Tarpon on the Fly for Beginners
Guided Fly Fishing and Light Tackle
Florida Keys and Everglades
a beginners guide to fly fishing for tarpon
The 2023 Tarpon Season is here. Lets get dialed in.
In this post I want to go over the best time of the year for tarpon, what equipment is needed and how difficult tarpon can be. I get a ton of questions everyday about fishing for the silver king and hope this helps. As always feel free to reach out with any questions.
what is the best time of year for tarpon?
The best time of year to fly fish for tarpon in Islamorada, Florida is generally from March thru July. During this time, the tarpon migrate through the Florida Keys on their annual spawning run, and the waters around Islamorada are known for having a large population of tarpon.
In particular, May and June are considered the peak months for tarpon fishing in Islamorada, as the water temperatures rise and the tarpon become more active. During these months, many experienced fly fishermen visit Islamorada to test their skills against these hard-fighting fish.
However, it's important to keep in mind that tarpon fishing can be highly dependent on weather conditions and other factors, such as water clarity and tides. It's always a good idea to consult with your guide for the most up-to-date information on when and where to fish for tarpon in Islamorada.
what equipment is needed for tarpon?
To fly fish for tarpon, you will need specialized equipment designed to handle the size and strength of these hard-fighting fish. Here are the essential items you will need:
Fly Rod: A 10 to 12-weight fly rod that is at least 9 feet in length is recommended. Most manufacturers make fast-action rods that have a sturdy backbone to handle the weight and power of a tarpon.
Fly Reel: A large arbor fly reel with a strong drag system is important for tarpon fishing. The reel should be able to hold at least 200 yards of backing and a fly line. We recommend Hatch, Tibor, and Nautilus reels.
Fly Line: A weight-forward floating fly line with a tropical coating is recommended for tarpon fishing in warm waters. The line should have a weight that matches your fly rod. Cortland make the Crystal series that is a clear floating line that we love here in the Keys. Any “tarpon” fly line will do.
Leader and Tippet: A tarpon leader should be at least 9 feet long. Fluorocarbon tippet with a breaking strength of 40 to 60 pounds should be used. We tie all our leaders here at Moon Cast, so you just need to show up with a fly line and let us handle the leader.
Flies: Tarpon flies are typically large and bulky, and are tied on 2/0 to 4/0 hooks. Popular patterns include the Tarpon Toad, Cockroach, and Bunny Tarpon. We have all the flies that you will need for the day. You are always welcome to bring your own.
Polarized Sunglasses: A good pair of polarized sunglasses is essential for spotting tarpon in the water and reducing glare on the surface.
How difficult is fly fishing for tarpon?
Fly fishing for tarpon is considered by many to be one of the most challenging types of fly fishing. Tarpon are known for their strength, speed, and acrobatic jumps, which can make them difficult to land on a fly rod. Additionally, tarpon are often found in challenging environments, such as shallow flats, deep channels, and near structure, which can make casting and presenting a fly difficult.
Successful tarpon fishing requires a high level of skill in several areas, including casting, line management, fly presentation, and fish fighting. Anglers must be able to make long, accurate casts to present the fly to tarpon, often in windy conditions. They must also be able to quickly and efficiently strip line, set the hook, and fight the fish, all while keeping the line tight and avoiding slack that can lead to lost fish. Check our Casting resources page to help tune up your cast!
While fly fishing for tarpon can be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Tarpon are considered one of the ultimate game fish, and landing one on a fly rod is a true accomplishment for any angler. With the right equipment, techniques, and guidance, fly fishing for tarpon can be an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
The 2023 Spring season is here! Expect Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Snook, Redfish, and plenty of table fare on the reefs in town. Let us know if you want to book. The Maverick Flats boat fishes 2 anglers and the Contender Bay will fish four. Let us show you an amazing experience in the Florida Keys
We still have availability for tarpon season on the flats boat, the bay boat is ready to fish and get booked! Let us know what experience you want and we will accommodate!
Thanks for reading, if you have questions, comments, or just want to gimme a shoutout, check me out on Instagram, @mooncastanglers or shoot me an email josh@mooncastanglers.com
I love hearing from you guys!
As always check the calendar on the Book Your Trip link for my Availability!
Capt Josh