It’s almost tarpon fishing season in Florida! Here’s what to know, tournaments near you

Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
·4 min read

Anglers, get your hooks and bait ready!

Tarpon season for the Gulf of Mexico is here, with many dedicated fisherman across the nation heading to Florida to see if they can catch the world’s most exciting gamefish.

To celebrate the thousands of ”silver kings” migrating through the region, many tournaments will be kicking off in the upcoming weeks. Whether you're ready to throw your hat (and fishing rod) into the ring or you're just curious about this subsection of Florida culture, here's what to about tarpons and the excitement around catching now.

What are tarpons?

On March 19, 1885, a mighty silver-sided tarpon was captured on a rod and reel for the first time on record. Southwest Florida became the epicenter of a new sport that generated interest around the globe as celebrities and presidents were lured to the area to catch the silver king. As a result, the area became a major tourist destination.
On March 19, 1885, a mighty silver-sided tarpon was captured on a rod and reel for the first time on record. Southwest Florida became the epicenter of a new sport that generated interest around the globe as celebrities and presidents were lured to the area to catch the silver king. As a result, the area became a major tourist destination.

Florida Sportsman says that the tarpon is a "large thick-bodied fish generally silver in color other than its back, which can range from a dark green to gray. It has a large scoop-shaped mouth and the last ray or its dorsal fin is greatly elongated."

A tarpon can reach 8 feet, weigh about 300 pounds and can take two hours to bring to a boat. Oh and it should be mentioned that they have small teeth.

Some fish for tarpon, some steal it: Watch as man walks through Florida Bass Pro Shops with tarpon from store’s pond

When is tarpon fishing season?

Tarpon migrate throughout the year to find food and chase warm tropical and subtropical waters. Peak season for tarpon fishing is said to go from mid-March to July in the Gulf of Mexico and June through August in the Atlantic.

However, Captain Experiences does note tarpon are spotted in Key West year-round.

Where is the best region to fish for tarpon?

Clearwater Inshore Fishing shares the species tends to populate warmer coastal waters primarily in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the West Indies. Tarpons are especially found all throughout west coast of the state, from the Everglades to the panhandle.

Southwest Florida's Boca Grande has been dubbed the "Tarpon Capital of the World." The pass creates natural funnel for tarpon migrating along the coast, allowing anglers to fish from boats or the shore.

When is the best time to catch tarpon?

Captain Experiences explains tarpon feed at dawn and dusk, which makes the best time to fish for them early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

Are tarpon a protected species in Florida?

They are. According to FWC, tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery and is a threatened species. They do mention that "one tarpon tag per person per year" may be purchased when in pursuit of a Florida state or world record.

To view the rules for catching a tarpon when pursing a record, go to FWC's website here.

Is tarpon edible?

Capt. Red Flowers, of DeLand, with a bit of a rarity: A tarpon caught and brought to the boat, then released, in the St. Johns River.
Capt. Red Flowers, of DeLand, with a bit of a rarity: A tarpon caught and brought to the boat, then released, in the St. Johns River.

While the flesh of tarpon is technically edible, it is not legal, nor is it recommended. It is reported that their meat contains a lot of small bones and doesn't taste very good. Don't get in any legal trouble for a bad meal, it's not worth it.

Want to put your angling skills to the test? Here's 3 tarpon tournaments coming up

  • "Ding" Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament: Located in the first recorded location where a tarpon was caught on a hook and reel, the 12th annual Ding Darlings & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament is inviting angers to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on May 9 - 10 to engage in a day of fishing, competition and a chance to win cash prizes.

    • Cost: $1,000 per team of four, and $150 for any additional angler (maximum of six people per boat)

  • South Seas Tarpon Tournament: South Seas Resort on Captiva Island is hosting their first ever Tarpon Tournament on May 17. The tournament is raising funds for Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization committed to providing life-changing scholarships for the spouses and children of American fallen or disabled military and first responders. Contestants will enjoy a day of fishing and boating, meals, music and prices.

    • Cost: teams of four are allowed to participate for a $1,000 fee.

  • Boca Grande Tarpon Tournament: Taking place May 22 - 23, the Boca Grande Club Invitational Tarpon Tournament, also known as the “World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament,” is bringing back the World Class Anglers to Boca Grande, where angers have the opportunity to win up to $100,000 for the first place prize. This live-bait only tournament honors the history of tarpon fishing in the region and the importance of conservation and eco-friendly fishing practices.

    • Cost: $8,000 per boat

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida tarpon season: When and where to find the popular game fish