Tarpon

Flats present visually exciting and engaging fishing encounters unlike most other coastal inshore fishing opportunities. This unique ecosystem houses one of the most complete lists of gamefish: tarpon, bonefish, redfish, snook, permit, and more. These shallow bodies of water flood and drain according to the tide — leaving just enough water for fish, their favorite food, and your skiff. Float atop no more than a few feet of water through flooded grass plains to catch sight of the Silver King rolling or redfish flashing their signature black eye. Flats fishing gets you close enough to see the fish, opening up exciting sightfishing opportunities. Join us for this comprehensive look at flats fishing that’ll take you from your first encounter to your first catch.

Inshore fishing is perhaps the most accessible saltwater fishing style. Lower costs and easy access to inshore habitats make it available to millions of anglers year-round. Tarpon, bonefish, snook, and permit are prized catches for anglers in the tropics of Florida and the Caribbean, whereas redfish, sea trout, striped bass, and sheepshead are common targets further north in the Lowcountry and along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. Whether it is your first inshore fishing excursion or you’re looking to learn more, this beginner’s guide aims to provide you with the knowledge needed before you reach the water.

Embarking on a flats fishing adventure in the beautiful Florida Keys requires the right gear to maximize your chances of success. Whether you're targeting bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, or other coveted species, having the proper equipment is essential. From reels and lines to lures and clothing, our comprehensive gear guide covers everything you need to know to conquer the flats with confidence. Discover the best gear recommendations and expert tips to enhance your flats fishing experience and make the most of your time on the water.

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), also known as the “Silver King,” is one of the most prized catches in saltwater fly fishing. As one of Florida’s premier game fish, they are adaptable, intelligent, and long-lived, foraging and migrating along Florida’s coastline with regionally distinct resident populations. Fishing with an IGFA (International Game Fish Association) leader keeps you in contention with these wiley fish, while also ensuring your angling experience is sporting — and record-eligible in case you land that fish of a lifetime.

It’s amazing the degree to which the stories of fish landed and fish lost affect us as human beings. Each time we leave the dock, we unveil the next chapters of our own fishing anthologies — forging memories in company of fellow anglers or in complete solitude. While some of these stories embody life’s most carefree moments, Monte Burke’s Lords of the Fly tells a fisherman’s tale of much higher stakes. Burke’s writing transports the reader to the storied flats of Homosassa, Florida, during an era of fierce competition among world-class fishermen in the hunt for angling history. We sat down with Monte to dive deeper into his life, writing, and research in covering the race to catch record-breaking tarpon on a fly rod.

When choosing the best bait for tarpon fishing, it is important to choose a bait that will trigger a bite by mimicking the movements of their natural prey. Using effective flies can enhance your chances of success while tarpon fishing. The benefits of using effective flies include attracting the tarpon and, eventually, getting the tarpon to strike. The following article is a guide for the best baits, lures and flies to use while tarpon fishing. Along with information on the characteristics, techniques and considerations for selecting the most effective options, this guide will help anglers enhance their chances of landing one of the most exciting species of fish in Florida.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the five most prestigious tarpon fly fishing tournaments held in the Florida Keys, renowned for its exceptionally diverse fisheries. Tarpon, also known as "the Silver King" are a powerful gamefish revered for their acrobatic leaps and incredible strength. These tarpon fishing tournaments have made the Florida Keys a celebrated hub for top anglers and fishing guides from around the globe. Each tournament offers unique experiences for anglers seeking a thrilling tarpon fishing adventures amidst top-tier competition.