Featured Tarpon Charters in Panama City
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Best Time to Catch Tarpon
Tarpon can be caught year-round in Panama City. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tarpon
Chasing Tarpon in Panama City is an experience you won't soon forget. These silver kings migrate through the area during the warmer months, offering anglers a chance to test their skills against one of the most powerful fish in the sea. Focus your efforts around bridges, inlets, and channels, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. Live crabs and threadfin herring are popular baits, but artificial lures like swimbaits and bucktail jigs can also be effective. A key local tip is to pay attention to the tides and target areas with strong current. Also, the Hathaway Bridge is a known tarpon hotspot. Be prepared for a long fight, as tarpon are notorious for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. Catch and release is highly encouraged to help protect this incredible 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 bait to use for tarpon in Panama City?
Live bait like pinfish, crabs, and shrimp are effective for tarpon. Artificial lures such as swimbaits and large plugs can also entice a strike. Match the size of your bait to the size of the tarpon you are targeting.
When is the peak tarpon season in Panama City, Florida?
While tarpon are present year-round, the best time to target them is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through summer. This is when they are most active and abundant in the area.
Can I keep a tarpon I catch in Panama City?
No, tarpon are almost exclusively catch-and-release in Florida. You can only harvest a tarpon if you possess a valid Tarpon tag.
Do I need a special license to fish for tarpon in Panama City?
Yes, you need a standard saltwater fishing license to target tarpon in Florida. Also, keep in mind that possessing a Tarpon Tag is required to harvest one.
More Tarpon Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Panama City
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