Whether you're a new angler chasing rolling giants at sunrise in Everglades, or a seasoned veteran stalking your silver king as it explodes from the crystal-clear flats of Islamorada, tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys delivers an unforgettable rush—an electrifying blend of power, precision, and pure adrenaline that captures the very soul of fly fishing.
Chasing Tarpon on fly in the Florida Keys is the ultimate saltwater thrill
Few experiences in saltwater fly fishing compare to the thrill of targeting tarpon in the Florida Keys. The peak season runs from April through June, when warm waters and calm winds set the stage for the annual tarpon migration—a spectacular movement of massive fish gliding across the crystal-clear flats of Islamorada, offering world-class sight-casting opportunities. This is prime time for fly anglers to connect with the legendary silver king, known for its explosive eats, aerial acrobatics, and unmatched power. But for those who know where to look, the action can begin much earlier. From January through March, the hidden creeks and basins of Everglades National Park can quietly come alive with juvenile and laid-up tarpon, especially during mild winter stretches. These early-season fish, often found rolling in the still, tannin-stained water of the backcountry, provide a unique opportunity to escape the crowds and test your skills in a more intimate setting. Whether you're a first-time angler hoping to jump your first tarpon or a seasoned fly fisher chasing your next trophy, tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys and Everglades offers unforgettable moments year-round—each season with its own rhythm, challenges, and rewards.
When to come:
Equipment used:
At StayFly, we outfit our anglers with carefully selected gear designed to match the precision and power required for targeting Florida’s most iconic inshore species. Our setups typically feature 11- and 12-weight one-piece fly rods, paired with both intermediate and full floating fly lines to adapt to changing conditions across the flats of Islamorada, Florida bay, and the mud-stained backwaters of the Everglades. Leaders are constructed with a 50-pound fluorocarbon bite tippet in a variety of IGFA line classes, offering the strength and stealth needed when presenting flies to wary tarpon. We favor smaller, subtler patterns when sight-casting to migrating fish in gin-clear water, and switch to larger, darker flies in the tannic tides and murky water of the Everglades. Every piece of gear we carry is chosen with purpose—refined through years on the water, and ready for the moment everything comes tight.
Skiff:
For my guiding business, I rely on the Chittum Islamorada 18 because it gives my anglers the best possible platform to fish from. This skiff is quiet, stable, and built to perform, whether we’re poling across shallow flats, slipping through mangrove edges, or making longer runs to reach the fish. Its design keeps us steady when sight fishing, and it handles wind and chop with ease, which means more time fishing comfortably and less time worrying about conditions. The Islamorada 18 is purpose-built for chasing tarpon, bonefish, and permit, and it allows me to put my clients in the right position to succeed on every trip.
Preparing for a tarpon fly fishing charter in Islamorada and the Florida Keys is simple, but bringing the right gear ensures a comfortable and successful day on the water. Light, breathable clothing and long-sleeve sun protection are recommended, along with a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses for spotting tarpon on the flats, and quality sunscreen, preferable the non-spray kind. A buff or face shield, lightweight rain jacket, and non-marking boat shoes or socks make fishing with your Islamorada fly fishing guide easier and more enjoyable. All fly fishing rods, reels, leaders, and tackle for tarpon are provided on our Florida Keys fishing charters, so you only need to bring personal items, snacks, drinks, and a camera to capture your catch. If you choose to bring your own equipment, we will get it rigged right with the correct size leaders and flies to get you the best opportunity at hooking a bucket-list tarpon. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable Florida Keys tarpon fly fishing adventure.
What to bring:
All tackle is provided on my Florida Keys fly fishing charters, so bringing your own gear is never required. If you prefer to purchase equipment, I recommend an 11–12 weight fly rod, a quality saltwater reel with strong drag, and floating line with 40-60 lb leader for battling tarpon in Islamorada.
Equipment Recommendations:
Rods:
G. Loomis NRX+ fly rod, built for saltwater tarpon fishing with power, accuracy, and strength to handle big game fish.
The Hardy Marksman is a powerful, reliable fly rod that’s perfectly suited for saltwater tarpon fishing in Islamorada and the Florida Keys.
Hardy Fortuna fly reel, built for saltwater tarpon fishing with powerful drag, lightweight design, and durability to battle trophy tarpon.
Reels:
Tibor Gulfstream fly reel, trusted for saltwater tarpon fishing with unbeatable drag, strength, and reliability for landing giant tarpon.
This simple yet effective tarpon fly rides high in the water, creating subtle surface disturbance that triggers aggressive eats from cruising fish. a go-to worm fly
Flies to bring:
This vibrant purple and black tarpon fly delivers lifelike movement in the water, creating an irresistible swimming action that draws explosive strikes. These are Tied by SandS Flies and my favorites are the black and purple and the chartreuse.
