Private 4 Hour Tarpon Key West Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tarpon on 4hour inshore fishing charters aboard 24ft YellowfinMorning and sunset trips available with up to 5 guestsProfessional charter service specializing in Silver King battles
When you talk about bucket list fishing in Key West, Tarpon sits right at the top. These legendary fighters have been drawing serious anglers to these waters for generations, and for good reason. Reel Easy Charters runs two prime half-day Tarpon charters that put you right where the Silver Kings patrol. Whether you're rolling out of bed for the 7:00 AM morning bite or timing it perfectly for the sunset feed from March through August, you're getting four solid hours on a 24-foot Yellowfin with a captain who knows exactly where these giants hang out. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – it's built for anglers who want to test their skills against one of the most powerful fish swimming in the Florida Keys.
Your day kicks off at the marina where Captain and crew have the 24-foot Yellowfin prepped and ready. This boat handles Key West's shallow flats and deeper channels like it was built for it – because it was. You'll head out with up to four other anglers, keeping the group small so everyone gets quality time with a rod. The morning trip launches right at 7:00 AM when Tarpon are actively feeding after a night of hunting. These early hours often produce the most aggressive strikes as the fish capitalize on baitfish moving with the tide. The sunset charter runs a different game entirely. From March through August, Tarpon get fired up as daylight fades, creating some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere in South Florida. Your captain reads the water conditions, checks wind direction, and adjusts the plan based on recent fish activity and seasonal patterns.
Tarpon fishing demands specific gear and techniques that separate it from other inshore species. You'll fish with heavy spinning tackle or conventional reels loaded with 30-50 pound test, because when a 100-pound Tarpon decides to go airborne, lighter gear just won't cut it. Live bait is the name of the game here – fresh pilchards, mullet, or crabs depending on what the fish are keying on. Your captain positions the boat over known Tarpon holes, along channel edges, or works the flats where these fish cruise for food. The technique often involves sight fishing, where you're watching for that telltale silver flash or the distinctive rolling motion as Tarpon surface to gulp air. When you spot one, it's a calculated cast ahead of the fish's path, letting your bait settle naturally in the strike zone. Circle hooks are standard to improve hook-up ratios and reduce injury to the fish. The real skill comes in the fight – keeping steady pressure while the fish jumps, knowing when to give line and when to gain it back.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Key West inshore fishing, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking giants can reach over 200 pounds and 8 feet long, though the average fish you'll encounter runs between 80-150 pounds. What makes them special isn't just their size – it's their fighting ability. The moment you hook a Tarpon, it's going to explode out of the water in a series of jaw-dropping jumps, shaking its massive head trying to throw your hook. They're incredibly strong swimmers that will run line off your reel like it's nothing, then suddenly change direction and charge straight at the boat. Tarpon are most active in Key West waters from March through September, with peak season running April through July. They migrate through these waters following baitfish, temperature changes, and spawning patterns that have remained consistent for thousands of years. The reason anglers get so obsessed with Tarpon is the combination of their size, acrobatic fights, and the technical skill required to land one successfully. Most fish are released after a quick photo, as Tarpon are primarily a sport fish. Landing your first Tarpon is something that stays with you – the adrenaline rush of seeing a fish that size go airborne just feet from your boat never gets old.
This charter books up fast, especially during prime Tarpon season when visiting anglers want their shot at the Silver King. The morning trips are perfect if you want to beat the heat and catch fish when they're most active, while the sunset charters offer cooler temperatures and often more consistent action during the right months. Four hours gives you plenty of time to locate fish, work different spots, and hopefully get multiple shots at these legendary fighters. The 24-foot Yellowfin provides a stable platform for battling big fish while staying comfortable throughout the trip. With space for up to five anglers, you can book this as a private group or join other serious fishermen for a shared adventure. Reel Easy Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and their Tarpon program represents some of the most consistent action you'll find in Key West. Don't wait until you're already in town to book – prime dates fill up weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss your chance at hooking into one of the most sought-after game fish in Florida waters.
The 24' Yellowfin bay boat cuts through Key West waters with serious fishing credentials. This sleek machine packs a 300HP Mercury Verado that rockets you to prime tarpon grounds, then throttles down for stealthy approaches when these silver kings get spooky. Built for up to 5 anglers, the Yellowfin's shallow draft lets you work backcountry flats and deeper channels with equal confidence. Modern fish finder tech helps locate schools while GPS navigation keeps you on productive spots. VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. Whether you're chasing dawn patrol tarpon or evening biters during prime season, this bay boat delivers the speed to cover water and the stability to fight fish that can top 100 pounds. The wide cockpit gives everyone room to battle these acrobatic giants without tangling lines.
Key West