OffshoreHookup
Giant silver tarpon launching clear of the water at sunrise

Tarpon SeasonFlorida Atlantic & Keys

Tarpon season off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys peaks Oct: that's when at least half of the 5 ports we track are at peak. October is the hottest, with 3 of 5 ports at peak. Fishable year-round somewhere off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys.

Bars: share of the 5 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

The Keys tarpon migration is one of the most famous seasonal events in American angling. Fish in the 100- to 200-pound range stack in the passes and patrol the flats from April through July; the classic approach is a flats boat, a guide on the push pole, and a fly rod or light spinning outfit presented to rolling or tailing fish. Islamorada and Key West are the centers of the fishery. The fish are wild, powerful, and specific — they may refuse dozens of presentations before one explodes — and that is exactly why anglers plan trips around them years in advance.

Port by port5 ports

Tarpon bite calendar by port, Florida Atlantic & Keys
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Islamorada, FLPeak Mar–JunOffOffPeakPeakPeakPeakOffOffFishableFishableFishableOff
Key West, FLPeak Mar–JunOffOffPeakPeakPeakPeakFishableFishableFishableFishableOffOff
Palm Beach, FLPeak OctOffOffFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableFishablePeakFishableOff
Port Canaveral, FLPeak Sep–NovFishableFishableFishableOffOffOffOffOffPeakPeakPeakFishable
Stuart, FLPeak OctOffOffOffOffOffFishableFishableFishableFishablePeakFishableOff

How to fish it

Tackle class:40-60lb braid, heavy fluorocarbon leader near structure. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the tarpon page.

  • Night Tarpon on StructureBridge and dock lights concentrate bait and tarpon after dark: the rig, the cast, and the fight discipline that lands a silver king at night.

Kits for this fish

  • The Inshore Redfish Ambush KitThe braid, leader, and offshore-grade safety piece worth carrying when a bull red run pulls you out past the flats: bundled for anglers who fish structure hard.

Frequently asked

When is tarpon season off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys?

Tarpon season off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys peaks Oct: that's when at least half of the 5 ports we track are at peak. October is the hottest, with 3 of 5 ports at peak. Fishable year-round somewhere off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys.

What is the best month for tarpon off Florida's Atlantic coast and the Keys?

October. In October, 3 of the 5 ports we track are at peak: Palm Beach, Port Canaveral, Stuart.

Which Florida Atlantic & Keys port has the longest tarpon season?

Palm Beach, FL: 9 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Oct.

What rig do you use for tarpon?

40-60lb braid, heavy fluorocarbon leader near structure. Start with Night Tarpon on Structure.

Where this comes from

Every window here is rolled up from the port calendars on this site, and each port page cites its sources. Peak means the port's sources call it the best stretch; fishable means the fish are around but not at their best. Water temperature and bait move these windows every year. Check state and federal regulations before you leave the dock. Not legal advice.