Tarpon Trip with Captain Austin McWhorter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fly and artificial lure fishing for tarpon from May to midAugustCaptain Austin provides all equipment and local expertise for successFlexible launch locations based on optimal weather and fishing conditions
Get ready to tangle with the Silver King on Captain Austin McWhorter's world-class tarpon fishing adventure. Running from May through mid-August, this fly and artificial lure trip puts you face-to-face with one of the most sought-after game fish in North American waters. Captain Austin brings years of local knowledge and the right gear to make your reels sing when these prehistoric giants decide to eat. With space for just two anglers, you'll get the personalized attention needed to land the fish of a lifetime.
This isn't your average inshore fishing trip. Captain Austin tailors each outing based on weather conditions and where the tarpon are rolling, so your launch point changes with the fish. That flexibility is what separates top-rated guides from the rest – they follow the action, not a set routine. You'll spend your day sight-casting to rolling tarpon, watching for that telltale splash as they gulp air at the surface. The boat stays positioned perfectly for clean shots, whether you're throwing flies or working artificial lures. Captain Austin handles all the equipment, from rods rigged for tarpon to the terminal tackle that can handle their crushing runs. His local expertise means you're fishing the right spots at the right times, maximizing your chances of hooking up with these legendary fighters.
Tarpon fishing demands precision, and Captain Austin has dialed in the techniques that produce strikes. On the fly rod, you'll work large streamers and tarpon-specific patterns that mimic the baitfish these giants feed on. Sight-casting is the name of the game – you'll watch for rolling fish, then make accurate casts ahead of their path. The takes are explosive, often resulting in immediate jumps that'll get your heart racing. For artificial lures, Captain Austin relies on proven producers like large swimbaits, spoons, and plugs that trigger aggressive strikes. The key is matching the retrieve to the fish's mood and the current conditions. Heavy tackle is essential since tarpon can easily exceed 100 pounds and make blistering runs that test every knot and connection. Captain Austin's boat is rigged with quality gear that can handle these battles, including proper fighting belts and gimbal rods when needed.
Tarpon are called the Silver King for good reason – they're absolutely stunning fish that fight like nothing else in the water. These prehistoric giants can live over 80 years and grow well past 200 pounds, though most fish you'll encounter run between 80-150 pounds. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size, but their acrobatic displays once hooked. They'll launch themselves completely out of the water, sometimes multiple times, shaking their heads violently to throw the hook. The best tarpon fishing happens during their spawning migration from May through August, when large schools move through coastal waters. They're primarily catch-and-release fish, which means the thrill is in the fight, not the cooler. Tarpon have incredibly hard mouths, so hook sets need to be firm and deliberate. Their gill plates are razor-sharp, requiring careful handling during the fight and release. Landing one is a badge of honor among serious anglers, and many consider it the ultimate inshore fishing challenge.
Captain Austin McWhorter's tarpon trips book up fast during prime season, and for good reason. With only two spots available per trip, you're getting personalized guide service that maximizes your time on productive water. The May through mid-August window is when tarpon fishing peaks, so don't wait to secure your dates. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler looking for your next challenge or a lure fisherman ready to tackle something legendary, this trip delivers the goods. Captain Austin provides everything you need except the stories you'll tell afterward. Book now and get ready to find out why tarpon fishing creates lifelong addicts who return year after year chasing that next Silver King.
Our motorboat is rigged specifically for tarpon fishing with Captain Austin from May through mid-August. The vessel comes equipped with an ice box to keep your catch fresh, GPS navigation to find the best fishing spots, and a fish finder to locate those Silver Kings cruising the flats. Built for 2 anglers, this boat gives you plenty of room to fight these powerful fish without getting in each other's way. The shallow draft hull lets us access prime tarpon waters where these giants feed and roll. Captain Austin knows exactly where to position the boat for the best shots at these massive fish, whether you're casting flies or throwing artificials. Everything you need is provided - just bring yourself and get ready for screaming reels when you hook into one of these legendary fighters.
Clearwater, FL