Why the Keys?

There are just a few places on the planet that are synonymous with their pursuits. Mountaineers aspire for Everest. Wingshooters flock to Argentina. Skiers dream of the Alps. And Tarpon fishermen, well, they head to the Florida Keys.

The Keys represent the confluence of two major schools of Tarpon that comprise the Atlantic and Gulf Coast migrations. Big, aggressive fish show up in large numbers to overwinter, breed, and prepare for their summer journey North, where they will move up either side of peninsular Florida and beyond. This mass migration is complemented by smaller schools of resident adults and juveniles that can be targeted year round.

Aside from the sheer number of fish, the Keys fishery is known for the predictable timing of the peak season. Anyone who has chased the Silver King knows the variables that must be accounted for to be successful: wind conditions, moon phase, water clarity and temperature, predators, food-sources, and predators all play a role in the cat-and-mouse game. But, knowing with confidence when the fish will be present in large numbers puts the Keys’ angler in a position to successfully land one of these prehistoric creatures.