Are trips suitable for beginners?

Yes, guides tailor the experience for all skill levels, and no prior fishing experience is necessary.

What is the best time of year for tarpon fishing?

Spring and summer months generally offer the best chances to land tarpon, but they can be found year-round.

Do I need a fishing license?

Hawks Cay provides all necessary permits for guided trips; no separate license is required.

What should I wear on the trip?

Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, sun protection gear, and non-slip footwear.

Is equipment supplied?

Yes, guides provide all rods, reels, and tackle needed for the trip.

What if I don’t catch a tarpon?

The experience of being on the water in such a prime area is rewarding, and guides work hard to maximize your chances.

Tarpon Time • Inshore/Bay | Fishing in Duck Key | Water Activities | Fishing

Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay Resort offers a prime launch point for anglers eager to chase the legendary tarpon. Known for its rich inshore waters and vibrant bay ecosystems, this area provides some of the best tarpon fishing in the world. The resort’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for both seasoned fishermen and newcomers looking to hook their first silver king. The shallow flats, mangrove-lined channels, and open bay waters create a dynamic environment where tarpon—often called 'silver kings'—can be seen rolling and jumping just beneath the surface.

What makes Hawks Cay’s tarpon adventure stand out is its combination of easy access and expert-guided outings. The inshore waters teeming with baitfish attract large tarpon, some exceeding 100 pounds. Anglers will appreciate the experienced guides who know the best spots and techniques for these powerful fish, making for a rewarding, adrenaline-pumping experience. The warm, navigable waters are ideal for fishing year-round, with peak seasons in spring and summer when tarpon gather in the area’s productive estuaries.

Guests can expect to spend around 4-6 hours on the water, with options for half or full-day trips. The physical demands are moderate—adequate upper body strength and patience help—but no technical skills are needed beyond the basics of casting. Essential gear includes sturdy rods, non-slip footwear, polarized sunglasses, and sun protection gear. The guides provide all necessary tackle and know how to maximize your chances of a strike.

Hawks Cay Resort has become a cornerstone for inshore fishing in the Florida Keys, blending natural beauty, strong local knowledge, and top-notch service. Whether it’s your first tarpon or your best catch yet, this trip promises an authentic Keys fishing experience that leaves you with stories to share for years.

About Hawks Cay Resort

Hawks Cay Resort is a waterfront resort on Duck Key, Florida, offering a variety of guided fishing charters and nighttime lobster excursions featured on The Adventure Collective. The resort lists multiple trip types including inshore/bay charters, offshore fishing, reef fishing, and a specialty nighttime lobstering excursion called Nightwalker — Nighttime Lobstering Excursions.

Nightwalker — Nighttime Lobstering Excursions provides a bullynetting-style lobster hunt described in its listing, with on-water lighting and a spacious deck for guests. Hawks Cay Resort also lists inshore trips such as I'm Hooked • Inshore/Bay featuring Captain Taylor Nelson and targeting species like tarpon and bonefish while navigating mangrove channels.

Additional named trips and charters appear in the resort's listings across reef, offshore, and inshore categories. Examples include Rippin Line Charters - Inshore/Bay; Snapshot, Snapshot II; Tailwalker, Tailwalker 2; Salt Walker; Eagle Eye; GOTCHA; Final Final; and Tarpon Time. Trips are categorized by type (Inshore/Bay, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing) to help visitors select appropriate experiences. Listings include both named vessels and trip categories to help guests identify suitable charters and scheduling options, seasonal availability and guide assignments.

Hawks Cay Resort’s presence on The Adventure Collective provides a centralized place to review available trips and basic trip summaries. Prospective guests can use those listings to compare trip types, vessel names, and the Nightwalker nighttime lobster excursion before contacting the resort for booking details.

For more information, refer to the specific trip listings on The Adventure Collective or contact Hawks Cay Resort directly for up-to-date availability and reservation instructions.