The Tarpon Migration is here!

Absolutely—let’s talk tarpon migration, one of the most exciting times of year for Florida anglers, especially here in the Tampa Bay area. As the white butterflies and love bugs start to show you know it is time for the TARPON! This sought after prize trophy fish is often seek afterwards for their acrobatic jumps and the size of the fish. Fishing enthusiasts like to play tug of war with these beasts for the life long memories they will always have as this majestic fish will make you say uncle at times while fighting them.

Tarpon Migration Basics

Every year, tarpon (aka the “Silver King”) make a seasonal migration that brings them up the Gulf Coast of Florida. This usually kicks off in late April to early May, peaks through June and July, and winds down by August, depending on water temps and bait presence. These fish are following warm water and a buffet of baitfish—primarily threadfin herring, scaled sardines, and crabs.

Where They Come From & Go

Tarpon overwinter in the southernmost parts of Florida, the Caribbean, and even Central America. When water temps hit that magic 75 degrees, they start heading north, hugging the coastline, and stacking up in passes, beaches, and nearshore structure.

Their end goal? Spawning in the Gulf, usually offshore near the full and new moons in the summer months. After spawning, many of them will turn back and ride the current south again.

Tampa Bay Hotspots

In our area, you’ll see tarpon gathering:

• Skyway Bridge

• Egmont Key

• Bean Point

• Boca Grande Pass (a bit further south, but a major stop on the tarpon highway)

• And during strong tides, even inside the bay, near channels and deeper flats

When and How to Target Them

Best Time:

• Early mornings and late afternoons during the outgoing tide tend to be best.

• Big moon phases (full/new) trigger feeding and spawning behaviors.

Best Methods:

• Live bait drifting (threadfins, pass crabs)

• Sight fishing off the beach with artificial swimbaits or flies

•  Anchoring and chumming in known travel lanes

Even though the migration starts in April in our area, we typically start targeting them during early March during the warming trends we get weekly as long as a cold front does not push through. Targeting them early can be very rewarding as the fish are not pressured yet to other anglers and normally you get the areas all to your self. So if you’re looking to book a trip during tarpon season, it’s best to plan early—May and June dates go quick. And if you want a shot at one of these 100+ pound acrobats, we will make sure to pick the right tide and moon phase to increase your changes on making a memory of a life time.