Tarpon on Fly, Released on the Key West Flats
Capt. Dexter Simmons
June 24, 2012
Key West - Saltwater Fishing Report
The Fishing Report. June 15, 2012.
There are many opportunities during the course of each Tarpon Season here in the Keys to handle Tarpon that have been caught with the long rod and feathers tied to hooks.
The true moment of truth comes when the Tarpon is played by the side of the skiff and the angler is begging for a photo with the fish.
Nowadays, the best way to photo a Tarpon is to keep the fish in the water in order to save the fish from trauma and to preserve the life expectancy of these great fish.
I have been guilty of mishandling the Silver King in the past, however I have now seen the light and this photo, reflection and all, is a tribute to the epiphany that I have had in striving to preserve the species.
And so if you want to fish with me and get that Tarpon hero photo by swimming with the Tarpon, then that is great. I look forward to fishing with you too and taking pictures of the fish for you and even a few with you and the fish like this one above. That giant Tarpon was subdued after nearly a hour and swam away after a brief period of revival.
To catch and release one like this, call or email Capt. Dexter Simmons, 305-745-3304, [email protected], or visit my website: http://www.keywestflyfishing.comMike Dinner has been fly fishing with Capt. Dexter Simmons for 16 years. He is an excellent fly caster and always manages to take advantage of the Silver King whenever he is fishing in the Keys during May or June. Mike usually puts on a "clinic" casting to cruising Tarpon on the flats.
Here is Mike hooked up early in the day.
There are few anglers who fish the Keys regularly for Tarpon who can match Michael's casting skills. Here is Mike with a Tarpon to the boat.
Mike fishes for 6 or 7 days each May or June. He is a dedicated angler who loves to tie Tarpon fly patterns and prepare leaders in advance of his annual sojourn to Key West to fish with Capt. Dexter Simmons of Key West Fly Fishing.
Mr. Tarpon up close and personal...
Capt. Dexter is happy to note that there are other serious anglers who fish annually with him for Tarpon in the Keys. Anyone who is serious about catching Tarpon on Fly is encouraged to call Capt. Dexter to talk with him about the possibility of fly fishing the Key West flats. This Tarpon season is still going on and there are a few open dates in the last week of June to take advantage of.
Contact Capt. Dexter Simmons by calling him at 305-745-3304 or on his cell at 305-304-5880. You also may contact Capt. Dexter by email at [email protected] and visit his website at www.keywestflyfishing.com
Tarpon hunted, Bonefish caught!Angler Richard Dorman really enjoys fly fishing for Tarpon here in Key West. He realizes that some days are better that others, especially when mother nature decides to drop a cold front into the Keys! We hunted Tarpon for a few days and we found some. However, getting them
to eat the fly was tough, especially since the water temperature dropped by nearly 10 degrees in 48 hours. On day 3 we were looking for them at hight tide
near the mangroves and we noticed some smaller shadows. "Bonefish! Richard, cast to 1 O'Clock, 60 feet..." A perfect presentation and the 5 pound Bonefish is on and running out backing. A few minutes later and we have the fish to the boat amid laughs and comments that if the Tarpon won't eat at least the Bonefish will! Tarpon Season 2012 is upon us and there are some great dates in May, June and early July for Tarpon Fly Fishing Charters with Key West Fly Fishing and Capt. Dexter Simmons. Here is a Tarpon Fly Fishing video to whet your palate! Click Here for another awesome VIDEO sequence of Tarpon Fly Fishing!
Tarpon are laid up on the flats! Tarpon have migrated into the Lower Keys flats and are laid up in decent numbers in basins and channels.
Look at the Underwater world of the Tarpon!
Key West Fishing Forecast:
Now that the tropical storm has passed, great fishing for Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit.
Target Species:
Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish
More Fishing Reports:
