The game fish you want to target on your next vacation to Florida has to be Tarpon. More specifically, you have to try the Tarpon fishing Miami has to offer. This is a hard-fighting, high-jumping fish that will break the line in over 60% of hook-ups and can be found in a range of places in Miami.

What to Expect  

The best time to go hunting for Tarpon is between May–July. This is when they come into the marshes and shallow waters to spawn. With the right captain though, you can find Tarpon year round, in either the flats or further out into deeper waters.

Depending on the time of year and where you’ll be fishing, you’ll either be spending the day on a flats fishing boat or a center console. The flats boat can take a maximum of four anglers out, whereas the center console can take up to six.

Most of the flats boats will have a sight casting platform to give you that extra edge in finding your prey. If your going out during rough weather, especially in deeper waters, the boat may also have a Tarpon cage to help keep you in place. If you really want to challenge yourself, spend your trip fly fishing for Tarpon. This is best left to the experienced anglers, as the conditions for fly fishing can be tough for beginners.

One of the best times to go Tarpon fishing in Miami is during the evening. With the lights from the bridges and downtown brightening up the waters, you’ll even be able to sight fish long after the sun sets. This is when the Tarpon are feeding and therefore most active, which will give you the best chance of reeling one in.

How to Prepare

When on the flats boats, be aware of the limited space and only pack the essentials. You’ll want to bring your camera, as Tarpon must be released once caught. Tarpon over 40 inches should be kept in the water – the captain will gauge the size of the Tarpon for you and let you know if you can bring it on board.

Let the captain know what type of fishing you’d like to do and your current fishing experience level. The captain can then make sure the right gear is on board for you to use. If you’re bringing your own rods and reels, inform the captain prior to the trip so he can make space for them.

The time of year will alter the bait and lures the Tarpon go for. You could use live bait, flies, or artificial lures. Beginner anglers will use live bait to entice Tarpon, such as mullet, shrimp, and crabs.

The “Silver King” is ready and waiting to test your lines and skills in the Miami waters. Book a Miami Tarpon fishing trip today and fish with a local captain who can take you to the best spots – whether you’ll get the fish to the boat is up to you.