Tarpon
Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus — also called Silver king, Sabalo
The most iconic saltwater gamefish in the Western Hemisphere. Tarpon migrate in pods along Florida's coast each summer and can be sight-fished on the flats or hooked on live bait at the passes. Almost entirely catch-and-release; a kill tag costs $50 in Florida.
- Range
- Florida, Gulf Coast, Atlantic from VA south.
- Size
- Typical 60–120 lb; trophy 150 lb+; world record 286 lb 9 oz.
- Spawn temp
- Offshore, May–August
- Best seasons
- May–July (migration), Late summer, Spring (Keys)
Best baits for tarpon
- Live crab (pass fishing)
- Live pilchard / mullet
- Tarpon fly (Toad, Cockroach)
- Swimbait (DOA Bait Buster)
- Dead bait on bottom (bridge fishing)
Season by season
Spring
Keys fishery peaks April–June. Sight-fish migrating pods on the ocean side. Fly or live crab on light tackle.
Summer
Boca Grande Pass is the world's most famous tarpon fishery. Live crabs on hill tides. Tampa Bay and the panhandle also peak.
Fall
Tarpon move back south. Bridge fishing at night in the Keys with dead bait — quieter, but trophy potential.
Winter
Resident fish in deep canals and harbors of South FL and Keys. Slow live-bait fishing, often at night under lights.
Local secret
Bow to the king on every jump or you'll pop the leader. Tarpon land 1-in-3 at best — that's the deal you sign on for.
Top US waters for tarpon
- Florida Keys (Boca Grande to Key West)
- Boca Grande Pass, FL
- Homosassa, FL
- Louisiana (offshore rigs)
- Tampa Bay, FL
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