Key West Tarpon Fishing Charters

The best out of 81 charter fishing deals in Key West - enter dates to check availability

Top Tarpon Fishing in Key West

Showing top 10 charters

Angler's choice

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Meet the Captain

24 ft

up to 4

 
State licensed
 
Key West
Extended Full Day Trip
Want to get the most out of your day? This "sun up to sun down" trip will let you do exactly that. This is 10 hours for you to do whatever you want on the water. You and your guide will customize your trip to suit you. Offshore fishing early morning, Permit fishing mid-day, snorkeling the reef in the early afternoon, and finishing up with sunset Tarpon fishing. Who says you can't do it all in one day?
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Price for up to 4 people
US $1,500

Angler's choice

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Meet the Captain

30 ft

up to 6

 
State licensed
 
Stock Island
8 Hour Trip – Split Day Tarpon
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+7
This split day trip is the ideal choice to get Tarpon at the end of your line! You'll head out early in the morning for 4 hours of fishing before coming back to shore and breaking for the hottest part of the day. Just before sunset, you'll head out again for another 4 hours, maximizing your chances of hooking into the Silver King. No need to worry about gear – just bring any drinks and snacks you'd like to enjoy.
Instant Confirmation
Price for up to 4 people
US $1,600
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18 ft

up to 2

 
State licensed
 
Key West
Full Day Trip
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+4
Want full 8 hours of backcountry fishing, time on the water allows you to fish and explore further fishing areas. Plus take advantage of tide and current changes. Spend your day fishing for Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit and various other species. Crystal clear waters of the flats and backcountry of the Florida Keys enable sight fishing for your dream fish.
Price for up to 2 people
US $850

Angler's choice

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Meet the Captain

18 ft

up to 3

 
State licensed
 
Key West
6 Hour Trip (AM)
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+5
This trip takes you inshore or nearshore flats of Key West. You'll be fishing for an array of Florida's game fish. Contact the captain to see what's biting.
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Price for up to 2 people
US $849
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Meet the Captain

27 ft

up to 5

 
State licensed
 
Key West
Inshore/Offshore 3/4 Day Trip (PM)
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+8
This trip gives you the extra time sometimes making the difference from a good day to a great day. Allowing the Capt to visit different spot further from Key West that other wise would have time to reach. Also with the time you have the ability to take your time at fishing and try different techniques such as live bait or artificial lures.
Instant Confirmation
Price for up to 4 people
US $900
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Meet the Captain

18 ft

up to 2

Tarpon Full Day
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Full day of HardCore Tarpon fishing.
Price for up to 2 people
US $900

Angler's choice

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Meet the Captain

25 ft

up to 4

 
State licensed
 
Key West
8 Hour – Fishing & Sandbar
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+7
Have a great time fishing as well as relaxing on the sand. You choose how much time you want to spend on each activity and the captain will work out a plan. Families with kids will especially like this trip. You and the captain can leave the dock whenever it suits you.
Instant Confirmation
Price for up to 4 people
US $1,100

Angler's choice

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Meet the Captain

18 ft

up to 2

 
State licensed
 
Key West
Full Day Marquesas Keys Trip
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+8
A full day eight hour trip out to the Marquesas keys. Fishing the flats, channels, and nearshore patch reefs for a variety of species. A truly unique adventure.
Price for up to 2 people
US $900

Angler's choice

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19 ft

up to 2

Husband and wife hybrid trip
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This is a great trip where you get the best of both worlds! This trip we will spend half the time fishing and half the time at one of our beautiful beaches or sandbar on the more remote islands only accessible by boat
Instant Confirmation
Price for up to 2 people
US $850

Angler's choice

Listing image
Meet the Captain

30 ft

up to 6

 
Federally permitted
 
Key West
8 Hour Trip
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+8
On this charter we will be leaving the dock at 8am and coming back around 4pm. The full day charter allows us to go further and fish longer and is the best option for experienced anglers who want the best opportunity at quality fish. We will have everything you need for this charter. I would recommend bringing whatever food and drinks you would like, sunscreen (no spray), sunglasses, and appropriate clothing for the conditions.
Instant Confirmation
Price for up to 6 people
US $1,600

Recent Tarpon catches in Key West

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Tarpon Fishing in Key West

Every Floridian angler has to try Key West Tarpon fishing at least once in their lives. A vital component of the Florida Slam, the ‘Silver King’ rules the waves in the Lower Keys. Reaching mammoth sizes and featuring a prehistoric defense system, these iconic fish attract anglers to the southernmost city in continental USA in their thousands.

When to catch them

Although you can find Tarpon fish in the waters around Key West all year round, it’s the springtime that sees this fishery come alive. From March through June, most Key West Tarpon guides will be going out at least once a day to introduce anglers to these mighty beasts. If you're hoping to hook a 150lb monster in three feet of water, April and May is the best time to come. But with smaller Tarpon inhabiting the backcountry all year round, you never know when you might come across Florida's favorite inshore sport fish.

Techniques for Tarpon fishing in Key West

Saltwater fly fishing for Tarpon is very popular in Key West, especially in the flats. Most anglers use a 12-weight outfit for the Silver King with flies that imitate crustaceans—and a lot of patience. If you choose this path, you’ll likely hear the phrase ‘bow to the king,’ as you stoop forward trying to control the seemingly untamable force on the end of your line.

A slightly less challenging method for targeting Tarpon in Key West is coming aboard with 20-30lb spinning tackle and a collection of live shrimp, crabs, and pilchards. You can use this technique on the flats or in Key West Harbor.

Key West Tarpon fishing charters will often supply both fly and spinning gear, so just check the amenities section of the listing when choosing your guide.

Regulations

Tarpon is a protected species in Florida that has been catch and release only since 2013. If you really want to keep one (and are pursuing an IGFA record), you will need to possess a tarpon tag, which may be used by one person only, once a year. However, this is not recommended. Tarpon measuring over 40 inches long must be kept in the water, with smaller fish being allowed on the boat temporarily for photography, measurement, or scientific sampling.   

Tarpon
  • Size25 to 80lbs
  • Food ValueNone
  • Game QualitiesExcellent
  • HabitatsInshore, Flats, Backcountry

Key West Tarpon Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Tarpon fishing in Key West varies moderately throughout the year. High season is April to July. Low season is January to February and October to December. There is no closed season.

Key West

4.8/5
Based on 29,146 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Tarpon Fishing in Key West

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