Tampa Bay Tarpon Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target massive tarpon during peak late April seasonCatchandrelease fishing near full and new moonsInshore Tampa Bay trips accommodate up to four anglers
There's nothing quite like watching a 100-pound tarpon launch itself clean out of the water, twisting and shaking in a desperate bid for freedom. Tampa Bay is hands down one of Florida's hottest tarpon destinations, and Captain Evan Denis knows exactly where these silver kings congregate when the conditions are perfect. This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – we're talking about a dedicated 5 to 8-hour pursuit of one of the most challenging gamefish in Florida waters. Late April marks the beginning of tarpon season here, and if you time it right with the lunar phases, you're in for some seriously epic fishing.
Captain Evan runs a top-rated operation that focuses on quality over quantity. With space for up to 4 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough rods in the water and giving everyone plenty of room to fight these monsters. The boat is set up specifically for tarpon fishing, with the tackle and rigging needed to handle fish that regularly push 150 pounds or more. You'll start early, usually before sunrise, to take advantage of the best bite times and tidal movements. The captain tailors each trip around the tides, moon phase, and current conditions – because tarpon fishing is all about being in the right place at the right time. Don't expect to just motor out and start catching fish immediately; tarpon fishing requires patience, persistence, and a good understanding of the bay's structure and current breaks.
Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay is primarily done with live bait – think big threadfin herring, pinfish, or crabs depending on what's available and what the fish are eating. Captain Evan uses heavy spinning gear and conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, because when a tarpon decides to make a run, it's going to peel line like you wouldn't believe. The rigging is pretty straightforward but crucial – circle hooks are the standard to ensure proper hook sets and easier releases. You'll be fishing both on anchor and drifting, depending on the tide and where the fish are showing up. The key technique here is patience and keeping a tight drag system, because tarpon have incredibly hard mouths and if your drag isn't set right, you'll lose fish after fish. Most of the fishing happens in 8-20 feet of water around structure, channels, and current breaks where baitfish get pushed around by the tide.
Tarpon are absolutely the main event here, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking fish can live over 50 years and grow to massive sizes – we're talking about fish that commonly weigh between 80-200 pounds in Tampa Bay. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size, but their fighting ability. When hooked, they'll jump repeatedly, sometimes 6-8 times, throwing their entire body out of the water in spectacular aerial displays. Late April through June is prime time, with the best action typically happening around the new and full moon phases when tides are strongest. The fish migrate through Tampa Bay in large schools, following baitfish and using the bay as a staging area before moving to their spawning grounds. What really gets anglers fired up about tarpon is that every fish feels like it could be the fish of a lifetime – they're incredibly strong, they jump like marlin, and they never give up until they're at the boat. Plus, tarpon are strictly catch-and-release in Florida, so you're participating in conservation while experiencing some of the best sport fishing the state has to offer.
This world-class tarpon fishing experience books up fast, especially during the peak season months when conditions are prime. Captain Evan Denis has built a reputation for putting anglers on quality fish, and word travels quickly in the Tampa Bay fishing community. The 5-8 hour format gives you the flexibility to choose your level of commitment – go with the shorter trip if you're testing the waters, or dedicate the full day if you're serious about hooking into multiple tarpon. Remember, this is specialized fishing that requires the right conditions, so the captain may recommend adjusting your trip dates based on weather, tides, and fish movement. Bring three of your best fishing buddies for the optimal experience – you'll want witnesses when you're battling a silver king, and having multiple anglers means more chances for everyone to get in on the action. Pack plenty of sunscreen, bring a good camera for the release photos, and prepare yourself for some of the most exciting fishing Florida has to offer. Contact Captain Evan Denis Charters now to lock in your dates – tarpon season waits for no one, and these fish won't be here forever.
Captain Evan's 23-foot Dorado bay boat is built for serious tarpon hunting in Tampa Bay's shallow waters. The 225 HP Mercury gets you to the hot spots fast, then switches to whisper-quiet wireless trolling motor when you're stalking those silver kings. With top-notch fishfinder and GPS onboard, you'll locate schools and navigate the flats like a pro. The VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and fish reports. This setup handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to fight these acrobatic giants. Perfect for those full moon tarpon runs when the big fish are rolling and the action gets wild. Book with Captain Evan and get ready for some serious catch-and-release battles with Florida's most prized gamefish.
Clearwater