Sunday, April 10, 2011

Therrrre Heeeere!

It Tarpon Time and there are here!!!
 
The last three evenings have produced 7 tarpon catches.  Thursday and Friday evening we fished in some of my "downtown" area spots.  These fish were averaging 25-80 pounds.  Saturday evening we fished the Monster run and landed 2 - 100 pounders.  When these tarpon start showing up in the Monster alley run - that is the sign that our migratory fish have arrived - and they will be here through June and into mid July.  So, if you ever wanted to catch "the fish of a lifetime" - a 100 pound plus tarpon - now through mid July is the time to do it!  These fish will average 100-150 pounds with a chance to hook-up with a 180-200 pound monster!  The tarpon are here to spawn - so this is the heaviest they will be all year.   
 
Phil and Greg fished with me the last 3 days/evenings and they each caught a backcountry slam on Saturday (tarpon, redfish and trout).  The trout bite has been outrageous with some of my spots producing a trout on almost every cast - for as long as you want to catch 'em!  We got into some redfish yesterday - they guys landed 5 or 6 reds.  The evening produced 2 beautiful 100 pound tarpon. 
 
I took the Berge family out last week and 7 year old Connor had the day of his life.  He caught all the trout he could handle and was just as excited catching the first one as he was to catch the 40th one. 
 
It's tarpon time - but it's also a great time to get into some nice reds, snook, trout, snapper and a host of others- and if you are a diehard hardcore fisherman it's also a great time to catch a big bonefish or permit.  Expect to spend the whole day going after the grey ghost (bonefish) or ever elusive permit.  One or two in a day is a very good day.  If you like lots of action - trout and snapper are very abundant.  The redfish can be hot action too.  One of the reasons this is such an amazing place to fish - is the great variety we have.  There is always something to target and always something biting.  Come on down and catch that fish of a lifetime - the tarpon are here!
 
 
Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Springtime Fishing in the Keys

Sorry I haven't posted a report in a while.  March was extremely busy and the fishing was - and still is - fantastic!
 
The tarpon started showing up a little earlier this year.  The water temperature warmed up nicely as the winds were down - for what we normally expect in March.   The tarpon bite has been good.  We have been averaging 3 to 5 hook-ups on an evening tarpon trip.  Most of the fish have been in the 60-80 pound range with some 25-35 pounders caught in some of the "downtown" areas.  It's very rare that we don't catch at least one tarpon on an evening trip and I pride myself on consistently producing tarpon on every evening tarpon trip.  The big dogs are showing up and it looks like we are going to have another banner tarpon year.  Be ready for a workout if you plan on tarpon fishing - it's not for the timid, meek or young children.  It truly is a battle intended for the well prepared.
 
The trout bite has been amazing!  We call it a "hole in one" when the cork goes down as soon as it hits the water - and we've had many hole in ones lately.  You can catch a trout on almost every cast for as long as you want to - in some of my good spots right now - and there are some really nice fat female "gator trout" in the mix.
 
The reds have been really good too.  But some of the days we've had to work for them.  When they are biting - we've put together some 20-30 fish days - with a few snook in the mix as well.  The snook bite is hit or miss - but it has been getting better with the warmer spring weather.
 
For all you shark fans - the shark are showing up strong with this warm weather and Andy and Niki from Michigan had there fill with 3 nice blacktips and two big 100 pound plus bull sharks on a half day trip last week. 
 
Last year was the best tarpon fishing I've seen and I expect this year to be just as good.  The best time for tarpon is mid April through mid July.  So, if you are planning a trip to the Keys and want to do some great fishing - give me a call.  This season is booking up fast - but I still have some openings. 
 
Have a great day - and thanks for reading! 
 
Thanks,
Captain Steve Murray
Phone:  305 - 393 - 1641
Email:  stevemurray126@att.net
Website:  www.tarponheadquarters.com