Big tarpon migrate through NE FL May through August along the beaches, jetties, and inlets, following pogies and mullet. They stage in deep channels and roll along the river mouth at first light. Mayport, St. Augustine inlet, and the surf inside two miles all hold rolling fish at peak. Smaller resident tarpon (10-30 lb) hang in deeper inshore creeks year-round, but the big numbers move through with the migration.
Massive silver fish, prehistoric-looking, with chrome scales the size of a quarter and a deeply forked tail. Adult tarpon in 904 water average 50-150 lb. Their swim bladder doubles as a primitive lung — that's what the rolling at the surface is. Catch-and-release only in Florida (no harvest, no possession). A $51 tarpon tag is required if you photo-handle one over 40 inches out of the water.
The migration window in NE FL runs roughly mid-May through mid-August. June-July is the peak — pogie schools off the beach hold 100+ lb fish that roll constantly. By late August they push south. September-October sees stragglers and resident smaller fish. November through April: largely gone except for a few inshore residents in deep holes.
Tarpon take experience. Light gear and you'll lose them; heavy gear and you'll never get a bite. Standard rig is 80 lb fluorocarbon leader, 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook, live mullet or live blue crab free-lined to a rolling fish. Sight-cast from a boat to schools off the beach in early morning. When you hook one, bow to the king on every jump — drop the rod tip — or the leader snaps.
Florida fishing regulations change. Always confirm slot, bag limits, and seasons on the official source before you keep anything. See our Licenses & Regulations page or go straight to MyFWC.com.