Half Day Tarpon Fishing Charter - Boca Grande
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour morning charter targets peak tarpon migration seasonProfessional heavy tackle and live bait included with licensesPathfinder 24 accommodates three anglers with experienced guide
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a custom Pathfinder 24 at dawn, watching the sun paint Boca Grande Pass in golden hues while massive tarpon roll just yards away. This isn't some fairy tale – it's exactly what you'll experience on our half-day morning tarpon charter. From April through early July, when the silver kings are thick in these legendary waters, we're out there three days a week putting anglers on the fish of a lifetime. With room for just three anglers, you'll get the personalized attention and prime positioning that makes all the difference when a 100-pound tarpon decides to test your mettle.
We're not messing around with dawn patrol – that 6:00 AM departure isn't punishment, it's strategy. The early morning bite in Boca Grande Pass is legendary for good reason. While other boats are still fueling up, we're already positioning on the edges of the pass where tarpon stage before moving into the deeper channels. The five-hour window gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots without rushing, and trust me, you'll want those extra hours when the fish are cooperating. Our Pathfinder 24 with a 300 hp Suzuki gets us to the productive water fast, but more importantly, it's built for the heavyweight battles you're about to experience. The wide beam and stable platform make all the difference when you're fighting a fish that's bigger than you are and twice as athletic.
Forget everything you think you know about light tackle – tarpon fishing in Boca Grande is heavy tackle country, and for good reason. We're talking 50-pound class rods with reels that can handle 400 yards of line disappearing in seconds. The professional-grade gear we provide isn't overkill; it's necessity when you're dealing with fish that routinely hit triple digits. Live bait is the name of the game here – fresh crabs, pilchards, and threadfins depending on what the fish are keying on that particular day. We'll anchor up on the edges of the pass, let the current work the baits naturally, and wait for that unmistakable pickup that signals a silver king has found your offering. The technique is deceptively simple, but reading the water, timing the tides, and positioning the boat takes years to master. That's where our local knowledge pays dividends.
The Atlantic tarpon that migrate through Boca Grande Pass each spring and early summer are the stuff of fishing legend, and for good reason. These prehistoric monsters can exceed 200 pounds and 7 feet in length, with the average fish running 80-120 pounds of pure muscle and attitude. What makes them special isn't just their size – it's their aerial acrobatics. When a tarpon feels the hook, it doesn't just run like other big fish. It launches itself completely out of the water in a display of raw power that'll make your knees shake and your drag scream. The peak season runs from late April through June, when massive schools push through the pass following baitfish and the warming waters. These fish are ancient – some of the tarpon you'll tangle with could be 50+ years old and have seen more of the Gulf than most boats. They're called the "silver king" for their brilliant scales and regal fight, but locals just call them "poons" with the kind of reverence usually reserved for royalty.
Here's the deal – we only fish weekends during tarpon season because that's when the conditions and tides align best for consistent action. With just three spots available per trip, the calendar fills up fast once word gets out about the fishing. Your license is covered, the tackle is tournament-grade, and the live bait is as fresh as it gets. All you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, drinks, and the mental preparation for what might be the fight of your fishing life. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add a silver king to your bucket list or someone ready to step up from inshore reds and snook to the big leagues, this charter delivers the goods. The bragging rights alone are worth the early wake-up call, but the memories of watching a massive tarpon cartwheel across Boca Grande Pass will stick with you long after the season ends. Don't sleep on this one – the fish won't wait, and neither should you.
Your fishing platform for this early morning tarpon hunt is a brand-new 2026 Pathfinder 24, built specifically for the shallow waters and big fish of Boca Grande. This 24-foot bay boat cuts through the water with a powerful 300hp Suzuki engine, getting you to the tarpon grounds fast when that 6 AM departure horn sounds. The wide beam and stable design gives you solid footing when battling these silver kings, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools moving through the pass. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during the Florida heat, and GPS navigation ensures we hit all the productive spots. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to work heavy tackle without getting tangled up. This boat handles the choppy waters around the pass like a dream and gives you the best shot at hooking into those legendary Boca Grande tarpon during peak season.
Hudson, FL