Tarpon Fishing in Miami
Megalops atlanticus
Tarpon, the silver king, are giant fish that leap clear of the water again and again. Miami has tarpon all year, with the biggest numbers in spring. Hooking one around a bridge at night or in Government Cut is an experience anglers never forget.
Quick facts
Many are 4 to 6 feet long.
Large tarpon are common in spring.
They leap many times during a fight.
They can gulp air from the surface.
Bridges, inlets and channels.
Where to catch them off Miami
Government Cut
The main channel into Miami has tarpon all year.
Bridges
Causeways across Biscayne Bay hold fish at night.
Inlets
Haulover and the channels see big runs in spring.
Season in Miami
How to read this meter
- PPeak best time to catch
- FFair can catch
- OOff rarely caught
- CClosed season, no harvest
Tarpon are caught all year, with the spring run from March through June.
Key events
Fall mullet run
The first real cold fronts of fall, nearshore water cooling toward the upper 60s °F, and days of northeast to east wind that push the schools against the beach.
Usually builds in Miami-Dade in October, with the peak around mid-October to early November. A warm fall can push it into November; a strong early front or storm can bring it in September.
Winter shrimp runs (Biscayne Bay and Government Cut)
Shrimp drift out of the bay at night on the outgoing tide, often best from the top of the falling tide. Strong tides help; tarpon stack up at bridges, shadow lines and the Cut.
Very hard to predict night to night. Runs often start in January or February and peak in March and April. Local reports disagree on the moon: some favor the strong tides around full and new moons, others the nights about 10 days either side of the full moon.
Summer shrimp run
A second, smaller run of shrimp on night outgoing tides in Biscayne Bay.
Generally June to mid-August, with smaller tarpon at the bridges.
Spring tarpon migration
Warming water pushes big migratory tarpon along the coast and into Biscayne Bay and the inlets.
Starts earlier in a warm spring.
AffectsTarpon
Best time and conditions
Spring
Large tarpon gather in the channels and inlets.
Night
Bridges and lights are best after dark.
Techniques and baits
Live bait
Live crabs, mullet or shrimp drifted in the current.
Bridge fishing
Fishing the shadow lines of bridges.
Circle hooks
They hook tarpon safely.
Bow to the king
Lowering the rod when the fish jumps.
Top baits and lures
- Live crabs
- Mullet
- Live shrimp
- Pinfish
Florida regulations
We release all tarpon. On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.
FWC: Tarpon rules · Last checked October 27, 2026
On the table
Tarpon are not eaten. They are a catch-and-release fish.
Which charter is best?
Saltwater Inshore
- $650 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 4 guests
- Also targets Snook, Barracuda, Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Schoolmaster Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Grunt, Amberjack and Almaco Jack
Peacock Bass (Miami)
- $350 per trip
- 2 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 2 guests
- Also targets Peacock Bass, Largemouth bass, Snook and Florida Gar
Peacock Bass (Everglades)
- $650 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 2 guests
- Also targets Peacock Bass, Largemouth bass, Snook and Florida Gar
Shark Fishing
- $750 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 4 guests
- Also targets Shark, Barracuda, Amberjack and Cobia
Tarpon FAQ
When is tarpon season in Miami?
All year, with the best run from March through June.
Can I keep a tarpon?
No. Tarpon are catch and release. Fish over 40 inches must stay in the water.
How big do tarpon get in Miami?
Many are 30 to 80 lb, and fish over 100 lb are caught every spring.
Where do you catch tarpon in Miami?
Government Cut, the inlets and the bridges.
Which charter is best for tarpon?
The Inshore trip.
Can I cancel my trip?
Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.