Biscayne Bay Tarpon Fishing

Tarpon rank as one of the most sought-after fish among anglers, thanks to their size, explosive acrobatics, and eagerness to eat a fly. When water temperatures rise into the mid 70s and stable weather sets in, tarpon flood into South Florida, Biscayne Bay, and the Upper Florida Keys to feed before embarking on their annual migration. In spring and summer, they glide through currents, lay up in backcountry basins, slide along sand banks, and cruise the edges of ocean flats. Anglers may catch them on conventional tackle, but most seasoned fishermen insist that fly fishing offers the most rewarding challenge.

Tarpon season demands early mornings, often starting with boat rides before sunrise. Low light sparks more rolling activity, giving anglers a chance to track fish and fire off quick, accurate casts. A fly dropped directly in front of a fish and slid slowly across its path often draws a strike. As the sun rises and rolling activity slows, clear water and higher visibility create new opportunities. I will pole or anchor the skiff to intercept moving near the surface, ready to eat a fly placed just past their head and drawn across their face. Tarpon are often seen in singles, pairs, and massive schools along the outer edges of Biscayne Bay and across the Florida Keys flats. At the peak of the season, we can see hundreds of tarpon in a single day. Leading moving fish with a precise cast and sliding the fly into their path consistently produces eats.

Tackle for Tarpon Fishing

Most tarpon anglers favor 10-, 11-, or 12-weight rods matched with large, powerful reels capable of handling blistering runs. I often hand my clients an 11-weight, which balances strength with comfort for long days on the water. A weight-forward floating line covers nearly every situation, though we now lean toward clear-tip or full-clear floating lines for stealth. Flies in tan, olive, chartreuse, or patterns that mimic palolo worms all earn their place throughout the season.

Best Time for Tarpon Fishing

South Florida Tarpon Season! The best tarpon fishing in Biscayne Bay and the Upper Keys runs from early April through July, though summer still holds fish when conditions stay right. I begin my season in April in Biscayne Bay, then follow the migration through Key Largo, Tavernier, and Islamorada as late spring turns to summer. Tarpon season brings the busiest stretch of the year for guides, with most trips booked far in advance. Anglers who prepare and plan ahead stand the best chance of connecting with the fish of a lifetime.