Top Tarpon Fishing Countries

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) are large, powerful fish known for their acrobatic leaps and are highly prized by sport anglers for their size and fighting ability. They inhabit warm coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, with the best tarpon fishing found in countries such as the United States (especially Florida), Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, and Cuba. While tarpon are not widely targeted for commercial harvest due to their bony flesh and conservation concerns, they support a thriving recreational fishing industry, particularly in Florida where catch-and-release practices are common and tournaments attract anglers from around the world. In Central American and Caribbean nations, tarpon fishing also contributes significantly to local tourism economies, with guides and lodges catering to international anglers. Conservation efforts and regulations in these countries focus on sustaining healthy tarpon populations, recognizing their value as a premier sport fish rather than a commercial resource.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.