Shark and Tarpon Fishing in Tampa Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target sharks and tarpon with experienced Captain Garrett McFallMorning and afternoon departures accommodate flexible schedulesSmall group capacity ensures personalized inshore fishing experience
When you're looking for the kind of fishing that gets your heart pumping, there's nothing quite like targeting the apex predators and silver kings of Tampa Bay. Captain Garrett McFall has been putting anglers on these powerful fish for years, and he knows exactly where to find them when the conditions are right. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're going after the big boys that call Tampa Bay home. With departure times at 8:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., you'll have four to six hours of pure adrenaline as we hunt down tarpon and blacktip sharks in some of Florida's most productive waters.
This top-rated fishing experience takes you into the heart of Tampa Bay, where the mix of fresh and saltwater creates perfect conditions for both tarpon and sharks. Captain Garrett runs a tight ship with space for just two anglers, which means you'll get personalized attention and coaching throughout the trip. We'll start by reading the water – looking for bait schools, current breaks, and the telltale signs that predators are nearby. The bay's structure is constantly changing with the tides, and knowing how to work these transitions is what separates the weekend warriors from the pros. You'll learn to spot the subtle differences in water color, the way birds work over feeding fish, and how to position yourself for the perfect shot when these fish show up.
We're fishing heavy tackle for these bruisers – think 50 to 80-pound class rods with serious drag systems that can handle long runs and brutal headshakes. For tarpon, we'll be throwing everything from live crabs and sardines to cut bait, depending on what they're eating that day. The key is presentation – these fish have seen it all, so we vary our approach from free-lining baits in the current to fishing them under floats near structure. When we're targeting blacktips, fresh cut bait is usually the ticket, fished on circle hooks to ensure solid hookups. The captain will have you covered on technique, whether you're new to heavy tackle fishing or you've been chasing these species for years. We fish both moving and stationary, adjusting our strategy based on tide, weather, and what the fish are telling us.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Tampa Bay, and for good reason. These silver rockets can reach lengths of six feet or more and jump like nothing else that swims in saltwater. Peak season runs from May through August, when massive schools move through the bay to spawn. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their fight. They'll clear the water multiple times, throwing their heads and trying to spit the hook with every ounce of energy they have. The strike is often explosive, and once you feel that weight on the end of your line, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world just for a shot at these fish. Tampa Bay's tarpon are healthy and abundant, with many fish in the 100 to 150-pound range.
Blacktip sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These sleek predators are built for speed and endurance, making powerful runs that will test your tackle and your technique. They're year-round residents in Tampa Bay, but the best action typically happens from spring through fall when baitfish are most active. What guests love about blacktips is their aggressive nature – they'll hit baits hard and fight clean, without the dirty tactics of some other shark species. Most of our blacktips run between 20 and 60 pounds, perfect for creating lasting memories without requiring a crane to land them. They're also excellent table fare if you choose to keep one for dinner, though many anglers prefer to release these beautiful fish to fight another day.
This isn't the kind of fishing trip you'll forget anytime soon. Captain Garrett's combination of local knowledge, quality equipment, and genuine passion for putting clients on fish makes this a world-class experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you choose the morning or afternoon departure, you'll be fishing during prime feeding times when these apex predators are most active. With only two spots available per trip, this customer favorite books up quickly, especially during peak tarpon season. Tampa Bay's reputation as one of Florida's best big fish destinations isn't going anywhere, and neither is the rush you'll get when one of these monsters picks up your bait. Ready to test your skills against some of the bay's most challenging species? Imperial Sport Fishing is standing by to make it happen.
Captain Garrett's fully customized 24' Avenger is built for serious shark and tarpon action in Tampa Bay's challenging waters. This fishing machine features high gunnels that keep you dry while still allowing access to shallow flats where the big fish hunt. The spacious 50-gallon livewell keeps your bait fresh and lively, while double 10' Power-Poles let you lock down instantly when you spot cruising tarpon or prowling sharks. The custom tower gives you that crucial elevated view to spot fish movement and provides welcome shade during those hot Florida afternoons. With a Minn Kota trolling motor for stealthy approaches, Garmin fish finder to locate structure, and JL sound system for those victory celebrations, this boat handles everything Tampa Bay throws at you. The flybridge offers a second fishing station and better fish-spotting angles. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during the long battles these powerful fish are famous for.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are scrappy fighters that average 4-5 feet but can hit 8 feet and 150+ pounds. They're easy to identify by those distinctive black-tipped fins and their habit of making spectacular jumps when hooked - sometimes right into the boat! These sharks patrol Tampa Bay's flats, channels, and nearshore waters in 10-100 feet, hunting schools of baitfish like mackerel and herring. Spring through fall brings the best action when bait is thick. They're aggressive feeders but surprisingly timid, often hanging back until the chum really gets them fired up. The fight is fast and furious with lots of runs and jumps. Local trick: use fresh, oily cut bait like mackerel on a circle hook with wire leader - they can't resist that scent trail.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Tampa Bay - massive fish that can reach 6-8 feet and weigh up to 200 pounds. What makes them special is their famous acrobatics when hooked, jumping clean out of the water multiple times during the fight. These prehistoric giants cruise our shallow flats, channels, and bridge areas, especially during warmer months from April through October. They're strictly catch-and-release since the meat isn't great eating, but the fight is pure adrenaline. You'll find them around structure like bridges, docks, and channel edges in 10-40 feet of water. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward the water - it keeps tension off the line and prevents break-offs during those spectacular leaps.
Clearwater