Tarpon worm hatch
Capt. Richard Burson
June 20, 2009
Islamorada - Saltwater Fishing Report
There is a phenomenon that happens each year in May and June in the Florida Keys. Tarpon go crazy when the paloao worm begin to hatch! The tarpon bite is amazing during this particular hatch. They cannot resist the worm and an angler can catch tarpon after tarpon if they are on the water at the right time! It just happened last week and I was there to witness it.
There is a controversy between anglers on when this worm hatch begins. Some say it is on the full moon and others swear it is just the opposite and can be the new moon in May or June. An important factor in the worm hatch is the tide must be falling and it nearly always happens in the late afternoon until just before sunset. This is small window of opportunity but a wonderful experience that will last a lifetime.
The palolo worm is found in many corners of the world. The Florida Keys palolo worms do not get much larger than your index finger.
These worms emerge from the coral rock in the ocean floor and head straight for the reef. The tarpon love to feed on these worms and will spend every moment of the hatch devouring all they can.
We caught 10 Tarpon in a 4 hour trip! This is an amazing feet and one that my clients will not soon forget.
Target Species:
Tarpon
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