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(305) 664-5423
(305) 664-5423
Tarpon flies are not all created equal, and if you’ve spent any time on the bow in the Florida Keys, you already know that fly selection can make or break a day. We carry a carefully curated selection of flies for tarpon, including proven patterns that have earned their place in our skiffs season after season.
Whether you’re prepping for oceanside migrators, laid-up tarpon in the backcountry, or early-season fish on the basins, having the right tarpon fly in the right color, size, and profile is key to success. We stock the best tarpon flies available today, with patterns tied by some of the most respected names in saltwater fly tying.
The answer depends on where, when, and how you're fishing. For the Florida Keys, we typically break it down by water type and conditions.
Oceanside Migrators - For big strings of migrating tarpon in clear water, it’s all about subtle movement, neutral colors, and a profile that hangs in the water. In recent years, palolo worm flies have become all the rage for oceanside opportunities. We carry all the top worm flies. If you want to learn more about the palolo worm hatch, check out this article from Tail Fly Magazine.
Backcountry and Laid-Up Fish - For slow-moving fish suspended in warmer water, unweighted or lightly weighted patterns with a long tail and slow sink are the ticket. Look for bunny-style tarpon flies, lighter-colored baitfish profiles, and patterns that land soft. We like flies that push just enough water to grab attention but not enough to spook a resting fish. Ruoff's Laid Up Tarpon Fly is by far our favorite in this category.
Dirty Water or Low Light - When visibility is poor, bigger flies with more contrast work best. Think black and red, purple and chartreuse, or anything that stands out. Flies like the EP tarpon Streamer, Tarpon Toad, and large-profile baitfish flies for tarpon are good options here.
Color selection often gets too complicated. In reality, a few reliable color combinations do most of the heavy lifting in the Keys:
Tarpon can be selective, but confidence matters. If you believe in a fly and present it well, you’re halfway there. That said, it helps to carry a box that covers different tarpon fly styles & colors, from laid-up offerings to baitfish movers.
We carry a wide range of tarpon flies for sale online and in the shop, including:
Every fly in our inventory has been tested and proven in Keys water by guides and anglers who know what works.
It’s easy to overpack your fly box, but nothing’s worse than not having the one you need. Most anglers can get away with:
If you’re headed down for a few days of fishing, we suggest starting with one of our curated tarpon fly selections. These assortments are built by our team and reflect what’s working right now in the Keys.
Early spring is the time to make sure your box is dialed. The Florida Keys tarpon season kicks off in March, and by May, it’s full tilt. Whether you're prepping for your annual trip or just want to be ready when the fish show up, we recommend ordering early, and popular patterns tend to sell out as the season heats up.
At FKO, we’ve been outfitting anglers for over three decades. We don’t just sell tarpon flies, we fish them every week, from Biscayne to Key West. When you shop with us, you’re getting:
If you have questions or want help building your tarpon box, just give us a call or drop by the shop. We’re happy to talk shop, answer questions, and make sure you’re rigged right.
When that large dark shape comes scooting down the edge, you’ll be glad you brought the right fly.
