Thursday, February 17, 2011

Key West Tarpon Fishing Is Fishing At Its Best

By Bessie Rodgers


Most anglers equate Key West with paradise. Participating in a key west tarpon fishing tournament or enjoying a casual excursion is a dream come true for any fishing enthusiast. Saltwater sport fishermen and women, from around the globe, travel to the Keys for exciting angling excursions. Florida is one of the most popular places, among sportsmen, to fish for tarpon.

The Megalops atlanticus, or tarpon, lives off the western Atlantic coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. These fish have been caught as far north as Nova Scotia and as far south as Brazil. They are known to travel through the Panama Canal, also. During the early spring and summer, the fish migrate through the waters surrounding the Florida Keys. The fish are most abundant during this time. However, key west tarpon fishing is a year round sport. Tarpon prefer water temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees.

The silver king, or tarpon, is a powerful fish with a lot of attitude. It will not be taken aboard without a fight. It has a greenish-blue colored back and both of its sides are bright silver. The silver king has a mouth that is as hard as concrete. It is not easy to hook. Usually, sports fishermen use a heavy spinning rod and reel or fly rod gear when trying to hook this fish.

If hooked by an angler, the fish will leap into the air, spinning and jerking, attempting to free itself. It will fight for its freedom. A mature tarpon can weigh up to 350 pounds and measure up to 100 inches in length. Most measure between four feet and eight feet. Generally, they weigh between 80 pounds and 280 pounds. Silver kings provide a lot of fun and excitement for game fishermen.

There are many tournaments held in the Keys every year. The annual KWFT, or Key West Fishing Tournament, last 8.5 months, beginning in March and ending in November. The tournament offers various divisions for men, women, and younger participants. The tournament targets over 40 different species. There is a Kick Off tournament, which is scheduled the first weekend. It will be held on March 11-13, 2011.

Even though the silver king can grow quite large, it is not good for food. It is quite bony and does not produce much edible meat. In Florida, a specific permit is required to keep and kill a tarpon. Anglers adhere to the catch and release policy.

There are a number of great key west tarpon fishing charters available. Key West offers a wide variety of day and evening activities, as well. Sunset at Mallory Square should be enjoyed by every visitor.

key west tarpon fishing




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