If you are just hanging on the edge of your cubicle seat waiting for the word that we’ve got tarpon in Key West well YES we do! They’re starting to show up now and can be found throughout the backcountry and west of Key West all the way to the Marquesas.

 Seaplane basin is a good place to start looking, just be advised of the etiquette for flats fishing here if you plan on bringing your own boat. Be respectful of boats already fishing the area. Most professional guides will pole a long way into position instead of using their motor so they do not push the fish away from neighboring boats in the area. Tarpon may not spook easily but they may be come weary of the noise of a motor.

If you are having a difficult time seeing the tarpon you are not alone. These fish may appear very dark under the surface and will even look purple through some polorized glasses. Your cast should put the fly or bait in the tarpon’s “zone” where he can see and eat it readily and not have to turn or think about eating.

Fly fishing for tarpon is one of the biggest attractions in the area. Fish are migrating, daisy chaining and are resting layed up in pockets in the backcountry flats. If you can show them what they want to see, they’ll eat and then all  you have to do is hold on and bow to the King!