Tarpon Trip with Captain Austin McWhorter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fly and artificial lure fishing for Silver King tarponCaptain Austin provides equipment and local fishing expertiseInshore trips run May through mid-August for two guests
If you've been dreaming about getting your drag screaming from the legendary Silver King, this is your shot. Captain Austin McWhorter's fly and artificial lure tarpon trip runs from May through mid-August when these magnificent fish are prowling the shallows. With room for just two anglers, you'll get the personal attention and expert guidance that makes all the difference when chasing tarpon. Austin provides everything you need to tangle with these silver-sided giants, plus the local know-how that turns good days into great ones. Launch locations change based on conditions, which means you're always fishing where the tarpon want to be, not just where it's convenient.
This top-rated tarpon experience puts you right in the thick of the action during prime season. Captain Austin has dialed in the patterns and locations that produce consistent shots at tarpon, whether you're sight fishing the flats or working structure in deeper water. The intimate two-angler setup means no crowded boat, no waiting for your turn, and plenty of room to fight these acrobatic fish properly. Austin's flexible approach to launch sites keeps you ahead of weather and puts you on the most productive water each day. You'll spend your time actually fishing instead of running long distances to find tarpon. The captain handles all the gear, so you can focus on what matters – making the right cast when that silver shadow appears in the water.
This trip caters to both fly and conventional tackle anglers looking to challenge themselves with light tackle techniques. When targeting tarpon on fly, you'll typically use 10 to 12-weight rods with floating or intermediate lines, depending on conditions. Austin provides the right flies for the day – streamers, crabs, and baitfish patterns that get tarpon excited. For spin fishing, artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and plugs work magic on these fish. The key is presentation and timing, which Austin has mastered through years of guiding these waters. He'll position the boat for optimal casting angles and coach you through the fight when you hook up. Tarpon fishing demands quick reflexes and proper technique – Austin ensures you're ready when opportunity strikes.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of inshore game fish, and for good reason. These silver-sided bruisers can reach 200 pounds and launch themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Peak season runs from May through mid-August when water temperatures hit that sweet spot and tarpon move into feeding mode. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their acrobatics. These fish will jump, roll, and run like nothing else in the water. They're notorious for throwing hooks during their aerial displays, which makes landing one even more satisfying. Tarpon have that prehistoric look with their massive scales and ancient lineage dating back millions of years. They're also catch-and-release fish, so every tarpon you battle swims away to fight another day. The combination of size, fight, and spectacular jumps makes tarpon a bucket list species for serious anglers.
Captain Austin McWhorter's tarpon trip delivers everything you want in a world-class fishing experience – expert guidance, top-notch gear, and shots at legendary game fish during their peak season. The two-angler limit ensures personalized attention and plenty of fishing time for everyone on board. With launch locations chosen based on current conditions rather than convenience, you're always fishing the most productive water available. Whether you're new to tarpon fishing or a seasoned angler looking to add another Silver King to your memory book, this trip puts you in position to succeed. The May through August season window is relatively short, and prime dates fill up fast with returning customers. Don't wait until the season starts to secure your spot – book now and get ready for the fight of a lifetime when tarpon season arrives.
Captain Austin's motorboat is perfectly rigged for chasing the legendary Silver King from May through mid-August. This fishing machine comes equipped with everything you need to battle tarpon - an ice box to keep your catch fresh, GPS navigation to hit the prime spots, and a reliable fish finder that'll help locate these massive fighters lurking in the shallows. The boat comfortably handles 2 anglers, giving you plenty of room to work your fly rods and artificial lures without getting tangled up. With all the gear provided and Captain Austin's local expertise guiding the way, you'll be ready when these silver giants start rolling and your drag starts singing. The launch site gets chosen based on conditions, ensuring you're always fishing the best water available that day.
Clearwater, FL