Miami Tarpon Fishing Charters & Trips

(Megalops Atlanticus) - Silver King or Tarpon, whatever you call it you certainly won't forget it. Miami Tarpon Fishing and pretty much all of South Florida is one of the most exhilarating experiences known on the planet! From the milisecond it takes them to bite your bait to the minute your captain releases your fish to fight another day, this fish will leave a memory with you I promise you will never forget! The acrobatic jumps, the violent crashing of water, the long screaming runs, the overall respect you gain after the fight truly gives it the name "Silver King"

Have you Ever Dreamed Of Catching a Giant Tarpon?

If a Tarpon has been haunting your dreams then you aren't alone. Many Anglers dream of the day they may meet the Silver King again. Tarpon can be caught in South Florida all year long. During Tarpon Season in South Florida (March-June)you can expect to follow the old saying "Early to Bed, Early to Rise, Fish all Day, and Hope to not make up Lies!" A typical miami tarpon fishing charter morning starts by meeting at the ramp about 30 Minutes before first light. The reason being a Tarpon is primarily a nocturnal eating species so fishing the first few hours of daylight are very crucial.

Miami Tarpon Fishing

Miami Tarpon Fishing

Photo by Richard Gibson

What should I wear?

The first thing anyone should ever do before they think of catching one of these beasts is make sure they are prepared before they leave the dock. Most backcountry guides in South Florida dress in light colored, light weight, long sleeve, long pant clothing. Believe me this is not a fashion statement we are making down here. It is because the sun is relentless and sometimes mosquitoes can be an issue in the backcountry and the clothing protects us. Polarized Sunglasses are a must. I recommend the best Costa Del Mar. And of course a hat, suntan lotion, and lots of water. Once you have all these things get ready for the time of your life!

What time of year is the best to catch Tarpon?

Tarpon are found here in Biscayne Bay and Miami all year long. During the months of Feb. - July the larger fish can be found in great numbers traveling in large schools in South Florida. These fish are generally 60-200 Pounds and very eager to eat just about anything in its path. During the end of summer and into the winter we generally turn our attention to the far remote backcountry in search for juvenile tarpon. These fish are normally found from 1-40 pounds and have a tendency to be very aggressive. While fishing in these remote waters it is not uncommon to jump 30 fish in a single day. Not to mention you probably will not see a boat the entire day. It is one of the last untouched wild areas of Florida.

What if I am just learning to fish? I'm not sure I am ready for a large Tarpon.

Fishing for these juvenile tarpon is an awesome experience for all ages. This is a great way to practice your skills with a fly rod because you are presented with numerous shots on fish that are eager to eat. Or if you would rather stick to spinning gear, using weedless soft-plastic lures is a whole lot of fun casting to schools of juvenile Tarpon. Juvenile Tarpon spend the first few years of their lives in these backcountry ponds.

Miami Tarpon Fishing Charter

Miami 120 Lb. Tarpon on Fly

Photo by Richard Gibson

Miami Tarpon Fishing

Photo by Richard Gibson

Here are some random clients that landed a Tarpon with us

Miami Tarpon Fishing Charter

October 19, 2009

This is Cody Powel and his son from Colorado. Cody is a former stream fly fishing guide that decided to try his luck at Tarpon in Miami. His adventure started in Biscayne Bay just east of Miami. This fish even though it was only a juvenile was still a handfull in the deep backcountry. He casted a Rapala Twitching Rap using a 10 lb. light tackle spinning rod and did a great job at keeping it out of the mangrove roots. Cody and his son also had a blast at catching Snook, Snapper, Jacks, and Ladyfish.

Capt. Rich writes: Thanks guys I really had a blast fishing with the two "Mountain Fish Nuts!" Come on back and fish with me anytime.

More Tarpon Fishing on

October 5, 2010

This is Kevin from Texas. He came down with his buddy Bob also from Texas and fished with me for two days in the Miami Backcountry. Here you can see another Juvenile Tarpon caught with a live shrimp on 10 lb. light tackle spinning rods. Eventhough the weather was probably some of the worst possbile with it blowing 25+mph both days we still managed to catch some Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and Snapper. It proves that even a bad day of fishing in Biscayne Bay is still better than a good day of work. These guys also got to see some Crocodiles, and exotic migrating birds that started to make their way down from the north.

Capt. Rich writes: These two texas boys live in the same town my old man was born in and I loved having these guys fish with me. Bob, I can't wait for you to bring your wife down and fish with me in Key West this winter and both of you guys better man up and see what Spring Tarpon Season is all about!

Tarpon Fishing Season Finally Began On

April 6, 2010

This is the Steve Sierra group from Alabama. It was a 9 boat charter I organized out of Islamorada for two days of backcountry fishing. During the two days there were Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snapper, and Sharks caught. This was the first day, Capt. Rich set out for a run up to Flamingo where they through Rapala X-Raps at schools of giant migrating Tarpon. Steve hooked and landed this fish that was estimated at 150 lbs. Luckily, they had a camera boat ready and got some great shots and film of everyone fishing. This fish fought for over 30 minutes while using a 20lb. light tackle spinning rod. Steve about half way through the battle looked a little green but not from being out of shape but rather because he made the mistake of swallowing his chewing tobacco. But he sucked it up and made it through the long battle. Here is the actual fish that will make the cover of Saltwater Sportsman Magazine for the Spring Tarpon issue in 2011.

Capt. Rich writes: Steve, I had a great time sharing my homewaters of the Everglades with you and all of your guys that made the long trip down. Congratulations on landing this once in a lifetime fish. Normally I would lie and say I could put you on that fish again but in all honesty a fish of that size only jumps on someones hook for their first landed tarpon so far just once for me. Though, I am always up for the challenge. I hope to see you again next year for the Spring Tarpon Season. Tight Lines and don't work too hard!

Miami Tarpon Fishing Guide