Fort Lauderdale Tarpon Fishing

Tarpon are an iconic fish in Fort Lauderdale and Fort Lauderdale is one of the best places to catch tarpon. These large, silvery fish are cunning and put up a great fight. They are also known to leap out of the water high into the air and roll and flip. Surprisingly, when fishing for tarpon, you're much better off staying inshore on the rivers and canals or in the ocean inlet.

Tarpon can grow to be over 8 feet long. Most of our tarpon in Fort Lauderdale range from 5 to 7 feet. Fort Lauderdale tarpon can be as heavy as 250 pounds. Tarpon have a blueish or greenish color and have shiny scales over their enitre body. Tarpon don't exist just in Fort Lauderdale. They can be found all along the east coast of the United States all the way up to Delaware and are also very common in the Atlantic ocean.

There are many fishing charter operators that focus exclusively on tarpon, but all Fort Lauderdale fishing captains have extensive experience with tarpon fishing. Many Fort Lauderdale fishing captains even have their own secret tarpon spots.

We can accomodate requests for tarpon charters using light tackle on small boats or we can fish for tarpon on any of our larger boats as well.

Best Time for Tarpon Fishing in Ft Lauderdale

Tarpon can be caught in Fort Lauderdale year around. In the winter and spring your chances of catching a tarpon in Fort Lauderdale are even higher because many tarpon migrate south during the winter to escape the cold water.

Tarpon Fishing Equipment in Fort Lauderdale

You can use all types of rods and reels for tarpon fishing in Fort Lauderdale. But keep in mind, tarpon are big and strong. A cheap rod and cheap reel may be overpowered by these large fish.

Tarpon Bait in Fort Lauderdale

When fishing for tarpon in Ft Lauderdale we prefer using crabs, shrimp, or pilchards. Both live bait and dead bait work as do artificial baits and lures. But we always prefer live bait. The downside of live bait is that it's pricier and attracts other fish that might steal it, but we think it provides your best chance of catching a tarpon.