Boca Grande Tarpon Fishing - Afternoon Charter
Private Trip
Fishing
Fivehour afternoon charter targeting migrating tarpon from April to JulyPathfinder 24 boat accommodates three guests with personalized instruction includedHeavy tackle, live bait, and fishing licenses provided for peak season
There's nothing quite like watching a 150-pound silver king explode out of the water just yards from your boat. That's exactly what you'll experience on this half-day afternoon tarpon charter in Boca Grande, Florida's legendary fishing grounds. Running from April through July 6th on weekends, this five-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of the annual tarpon migration when these prehistoric giants are most active and aggressive. With only three anglers maximum aboard our 24-foot Pathfinder, you'll get personalized coaching and plenty of elbow room to battle these world-class game fish.
Your afternoon adventure kicks off at 1:00 PM sharp, timed perfectly to coincide with peak tarpon feeding periods. The 300 hp Suzuki gets us to the fishing grounds fast, maximizing your time with lines in the water. Boca Grande Pass is renowned for its massive tarpon schools during migration season, and we'll position ourselves where the current breaks and baitfish concentrate. The afternoon bite often heats up as the sun starts its descent, creating ideal conditions for these silver torpedoes to hunt. You'll be fishing with heavy tackle specifically designed for tarpon - think 50-80 pound test line and circle hooks that give you the best shot at landing one of these beasts. Live bait is included, typically consisting of pilchards, threadfin herring, or blue runners depending on what's fresh and available that day.
We're talking serious hardware here - conventional reels loaded with heavy braid and fluorocarbon leaders that can handle the punishment tarpon dish out. The technique is deceptively simple but requires finesse: we'll anchor up in strategic spots along the pass where tarpon funnel through during their migration. You'll be fishing live baits on the bottom or suspended in the water column, depending on where we're marking fish on the sounder. When a tarpon picks up your bait, the real fun begins - these fish average 80-150 pounds and have an attitude to match. The key is letting them run initially, keeping steady pressure, and preparing for multiple jumps that can easily throw the hook if you're not ready. Our Pathfinder's open layout gives you 360-degree fighting room, crucial when a big tarpon decides to take you on a sleigh ride around the boat.
The Atlantic tarpon that migrate through Boca Grande are genuine monsters, with fish regularly topping the 100-pound mark and occasional giants pushing 200 pounds. These prehistoric holdovers can live over 80 years and reach lengths of 8 feet, making them one of the most impressive inshore species you'll ever tangle with. Peak season runs from late April through June, when massive schools funnel through the pass following baitfish migrations. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size - it's their acrobatic ability once hooked. Count on multiple jumps, powerful runs that strip line off your reel, and gill-rattling head shakes that test every knot in your system. The afternoon bite can be particularly productive as tarpon move into shallower water to feed, often rolling on the surface and giving you a preview of what's swimming below. Many anglers travel from around the world specifically for Boca Grande's tarpon fishing, and once you hook into your first silver king, you'll understand why this location has such a legendary reputation among serious saltwater anglers.
Tarpon season in Boca Grande is short but sweet, and weekend spots fill up fast with returning customers who know exactly what they're getting into. This customer-favorite charter includes everything you need - heavy tackle, live bait, fishing licenses, and most importantly, the local knowledge to put you on fish when they're here and feeding. Whether you're a seasoned tarpon angler looking to add another silver king to your logbook or a newcomer ready to experience one of Florida's most challenging gamefish, this afternoon trip delivers the goods. The intimate three-angler maximum ensures you'll get hands-on instruction and won't spend your day watching other people fight fish. Book early for prime weekend dates during peak migration months - these world-class tarpon won't wait around, and neither should you.
Your tarpon fishing adventure runs on a brand new 2026 Pathfinder 24, built specifically for chasing the silver kings in Boca Grande's legendary waters. This sleek 24-footer packs a powerful 300hp Suzuki engine that cuts through the Gulf efficiently at 30mph, getting you to the prime tarpon grounds fast. With space for just three anglers, you'll have plenty of room to fight these massive fish without crowding. The boat's equipped with everything serious tarpon hunters need - GPS to pinpoint the best spots, fish finder to locate schools, and a reliable icebox to keep your drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. The low-profile design handles beautifully in both shallow flats and deeper passes where tarpon roll and jump. Modern electronics help track fish movements while the stable platform gives you the edge when battling 100+ pound tarpon.
Hudson, FL