Silver Kings Have Arrived on the Space Coast!

Well gang, it’s finally happening—the Silver Kings have arrived!

The annual tarpon migration is in full swing along the beaches of Florida’s Space Coast, and we’re now seeing good numbers of fish throughout the Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral areas as we move into the middle of June.

I’m especially happy to see plenty of baitfish along the beaches this year. When the bait is abundant, it keeps the tarpon feeding and holding in our local waters rather than simply pushing north. That’s great news for anglers looking to experience some of the best tarpon fishing that the Space Coast has to offer.

Most of the fish we’ve been seeing this week have been in the 70- to 120-pound class, which is an ideal size range for anglers wanting to experience the incredible power of a tarpon. These fish are large enough to test your skills, yet manageable enough for anglers who may be new to battling one of the strongest sportfish in the ocean.

Tarpon can be caught by sight-casting with either live bait or artificial lures. Two of my personal favorites are the Rapala Long Cast suspending lure and the Saltwater Assassin Artemis Shad. Both closely resemble the baitfish that tarpon are actively feeding on this time of year.

One thing to remember: tarpon have absolutely zero quit in them.

If you’re planning to target Silver Kings this summer, make sure you’re physically prepared. A tarpon fight can easily last 30 to 45 minutes or longer, and these fish will test your strength, endurance, and determination every step of the way.

Tarpon Fishing Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

Make sure your grip strength, arm strength, and back strength are up to the challenge.
Stay hydrated before and throughout the trip.
Eat a quality breakfast with plenty of protein, fruit, and water.
Come prepared for a serious workout.

Don’t:

Drink alcohol the night before your trip unless you enjoy getting your butt kicked by a tarpon.
Show up dehydrated.
Fuel up on doughnuts and fast food and expect to be at your best.

Honestly, I tell people to treat a tarpon fishing trip like they’re preparing for a half-marathon. If you come prepared, you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying every minute of the experience.

Summer Tarpon Fishing Availability

For those looking to book a trip in the immediate future, I’m currently booked through the beginning of July.

However, mid-July through early August is traditionally one of my favorite times to target tarpon around Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, and the surrounding Space Coast waters, and I still have several openings available during that timeframe.

Whenever possible, I recommend a full-day tarpon fishing charter. If a full day isn’t an option, a 5-hour morning trip is usually the next best choice.

The exception occurs during the three days immediately following a new moon or full moon. During those periods, I often recommend afternoon trips instead, as the tarpon bite frequently improves during the midday and afternoon hours.

For July:

New Moon: July 14
Full Moon: July 29

As always, weather conditions will help determine the final game plan.

For tarpon fishing, I generally recommend two to three anglers per boat. While four anglers can certainly fish together, it becomes more challenging when actively pursuing and fighting large tarpon.

Book Your Space Coast Tarpon Fishing Charter

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of battling a Silver King, now is the time.

Tarpon season is one of the most exciting times of year here on Florida’s Space Coast, and I’d love the opportunity to help you create your next unforgettable fishing memory.

Book your trip directly through the reservation page at Fineline Fishing Charters or give me a call at (321) 636-3728 if you have any questions.

I look forward to seeing you on the water.