Full Day Tarpon Fishing with Precision Backcountry
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday guided tarpon fishing with experienced Captain MichaelTargets productive tarpon zones around St. Petersburg watersAccommodates up to 3 guests with handson fishing guidance
When you're serious about hooking into Florida's most legendary fish, you need more than just a few hours on the water. This full-day guided tarpon trip with Captain Michael puts you right where the silver kings are feeding, fighting, and putting on their world-famous acrobatic shows. St. Petersburg's waters offer some of the most consistent tarpon action on Florida's Gulf Coast, and with a full day at your disposal, you'll have the time it takes to locate these giants and battle them properly. Whether you've been chasing tarpon for years or you're ready to experience that first jump, this trip delivers the real deal.
Captain Michael knows that tarpon fishing isn't a rush job. These fish demand patience, persistence, and the right approach – which is exactly why this full-day format works so well. You'll start early, heading out to the most productive zones around St. Pete where tarpon congregate during their seasonal migrations. The longer time frame means you're not racing against the clock when a school finally shows up, and you'll have multiple opportunities to get your technique dialed in. With only three anglers max on board, everyone gets personalized attention and plenty of shots at fish. The scenic coastal backdrop is just a bonus when you're focused on that telltale splash and the screaming drag that follows. Captain Michael's hands-on guidance covers everything from the initial hookset to managing those heart-stopping jumps that tarpon are famous for.
Tarpon fishing around St. Petersburg relies heavily on reading the water and adapting your approach based on conditions and fish behavior. Captain Michael typically runs a combination of live bait presentations and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are showing interest in that day. Live crabs, pinfish, and threadfin herring are go-to baits, often fished on circle hooks to improve hookup ratios and fish safety. The boat carries heavy-duty spinning and conventional tackle capable of handling 100+ pound fish, with drags set properly to give you fighting chance while protecting the gear. You'll learn proper fighting techniques including how to bow to the fish during jumps, manage long runs, and work fish efficiently to reduce exhaustion. The inshore and nearshore zones around St. Pete feature a mix of structure, grass flats, and open water areas where tarpon move and feed, so expect to cover ground and try different presentations as conditions dictate.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Florida's inshore waters, and the fish around St. Petersburg represent some of the best opportunities in the state. These silver-sided giants typically range from 80 to 150 pounds in local waters, though fish over 200 pounds show up regularly during peak season. Tarpon are most active from late spring through early fall, with May through July offering the most consistent action as massive schools migrate along the Gulf Coast. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their explosive fighting style. When a tarpon takes your bait, expect immediate chaos as they launch themselves completely out of the water, often multiple times, while peeling line off your reel at alarming speed. They're prehistoric-looking fish with armor-like scales and that distinctive upturned mouth, and they can live over 50 years while growing to truly massive proportions. The thrill comes from the combination of their raw power, aerial displays, and the technical challenge they present – even experienced anglers consider landing a tarpon one of fishing's greatest achievements.
This full-day tarpon experience with Precision Backcountry Charters offers everything serious anglers want: expert guidance, prime fishing locations, and the time needed to do it right. Captain Michael's knowledge of St. Petersburg's tarpon patterns, combined with top-rated tackle and a customer-favorite approach to guiding, gives you the best shot at hooking into Florida's most iconic gamefish. The intimate three-angler limit ensures everyone gets quality fishing time and personalized instruction. With tarpon season being relatively short and these fish representing the pinnacle of inshore fishing, spots fill up fast among anglers who know what they're after. Whether this is your first tarpon trip or you're looking to get back on the water with fish that never stop being impressive, this full-day format delivers the complete experience you're looking for.
This 26-foot 2022 Barker Boatworks is your ticket to serious tarpon action in St. Pete waters. Built tough for Florida's inshore fishing demands, she's powered by a 400 HP Mercury that'll get you to the productive tarpon zones fast – hitting speeds up to 50 mph when you need to chase the bite. The boat handles choppy conditions with confidence, giving you a stable platform for those epic tarpon battles. With space for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your rods without crowding each other during the fight. Captain Michael knows where these silver kings hang out, and this boat gets you there ready to tangle with some of Florida's most powerful fish.
St. Petersburg