Split Day Tarpon Fishing on Reel Smoker 26ft
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Split 8hour charter targets tarpon during peak feeding timesMorning and evening sessions aboard 26ft Conch center consoleAll fishing gear provided for up to 4 guests
If you've been dreaming about hooking into Key West's legendary Silver King, this split-day charter is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about an 8-hour Tarpon fishing adventure that's perfectly timed to hit those prime feeding windows when these giants are most active. You'll fish the morning bite, take a break during the brutal midday heat, then return for the evening session when Tarpon really turn on. Captain and crew provide all the gear - you just bring your drinks, snacks, and game face. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip; it's designed by locals who know exactly when and where these fish feed in Key West waters.
Your day kicks off early aboard the Reel Smoker, a 26-foot Conch center console that's built for the kind of fishing Key West is famous for. These boats handle the offshore waters like a dream, giving you a stable platform for battling big fish. You'll start with four solid hours of morning action, typically from dawn until around 10 AM when the Tarpon are actively feeding in the cooler water. The split format means you avoid that brutal midday sun and dead fishing period - instead, you'll be back at the dock cooling off while other charters are suffering through the heat. Then at 4:30 PM, you're back out there for the evening bite that extends right through sunset. This timing isn't just about comfort; it's about maximizing your chances of hooking into multiple Silver Kings when they're actually biting. With space for up to four anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows during the fight.
Tarpon fishing around Key West is all about reading the water and presenting baits where these fish are feeding. Your captain will have you fishing both live and dead baits depending on conditions - live crabs, pilchards, and threadfins are top producers, while fresh mullet and pinfish work great when the bite is on. The boat comes rigged with heavy spinning gear and conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound test line, because when a 100-pound Tarpon decides to go airborne, you need equipment that won't let you down. Circle hooks are the standard here, both for conservation and better hookups. You'll be fishing depths anywhere from 15 to 60 feet, targeting channels, wrecks, and structure where baitfish congregate. The captain knows the local hot spots - places like the Harbor Channel, Sand Key, and various offshore humps that consistently hold fish. While Tarpon is the main target, don't be surprised if you hook into Cobia, Permit, or Sharks while waiting for the Silver King to show up.
The Tarpon fishing around Key West is absolutely world-class, and there's good reason these waters are considered the Tarpon capital of the world. These prehistoric-looking giants average 80-150 pounds, with fish over 200 pounds caught regularly during peak season. What makes Tarpon so special isn't just their size - it's their acrobatic fights that'll have your arms burning and your heart pounding. When a big Silver King takes your bait, you're in for multiple jumps, long runs, and a battle that can last 30 minutes or more. The peak season runs from April through July, but you can find fish year-round in these waters. May and June are absolutely prime time when massive schools move through the area during their annual migration. These fish are prehistoric survivors that can live over 80 years and grow to nearly 300 pounds. The Key West population includes both resident fish and migrating schools, meaning consistent action throughout the season. What anglers love most is the visual aspect - you can often see these massive fish rolling on the surface or spot their silver sides flashing in the clear water before you even make a cast. Landing one is considered a badge of honor among serious anglers, and catch-and-release practices ensure future generations can experience the same rush.
This split-day format is hands-down the smartest way to target Tarpon in Key West waters. You're fishing when the bite is hottest while avoiding the midday heat that makes other charters miserable. The Reel Smoker gives you a top-rated platform with an experienced crew who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add a Key West Silver King to your list or a group wanting to experience world-class fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, making it perfect for couples, families, or fishing buddies. All tackle and gear are included, so you can focus on what matters - hooking into the fish of a lifetime. Key West Tarpon fishing doesn't get much better than this, and the split-day timing means you'll be fishing when these giants are actually feeding. Book your spot now and get ready for some of the best fishing Key West has to offer.
Meet the Reel Smoker, a 2020 26-foot Conch center console that's perfectly rigged for chasing Key West's legendary Silver King. This fishing machine runs on a powerful 300HP Mercury engine, cruising at 40 knots to get you to the tarpon grounds fast and back to port when the bite slows. The spacious center console design gives your group of 4 plenty of room to fight these acrobatic giants without getting tangled up. When you're taking that midday break, the onboard icebox keeps your drinks ice-cold under the Florida sun. The GPS and fish finder help locate those productive channels and flats where tarpon roll and feed. Built for both inshore backcountry work and nearshore action, this Conch handles Key West's varied waters with ease. Whether you're sight-casting to rolling fish at dawn or working the evening bite as the sun sets, the Reel Smoker puts you in position for some serious tarpon action.
Key West