Tarpon Fishing in Tampa Bay with Captain Hunter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Hunter leads 68 hour tarpon fishing chartersInshore Tampa Bay fishing with maximum 4 guestsLock It Down Sportfishing provides expert guided trips
Captain Hunter knows Tampa Bay's waters like the back of his hand, and when it comes to targeting the silver kings that cruise these flats, there's nobody you'd rather have running the boat. This top-rated tarpon charter puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best fishing action, where 100+ pound tarpon roll and jump just minutes from the dock. With only 2 anglers max, you're getting a personalized experience that bigger head boats simply can't match. Whether you choose the 6 or 8-hour option, Captain Hunter's going to put you on fish and make sure you're ready when that drag starts screaming.
Your day starts early – tarpon fishing is best when the sun's low and the baitfish are moving. Captain Hunter runs a clean, well-maintained boat equipped with everything you need to battle these legendary fish. The morning begins with a quick run to productive waters, often around the Skyway Bridge area or the deeper holes near Egmont Key where tarpon stage up before moving into the bay. You'll be fishing in 15-40 feet of water most of the day, working structure and following the tide movements that push bait and predators together. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braid – when you hook a 150-pound tarpon, you want gear that won't let you down. Captain Hunter handles the net and gaff work, so your job is simple: fight the fish and enjoy the show when these silver rockets start jumping.
Tarpon fishing here isn't about luck – it's about reading the water and putting baits where fish are feeding. Captain Hunter runs a mix of live and cut bait depending on conditions, with live crabs, pinfish, and threadfin herring being go-to options. You'll be fishing with circle hooks on 60-80 pound leaders, and the captain will walk you through the proper hookset technique if you're new to tarpon fishing. Most of the day involves drifting productive areas and watching for rolling fish, then positioning the boat for the perfect presentation. When tarpon are showing on the surface, it's all about stealth – too much noise and they'll disappear like ghosts. The flats around St. Pete hold resident fish year-round, but during peak season you'll see massive schools moving through on their annual migration. Captain Hunter tracks these movements and adjusts tactics accordingly, whether that means fishing deeper channels during cold fronts or working shallow grass flats when conditions are right.
Tarpon are the reason serious anglers make pilgrimages to Tampa Bay, and once you hook your first one, you'll understand the obsession. These prehistoric fish can live over 80 years and grow to 200+ pounds, with the average fish here running 80-150 pounds of pure muscle and attitude. Peak season runs from April through July, when massive schools of migrating tarpon funnel through Tampa Bay's passes and spread across the flats. But don't sleep on the cooler months – resident fish stick around year-round, and winter tarpon fishing can be phenomenal when you find them staged up in deeper holes. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size, but their fighting ability. These fish jump repeatedly, often clearing the water by 6 feet or more, and a single jump can throw the hook if you don't know how to handle the situation. That's where Captain Hunter's experience pays off – he'll coach you through every moment of the fight, from the initial hookset to the final release photo. Most tarpon are released alive, and watching a fish that size swim away healthy is something that stays with you forever.
Tampa Bay tarpon fishing with Captain Hunter isn't something you want to put off – the best dates book up fast, especially during peak season. This world-class fishery is right in your backyard, and with a 2-angler max, you're getting the kind of personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one. Captain Hunter's local knowledge and dedication to putting clients on fish has made this one of the most sought-after tarpon charters in the area. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add a Tampa Bay silver king to your resume or someone who's always dreamed of battling a tarpon, this trip delivers the goods. The 6-hour option gives you solid fishing time, while the 8-hour charter lets you really work different areas and maximize your shots at these incredible fish. Don't wait – Captain Hunter's calendar fills up quickly, and tarpon don't wait for anyone. Book now and get ready for some of the best fishing action Florida has to offer.
Get ready to chase tarpon aboard our 2000 Dorado 23SE center console! This reliable 23-footer packs a 150HP Mercury outboard that'll cruise you to Tampa Bay's prime tarpon grounds at 26 knots. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS and fish finder to locate the silver kings, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly when these massive fish are rolling nearby. With multimedia system onboard and a flybridge for better sight fishing, you'll have comfort while targeting these legendary jumpers. Captain Hunter knows exactly where tarpon stage throughout the seasons, from the flats to deeper channels. Whether they're rolling on the surface or holding near structure, this center console setup gives you the perfect platform to present baits and fight these incredible fish properly.
Clearwater