Tarpon Fishing Boca Grande
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tarpon in Boca Grande's legendary fishing watersCaptain Mike provides expert local knowledge and guidanceInshore trips accommodate up to four guests maximum
When it comes to world-class tarpon fishing, there's nowhere quite like Boca Grande Pass. Captain Mike knows these waters better than his own backyard, and he's ready to put you on some serious silver kings. This isn't just another fishing trip – you're heading to the legendary spot where massive tarpon gather in numbers that'll blow your mind. The Pass is famous for a reason, and once you feel that first tarpon crash your bait, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over the globe to fish these waters. Captain Mike keeps his groups small at just 4 anglers max, so you get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your day starts early because that's when the tarpon are most active. Captain Mike will have you rigged up and ready before the sun gets too high, positioning the boat in prime locations around Boca Grande Pass. The vibe is relaxed but focused – Mike's been guiding these waters for years and knows exactly where to find the fish based on tide, weather, and seasonal patterns. You'll be fishing in relatively shallow water, usually 15-30 feet, where you can actually see the tarpon rolling and crashing bait. The boat stays mobile, following the action as schools move through the area. Don't worry if you're new to tarpon fishing – Mike will walk you through everything from proper hook sets to fighting techniques. The atmosphere is laid-back but gets electric fast once someone hooks up.
Captain Mike runs quality gear that can handle these beasts. You'll be using heavy spinning or conventional setups with 50-80 pound test, because tarpon don't mess around. The primary technique here is live bait fishing with crabs, sardines, or threadfin herring. Mike positions the boat so baits drift naturally through tarpon zones, and timing is everything. When a tarpon eats, you'll know it – the rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel. These fish average 80-150 pounds in Boca Grande, with plenty of giants over 200 pounds mixed in. The key is patience during the fight and letting the fish run when it wants to jump. Mike will coach you through every step, from the initial hookset to the final release. Circle hooks are standard here for better fish survival, and barbless hooks make releases quicker and safer for everyone involved.
The tarpon around Boca Grande are absolute monsters, and they show up in massive numbers during peak season. These silver kings typically range from 80 to 200+ pounds, with fish over 150 pounds being pretty common during the height of the migration. Peak season runs from April through July, with May and June being absolutely lights-out. During these months, you'll see schools of hundreds of tarpon moving through the Pass, creating some of the most spectacular fishing anywhere. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their fighting ability. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, jumping repeatedly and making blistering runs that'll test your endurance. The acrobatic displays are legendary, with tarpon launching 6-8 feet out of the water in wild, gill-rattling jumps. Captain Mike practices catch and release exclusively, so these magnificent fish live to fight another day. The satisfaction comes from the battle itself and getting photos with these prehistoric-looking giants before they swim away strong.
Captain Mike's tarpon trips fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your dates. This is bucket-list fishing that delivers exactly what you're hoping for – heart-pounding action with some of the most powerful fish in the ocean. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to check tarpon off your list or someone who wants to experience what legendary fishing is all about, Mike will put you in position to succeed. The combination of his local knowledge, quality equipment, and prime location in the Tarpon Capital of the World makes this a trip you'll be talking about for years. Bring your camera, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for the kind of fishing that creates lifelong memories. Book now and join the ranks of anglers who've battled silver kings in the waters that made Boca Grande famous.
Ready to chase silver kings in Boca Grande's legendary waters? Captain Mike's 2019 Sportsman is your ticket to tarpon paradise. This 21-foot fishing machine cuts through the Gulf at 35 knots with its reliable 150HP Yamaha, getting you to the action fast. The wireless trolling motor keeps you quiet when stalking these giants, while the fish finder helps locate schools of tarpon cruising the passes. GPS navigation ensures you hit all the prime spots around Gasparilla Island. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox along with cold drinks for the crew. Built for serious angling, this boat handles Boca Grande's waters like a dream. With room for 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to battle 100+ pound tarpon without getting tangled up. The Sportsman's layout gives everyone a shot at hooking into these acrobatic fighters that make Boca Grande famous worldwide.
Fort Myers