If you're planning on working some angling into your next holiday, the Florida Keys may be just the place to go. The waters off these islands abound with game fish, including sailfish and blue marlin. However, if you prefer fly-tackle or light-spin angling, you may want to make time in your schedule for Key West tarpon fishing.
The silver king, otherwise known as the Atlantic tarpon, is plentiful in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Key West, particularly the flats to the west of the island, is one of the most famous locations for trying to catch these silver-colored fish. Here it is not uncommon to reel in one that weighs more than a hundred pounds.
Tarpons live in the ocean, as well as in any brackish water, like in river estuaries. This also includes brackish channels, lagoons and rivers. The reason for their ability to live in water other than the ocean is that they have an organ which can function as a type of lung. With this, they can get oxygen from above the water too, so they can live in water where there isn't a lot of oxygen.
Even though it's not really the greatest fish for eating, anglers love fishing for the silver king. These fish fight back in a spectacular way, leaping and jumping in an attempt to escape once you've hooked them. They are strong and will pull on the line with all their might, really testing your skills. In addition, they are impressively big and you can get to where they roam without too much trouble.
If you're in Key West but you don't have a boat of your own, you can approach one of the many charter companies on the island. They will not only take you to the silver king's haunts, but their guides and captains will be ready with all the advice you need to hook a big one. They will even take you out at night if you prefer fishing after dark.
One popular way of catching tarpons is to use a fly rod. The best weight for your rod is between a number 10 and a number 12 or 13, with matching reel. Tarpon taper line is the most suitable line to use and you should also have a class leader tippet that weighs from 12 to 20 pounds. Your guide can help you pick the most suitable fly, since the color depends on what color the water is.
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 migrate through this part of the Caribbean from around March to July. The best months for Key West tarpon fishing are April to June. However, you should be able to find some in these waters pretty much any time of the year. Just remember that in Florida, you will have to catch and release unless you have a special permit for killing these fish.
The silver king, otherwise known as the Atlantic tarpon, is plentiful in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Key West, particularly the flats to the west of the island, is one of the most famous locations for trying to catch these silver-colored fish. Here it is not uncommon to reel in one that weighs more than a hundred pounds.
Tarpons live in the ocean, as well as in any brackish water, like in river estuaries. This also includes brackish channels, lagoons and rivers. The reason for their ability to live in water other than the ocean is that they have an organ which can function as a type of lung. With this, they can get oxygen from above the water too, so they can live in water where there isn't a lot of oxygen.
Even though it's not really the greatest fish for eating, anglers love fishing for the silver king. These fish fight back in a spectacular way, leaping and jumping in an attempt to escape once you've hooked them. They are strong and will pull on the line with all their might, really testing your skills. In addition, they are impressively big and you can get to where they roam without too much trouble.
If you're in Key West but you don't have a boat of your own, you can approach one of the many charter companies on the island. They will not only take you to the silver king's haunts, but their guides and captains will be ready with all the advice you need to hook a big one. They will even take you out at night if you prefer fishing after dark.
One popular way of catching tarpons is to use a fly rod. The best weight for your rod is between a number 10 and a number 12 or 13, with matching reel. Tarpon taper line is the most suitable line to use and you should also have a class leader tippet that weighs from 12 to 20 pounds. Your guide can help you pick the most suitable fly, since the color depends on what color the water is.
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 migrate through this part of the Caribbean from around March to July. The best months for Key West tarpon fishing are April to June. However, you should be able to find some in these waters pretty much any time of the year. Just remember that in Florida, you will have to catch and release unless you have a special permit for killing these fish.
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