5.0(1 Reviews)Extended Half Day Snook And Tarpon Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sixhour snook and tarpon fishing on Peace River and Charlotte HarborLure fishing with occasional live bait for enhanced gamefish targetingWildlife viewing includes alligators, manatees, and eagles throughout trip
Picture this: you're drifting through the winding channels of Peace River at dawn, rod in hand, watching a massive tarpon roll just 50 feet from your boat. That's the kind of morning Fish Moore Charters delivers on this top-rated 6-hour fishing adventure departing from Port Charlotte. This isn't your typical charter – we're talking about targeting two of Florida's most prized gamefish in waters that feel like stepping back into old Florida. The Peace River and Charlotte Harbor system offers some of the most consistent snook and tarpon action on the Gulf Coast, and Captain Moore knows every oyster bar, mangrove shoreline, and deep hole where these fish love to hang out.
Your day starts early at the Port Charlotte marina, where you'll meet Captain Moore and get rigged up for what many anglers consider the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. This 6-hour trip gives you serious time to work the water – none of that rushed 4-hour stuff where you're just getting warmed up before heading back to the dock. We'll cruise through Charlotte Harbor's pristine waters, weaving between mangrove islands and working the structure-rich areas where snook and tarpon patrol for baitfish. The scenery alone is worth the trip – think untouched Florida wilderness where manatees surface next to your boat and bald eagles watch from cypress trees. You'll have room for up to 3 anglers with spinning reel experience, so this isn't a cattle boat situation. Captain Moore keeps groups small because that's how you maximize everyone's fishing time and actually learn something about reading the water.
We fish primarily with artificial lures on this trip – think soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that mimic the pilchards and pinfish these gamefish crush all day long. Captain Moore will have you throwing everything from DOA shrimp under the mangroves to large swimbaits in the deeper channels. When the bite gets tough or we locate a school of tarpon, we'll switch to live bait to seal the deal. The spinning tackle setup lets you feel every bump, every follow, and definitely every explosive strike. You'll learn to work different structures – from shallow grass flats where snook ambush prey to the deeper residential canals where tarpon roll lazily before absolutely destroying your bait. The Peace River system is perfect for this style of fishing because you've got variety. One cast you're flipping a jig to a dock piling, the next you're working a topwater over a sand hole.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Charlotte Harbor grows them big and mean. These ambush predators love hanging around structure – docks, mangrove overhangs, oyster bars – anywhere they can sit in the shadows and demolish unsuspecting baitfish. Peak snook season runs from late spring through early fall, but you can catch quality fish year-round in these protected waters. What makes snook so addictive is their attitude – they hit hard, jump like crazy, and have this uncanny ability to wrap your line around the nearest piling if you give them an inch. A slot-sized snook (28-33 inches) will give you a fight you won't forget, and the 40-inch breeder fish we see regularly will absolutely test your drag system. The trademark black lateral line and that bucket mouth make them unmistakable, and their white, flaky meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Tarpon fishing in the Peace River system is something special – we're talking about the "silver king" in relatively shallow, intimate waters where you can really appreciate these prehistoric gamefish up close. Charlotte Harbor tarpon typically range from 80 to 150 pounds, with some absolute giants pushing 200 pounds during peak season from May through August. What sets tarpon apart is the sheer spectacle – when a 100-pound fish launches 6 feet out of the water, rattling its gills and throwing your lure back at you, that's a moment that changes how you think about fishing. These fish are tough, smart, and will test every knot you tied that morning. They're also ancient – many of the tarpon we catch are older than the anglers trying to land them. The best part about Charlotte Harbor tarpon is they're accessible to spinning tackle anglers, unlike some areas where you need heavy conventional gear just to get a bait to them.
This 6-hour snook and tarpon adventure with Fish Moore Charters gives you the full Florida inshore experience without the crowds and chaos of more touristy fishing spots. You're getting expert local knowledge, quality time on proven waters, and shots at two fish species that have built Florida's reputation as a world-class fishing destination. Captain Moore's focus on artificial lures means you'll learn techniques you can use anywhere, while the occasional live bait keeps things interesting when the fish get picky. Whether you're a spinning reel veteran looking to add some Florida gamefish to your list or someone who wants to experience what "old Florida" fishing was like before development changed everything, this trip delivers. The Peace River and Charlotte Harbor system offers consistent action, beautiful scenery, and the kind of fishing memories that keep anglers coming back year after year. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during tarpon season.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore gamefish, typically running 18-28 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. They love structure - any overhang or shadow line is prime real estate. Best action happens during warmer months, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll dart for cover the second they feel the hook. They're also excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: cast your lure past the structure and work it back parallel to the mangroves, not straight away from them. Snook attack from the side, so that presentation gets more strikes than anything else.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, averaging 80-150 pounds around Charlotte Harbor and Peace River. These prehistoric giants prefer deeper holes, channel edges, and areas with good current flow where baitfish congregate. You'll spot them rolling on the surface, gulping air - that's your cue they're feeding. May through September offers the best shots, especially on moving tides during dawn and dusk. What hooks anglers is the sheer spectacle - when a 100-pound tarpon goes airborne, shaking its massive head, it's pure adrenaline. They're catch-and-release only due to their slow growth and importance to the ecosystem. Most fights last 30-60 minutes of pure endurance. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It keeps tension off the line and prevents those heartbreaking break-offs that happen when they crash back down.
5.0 out of 5.0Absolutely wonderful trip with Dakota. I can’t recommend him strongly enough. Put us on the fish all day long and really took care...
Sarasota