Featured Tarpon Charters in Navarre
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Best Time to Catch Tarpon
Tarpon can be caught year-round in Navarre. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tarpon
If you're after Tarpon in Navarre, Florida, focus your efforts around the bridges and passes connecting Santa Rosa Sound to the Gulf of Mexico. These areas act as highways for migrating Tarpon, especially during the warmer months, typically May through September. The key to success is understanding the tides and current flow. Tarpon often stage near bridges, waiting for baitfish to be swept by in the current. Live crabs and mullet are top baits, fished on the bottom or drifted with the current. Night fishing can also be very productive, as Tarpon are often more active under the cover of darkness. A good spot to try is the Navarre Beach Bridge. Be prepared for a fight, as Tarpon are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. Remember to use heavy tackle and a strong leader to handle these silver kings. Always practice catch and release to help preserve this incredible fishery.
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 bait to use for tarpon in Navarre?
Live baitfish like mullet or pinfish are highly effective for tarpon in the Navarre area. Artificial lures such as large swimbaits and topwater plugs can also entice strikes, especially during dawn and dusk.
Can I keep a tarpon I catch in Navarre?
Generally, tarpon fishing in Florida is catch-and-release only. You can only harvest a tarpon if you possess a valid Tarpon tag.
Do I need a fishing license to target tarpon in Navarre?
Yes, you'll need a valid Florida saltwater fishing license to fish for tarpon in Navarre's saltwater or brackish waters.
When's the peak season for tarpon fishing around Navarre?
The warmer months, from late spring through summer, are typically the best time to target tarpon in Navarre. They migrate into the area as the water temperatures rise.
More Tarpon Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Navarre
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