Hunt for the Majestic Silver King

Florida is a paradise known for a myriad of outdoor activities. And while boating, hunting, and hiking are often some of the finest in the U.S., did you know that we feature one activity that is unquestionably the best in the world?

Welcome to tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys and the hunt for the majestic “Silver King.” In May and June, the activity in the Middle and Lower Keys is world-class – there’s no better place on earth to be to land one of these beauties.

We knew that we wanted a part of this action, so we headed south on U.S. 1. Our plan was to secure the perfect accommodations, procure the best equipment possible for the battle ahead, and hook up with a first-rate tarpon charter company that could help us in our quest to land one of these elusive monsters. 

GETTING STARTED

After researching the best in authentic Florida Keys accommodations, we were excited to find the Lime Tree Bay Resort. Located squarely in the middle of the Keys at Mile Marker 68.5 on Long Key, this quintessential property has it all. Immediately upon pulling up, we were awed by the quarter-mile, white-sand beach lined with tiki huts, hammocks, and barbecue grills just steps from the rooms. 

A private fishing dock sits near one of the many heated swimming pools, all providing spectacular views of the sunsets over Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The entire area is nestled in over 100 palm trees, adding to the gentle tropical feel.

Our new friend Terry at the front desk gave us a tour of the property, then escorted us to our second-story guestroom that featured a massive, shaded balcony overlooking the water. The well-appointed room itself was freshly renovated yet still had that authentic Keys feel that we have come to expect when visiting the area. The Lime Tree Bay Resort has other rooms, from studios to full-size townhomes and suites. 

After checking in, we scoped out all that the resort has to offer, including unlimited free use of their kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes. They even have dockage for boats up to 21 feet. Your room also includes breakfast at next door’s Florida Boy Bar & Grill, a laid-back, Keys-style location with an outdoor bar that is open to the public for lunch and dinner. We relaxed at the pool with our local craft brews while planning the next move in our tarpon hunt.  (Continue reading below photos). 

WORLDWIDE SPORTSMAN – BASS PRO SHOPS

Down the road from the Lime Tree Bay Resort is the famous World Wide Sportsman location that features Bass Pro Shops and the Islamorada Fish Company restaurant. First opened in 1967, this World Wide Sportsman location specializes in everything you need for fishing in Florida, including all the tackle, gear, and high-tech clothing options needed to survive and succeed in the tropical heat. 

This World Wide Sportsman – Bass Pro Shops location embodies all that is the Keys. In addition to fishing equipment, this gigantic store stocks gear for boating, hunting, camping, and all things outdoors. They also sell Tracker boats onsite at the Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Boating Center, as well as marine electronics, trolling motors, trailer accessories, canoes, kayaks, and more. 

To top it off, there’s even the Bayside Marina and Boardwalk onsite for your bait needs. Fishing guides and charters leave from the marina daily. 

We picked up exactly what we needed for our tarpon trip, then headed next door to the Islamorada Fish Company. First opened back in 1948, this landmark overlooks Florida Bay and its legendary sunsets. It is also home to the Zane Grey Long Key Lounge, located on the second floor of World Wide Sportsman – Bass Pro Shops. The lounge is a tribute to the Long Key Fishing Club, founded in 1917 by legendary writer Zane Grey. We all grabbed a world-famous Islamorada Sandwich served up with the day’s fresh catch. 

No trip to the area would be complete without a little dose of Ernest Hemmingway history. The renowned author called the Keys his home for years, and World Wild Sportsman – Bass Pro Shops pays tribute to him by displaying a duplicate model of his famous fishing boat, the Pilar. 

Legend has it that Hemmingway fished from this exact boat in 1933 and enjoyed it so much that he decided he needed one just like her to satisfy his yearning for the big-game fish hunting he loved so much. This half-sister ship, named after Hemmingway’s nickname for his wife Pauline, is dry-docked right in the center of the shop and welcomes all guests aboard.

We headed back to the Key Lime Bay Resort to retire for the evening – our trip to meet our fishing captain was coming our way early.

TIME TO GET REEL

The next morning, we were at Spanish Harbor Wayside boat launch to meet up with Capt. Austin of Bahia Honda Tarpon Charters before the sun came up. Capt. Austin brought along additional expertise, his brother, Capt. Kaleb, and together we headed out to meet our tarpon challenge head on. 

To our surprise, the expectation of a long haul out to our fishing area was misguided – we were in prime tarpon hunting grounds in less than 15 minutes. Capt. Austin explained that the tarpon like to run through the Bahia Honda channel, an area of fast-flowing current under the New Bahia Honda Bridge that shifts with the flowing tides. So, we tied off to the bridge pilings and cast our lines.

The captains of Bahia Honda Tarpon Charters know their stuff. They provide all the gear that you could ever need, including live bait. We chose crab as our bait – tarpon find them much easier to eat than darting live fish, so it is simpler to get a proper hookset since the crab is not actively trying to avoid the tarpon. 

Our hooks were in the water in minutes … and we watched our bobbers drift quickly out in the swift current with our bait set about six feet below the surface. The captains’ advice was to let the line play out for 150 yards or so, knowing that if we didn’t get a strike during that time, it was best to reel it in and try again. 

Tarpon fishing is unlike many other forms of fishing – there are no “nibbles” to give you a warning that there is a fish interested in your bait. When a Silver King strikes, it is immediate, and you know it. Once you feel the hit he will run and it is time to reel in quickly, lifting your rod up to about a 45-degree angle in the process. 

You will have no doubt that you have hooked him, as tarpon in the area weigh up to 80 pounds, and more than a few top out at over 100. 

Within the first 15 minutes, we had snagged our first tarpon. Reeling quickly and firmly is the key. If you have hooked a large fish, he will pull that line out, often for hundreds of yards. Let it scream out against the drag if necessary but be prepared to reel it back in as soon as you can. Lift the rod tip up every time you feel the pressure of the running fish, knowing that there is a classic tarpon jump coming soon. 

Tarpon often will leap clear out of the water when hooked to recover more oxygen. When they do this, it often invigorates their fight, making it even tougher to reel them in. During their jumps, they shake their heads and can easily spit the hook. To avoid this, Capt. Austin says your best bet is to “bow to the Silver King.” In other words, immediately drop your rod tip and point it straight at your jumping fish, giving him a bit of slack line. Remember, your tarpon weighs much more in the air than he does under water, so you do not want your line to be too tight when he is jumping … or it can snap. By bowing, you will be able to reel more line in quickly, leveraging your fish ever closer to the boat.

Be prepared to fight for up to 90 minutes. This often involves trading off with others on the boat to conserve energy. Tarpon are a catch-and-release-only species, so by state law they must remain in the water. Handled correctly by captain and angler, they have a nearly 100% survival rate after being hooked.

In our four hours of fishing, we hooked over a half-dozen tarpon, managing to get a couple up to the boat. We took our photos with pride and released these beautiful beasts. 

The Bahia Honda Tarpon Charters team could not have been more helpful and instructive – we loved our time on the water with the guys. They cater to all skill levels and go out every day in May and June, offering not only private trips but corporate and group charters as well. Their knowledge of the local area, combined with the experience to understand weather patterns and the tarpon lifestyle, makes them the perfect choice for hunting the majestic Silver King. 

Lime Tree Bay Resort

Mile Marker 68.5

Layton FL 33001

www.LimeTreeBayResort.com 

World Wide Sportsman – Bass Pro Shops

81576 Overseas Highway

Islamorada, FL 33036

www.BassPro.com 

Bahia Honda Tarpon Charters

Spanish Harbor Wayside Boat Launch

www.BahiaHondaTarponCharters.com 

305-647-6637 for booking