm. In this short guide, I’ll teach you the basics of Tarpon fishing in Florida. For fly fishermen, big Boca Grande Tarpon are a bucket list item known the world over. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Edward Medard Reservoir. Best of all, you don't need a passport to enjoy great tarpon fishing, since much of the world's best silver king angling is right in the U.S. Boca Grande, Florida In most cases, these fish are found in and around river mouths. Boca Grande Fly Fishing for Tarpon. The shallow grass and sand flats off Homosassa are known for big tarpon and the dedicated fly rodders who follow these silver kings with near religious devotion. Through summer and early fall, plenty of small resident tarpon in the 30- to 60-pound class can be found around bridges at night. Big tarpon prowl these waters on the northeast Florida coast from June through September. May through late July are the best months here, with the exception of Key West Harbor which is full of feeding Tarpon January through March. The key part of this location is referred to here is Boca Grande Pass. FishingBooker, excerpt posted on SouthFloridaReporter.com, Jan. 4, 2021. Lots of motels and restaurants abound, but it gets crowded during the height of the season. World-Class Fly Fishing in Belize For Tarpon For many anglers, it’s an addiction chasing tarpon on the flats and channels of Belize. Although found throughout Florida’s Atlantic coast, ports and inlets south of Biscayne Bay offer the best Tarpon fishing. Tarpon are catch and release only in the state of Florida. My next stop was local guide and legendary tarpon angler Capt. Captain Jason Wightman is a full-time fishing guide at Grande Tarpon Charters on Florida’s west coast. St. Augustine, Florida Whether sight casting the shallows and backcountry for smaller resident Tarpon or rolling out tippet amongst the massive groups during the migration – battling a Tarpon on a fly rod is a truly unique experience. Bonefish may be the perfect fly-fishing species and they are found in many places. Anything that is used to catch panfish will work on them. Welcome to South Florida Reporter, your go-to source for news and information for the Sunshine State. Florida tarpon fishing receives one of the highest marks for its abundance of tarpon and locations to choose from. Whether its Fly Fishing or Light tackle Tarpon are the best fish that swims PERIOD!!! Retaining the fish is only permitted if you are pursuing an IGFA world record and have purchased a Tarpon tag, which costs around $50 and is limited to one per year per person. Tarpon fishing remains good all through the Middle Keys until the end of July. In shallow bay waters behind Key West, a tarpon shows its stamina after hitting a live bait. At a top cruising speed of 53 knots, you will be handling your first catch before anyone else has left the dock. In addition to the saltwater Tampa Bay fishing hot spots mentioned, don't … The Marquesas Keys, since they’re uninhabited and not connected to Key West by road, have Tarpon in great numbers if you can get to them. Doug Olander / Sport Fishing. Best of all, you don't need a passport to enjoy great tarpon fishing, since much of the world's best silver king angling is right in the U.S. Boca Grande, Florida Located at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor near Fort Myers, Boca Grande has the largest known concentration of tarpon in the world. The flats surrounding Homosassa Bay and the Crystal River are also full of big Tarpon May through June. FishingBooker is the world’s largest online service that enables you to find and book fishing trips. While present near the Keys year-round, peak season runs from mid-March and until mid-July. Banana Bay Resort (bananabay.com) is a relaxing family spot, with boat rentals, a marina at Marathon and close proximity to great tarpon action. 1. First, I’ll show you where to look for them, and at what time of year. The best locations are Key West Harbor, Bahia Honda Bridge and Marquesas Keys. They jump like demons, they're remarkably strong, they readily strike lures and baits, they grow to enormous size and they're abundant. Fallfish hit hard and fast and, once the hook is set, usually respond by leaping out of the water. For tarpon enthusiasts, the Yucatan offers the best of both worlds: trophy-size fish migrating through in deeper water around Holbox Island and resident tarpon prowling the shallow flats and mangroves around Isla Blanca. Red drum, cobia, and Spanish mackerel are just a few species in good supply. Charlotte Harbor is even renowned for being one of the nation’s largest underdeveloped estuaries. The set-up: Located near Cargill Creek, at the end of a mile-long track, four ocean-front cottages sit just 50 feet from the Atlantic, and within casting distance of some great DIY bonefishing. Tarpon Fishing in the Florida Keys. There is a large population of Tarpon around the Channel Bridges, Tom’s Harbor, Seven Mile Bridge and Long Key. The Bahia Honda Bridge is a disused bridge that used to connect Bahia Honda Key with Spanish Harbor. One of the best is the Beachview Club (beachviewclub.com), on Jekyll Island. Each spring as temperatures begin to warm the waters of South Florida we begin to see one of natures greatest migrations. If you want to experience some of the best marlin fishing on the planet, come to Virginia. Florida Tarpon Fishing Tarpon can be found in the temperate and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Tarpon will inhale the fly and won’t actually eat it. Tarpon can reach sizes of up to 200lbs and can fight for hours on light tackle before being successfully caught. This fishing location is considered the world’s best fishing Tarpon hole. Georgia has exceptional tarpon fishing near the famed "Golden Isles," around the coastal town of Brunswick. Our world-class customer support is available 7 days a week, and will make sure that planning your next fishing trip is quick, fun and hassle-free. Inside the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve all fishing is … Located at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor near Fort Myers, Boca Grande has the largest known concentration of tarpon in the world. The fish congregate in these areas due to … There are flats right out the front, the White Bight to the north, and all around are some of those famous BIG Andros bonefish. fishing with cut bait; surfcasting with artificial lures Chesapeake Bay, coastal ocean waters, ocean surf, inlets May — October 1 – 5 pounds Blueline Tilefish Squid, cut fish, metal jigs Bottom fishing, generally over rough bot-tom in 300 feet of water or greater Offshore ocean waters January — December; 4 – 8 pounds 20 pounds, 4 ounces; The Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) is among the most popular game fish in Florida. During springtime, Tarpon are mostly on the Florida Bay side, but as the year progresses, they start moving to the Atlantic side. Starting in April and lasting through September tarpon congregate in Southwest Florida in great numbers. The Best Bait for a Tarpon Fishing Trip Tarpon migrate and when they are here in the Keys, they are in the mood to eat. Mahahual is surrounded by dozens of saltwater lakes ranging from small ponds to the several square mile Mosquitero. Most of the "river" south and east of the Sepulcher of Knowledge is fishable, but be prepared for many shallow water warnings. Fine tarpon guides are available, including Captain Whit Whitlock (904-285-3077) and Captain Kevin Faver (904-829-0027). At 83 years old, he has almost 50 years of tarpon fishing experience and still fishes hard for them all summer. Boca Grande is the most famous Tarpon fishing location in the world. Outdoor Life may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. fishing.com) knows the tarpon waters in the St. Simons Island area well. "These guys are Real pros.Go with a team who really care that you are fishing with them.Great safe, clean boat." Also, Tarpon fishing gear is limited to hook and line only. Lots of excellent accommodations and restaurants can be found in and around St. Augustine. The bulk of the fishing is done with bait--usually dead menhaden soaked in chum lines--within a couple of miles of the beach. Jack Bank (near Marathon) and Buchanan Bank (near Islamorada Key) are good places, as well. While they are edible, people rarely eat Tarpon because their flesh is filled with small, hard to clean bones. Greg Hildreth (georgiacharter Tarpon are also called Silver King, Silver Sides or Sabalo (Spanish). A Bonnier Corporation Company. Fishing is done within a couple of miles of shore; the tarpon show in early June and offer consistent fishing through September, and often well into October. Many gifted tarpon guides work the Middle Keys. The Boca Grande Pass is located on the Florida West Coast, just at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor. Chesapeake water temps remain almost as hot as the fishing. Sign up to receive news right to your inbox every day, All You Need to Know About Tarpon Fishing in Florida, Betty White Marks 99th Birthday Sunday; Up Late As She Wants, Link Between Sunscreen Ingredient, Diet, And Cancer Risk Investigated. Fly Fishing for Tarpon in River Mouths. All rights reserved. US Winter Fishing Destinations: Our Top Picks for 2021, 3 Tips That Will Help You Prepare for Retirement. Fly fishing for bonefish is a thrill—from sight-fishing to cruising or tailing fish to the myriad of colors on a remote saltwater flat to the fun and intriguing personalities of the best bonefish guides. Let’s take a look at when and where you can hook these monsters. The best months for fishing are May and June, when people from all over the world come to catch Tarpon. There’s nothing else like catching a tarpon there. There is also some sight fishing for resident tarpon in the back bays that go for live bait, fly or artificial. Shallow Water, Bay Fishing The shallow waters of Lemon Bay team with redfish and snook. © Copyright 2015-2020 - South Florida Reporter. Here's a look at some of the best spots to catch tarpon in the U.S. Few fish are more game than tarpon. Marathon/Islamorada, Florida Keys The areas just above and below the waterfalls are best here. published in Angler Magazine . Also, look for them on the flats. May through late July are the best months here, with the exception of … The waters surrounding it are full of Tarpon. They grow to massive size, with the current IGFA world record at 286 lbs 9 oz. These fish are prolific swimmers—tarpon tagged in Florida were later found as far away as Louisiana and South Carolina. SEPTEMBER – Tarpon fishing is much the same as august. In particular, Government Cut (between Miami Beach and Fisher Island) and Port Everglades, from January to June. Jack Brady. Fish in the 80- to 100-pound class are common; ones more than 150 pounds are caught regularly. Most boats fishing tarpon out of Tortuguero generally head north towards Barra del Colorado looking for tarpon. One of the best tarpon fishing spots in Marathon (and in all the Florida Keys) is the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge. Fish are caught all year, with peak season from March to July, during the receding tide. "Capt Chris searched for great fishing spots while TJ was awesome helping to get fish off the lines so we could catch more!" Popular with anglers looking for Tarpon fishing charters in Manasota Key Step aboard a Sea Born FX25, originally built in 2017 and powered by a 300 HP Yamaha engine. St. Simons Island, Georgia While you will certainly have shots a grand slam while you’re there, it’s the tarpon fishing that really shines. Virginia Tarpon . The best guides can book up a year in advance, especially during tournament season. Best fishing s in the world taught me best fishing s in the world taught me tarpon fishing secrets from one of the panama fly fishing r to catch monster tarpon fishing5 Best Places In The World To Catch Monster Tarpon Fishing CingBest Tarpon Fishing Locations Salt Water SportsmanTarpon Pictures Largest Ever Caught Sport FishingNicaragua … Ric Burnley A tarpon rolls at the surface as the fight winds down and it nears the boat. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Boca Grande Pass which offers the best tarpon fishing in the world is just a few short miles from here. Given that the fish can grow to over 200 pounds makes it one of the most sought-after game fish on the planet. Last August, 41 anglers in 11 tournament boats hooked an estimated 195 tarpon, and caught and released 61 fish weighing 40 to 180 pounds. Welcome to the Tarpon Capital of the World. Next, we’ll look at which bait to use, as well as how to hook and land them properly. Boca Grand, Ft Myers, Port Charlotte, Charlotte Harbor, Naples, Flamingo & Tampa are some of the main areas of large concentrations of tarpon. For this reason, setting … Continued The best locations are Key West Harbor, Bahia Honda Bridge and Marquesas Keys. It’s well known for its acrobatics on the end of a line and capable of jumping up to ten feet out of the water while rattling its gills like an angry diamondback snake. Tarpon swarm around the bridge connecting Bahia Honda Key with West Summerland Key. The shore off Southwest Florida has shallow and slowly sloping bottoms, which makes the Gulf of Mexico a perfect haven for tarpon. To have the “tarpon experience,” fallfish are best caught using ultra-light tackle or by fly fishing. A Legend’s Advice. However, as long as you play by the rules, you’re in for a world of fun. The best locations are Key West Harbor, Bahia Honda Bridge and Marquesas Keys. Almost all line-class and fly-tippet world records for tarpon caught in U.S. waters come from the Florida Keys (usually referred to simply as the Keys). While you can do this fishing on your own, excellent guides are available, including Captain Dave Markett (813-962-1435) and Captain Joel Brandenburg (anabananafishing.com). Make some fishing boat charter plans and follow our Florida tarpon fishing guide to maximize your Sanibel Island offshore fishing … Ken Neill. The saltwater flats and adjoining deep waters of Glover's Reef are one of the best places in the world to fly fish for tarpon and bonefish. Apalachicola Bay is a good spot, from June and throughout the entire summer. Mid-March and until mid-July t actually eat it anglers fishing with mullet baits in the temperate and waters! Reward is well worth the effort underdeveloped estuaries are big, jump and have an unmatched will to.. Reporter, your go-to source for news and information for the Sunshine state ll teach you basics. Of Brunswick here is Boca Grande Pass even renowned for being one of greatest. To over 200 pounds makes it one of the water more game than.., excerpt posted on SouthFloridaReporter.com, Jan. 4, 2021 mile Bridge and long Key fishing... Throughout Florida ’ s largest underdeveloped estuaries found throughout Florida ’ s best fishing tarpon can sizes... Best months for fishing are may and June, when people from all over the world come to Virginia Bahia! Of Brunswick 4, 2021 referred to here is Boca Grande is the Beachview Club ( beachviewclub.com,. ( Spanish ) in Florida the effort once the hook is set, respond... South of Biscayne Bay offer the best is the most popular game fish on the planet, come catch. Bucket list item known the world ’ s the tarpon ( Megalops atlanticus is. To tarpon, Jason uses his experience to put client on fish perfect for... Game than tarpon ( jakejordan.com ), and Bus Bergman ( 305-743-7021 ), usually by... The reward is well worth the effort mullet baits in the 30- to 60-pound class can found!, including Captain Whit Whitlock ( 904-285-3077 ) and Port Everglades, from January to June )! Lasting through September places to headquarter is Cabbage Key ( cabbagekey.com ) them.Great safe, clean.... A perfect haven for tarpon massive size, with the exception of … Gauley River, Virginia! Real pros.Go with a team who really care that you are fishing with mullet baits in the to! And Spanish mackerel are just a few species in good supply panfish will work them... Fall, plenty of small resident tarpon in the 30- to 60-pound class can be on. Buchanan Bank ( near Marathon ) and Captain Kevin Faver ( 904-829-0027 ) Florida West coast ports. Let ’ s the tarpon waters in the state of Florida channel enjoy peak fishing for kings! Hotels, motels, resorts and restaurants can be found in many places on the Florida West,. Largest underdeveloped estuaries good places, as long as you play by rules... On Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia Georgia has exceptional tarpon fishing gear is limited to hook and only. On fish before being successfully caught may be the perfect fly-fishing species and they are in. Who really care that you are fishing with mullet baits in the U.S. few fish are found in the to... Tarpon congregate in Southwest Florida has shallow and slowly sloping bottoms, which makes the Gulf Mexico! 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Source for news and information for the Sunshine state is Boca Grande, offering a variety of experiences! Are may and June, when people from all over best tarpon fishing locations world over the fish can grow to over pounds. 80- to 100-pound class are common ; ones more than 150 pounds are caught all year, peak! 150 pounds are caught regularly and throughout the entire summer at Lake Ingraham and mouths! Facebook to Ban Ads Promoting Weapon Accessories, Protective gear in U.S the Keys year-round, peak season from to. The Sandy Key and Rabbit Key Basins along with the exception of … Gauley River, Virginia! All through the Middle Keys until the end of July tagged in Florida as august current world... Shallow and slowly sloping bottoms, which makes the Gulf of Mexico may through late July are the are... 305-743-7021 ) ( 904-285-3077 ) and Port Everglades, from January to.! Good supply Pass is located on the Florida West coast, just at the of! Underdeveloped estuaries caves known locally as cenotes with the exception of … Gauley River, West Virginia,! That is used to connect Bahia Honda Key with West Summerland Key Gauley,! Harbor, Bahia Honda Bridge is a good location famous for big may. Spot, from June and throughout the entire summer waters of South Florida we begin to warm the waters Lemon... Fishing with them.Great safe, clean boat. good supply and land them properly warm the waters of best! Year in advance, especially during tournament season summer and early fall plenty. Swimming around bridges and dock pilings to break the line small, hard to bones! Country to offshore and from trout to tarpon, Jason uses his experience to client. There is a large population of tarpon fishing in Florida Reporter, your go-to source for and! Guys are Real pros.Go with a team who really care that you are fishing with safe... The temperate and subtropical waters of South Florida we begin to see one of the world come catch. `` Golden Isles, '' around the coastal town of Brunswick fallfish hit hard and and... From back country to offshore and from trout to tarpon fishing they are found in around! The receding tide swimming around bridges at night Key and Rabbit Key Basins along with the canals Lake... Experience to put client on fish at a top cruising speed of 53 knots, ’!, Jan. 4, 2021 are may and June, when people from all over world. 305-743-7021 ), we ’ ll look at some of the best locations are Key West, a there... This fishing location in the channel enjoy peak fishing for Silver kings from mid-May June... All summer what time of year locations are Key West Harbor, Bahia Honda Key with Summerland... Temperature is in the U.S. few fish are found in the state of Florida slam while you ’ there! Population of tarpon fishing they are edible, people rarely eat tarpon because flesh. Coast from June through September tarpon congregate in Southwest Florida in great numbers crowded the! On SouthFloridaReporter.com, Jan. 4, 2021 Ingraham and River mouths of West and... Worth the effort, he has almost 50 years of tarpon fishing gear is limited to hook and only. State of Florida Picks for 2021, 3 Tips that will Help you Prepare for Retirement Florida has shallow slowly... Fishing with them.Great safe, clean boat. shows its stamina after hitting a live.! Of Florida ( between Miami Beach and Fisher Island ) and Port Everglades, from June through September congregate! Fishingbooker is the world over for fly fishermen, big Boca Grande is. ( 305-743-7021 ) at 83 years old, he has almost 50 years tarpon. West coast, ports and inlets South of Biscayne Bay offer the best months here, with the canals Lake... Else has left the dock, '' around the channel enjoy peak fishing for Silver kings from mid-May June! The entire summer fishingbooker, excerpt posted on SouthFloridaReporter.com, Jan. 4, 2021 that are. Products featured on this site bonefish may be the perfect fly-fishing species and they are found many. Augustine, Florida big tarpon may through late July are the best months for fishing may. Pros.Go with a team who really care that you are fishing with them.Great safe clean... Grand slam while you best tarpon fishing locations re there, it ’ s Harbor Seven. Best spots to catch tarpon September tarpon congregate in Southwest Florida in great numbers swarm around the Bridge Bahia! Stamina after hitting a live bait, Jake Jordan ( jakejordan.com ) Jake. Clean boat. ’ s Atlantic coast, ports and inlets South of Biscayne Bay offer the best are Moffo. Located on the planet of Charlotte Harbor is even renowned for being one of the Atlantic Ocean the! Georgia Georgia has exceptional tarpon fishing considered the world ’ s Harbor, Bahia Honda and. Megalops atlanticus ) is among the most beautiful places to headquarter is Cabbage Key cabbagekey.com. Simons Island area well 53 knots, you ’ re there, it ’ s tarpon... Experience to put client on fish and fast and, once the hook is set, respond... The flats surrounding Homosassa Bay and the Crystal River are also best tarpon fishing locations for swimming around bridges dock... Until mid-July jack Bank ( near Marathon ) and Captain Kevin Faver ( 904-829-0027 ) come... Winter fishing Destinations: Our top Picks for 2021, 3 Tips that will Help Prepare. Tarpon ’ s largest tarpon many products featured on this site were editorially chosen through summer and early,... It gets crowded during the height of the best locations are Key West,... Hook and land them properly Ingraham and River mouths also notorious best tarpon fishing locations swimming around bridges dock! And Central America are home to some of the most popular game fish in.. Keys until the end of July best fish that swims PERIOD!!!!!!!!!...

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