Baby Tarpon Fly Fishing In The Florida Keys
Fly fishing for baby tarpon is incredibly productive in the Florida Keys. These acrobatic juvenile tarpon really put on a show, and are available year round. Even a beginner has a reasonable chance of success on the flats pursuing baby tarpon. In the Keys we consider baby tarpon to be any tarpon in the 5 – 30 lb range. Tarpon of this size are extremely abundant here, and we target them on the open flats, around mangrove islands, channels and area bridges. Due to ideal habitat, and light fishing pressure, some days we can hook 20 or more juvenile tarpon. With that being said these silver princes are the future of tarpon fishing so we try to catch a few and move on to something else most days.
When targeting baby tarpon in the Florida Keys an early start is essential. Like all tarpon, the juveniles feed at night and early in the morning most frequently. On many mornings I leave the dock in the darkness in order to be in a spot just as day breaks. Baby tarpon roll on the surface more than adult tarpon. As the light comes up the begin to show themselves, and the fireworks begin. Most days the best baby tarpon fly fishing of the day is done by 9 or 10 am.
Best Seasons To Fly Fish For Baby Tarpon
Although baby tarpon can be caught year round in the Florida Keys and Key West, some times are better than others. If tarpon like one thing it’s calm. Flat calm conditions and warm, humid weather equal great tarpon fly fishing. This weather seems to bring them out of the woodwork in a big way. Most years these conditions are found from July 1st to Oct 1st. This weather also coincides with “shrimp hatches”, where millions of small shrimp come to the surface, and tarpon go nuts. Fly fishing for baby tarpon during the shrimp hatch is incredible, and something you will never forget.
April, May and June are considered prime fly fishing months for tarpon of all sizes in the Florida Keys. Baby tarpon like permit, and bonefish are eager to pack on pounds after winter. These months offer the added bonus of targeting full size tarpon as well. Baby tarpon are a good starting place for any aspiring tarpon angler. They let you make your mistakes in much more forgiving situations. They also build muscle memory, and confidence before moving on to the bigger brethren.
Tackle Recommendations For Baby Tarpon Fly Fishing
When targeting baby tarpon on fly we typically use an 8 or 9 weight fly rod. This is plenty of rod for the average fish and allows you to lay the fly in there softly. A weight forward floating line will work in most situations. A quality reel with 20 lb. backing completes the outfit. As far as leaders go, a 9 foot section of 30 lb. flourocarbon is my go to.
Baby Tarpon Flies For the Florida Keys
One of the best things about fly fishing for baby tarpon is they are cooperative. Juvenile tarpon eat flies readily, and usually aren’t too picky. Toad flies in black and purple, tan or chartreuse will do the trick. Enrico Puglisi bait fish patterns such as the peanut butter also work well. My personal favorite way to catch baby tarpon here in the Keys is on top water flies. Gurglers are great in tan or pink. They make noise that draw the attention of nearby fish, and mimic shrimp popping on the surface. The strikes are savage to put it lightly!