Everglades Tarpon Fishing Charter

South Florida Everglades Tarpon Fishing is one of the most exhilarating experiences known on the planet!  From the time they start rolling around the boat Crashing on Bait till your captain safely releases the fish to fight another day, that fish has implanted a memory that will stay with you for the rest of your life! The acrobatic jumps, the violent crashing of water, the long screaming runs, the overall respect you gain after the fight truly gives it the name "Silver King"

Ever dream of catching a giant Tarpon?
If its Tarpon Fishing that has been haunting your dreams then you aren't alone.  Many Anglers  dream of the day they may meet the Silver King again.  Tarpon can be caught in South Florida all year long. During Tarpon Season in South Florida (March-June)you can expect to follow the old saying "Early to Bed, Early to Rise, Fish all Day, and Hope to not make up Lies!" A typical morning starts by meeting at the ramp about 30 Minutes before first light. The reason being a Tarpon is primarily a nocturnal eating species so fishing the first few hours of daylight are very crucial.

Jumping Tarpon in Flamingo

Photo by Richard Gibson

What should I wear?
The first thing anyone should ever do before they think of catching one of these beasts is make sure they are prepared before they leave the dock.  Most backcountry guides in South Florida dress in light colored, light weight, long sleeve, long pant clothing. Believe me this is not a fashion statement we are making down here.  It is because the sun is relentless and sometimes mosquitoes can be an issue in the backcountry and the clothing protects us. Polarized Sunglasses are a must. I recommend the best Costa Del Mar brand. And of course a hat, suntan lotion, and lots of water. Once you have all these things get ready for the time of your life!

What time of year is the best to catch Tarpon?
Tarpon are found here in South Florida and The Everglades all year long. During the months of Feb. - July the larger fish can be found in great numbers traveling in large schools in South Florida.  These fish are generally 60-200 Pounds and very eager to eat just about anything in its path. During the end of summer and into the winter we generally turn our attention to the far remote backcountry in search for juvenile tarpon.  These fish are normally found from 1-40
pounds and have a tendency to be very aggressive. While fishing in these remote waters it is not uncommon to jump 30 fish in a single day.  Not to mention you probably will not see a boat the entire day. It is one of the last untouched wild areas of Florida.

120 Pound Tarpon Landed on Fly

Photo by Richard Gibson

A Rapala X-Rap enticed this Tarpon

Photo by Richard Gibson

Here are some random clients that landed a Tarpon.

October 19, 2009

This is Cody Powel and his son from Colorado.  Cody is a former stream fly fishing guide that decided to try his luck at Tarpon in the Everglades.  His adventure started in the Everglades part of Flamingo that is located on the SW tip of Florida.  This fish even though it was only a juvenile was still a handfull in the deep backcountry of Hell's Bay.  He casted a Rapala Twitching Rap using a 10 lb. light tackle spinning rod and did a great job at keeping it out of the mangrove roots.  Cody and his son also had a blast at catching Snook, Snapper, Jacks, and Ladyfish.

 Capt. Rich writes: Thanks guys I really had a blast fishing with the two "Mountain Fish Nuts!" Come on back and fish with me anytime.

October 5, 2010

This is Kevin from Texas.  He came down with his buddy Bob also from Texas and fished with me for two days in the Everglades Backcountry.  Here you can see another Juvenile Tarpon caught with a live shrimp on 10 lb. light tackle spinning rods.  Eventhough the weather was probably some of the worst possbile with it blowing 25+mph both days we still managed to catch some Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and Snapper.  It proves that even a bad day of fishing in the Everglades is still better than a good day of work.  These guys also got to see some Alligators, Crocodiles, and exotic migrating birds that started to make their way down from the north.

Capt. Rich writes: These two texas boys live in the same town my old man was born in and I loved having these guys fish with me.  Bob, I can't wait for you to bring your wife down and fish with me in Key West this winter and both of you guys better man up and see what Spring Tarpon Season is all about!

Everglades Tarpon Fishing Season

April 6, 2010

This is the Steve Sierra group from Alabama.  It was a 9 boat charter I organized out of Islamorada for two days of backcountry fishing.  During the two days there were Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Jacks, Ladyfish, Snapper, and Sharks caught.  This was the first day, Capt. Rich set out for a run up to Flamingo where they through Rapala X-Raps at schools of giant migrating Tarpon.  Steve hooked and landed this fish that was estimated at 150 lbs. Luckily, they had a camera boat ready and got some great shots and film of everyone fishing.  This fish fought for over 30 minutes while using a 20lb. light tackle spinning rod.  Steve about half way through the battle looked a little green but not from being out of shape but rather because he made the mistake of swallowing his chewing tobacco. But he sucked it up and made it through the long battle. Here is the actual fish that will make the cover of Saltwater Sportsman Magazine for the Spring Tarpon issue in 2011.

Capt. Rich writes:  Steve, I had a great time sharing my homewaters of the Everglades with you and all of your guys that made the long trip down.  Congratulations on landing this once in a lifetime fish.  Normally I would lie and say I could put you on that fish again but in all honesty a fish of that size only jumps on someones hook for their first landed tarpon so far just once for me.  Though, I am always up for the challenge.  I hope to see you again next year for the Spring Tarpon Season.  Tight Lines and don't work too hard!