5.0(4 Reviews)Private 6 Hour Tarpon Trip in Tampa Bay
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour tarpon fishing charter for two guestsAll gear, licenses, bait and cooler provided by captainAvailable April through August during peak tarpon season
Looking to tangle with the Silver King? This private 6-hour tarpon charter puts you face-to-face with one of Florida's most legendary game fish. Captain Andrew runs these specialized trips from April through August when the tarpon are moving through Tampa Bay in serious numbers. We're talking about fish that can easily hit 100+ pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning for days. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're going after the fish that separate weekend anglers from serious sportfishermen. With all gear, licenses, bait, and ice provided, you just need to show up ready to battle some real monsters.
Your day kicks off at 8:00 AM when the morning bite is still hot and the tarpon are actively feeding. This is prime time fishing – the water's calm, the fish are hungry, and you've got six solid hours to locate and hook into these silver bullets. Captain Andrew knows every channel, flat, and structure where tarpon like to hang out in Tampa Bay. We'll be moving around based on tides, bait activity, and where the fish are showing. Don't expect to just sit in one spot – tarpon fishing is all about staying mobile and reading the water. The boat's equipped with everything you need, including a quality cooler stocked with ice for your drinks and snacks. Just remember to bring cans only – no glass bottles on the water. With a maximum of two anglers, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work when that tarpon starts going airborne.
Tarpon fishing demands heavy tackle and the right approach. We're talking about serious gear here – stout rods, high-capacity reels loaded with at least 30-pound test, and circle hooks that give these fish the best chance at survival after release. Captain Andrew sets you up with proven rigs using live bait like crabs, shrimp, or pinfish depending on what's working that day. The technique is all about patience and precision – you'll be sight fishing when possible, watching for those telltale rolling backs and silver flashes. When a tarpon takes your bait, there's no mistaking it. These fish hit hard and immediately go vertical, shaking their heads and jumping clear out of the water. The key is keeping steady pressure while letting them run when they want to. It's a chess match between angler and fish that can last 30 minutes or more for a decent-sized tarpon.
"Captain Andrew provided an outstanding fishing experience! His knowledge of the waters and friendly demeanor made our trip both fun and productive. We can't wait to book our next adventure with Crabtree Fishing Charters." - Nath
"What a fantastic day with Crabtree Fishing Charters! Captain Andrew's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip perfect. We caught a variety of fish and had an all-around great time. Highly recommend!" - Dizon
"Our family had an amazing time with Crabtree Fishing Charters. Captain Andrew was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip enjoyable for everyone, including the kids. We caught plenty of fish and made great memories. Will definitely be back!" - Ken
Tarpon are the ultimate game fish for a reason. These prehistoric beasts can live over 50 years and grow to massive sizes – we're talking 200+ pounds for the real giants. In Tampa Bay, you'll typically encounter fish ranging from 80 to 150 pounds, which is more than enough to test your skills and equipment. Tarpon are most active during the warmer months when water temperatures climb into the 80s. They're incredibly smart fish with excellent eyesight, so stealth and the right presentation are crucial. What makes them so special is their fighting ability – they're like underwater acrobats, jumping repeatedly and making long, powerful runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. The best part? These fish are almost always released, so you're participating in true catch-and-release sport fishing. Tarpon have been making the same migration routes through Tampa Bay for thousands of years, and during peak season, you might see schools of dozens rolling on the surface. The sight of a 6-foot tarpon clearing the water completely never gets old, whether it's on your line or just showing off nearby.
Tarpon season in Tampa Bay runs from late April through August, and the prime months book up fast. These aren't guaranteed fish – no honest captain will promise you a tarpon – but the summer months give you the best shot at hooking into one of these legendary fighters. Captain Andrew's got the local knowledge and experience to put you on fish when they're around. This is bucket-list fishing that serious anglers travel from all over the country to experience. Whether you're a seasoned tarpon angler or looking to cross the Silver King off your fishing wishlist, this 6-hour charter gives you the time and expertise needed to make it happen. The memories from battling a 100-pound tarpon will last a lifetime, and there's no better place to do it than the productive waters of Tampa Bay with an experienced local captain who lives and breathes this fishery.
This 22-foot 2013 Skeeter center console is built for serious tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay's flats and channels. The 250HP Yamaha VMAX SHO gets you to the fish fast, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking these silver giants in shallow water. With GPS and fish finder onboard, your captain can navigate to the best tarpon spots and mark schools when they surface. The icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long summer battles - you'll need the hydration when you're fighting a 100+ pound tarpon jumping beside the boat. This bay boat handles Tampa's choppy waters well and gives you the stable platform needed for sight fishing these massive gamefish. Perfect size for up to 2 anglers so everyone gets plenty of room to cast and fight fish without tangling lines.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Andrew provided an outstanding fishing experience! His knowledge of the waters and friendly demeanor made our trip both fu...
What a fantastic day with Crabtree Fishing Charters! Captain Andrew's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip perfect. We caught a ...
Captain Andrew was a great guide. He was professional, knowledgeable, and made sure we had a great time. The boat was well-maintai...
Our family had an amazing time with Crabtree Fishing Charters. Captain Andrew was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip enjoya...
Clearwater