Fishing Frenzy

If sport fishing is your passion or even if you just want to try your hand at it for the first time, you should consider booking a trip to the Sunshine State. The waters off the Florida coast are famous for game fish. Of course you can follow in Hemingway's wake and try to hook the really big ones, like blue marlin and sailfish. However, another exciting option is Key West tarpon fishing.

The species of tarpon found in these waters is the Atlantic tarpon, also called the silver king. Although tarpons are found throughout the Gulf of Mexico, the flats near Key West are one of the best spots to catch them. These silver-colored fish can weigh more than a hundred pounds in Caribbean.

Tarpons live in the ocean, as well as in any brackish water, like in river estuaries. This also includes brackish channels, lagoons and rivers. The reason for their ability to live in water other than the ocean is that they have an organ which can function as a type of lung. With this, they can get oxygen from above the water too, so they can live in water where there isn't a lot of oxygen.

Many sport fishermen love fishing for the silver king, even if these fish don't really taste that good. Tarpons live in places that are easily accessible and of course, everyone loves trying to snag a big fish. The main attraction, however, is that a tarpon will not go down without a fight. It will perform spectacular leaps to try and escape from your line and if you don't work hard enough, the fish will be the victor. It will really test your angling skills, your strength and your own fighting spirit.

If you're in Key West but you don't have a boat of your own, you can approach one of the many charter companies on the island. They will not only take you to the silver king's haunts, but their guides and captains will be ready with all the advice you need to hook a big one. They will even take you out at night if you prefer fishing after dark.

There are different ways to catch tarpons. One of the most popular is to head out to the flats or the channels and use a fly rod. Your rod should be a number 10 to 12 or 13 weight, with reel to match. You will also need tarpon taper line and a class leader tippet weighing between 12 and 20 pounds. The best color for the fly will depend on the color of the water, but your guide will be able to give you advice on this.

Many anglers prefer to use lures and bait with conventional tackle. If you want to do it this way, you will need bait fish or small crustaceans to use as bait. You will also need line of 30 to 80 pounds.

The prime season for Key West tarpon fishing is from April to June. Tarpons come through this area on their annual migration and can be around from March to July. You may even find some out of season. However, if you want to catch tarpons for dinner, you need a special permit in Florida. If you don't have one, your best bet will be to catch them and then release them.