Tarpon Season Takes Off
Key Conditions Influence Migrating Fish

by Capt. Bill Miller

Photo by David A. Brown

Without any question, the most eagerly anticipated event for fisherman on Florida's Gulf Coast is the beginning of tarpon season. They're known as the "silver king" for good reason, and these powerful, shimmering giants present one of the most challenging and rewarding pursuits the sea has to offer.

Each year, tarpon season starts with two types of early-season fish – local residents and the first wave of migrating tarpon. The locals seem to live here year-round and they spend their winters in places like the power plants, marinas, deep creeks and rivers like the Hillsborough, Manatee, Little Manatee and Alafia.

Here's a look at the key factors that influence spring tarpon movement:

WEATHER: Warm, stable conditions like we have mostly had this year will bring the residents out first and right after that, the travelers will arrive. The travelers usually arrive on a new or full moon. This year a big bunch arrived on the new moon in April. When the weather is nice, the new arrivals will feed heavily, but bad weather will slow the migration and if the fish are already here, rough conditions usually push the tarpon offshore until things clear up.

WATER TEMPERATURE: Historically, we can expect to start noticing the arrival of migrating tarpon and the appearance of resident fish coming out of their wintering holes when the water temperature reaches the upper 60's. At 70 degrees, the fish should be showing up steadily, with their earliest appearances around bridges at night.

FOOD: The spring baitfish migration is a key factor in the arrival of tarpon from the south and west. When the food starts moving, the predators follow.

TIDES: I have not seen tides playing much of a factor in when migrating tarpon arrive or where they go. However, when they settle into where they want to be, they will usually feed on the stronger tidal flows, as they will throughout their months in our area. Just remember that strong tides don’t always mean a good tarpon bite. Sometimes the bite will be on the changes of the tide. Also, certain spots don’t produce well on hard tides, so pay attention to how your bait presentations and if the fast moving water is a hindrance, choose another spot.

As we get deeper into spring, the days will grow longer and the tarpon migration will pick up steam, as the fish's internal calendar tells them it's time to move. The full and new moons of May will have the tarpon ready to play and from then on, it's going to be several months of fun for bay area anglers.

For weekly fishing reports, hot tips, catch photos and lots of angling resources, visit www.billmiller.com. For fishing charters in the Tampa Bay area, call (813) 363-9927.