Fly Fishing for Tarpon in Southwest Florida

Fly fishing for tarpon in Southwest Florida can be done in a number of different ways and a number of different locations. Early in the season excellent fishing can be had fishing for tarpon "laid up" in shallow water in the bay and lagoons of the 10,000 Islands. Later, during the migration north, pods of tarpon can be targeted on fly along the beaches from Marco Island to Boca Grande. Also pre-spawn tarpon can be targeted along the shallow sand bars of Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay. Most of these pre-spawn tarpon are singles prowling the shallows in search of a easy meal. As the tarpon move closer to the spawn, oppuortunities for flyfishing tarpon can be had on the deeper flats of Pine Island Sound and Gasparilla Sound. Deep water fly fishing for tarpon can be had near the passes and offshore as migrating schools can be encountered during the months of May and June. Depending on the depth of water, a floating or a sinking line can be used. 10-12 wt tackle should be used for migratory tarpon as they average almost 100 pounds.

Fly fishing for Tarpon "hot spots" in Southwest Florida

*  "Laid Up" tarpon in the Lagoons and Bay from Marco Island to Cape Sabal.

*  Beach fishing for pods of tarpon from Marco island to Tampa Bay.

*  Fishing the deeper grass flats of Pine Island Sound

*  Fishing large pods near the passes and offshore