What’s up, anglers! Captain Ryan Carter checking in with your weekly inshore fishing report from Live Action Sportfishing, your premier Key West fishing charters provider. And let me tell you – this is the week you’ve been waiting for all year if you’re a tarpon enthusiast!

The May full moon has arrived in all its glory, bringing with it the spectacular annual event that seasoned Keys fishermen live for: TARPON MIGRATION IN FULL SWING! These silver kings are showing up in force, rolling and daisy-chaining along the flats and channels throughout our waters.

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THE LEGENDARY PALOLO WORM HATCH

In the next few days, we’re about to witness one of nature’s most incredible phenomena – the famous palolo worm hatch. These small, reddish marine worms emerge from the flats and coral beds during the full moon phase, creating a synchronized spawning event as they head toward the reef.

What happens next is nothing short of spectacular! Tarpon line up for literal miles along the beaches and channels, setting up a feeding frenzy as they ambush these protein-packed morsels on the surface. The sight of 100+ pound silver missiles launching themselves out of the water to engulf these worms is something you have to see to believe.

FLY FISHING PARADISE

For the fly anglers out there – THIS IS YOUR WEEK! There’s absolutely nothing that compares to watching a 120-pound tarpon track and demolish your fly during the worm hatch. I recommend:

Red/burgundy colored patterns to match the palolo worms are ideal during Key West fishing charters this week. Try slow, deliberate retrieves that mimic the worms’ natural movement. Our Key West fishing charters are seeing the best results with 11-12 weight rods using floating lines for the early morning surface action, then switching to intermediate lines as the sun gets higher.

My clients have been having tremendous success with smaller, sparse palolo imitations in sizes 1/0-2/0, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.

CONVENTIONAL TACKLE TACTICS

Not a fly fisherman? No problem! The spinning rod bite has been equally explosive. Artificial lures like Hogys, DOA Baitbusters, and Hogy Protail Paddlers in red/burgundy colors have been absolutely crushing it. The soft plastic paddle tails with their subtle vibration perfectly mimic the swimming motion of the palolo worms.

When booking Key West fishing charters and working these lures, remember to keep your retrieve steady but not too fast. On our Key West fishing charters, we focus on working the lures primarily on the surface or in the top foot of the water column. Pay special attention to areas where currents converge, creating natural feeding lanes for the tarpon.

HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE

A word of warning to all anglers heading out on Key West fishing charters this week: THESE TARPON ARE FIRED UP! The surface bite during the worm hatch creates some of the most aggressive strikes you’ll ever experience. When these hungry 80-150 pound fish hit your lure, hold on tight! We’ve seen rods nearly yanked from anglers’ hands this past week.

Come prepared for your Key West fishing charters with a quality fighting belt if you’re targeting the bigger specimens. Pack plenty of water and sun protection as the battles can be long. Have a camera ready for those spectacular aerial displays, and bring patience and stamina since these fights can last 45+ minutes.

BOOKING AVAILABILITY

Due to the incredible fishing conditions, my Key West fishing charters schedule is filling up fast. I still have a few prime morning slots available for next week, but they won’t last long. If you want to experience this once-a-year phenomenon, call the Live Action Sportfishing office at [PHONE NUMBER] to secure your spot on one of our Key West fishing charters.

Remember – the palolo worm hatch typically only lasts 4-5 days around the full moon, so timing is everything!

Until next week, tight lines and screaming drags!

Capt. Ryan Carter
Live Action Sportfishing