Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys – May
Peak Tarpon Migration in the Florida Keys
May marks the absolute peak of tarpon season in the Florida Keys. Oceanside flats from Key Largo to Key West come alive with massive schools of migrating tarpon. Anglers have some of their best chances all year to sight fish these giants as they move steadily down the coast in preparation for spawning. Calm mornings and clear water create world-class conditions for those who can stay cool under pressure and deliver accurate casts.
The Palolo Worm Hatch – A Fly Fisher’s Dream
The highlight of May is the Palolo worm hatch, one of the most spectacular events in saltwater fly fishing. Around the full and new moons, swarms of red palolo worms rise from the reef and drift in the tides. Thousands of tarpon gather in oceanside channels, creating explosive surface feeding that must be seen to be believed. Fly anglers tie worm imitations to “match the hatch,” and the action can be some of the most exciting of the entire year.
Oceanside Fly Fishing Tactics
Clear water and bright skies mean anglers need stealth, patience, and precision. Guides position skiffs along natural contours and migration routes where tarpon funnel close to shore. The challenge of delivering the perfect cast to a 100-pound fish swimming directly toward you is exhilarating. Small worm flies, shrimp patterns, and subtle baitfish imitations all play a role. For many anglers, May offers the best chance to experience the ultimate test of tarpon fly fishing in the Keys.
Bonefishing in the Florida Keys
While tarpon dominate the spotlight, bonefish fishing in May can be excellent. With warming water and strong tides, bonefish become more active on the flats around Islamorada, Biscayne Bay, and the Lower Keys. Schools of bonefish tailing in shallow water provide incredible sight fishing opportunities. These speedsters test an angler’s skill, accuracy, and patience, making them a perfect complement to the high-stakes tarpon game. Many visiting anglers take advantage of May to pursue the classic Florida Keys grand slam: tarpon, bonefish, and permit—though this month, the focus remains tarpon and bones.
The Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament
Each May, Islamorada hosts the prestigious Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament, held the third Monday through Wednesday of the month. This is one of the “big three” tarpon tournaments in the Keys and draws elite guides and anglers from across the globe. It’s a celebration of the fishery at its absolute peak, and a reminder of why May is considered the most exciting month of the year for fly fishing in the Florida Keys.