Tarpon Fishing Trip with Captain Johnny Riggs
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target trophy Tarpon in prime Florida inshore watersAccommodates up to 3 guests for personalized fishing experienceSuitable for both novice and experienced anglers
Get ready to battle one of Florida's most legendary fish in the pristine inshore waters that make this state a fishing paradise. Captain Johnny Riggs has been guiding anglers through these productive flats and channels for years, and he knows exactly where the Silver Kings like to prowl. This isn't your typical fishing trip – when you hook into a tarpon, you're in for a fight that'll test your skills and leave you with stories to tell for years. Whether you've been chasing fish your whole life or you're just getting serious about angling, this top-rated charter delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back season after season.
You'll spend your day working Florida's world-class inshore waters where tarpon congregate in impressive numbers. Captain Johnny keeps his groups small – just three anglers max – so everyone gets personal attention and plenty of shots at fish. The morning starts early when the water's still calm and the fish are most active. You'll be running live bait along structure, working the flats where these monsters cruise, and positioning yourself in the channels where tarpon love to ambush prey. The boat stays positioned perfectly for casting, and Captain Johnny's local knowledge means you'll be fishing the most productive spots instead of wasting time searching. These aren't rushed fishing sessions either – you'll have time to really work the water and dial in your technique. The intimate group size means beginners get hands-on coaching while experienced anglers can focus on landing that trophy they've been dreaming about.
Tarpon fishing requires specific techniques that Captain Johnny has perfected over countless trips in these waters. You'll primarily be using live bait – mullet, crabs, and shrimp – presented on circle hooks with just enough weight to get down in the water column. The tackle is heavy enough to handle these powerful fish but still lets you feel every head shake and jump. Captain Johnny provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but if you've got your own favorite setup, bring it along. The key is reading the water and understanding tarpon behavior – these fish are smart and spooky, so presentation matters more than just chunking bait out there. You'll learn to watch for rolling fish, identify feeding lanes, and time your casts perfectly. The captain handles boat positioning and keeps you on productive water while sharing techniques that work specifically in Florida's inshore environment. Most of the fishing happens in 3 to 15 feet of water, so you can actually see these massive fish when they're cruising or following your bait.
Tarpon are called the Silver King for good reason – these fish are absolute royalty in the angling world. Florida's tarpon can range anywhere from 50 pounds up to massive 200-pound fish that'll take you into your backing faster than you can believe. They're most active during the warmer months, roughly April through October, when water temperatures hit their sweet spot and baitfish are abundant. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their acrobatic ability once hooked. These fish launch themselves completely out of the water, sometimes multiple times, shaking their heads violently and putting on a show that'll get your heart pumping. They're also incredibly strong fighters that use their broad sides to pull against you, often making long runs that test your drag system and your patience. Tarpon have been around for millions of years, and they've learned every trick in the book when it comes to throwing hooks. That's part of what makes landing one such an achievement. Florida's inshore waters provide perfect tarpon habitat with plenty of structure, baitfish, and the warm temperatures these prehistoric fish prefer. Even if you don't land every fish you hook, the experience of fighting a tarpon in shallow water where you can see the whole battle unfold is something every serious angler needs to experience.
Captain Johnny Riggs runs one of the most customer-favorite tarpon operations in Florida waters, and his calendar fills up fast during peak season. The combination of his local expertise, quality equipment, and dedication to putting clients on fish has earned him a reputation as a world-class guide. With only three spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of opportunities to hook up. Don't wait until the last minute – the best tarpon fishing windows book up months in advance, especially during the prime spring and summer months when these fish are most active. Whether you're planning a solo fishing adventure, bringing along a couple buddies, or looking to introduce someone new to serious angling, this charter delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. Contact Captain Johnny Riggs Fishing Charters today to secure your dates and get ready for some of the best tarpon action Florida has to offer.
Your ride for chasing the legendary Silver King comes equipped with everything needed to land these acrobatic giants in Florida's productive inshore waters. This motorboat handles the shallow flats and deeper channels where tarpon cruise, powered by reliable engines that get you to the hotspots quickly. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you need to sneak up on rolling fish without spooking them. The fish finder helps locate bait schools and structure where tarpon hang out, while GPS navigation ensures you never miss those secret honey holes. Fresh bait stays cold in the built-in ice box throughout your day on the water. With space for up to three anglers, there's plenty of room to battle these jumping silver torpedoes without getting tangled up. Whether you're sight-casting to daisy-chaining tarpon or drifting live bait near bridges and passes, this boat puts you in position for shots at fish that can easily top 100 pounds and test every ounce of your fishing skills.
Punta Gorda, FL