Key West Tarpon Fishing Charters

Key West Tarpon Fishing Charters

Best Tarpon Fishing Charters in Key West

Key West: 66 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(69 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $750
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(106 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(106 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(246 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $425
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(113 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(26 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $699
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(238 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500

Tarpon Fishing in Key West

Tarpon
  • Size 25 to 80lbs
  • Food Value None
  • Game Qualities Excellent
  • Habitats Inshore, Flats, Backcountry

(Megalops atlanticus)

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.   

Key West Tarpon Fishing Seasons

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

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
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Tarpon Fishing in Key West

Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Key West Charter Fishing
Key West Charter Fishing
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.
Second Nature Charters
Second Nature Charters
Fishing for some of the other species that we would have liked to catch like Mahi, Sailfish, and Marlin would probably be better in other months. If you are looking to fish for specific species and have the flexibility to schedule your trip and any month, I would recommend just talking with Captain Maryann. She sincerely wants her clients to have great experience, is very easy to talk to and seems very kind and honest!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing for some of the other species that we would have liked to catch like Mahi, Sailfish, and Marlin would probably be better in other months. If you are looking to fish for specific species and have the flexibility to schedule your trip and any month, I would recommend just talking with Captain Maryann. She sincerely wants her clients to have great experience, is very easy to talk to and seems very kind and honest!
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
We weee here for a quick weekend with friends, so not really the better time of year for tarpon. Would probably try later in June or July if tarpon are what youโ€™re looking for.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
We weee here for a quick weekend with friends, so not really the better time of year for tarpon. Would probably try later in June or July if tarpon are what youโ€™re looking for.
Reel Easy Charters
Reel Easy Charters
Absolutely. Wonderful trip with amazing crew. Canโ€™t say thanks enoughโ€ฆ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely. Wonderful trip with amazing crew. Canโ€™t say thanks enoughโ€ฆ
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Find a captain that matches your personality. Donโ€™t go chasing the big catch. Just enjoy the trip.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Find a captain that matches your personality. Donโ€™t go chasing the big catch. Just enjoy the trip.
Jolly Roger II
Jolly Roger II
Book a full day trip. Give the captain ample time to take you to mutuple spots and show you various fishing techniques for the various species available in this area. You won't be disappointed. Lastly be sure to have one of the local restaurants cook part of your catch. There is nothing better than freshly caught fish and these restaurants do a wonderful job preparing it.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a full day trip. Give the captain ample time to take you to mutuple spots and show you various fishing techniques for the various species available in this area. You won't be disappointed. Lastly be sure to have one of the local restaurants cook part of your catch. There is nothing better than freshly caught fish and these restaurants do a wonderful job preparing it.
Easy Does It
Easy Does It
Fishing in early March meant a beautiful sunny day with temps around 80 degrees. However, the seas were rougher than we expected, and a couple in our group got seasick.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing in early March meant a beautiful sunny day with temps around 80 degrees. However, the seas were rougher than we expected, and a couple in our group got seasick.
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
This is great trip - especially for first timers. Saw a lot of experienced fishermen back for another great trip. Captain and crew are very helpful to make sure even non-fisherman caught fish and had a good time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is great trip - especially for first timers. Saw a lot of experienced fishermen back for another great trip. Captain and crew are very helpful to make sure even non-fisherman caught fish and had a good time.
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
Do the 6hr rather than just a 4hr this gives you time to make moves if youโ€™re not catching
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Do the 6hr rather than just a 4hr this gives you time to make moves if youโ€™re not catching
Reel Easy Charters
Reel Easy Charters
Not sure what to recommend since this was my first time. Maybe motion sickness medicine.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not sure what to recommend since this was my first time. Maybe motion sickness medicine.
Capt. Conch Charters - Stella Blue
Capt. Conch Charters - Stella Blue
Donโ€™t go if youโ€™re above average afraid of getting sea sick. If you get sick, the whole boat kind of suffers.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t go if youโ€™re above average afraid of getting sea sick. If you get sick, the whole boat kind of suffers.
Gulfstream IV Party Fishing Boat
Gulfstream IV Party Fishing Boat
We were in Key West for the last week in February. We had super sunny days all under 80 degrees and about 30-40 percent humidity. We had light jackets and went barefoot on the boat. The captain provided all equipment and was busy baiting our lines and going back and forth to the live-well constantly. Best experience ever.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We were in Key West for the last week in February. We had super sunny days all under 80 degrees and about 30-40 percent humidity. We had light jackets and went barefoot on the boat. The captain provided all equipment and was busy baiting our lines and going back and forth to the live-well constantly. Best experience ever.
Good Times Key West โ€“ 19'
Good Times Key West โ€“ 19'
It can get really windy and a bit chilly this time of year. If the forecast is windy and under 70 degrees, highly recommend dressing in layers and prepare for a bit of a rougher ride on the water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It can get really windy and a bit chilly this time of year. If the forecast is windy and under 70 degrees, highly recommend dressing in layers and prepare for a bit of a rougher ride on the water.
Easy Does It
Easy Does It
Have fun whilst enjoying the splendid scenery! Captain Scott was very professional and an experienced captain. Once we got to our spot he put us on some beautiful fish. We even got to have some fun catching the apex predators of the limitless gulf. 4 hours felt like 30 minutes the amount of fun we had! Thank you Captain Scott for making it a great experience for a first time fisher!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Have fun whilst enjoying the splendid scenery! Captain Scott was very professional and an experienced captain. Once we got to our spot he put us on some beautiful fish. We even got to have some fun catching the apex predators of the limitless gulf. 4 hours felt like 30 minutes the amount of fun we had! Thank you Captain Scott for making it a great experience for a first time fisher!
Too Lethal Charters
Too Lethal Charters
Weather changes are not controlled be any person so check weather before you go out. Mother nature plays a big part in how well your day goes.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Weather changes are not controlled be any person so check weather before you go out. Mother nature plays a big part in how well your day goes.
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Book Corsair 2. These guys have the local knowledge needed to succeed out here.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book Corsair 2. These guys have the local knowledge needed to succeed out here.
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Go with Captain Cory & Crew on the Cora Beth. They will explain everything there is to know about boat safety & reef fishing. They will also help everyone on the boat with setting up lines and making sure everyone is catching fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go with Captain Cory & Crew on the Cora Beth. They will explain everything there is to know about boat safety & reef fishing. They will also help everyone on the boat with setting up lines and making sure everyone is catching fish!
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing