Gareth asked:


im either going to go in the summer or in december
also if you have any charter captains you would recomend say them here
my target species are in order what i want to catch most – least

dorado(dolphin, mahi mahi)
tarpon
wahoo
sailfish
permit
big grouper
snapper
snook

Kent S asked:


Most of the fish will max out at 50LB. Expect barracuda, Kingfish, mackerel, odd tarpon, odd snook.

Ab asked:


i went fishing in the gulf of mexico today, and we fished by mangroves in tarpon springs….so anyways we caught like so many snappers, something tails i forgot LOL. We used shrimp as bait, but why cant we catch any red fish.

What bait do they like?

Edit: a guy like maybe 25 yards from us got a 26 inch red

If you are a saltwater angler, Key West is the place for you. Quite arguably, it is one of the premier places to fish in the world. So if you are planning a saltwater fishing trip, you won’t want to miss out on Key West. Key West has the Caribbean feel without the need for a passport. Sit back on the beach and sip you’re sweet cocktail and you’ll never know the difference if you were actually sitting in Key West or the Bahamas. I would highly tout Key West as the place to be on a fishing excursion simply because of all the fishing options and tropical climate.

Travel south for the winter? You can’t get much further south than Key West. You can escape the snow and get a tan all at the same time. No worries about the winter-time fishing opportunities either. Go back-country to tap those beautiful baby tarpon or snag some snook. Head off to the flats and chase those ever elusive bonefish. Do it on the fly for double points and kudo’s. Or take on those pulling titan permits. Such an odd looking fish to me but man can they pull. You won’t be dissappointed.

Stick around for those spring and summertime fun when the water really starts jumping as schools of huge tarpon come rolling thru. Definitely the kings of the waterway during these times. Their annual migration leads them right thru Key West both going and coming as they circle Florida for the best breeding grounds. Have you ever hooked a tarpon? If you haven’t, once you do, you’ll chase them for life!

Probably the best way to go and fish Key West if you’re visiting is to charter a guide. These people live there. They fish basically everyday. Following the different pods of fish around and know what’s available and how to put you on the fish with what they have been feasting on. Even if you come down with boat in tow, do yourself a favor, find out how to go about it by getting a guide. Let them take you out for that first trip. Let them show you where the honey-holes are located. Ask them why the fish are holding there. Ask lot’s of questions and be friendly. Let them show you what you need and how to be rigged for the different types of fishing you’ll do when on a charter. Information is king (well, luck plays a little part as well) when it comes to fishing in Key West and the more you know the better you will do. Besides, doesn’t everyone want a successful fishing trip?

You are there to learn more than anything while undertaking a guides services so ask pertinent questions. Ask questions like, do the fish bite better here on a falling or rising tide? Are we fishing a falling tide? Do you have any success catching them on another type of bait? Why do you think the fish are holding here? You get the drift.

If the budget affords it, plan some specialty guided fishing trips. Key West offers so much because of it’s location you can do virtually any type of saltwater fishing there is. From pristine flats to a lush backcountry, from channels to offshore, it has it all. Personally, I would plan for at least a flats fishing expedition for tarpon, permit, barracudas and bonefish as well as a backcountry tour for more tarpon, snook, redfish and trout. And if I had any money left over and the wife agreed, you could bet I would head offshore for some reef, wreck and trolling sport fishing for snapper, grouper and whatever else would hit the line. Bottom line is, if you like to fish, no matter what type of fishing you like, Key West has it and has it in abundance.



By: Chris Copeland

About the Author:

So just what is the best time to go Key West Tarpon Fishing? The simple answer to that question is anytime you can get a line in the water. Tarpon are found year round in these beautiful waters surrounding Key West. At any given moment, you could be fighting one of these absolutely fun and acrobatic fish that do a tango on the water like no other fish you have ever seen. Good luck getting them boatside though as they are not ones that give up easy.

What’s the best time of day? For the most part, the best time of day to go catch tarpon in Key West is really angler independent. Without a doubt, fishing is going to be better in the early morning times or the later afternoon hours. Tides tend to fluctuate with moon phases and tarpon can definitely be tidal feeders. So when the moon is just starting to rise on that horizon or if it is getting near to setting, you can guarantee that the waters will be moving and the tarpon are going to act quickly and abruptly. However, that being said, don’t count out night fishing for tarpon.

Most guides that charter for Key West tarpon fishing do run night trips and have more than frequently reported that night time tarpon fishing can be overall much better than anytime during the day. They can be a little harder to land, but as far as hookups, it’s been noted that night fishing for tarpon can definitely out weigh day time hookups. Don’t worry, you will still be able to see their aerial assualts but you get the added anticipation from being able to hear them before you can see them if you’re quiet. What a thrill!

What’s the best time of year? Key West is privy to a prime location for tarpon as they incur an annual migration that loads these fish up to number in the thousands during certain times of year. The annual tarpon migration floats thru Key West beginning sometime in March and can stay around as late as July. April, May and June are premier months but just be aware that there are a lot more anglers on the water during these times. It’s not uncommon to see massive schools of these huge tarpon during those months.

To sum it all up, the best Key West tarpon fishing time is really whenever you can get down to Key West. If you can get to Key West during the annual tarpon migration you will be in for the treat of a lifetime.



By: Chris Copeland

About the Author:

Ga P asked:


ok. i live in florida , (near tampa bay). There are little man made ponds all around me. Yesterday i fished in one and got 4 bluegills and 1 small tilapia! I was using corn and i was out there for like 1 hour. There is this lake near me called tarpon lake .I go dock fishing early morning sometimes, and catch only like 1 bluegill and even if im lucky some small mouth bass. But the corn doesnt seem to work as well in the lake , as it does in the pond. Oh and for the bass i catch i use a scented fake work , with no bobber.

What are some good baits for bluegill??

zach asked:


1-5 mine are
1) 10lb largemouth
2) any type of big Marlin
3) adult tarpon
4) Alligator Gar
5) great white, not to kill it

Also i want to learn how to fly fish. What way of fishing do you want to expierence that you havent
do your 1-5, not pick from my list. i just did mine as an example/to let you know

Adrian asked:


This is my third time going to Tampa.. I already went to Bush Gardens, Greyhound Race Track, the Horsetrack, Hard Rock Hotel-Casino, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, Holiday… I went to key West on a boat.. What other places should I visit to have fun…?