The Florida Keys is one of those destinations that many an angler dream of visiting. Sailfish, blue marlin and other species of game fish are abundant in the waters around these islands. However, if light-spin or fly-tackle angling is more your thing, you will love Key West tarpon fishing.
The Atlantic tarpon is popularly known as the silver king. These fish are very common in the Caribbean. One of the prime spots for trying to hook one of these silver beauties is the flats to the west of Key West. The fish normally weigh between forty and a hundred pounds, but in the waters off the Florida coast it is not unheard of to snag a monster of over a hundred pounds.
Tarpons have adapted to breathe oxygen from outside the water. Their lung-like organ helps them to survive in water where oxygen levels are low. This makes it possible for them to survive not only in the ocean, but also in the brackish water of estuaries, lagoons, channels and some rivers.
These fish are very popular with anglers. One of the main reasons for this is that they are fighters that will give you a run for your money. When you hook one, it will leap and pull and you'll really have to work to reel it in. Other reasons for the silver king's popularity is that they are big and that it is easy to get to their haunts. However, they are not very tasty.
To go looking for the silver king in these waters, you will need a boat. If you don't have your own, you can charter one. There is a variety of charter companies in Key West that will take you out for the day. Many of these companies arrange night trips too. They will also provide a guide who will show you the ropes if you're a beginner.
To catch tarpons, you can choose the method that works best for you. Out on the flats one of the more popular ways to do this is to use a number 10 to 13 weight fly rod and reel. Add a 12- to 20-pound class leader tippet, some tarpon taper line and a fly, and you're good to go. The color of the water will determine what color your fly should be. If in doubt, ask your guide for advice.
Another method commonly used is angling with conventional gear and lures or bait. Your line should be between 30 and 80 pounds. Since tarpons eat mainly smaller fish but also shrimp and crabs, these are what you should use for bait.
Tarpons begin migrating through this region in March and are around until around July. For Key West tarpon fishing, April, May and June are the best months. However, even outside of these months it will be possible to hook some. In Florida, however, you need a special permit if you want to take home your catch. If you don't have this permit, throw that fish back into the water once you've taken the photograph of the beauty you caught.
The Atlantic tarpon is popularly known as the silver king. These fish are very common in the Caribbean. One of the prime spots for trying to hook one of these silver beauties is the flats to the west of Key West. The fish normally weigh between forty and a hundred pounds, but in the waters off the Florida coast it is not unheard of to snag a monster of over a hundred pounds.
Tarpons have adapted to breathe oxygen from outside the water. Their lung-like organ helps them to survive in water where oxygen levels are low. This makes it possible for them to survive not only in the ocean, but also in the brackish water of estuaries, lagoons, channels and some rivers.
These fish are very popular with anglers. One of the main reasons for this is that they are fighters that will give you a run for your money. When you hook one, it will leap and pull and you'll really have to work to reel it in. Other reasons for the silver king's popularity is that they are big and that it is easy to get to their haunts. However, they are not very tasty.
To go looking for the silver king in these waters, you will need a boat. If you don't have your own, you can charter one. There is a variety of charter companies in Key West that will take you out for the day. Many of these companies arrange night trips too. They will also provide a guide who will show you the ropes if you're a beginner.
To catch tarpons, you can choose the method that works best for you. Out on the flats one of the more popular ways to do this is to use a number 10 to 13 weight fly rod and reel. Add a 12- to 20-pound class leader tippet, some tarpon taper line and a fly, and you're good to go. The color of the water will determine what color your fly should be. If in doubt, ask your guide for advice.
Another method commonly used is angling with conventional gear and lures or bait. Your line should be between 30 and 80 pounds. Since tarpons eat mainly smaller fish but also shrimp and crabs, these are what you should use for bait.
Tarpons begin migrating through this region in March and are around until around July. For Key West tarpon fishing, April, May and June are the best months. However, even outside of these months it will be possible to hook some. In Florida, however, you need a special permit if you want to take home your catch. If you don't have this permit, throw that fish back into the water once you've taken the photograph of the beauty you caught.
About the Author:
If you want to experience Key West tarpon fishing as it is meant to be experienced, go to www.keywestflats.net. Full details on booking a charter can be found at http://www.keywestflats.net.
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