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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Tarpon in Southwest Florida & Everglades may fishing.

Megalops atlanticusMigratoryPeak

Peak Gulf tarpon migration — Boca Grande, Homosassa, Panhandle beaches.

Year-round calendar

Each month encodes typical migration status. The current month is outlined in gold. Tap a cell for the month-specific note and water temperature.

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan — Possible Wintering fish in southernmost waters. Typical water temp: 58–66°FPossibleFeb — Possible Same. Typical water temp: 60–68°FPossibleMar — Fair Earliest northbound fish. Typical water temp: 66–72°FFairApr — Good Spring run building. Typical water temp: 72–78°FGoodMay — Peak Peak Gulf tarpon migration — Boca Grande, Homosassa, Panhandle beaches. Typical water temp: 78–84°FPeakJun — Peak Same — biggest fish of the year often hooked. Typical water temp: 82–86°FPeakJul — Good Resident summer fish. Typical water temp: 84–88°FGoodAug — Good Same. Typical water temp: 84–88°FGoodSep — Good Fall migration south building. Typical water temp: 80–84°FGoodOct — Fair Fish departing south. Typical water temp: 72–78°FFairNov — Possible Last stragglers. Typical water temp: 64–70°FPossibleDec — Absent Departed. Typical water temp: 58–64°F

Migration pattern

Spring Gulf tarpon migration pushes north from the Keys through the Big Bend May–July. Boca Grande, Homosassa, and the Panhandle beaches are flagship locations. Fall departure south September–October.

Best locations

  • Marco Island
  • Ten Thousand Islands
  • Chokoloskee Bay
  • Flamingo flats

Top lures

  • Live threadfin herring
  • Live mullet
  • Crab patterns (palolo hatch)
  • Live pinfish
  • Soft plastic eel
Verify with current conditions

Migration timing varies year to year. Cross-reference NOAA marine forecasts and a local source the week of your trip.

Tarpon in other regions

Get a notification when tarpon show up.

Bield: Fish ties NOAA buoy data and water temperature readings to species arrival windows so you're on the water the day they arrive in Southwest Florida & Everglades.

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