If you’ve never felt a 100-pound fish go airborne on your line, it’s time to meet the Silver King — the legendary tarpon of the Florida Keys. Known for their acrobatic leaps, brute strength, and almost mythic reputation, tarpon fishing is a bucket-list adventure, and Marathon is one of the best places on the planet to do it.
Why Tarpon?
Tarpon are one of the most thrilling sport fish in the world. They can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh over 200 pounds, with most catches in Marathon ranging from 60 to 150 lbs. They’re catch-and-release only in Florida (no eating these giants!), but the adrenaline rush of battling a leaping tarpon is unforgettable.
Best Time of Year to Catch Tarpon in the Keys
The best months for tarpon fishing in Marathon are April through July, though you can still find some action in March and August.
Peak Tarpon Season:
– April–July (migratory tarpon move through the Keys)
– Early mornings and evenings are best, especially around moon phases
Pro Tip: Target tarpon during full and new moons for the strongest tides and feeding activity.
Ideal Tarpon Fishing Weather
Tarpon love:
– Calm, warm waters (75–85°F)
– Incoming or outgoing tides
– Light winds (under 10 knots)
– Sunrise and sunset light conditions
Avoid rough, choppy seas and heavy rainfall, as it reduces visibility and feeding activity.
Where to Catch Tarpon in Marathon
Here are some of the top tarpon hot spots around Marathon:
– Seven Mile Bridge – The iconic tarpon hangout. Cast near the pilings.
– Long Key Bridge – Strong currents funnel bait and attract monsters.
– Bahia Honda Channel – Famous for big tarpon, especially at night.
– Boot Key Harbor edges – A more protected option for sight-fishing.
Best Tactics & Gear for Tarpon
Rods & Reels:
– 7’–8’ heavy action spinning or baitcasting rods
– 5000–8000 class reels with strong drag
– 50–80 lb braided line with 60–100 lb fluorocarbon leader
Tactics:
– Drift live bait or cast artificial lures along bridges and channels
– Anchor upcurrent and let your bait move naturally with the tide
– Be ready to bow to the king (lower your rod tip when the tarpon jumps!)
Best Bait for Tarpon in the Florida Keys
Live bait:
– Crabs (pass crabs are gold during outgoing tide)
– Mullet
– Pinfish
– Shrimp (especially at night or for juvenile tarpon)
Artificial lures:
– DOA TerrorEyz
– Hogy swimbaits
– LiveTarget sardines
– MirrOlure plugs
Grilled Mahi (Dolphin) with Citrus Mojo Sauce
Ingredients:
– 2 mahi-mahi fillets (or other local catch like snapper)
– Juice of 2 oranges
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt & pepper
– Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Mix citrus juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and olive oil into a marinade.
2. Let fish marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Grill fillets for 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Drizzle with remaining marinade and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
5. Serve with grilled plantains or coconut rice!
Stay in Fisherman’s Paradise: HappyintheKeys
No tarpon trip is complete without the perfect home base.
Enter the Happy in the Keys Experience — Marathon’s most luxurious and fisherman-friendly vacation homes.
Our vacation residences are:
– Designed for anglers with ice machines, bait freezers, fish-cleaning stations
– Equipped with private boat ramps and oversized docks (bring your boat!)
– Surrounded by peaceful canals, tropical landscaping, and world-class fishing grounds
– Stylish and relaxing — think designer interiors, private pools, and sunset views
Book your stay at https://happyinthekeys.com
