When is tarpon season in Islamorada?
April to July is best, Bud N’ Mary’s says, with April and May the traditional peak, some fish from February and resident tarpon all year. Robbie’s calls them most active from March to September. Tarpon are catch and release only in Florida, and a tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water.
The fish
FWC puts tarpon at up to eight feet and 300 pounds, slow-growing and maturing at seven to 13 years, and says they gulp air at the surface; FWC research says they can live more than 50 years. A 100-pound tarpon is typically 13 to 16 years old, the Florida Museum says. FWC calls their food value poor: the fishery is almost entirely catch and release.
Tarpon season in Islamorada
Bud N’ Mary’s: best April to July, April and May the traditional peak, some fish from February when the water reaches the mid-70s, resident fish all year and a less reliable fall run. Robbie’s: most active March to September, fishable all year. A Fishing Guru: backcountry tarpon peak from spring to early summer. Bud N’ Mary’s also says summer tarpon in Everglades National Park can be excellent into September.
The Keys tourism council grades tarpon Peak in April, May, June and July. June is tournament month: the Ladies Tarpon Fly is held each June during the height of the migration, and the 63rd Gold Cup Tarpon ran 15–19 June 2026.
Can you keep tarpon?
A tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water.
Every limit is on what fish you can keep.
| Rule | FWC, Keys state waters |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | — |
| Bag limit | Catch and release only |
| Season | All year |
| Source | FWC: Tarpon |
Where and which trip
Bud N’ Mary’s says half days fish the bridges and channels near the marina, and full days often run to the Everglades. Tarpon at the bridges covers Channel 2, Channel 5 and Long Key.
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Stray Cat Fishing Charters
4.8 Google · 13 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Backcountry and inshore trips naming tarpon first, plus a sunset tarpon trip.
Departs: Worldwide Sportsman / Bass Pro marina, bait-house fuel dock, MM 81.5
Check availability -
I'm Bit Charters
5.0 Google · 22 reviews · read 4 October 2026
A three-hour tarpon trip for $650.
Departs: Robbie’s Marina, Tarpon Booth
Check availability
Google · 13 reviews · read 4 October 2026 Read for this page on 6 October 2026: FWC: tarpon profile ; Bud N’ Mary’s: tarpon fishing ; Robbie’s: shark and tarpon fishing .
Check it at the source
- FWC — Tarpon regulations Tarpon is catch-and-release with a tag required to possess or transport one. Link checked 6 September 2026
- Florida Keys & Key West tourism council: fishing The Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s fishing pages, tournament calendar and Fishing Opportunity Calendar. Link checked 6 October 2026
Tarpon: questions
What is the best month for tarpon in Islamorada?
April and May are the traditional peak by Bud N’ Mary’s, within an April-to-July best season. June is when the big tarpon tournaments are held.
Can you keep a tarpon in Florida?
No. Tarpon are catch and release only, and FWC says a tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water unless an angler is pursuing a record with a tarpon tag.
Next step
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