Tarpon Fishing Charter Boca Grande – Silver King
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tarpon during peak migration season April through JulyCaptain John provides all gear, bait, and fishing licensesChoose flexible morning or afternoon departure times
If you're looking to hook into one of Florida's most legendary game fish, Captain John's tarpon charter out of Boca Grande is where you want to be. Running from April through July during peak tarpon season, this 5- to 6-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of the action at Boca Grande Pass and the surrounding beaches. Whether you've been chasing tarpon for years or this is your first shot at the Silver King, Captain John provides everything you need – tackle, bait, licenses, and most importantly, the local knowledge to put you on fish. With morning and afternoon trips available, you can pick the time that works best for your schedule and get ready for some serious Gulf Coast fishing.
Boca Grande Pass is hands down one of the top tarpon destinations on the planet, and Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand. The trip starts early if you book the morning slot, getting you out to the productive zones while the fish are active. The afternoon option works great too, especially when the wind dies down and conditions get prime. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat that handles up to four anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to fight these powerful fish without getting tangled up. The pass itself is a natural funnel where tarpon stack up during their migration, and the nearby beaches offer different opportunities depending on conditions. Captain John reads the water, tide, and fish movement to put you where the action is hottest. Don't worry about experience level – he'll coach you through everything from setting the hook to fighting these acrobatic giants.
Tarpon fishing at Boca Grande is all about presenting live bait in the right spots at the right time. Captain John runs heavy spinning gear and conventional setups that can handle 100-plus pound fish without breaking a sweat. You'll be using circle hooks with live crabs, pinfish, and threadfin herring – whatever the tarpon are keyed in on that particular day. The technique varies based on where the fish are holding. In the pass, you might be anchored up and fishing the moving water, letting your bait drift naturally with the current. Along the beaches, it's more about covering water and finding active schools. Captain John handles all the rigging and bait preparation, so you can focus on the fishing. He'll teach you how to set the drag properly for tarpon – loose enough that they can't break off on their first jump, but tight enough to eventually wear them down. The key is patience and keeping steady pressure once you're hooked up.
Tarpon are the main event here, and for good reason. These silver-sided monsters average 80 to 150 pounds in Boca Grande waters, with plenty of fish pushing 200 pounds during peak season. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their incredible fighting ability. The moment you set the hook, they explode from the water in a series of tail-walking jumps that'll get your heart racing. They're prehistoric-looking fish with massive scales and a mouth full of sandpaper that can cut through leader if you're not careful. The best tarpon action happens from late April through June when massive schools migrate through the pass to spawn. These fish are incredibly strong and can fight for 30 minutes or more, testing your endurance as much as your tackle. What really hooks anglers is that tarpon are primarily catch-and-release fish, so you're fishing for the fight and the photos, not the cooler. There's something pure about battling one of these giants and watching it swim away healthy. The peak bite usually happens around the tide changes when baitfish get pushed through the pass and the tarpon move up to feed aggressively.
Captain John's tarpon charters book up fast during the season, and for good reason. This is world-class fishing with a captain who knows how to put you on fish consistently. The season runs April 1st through July 1st, but the prime time is really late April through June when the big schools are moving through. Whether you're a serious angler looking to cross tarpon off your bucket list or just want to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, this trip delivers. With all gear and licenses included, flexible departure times, and room for up to four anglers, it's perfect for couples, families, or a group of fishing buddies. Don't wait until the last minute – the best dates during peak season fill up months in advance. Book your spot now and get ready to tangle with the Silver King in some of the most productive tarpon water on the Gulf Coast.
Placida, FL