Tarpon Flies

Choosing the Right Tarpon Flies for the Florida Keys

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.

What Are the Best Flies for Tarpon?

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.

Tarpon Fly Colors That Work in the Keys

Color selection often gets too complicated. In reality, a few reliable color combinations do most of the heavy lifting in the Keys:

• Black and Purple – Classic for low light or dirty water
• Olive and Tan – Great for clear water and spooky fish
• Chartreuse and White – High visibility, but still productive
• Orange/Red/Yellow – Warm colors that can fire up laid-up fish

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.

Our Go-To Tarpon Fly Patterns

We carry a wide range of tarpon flies for sale online and in the shop, including:

• Tarpon Toad Flies – Classic Keys pattern, rides level, pushes water
• Tarpon Worm Flies - A must-have for spooky migrating oceanside tarpon
• Black Death – A must-have, deadly in the early morning or on dark fish
• Cockroach Variants – Old-school and effective
• EP-style baitfish flies – Great for hunting deeper or more aggressive fish
• Laid-Up Specials – Soft landings, lots of movement, slow sink
• Custom Florida Keys Selections – Hand-picked boxes tailored for our fishery

Every fly in our inventory has been tested and proven in Keys water by guides and anglers who know what works.

How Many Tarpon Flies Do You Really Need?

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:

• 3–5 colors
• 2 sizes (typically 1/0 - 3/0)
• A mix of weighted and unweighted options
• Both baitfish and toad-style profiles

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.

When to Restock Tarpon Flies

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.

Why Buy Tarpon Flies from Florida Keys Outfitters?

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:

• Flies hand-picked for Florida Keys conditions
• Patterns that work with local tides, winds, and water
• Support from a team that actually fishes these flies
• Fast, reliable shipping anywhere in the U.S.

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.