Half Day Tarpon Fishing Trip - Matlacha, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore tarpon fishing trip in prime Pine Island watersPrivate charter accommodates up to four guests with experienced captainEarly morning departure targeting Gulf Coast's most powerful sportfish
If you're looking to tangle with the Silver King in one of Florida's hottest tarpon spots, this 4-hour morning trip out of Matlacha is exactly what you need. Captain Whitney Hall knows these Pine Island waters like the back of his hand, and he's built a reputation for putting anglers on fish when the tarpon are rolling. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter - it's a focused, private trip designed to give you and up to three buddies the best shot at hooking into one of the Gulf's most legendary gamefish. You'll launch at first light from 4278 Pine Island Rd and head straight to where the action is happening.
This trip starts early for good reason - tarpon are most active in the cooler morning hours, and Captain Hall wants you in position when they start moving. The Pine Island area offers incredible diversity, from shallow grass flats where you can sight-fish rolling tarpon to deeper channels where they cruise through on their seasonal migrations. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped inshore boat that can handle both the shallow skinny water and the deeper cuts where these fish love to hang out. The captain brings all the heavy tackle you'll need, including the strong reels and stout rods required to handle a 100+ pound tarpon that can jump six feet out of the water. Don't worry if you've never fought one of these monsters before - Captain Hall will coach you through every step of the fight, from the initial hookset to managing those heart-stopping jumps that tarpon are famous for.
Tarpon fishing around Matlacha requires a mix of techniques depending on conditions and fish behavior. You'll likely start with live bait fishing using crabs, pinfish, or threadfin herring - tarpon can't resist a well-presented live bait drifted through their feeding lanes. When fish are rolling on the surface, Captain Hall switches to sight-fishing mode, positioning the boat for perfect presentations to cruising tarpon. The tackle is serious business here - heavy spinning reels loaded with 30-50 pound braid, matched to rods with enough backbone to turn a freight train. Circle hooks are the standard for tarpon, helping ensure solid hookups while making catch-and-release easier on these magnificent fish. The captain also carries artificial lures for when the tarpon are aggressive - big swimbaits and jigs that trigger reaction strikes from hungry fish. Fighting belts and gimbals are available for longer battles, because a big tarpon can test your endurance as much as your skill.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of inshore gamefish, and the waters around Pine Island see some of the best tarpon action on Florida's Gulf Coast. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach lengths of 8 feet and weights over 200 pounds, though most of the tarpon you'll encounter range from 80 to 150 pounds - still plenty to give you the fight of your life. Tarpon are present in these waters year-round, but the peak season runs from April through July when large schools migrate through the area. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size - it's their incredible aerial displays when hooked. A tarpon will launch itself completely out of the water multiple times during a fight, shaking its massive head and rattling its gills in an attempt to throw the hook. These fish are also famous for their endurance, capable of fighting for 30 minutes or more, testing every knot and connection in your tackle. The thrill of watching a tarpon explode on your bait, then seeing that silver torpedo rocketing skyward, is something that gets into an angler's blood. Many tarpon fishermen become completely obsessed with these fish, and after your first jump, you'll understand why they're called the Silver King.
Captain Whitney Hall's half-day tarpon trips book up fast, especially during prime season when the fish are most active. This focused 4-hour format is perfect for anglers who want to experience world-class tarpon fishing without committing to a full day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add tarpon to your bucket list or an experienced tarpon hunter wanting to fish with a top-rated local guide, this trip delivers the goods. The early morning departure puts you on the water when conditions are typically best - calmer seas, cooler temperatures, and more active fish. Plus, you'll still have most of your day free to explore Matlacha's famous fish houses and art galleries. At just four hours, this trip is also great for families with kids who might not handle a longer day, though tarpon fishing does require some patience and the ability to handle heavy tackle. Don't wait too long to book - the best tarpon fishing happens during specific tidal and weather windows, and Captain Hall's calendar fills up quickly with repeat customers who know he consistently puts fish in the boat.
Get ready to chase silver kings aboard our 28' Ballistic center console, built specifically for serious tarpon hunting in Matlacha's legendary waters. Twin Yamaha 150s push this rig through Pine Island Sound with authority, while radar and top-tier GPS keep us locked onto the most productive tarpon grounds. The spacious cockpit gives all four anglers room to work when these giants start rolling, and our wireless trolling motor lets us slip into position without spooking fish. Captain Whitney knows exactly where tarpon move through these waters seasonally, using his fish finder to locate schools and position us for the best shots. When a 100+ pound silver king launches skyward, you'll appreciate the stable platform and professional-grade electronics that help us stay connected to these powerful fish. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during the action, and the multimedia system adds comfort between bites. This boat was designed to run hard, hit the prime spots fast, and handle whatever these gulf giants throw at us.
Pine Island