Featured Tarpon Charters in Key Largo
Expert captains ready to take you on your next tarpon adventure.
Blackfoot Fishing Charters
Blackfoot Charters (305) 664-5247 offers guided backcountry and flats fishing trips in the Upper Florida Keys - Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Bonefish, Permit and more!
Local Grown Charters
Local Grown Charters—the best in Everglades and Key Largo fishing! Book your Florida fishing trip now to target Snook, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper and more!
Captain Pat's Charters
CaptainPatsCharters.com | Fishing Charter Miami, Florida | Key Largo, Florida | Captain Pat's Charters | Capt Pats Charters | captpatscharters | patch reef | inshore | Everglades | Snook | Snapper | Sharks | Tarpon | Captain | Atlantic | Bayside | Blazer Bay | Reef | Miami | Florida Keys | Capt. Pat | Captain Pat
Sea Spirit Offshore Fishing
Experience Key Largo fishing trips with gear, bait, catch cleaning, licenses, and more. Half-day, 3/4-day, full-day, or shark & tarpon trips
Best Time to Catch Tarpon
Tarpon can be caught year-round in Key Largo. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tarpon
If you're targeting tarpon in Key Largo, Florida, you're in for a thrill! This area is renowned for its healthy population of these 'silver kings.' The channels, bridges, and backcountry waters around Key Largo provide ideal habitat. The best time to target tarpon here is during the spring and summer months, particularly around the full and new moons when they are most active. Live bait, such as crabs and pilchards, is a popular choice, but artificial lures like swimbaits and flies can also be effective. Fishing around bridges at night with live shrimp can be exceptionally productive. You can access prime tarpon fishing locations by boat from various marinas in Key Largo. Consider hiring a local guide who knows the area well and can help you locate the fish. Remember to use heavy tackle and be prepared for a long fight. Be sure to handle tarpon with care and follow all catch-and-release guidelines to ensure the sustainability of this magnificent species.
How to Catch Tarpon
Tarpon Fishing Regulations in Florida
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
Catch-and-release only, except for harvest with a Tarpon tag
Size Limit
Must possess a Tarpon tag to harvest
License Required
Saltwater fishing license
Tarpon tags are obtained through a lottery or purchase for certain circumstances. There are gear restrictions; use of treble hooks to harvest tarpon is prohibited.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to target tarpon in Key Largo?
Tarpon fishing in Key Largo is productive year-round, but the peak season is generally considered to be from April to July when they migrate into the area in large numbers.
Do I need a special permit to harvest tarpon in Key Largo?
Yes, in Florida, you can only harvest tarpon if you possess a Tarpon tag. Otherwise, tarpon fishing is strictly catch-and-release.
What are some popular tarpon fishing spots around Key Largo?
Look for tarpon around bridges, channels, and nearshore reefs in Key Largo. Experienced anglers often fish around Channel Two and Seven Mile Bridge.
What kind of bait works well for tarpon in Key Largo?
Live bait such as crabs, pinfish, and mullet are highly effective for tarpon. Artificial lures like swimbaits and large flies can also produce good results.
More Tarpon Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Key Largo
Ready to Catch Tarpon in Key Largo?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.