Captain Austin McWhorter's Tarpon Live Bait Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tarpon with live bait from May through midAugustCaptain Austin provides all tackle and bait for Silver King fishingLaunch location adapts to weather conditions for optimal success
Looking to tangle with the legendary Silver King? Captain Austin McWhorter's tarpon fishing trips put you right where these giants feed from May through mid-August. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about hooking into fish that can stretch over six feet and jump clear out of the water. With live bait and all tackle provided, plus a seasoned captain who knows exactly where to find these monsters, you're set up for the kind of fishing that gets your heart pumping and creates stories you'll tell for years.
Captain Austin keeps things flexible and smart – the launch point changes based on weather and conditions because that's how you stay on fish. Some days we might head out from one spot, other days it's completely different, but that's all part of reading the water and putting you where the tarpon are feeding. You'll be fishing with a max of four anglers, so there's plenty of room to fight fish and everyone gets quality time with the rod. The captain provides all the live bait – usually pilchards, threadfins, or crabs depending on what the tarpon are keyed in on that day. Your tackle is covered too, from the heavy spinning gear to the wire leaders that can handle a tarpon's sandpaper mouth. Plan on spending the day working structure, flats, and channels where these silver torpedoes cruise looking for an easy meal.
This is all about presenting live bait in the most natural way possible. We're talking about fishing with circle hooks on 60-80 pound leaders, letting that bait swim freely while we watch for the telltale signs – rolling fish, diving birds, or that heart-stopping moment when your line starts peeling off the reel. Captain Austin runs quality spinning reels spooled with 30-40 pound braid, matched to rods that can handle the initial run but still have enough backbone for a long fight. The key is keeping that bait lively – we'll anchor up on productive spots or drift along drop-offs and structure where tarpon ambush prey. You'll learn to read the signs: nervous baitfish, birds working, or those silver flashes just under the surface that tell you tarpon are in the area and ready to eat.
The Silver King earns its nickname for good reason – these fish are pure silver muscle that can grow over 200 pounds and live for decades. Peak season runs May through mid-August when tarpon migrate through in massive schools, following baitfish and warmer water temperatures. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive isn't just their size – it's their acrobatics. Once hooked, expect multiple jumps, long screaming runs, and a fight that can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on the fish's size and attitude. These ancient fish have been around for millions of years, and their swim bladders let them gulp air at the surface, which means they can fight longer than most species. The real thrill comes from that first jump when 100-plus pounds of silver lightning explodes out of the water, gill plates rattling, trying to throw your hook. Most anglers practice catch and release with tarpon since the meat isn't great eating, but the photos and memories from landing one of these giants are worth their weight in gold.
Captain Austin McWhorter's tarpon trips book up fast during prime season, and for good reason – this is world-class fishing with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check tarpon off your bucket list or someone ready to step up from smaller inshore species, this live bait approach gives you the best shot at hooking into the Silver King. The season is short but sweet, running May through mid-August, so don't wait to secure your dates. With only four spots per trip and all bait and tackle included, you just need to show up ready to fish and prepared for the fight of a lifetime.
Our motorboat is built for serious tarpon fishing, equipped with everything you need to battle the Silver King. The wireless trolling motor keeps us moving quietly through shallow waters without spooking fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools of bait and cruising tarpon. GPS navigation gets us to the hot spots fast, and radar keeps us safe when afternoon storms roll in. The VHF radio maintains contact with other boats sharing intel on tarpon movement. With an ice box to keep your live bait fresh and lively, this rig handles up to 4 anglers comfortably. We'll launch from the best location based on wind and weather conditions, giving you the best shot at hooking into these legendary fighters during prime season from May through mid-August.
Clearwater, FL