Key West tarpon fishing is done mainly in the harbor and channels surrounding Key West. Every Spring and Summer, tarpon migrate to Key West in huge numbers and congregate in Key West Harbor. This is really a great thing for anglers who want to try and hook the Silver king. It allows easy access to the tarpon in rough windy weather. Boats don’t have to drive way offshore to target tarpon, so it’s an easy, comfortable trip.
Key West tarpon guides use flats boats or light tackle boats, out of several different areas of Key West. They’ll run to the harbor or nearby channels or to the back country and set up shop for heavy fishing action. Tarpon tend to like low light, so early morning, evening or night are the best time to fish for them. You get the added benefit of avoiding the times of day when the sun is at its strongest, as well.
For those of you who are new to Key West tarpon fishing but who have tried tarpon fishing in other areas, here are a few tidbits of information that you may not know. The season in Key West is longer than other areas of the Florida Keys. That’s because there are resident tarpon in Key West, who never leave for the colder seasons. They stay year round, although these resident tarpon are harder to catch since they’re used to anglers.
Tarpon get very very big! It’s very common to catch Tarpon from 180 to 20o pounds. They aren’t good eating, so it’s purely catch -n-release. And what a catch! You won’t believe it until you try it. Again, one of the great things about Key West tarpon fishing is that you get to experience hooking and reeling in a huge sport fish, right next to Key West without having to go offshore like you do for say, marlin, tuna, etc.
Fish for them with pinfish, mullet, or shrimp boat trash. Guides will get large bags of by-catch from shrimp boats then use it for chum and bait to get tarpon.