Tarpon Boca Grande Pass | 8 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tarpon up to 200+ pounds in worldfamous Boca Grande PassAll tackle, licensing, ice and water provided on 8hour charterMaximum 4 guests per trip with Salty Pirate Fishing Charters
When you talk about world-class tarpon fishing, Boca Grande Pass and Pine Island Sound sit at the top of every serious angler's bucket list. This 8-hour charter puts you right in the heart of Southwest Florida's legendary Silver King territory, where massive tarpon gather in numbers that'll blow your mind. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish that'll test every ounce of strength you've got. Pack your patience and bring your A-game – these aren't your average inshore fish.
Your day starts early because that's when the magic happens. We'll motor out to Boca Grande Pass or Pine Island Sound depending on conditions, tides, and where the fish are showing. This isn't a sit-and-wait kind of fishing – you'll be actively hunting these giants as they move through the passes chasing baitfish and crabs. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, so there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. Don't worry about gear – we've got top-notch tackle that can handle whatever these fish throw at you, plus all your licensing, ice, and water are covered. Just bring snacks, sunscreen, and maybe a backup shirt because you're going to work up a sweat.
Tarpon fishing requires serious equipment, and we don't mess around. You'll be fishing with heavy spinning gear or conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound test. Live bait is king here – we're talking crabs, threadfin herring, and mullet that drive these fish absolutely crazy. The technique varies with the tide and conditions. On outgoing tides, we'll position near the passes where tarpon ambush baitfish getting swept out. Sometimes it's drift fishing, other times we're anchored up in the right spot waiting for schools to move through. Circle hooks are the name of the game for these fish – they hook cleaner and give the tarpon a better chance if you're planning to release. The guides will coach you through the fight because landing a 100+ pound tarpon takes technique, not just muscle.
The Atlantic Tarpon is why anglers travel from around the globe to fish Southwest Florida waters. These prehistoric beasts can live over 80 years and grow well past 200 pounds, though most fish you'll tangle with run between 80-150 pounds. They show up as early as January, but prime season kicks into high gear from April through July when thousands stack up in the passes. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their fight. The moment you set the hook, expect an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. They'll jump 6, 7, sometimes 8 times, shaking their heads violently trying to throw the hook. The fight averages 30-45 minutes, and every minute tests your endurance. Their mouths are like concrete, so getting a solid hookset takes some skill. These fish are catch-and-release only, which means you get bragging rights and photos while preserving this amazing fishery for future generations.
There's something addictive about tarpon fishing that gets in your blood. Maybe it's the way your drag screams when a 150-pound Silver King makes its first run, or watching these giants launch themselves completely out of the water. Veterans will tell you that even after decades of fishing, tarpon still give them butterflies. The Boca Grande Pass area is legendary for good reason – it's consistently produced world-record tarpon and offers some of the most reliable action you'll find anywhere. The learning curve is steep, but that's part of what makes success so sweet. Every angler has stories about the ones that got away, and you'll probably add a few of your own. The camaraderie on the boat when someone's hooked up is infectious – everyone becomes part of the fight, offering encouragement and advice as you battle these incredible fish.
Southwest Florida's tarpon season waits for nobody, and the best dates fill up fast. Salty Pirate Fishing Charters has built their reputation on putting anglers on fish, and this 8-hour charter gives you the time you need to get it done right. Whether you're chasing your first tarpon or your fiftieth, these guides know how to make it happen. The combination of Boca Grande Pass and Pine Island Sound gives you two world-class fisheries in one trip, maximizing your chances at hooking up with the Silver King. Don't let another season slip by wondering what it's like to battle one of fishing's most legendary gamefish. Book your charter now and get ready for a day on the water that'll leave you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Meet your tarpon-fighting weapon of choice – our fully loaded 26' CS Ultra Elite. This big water machine is built to handle everything from the rolling swells of Boca Grande Pass to the shallow flats of Pine Island Sound. With room for up to 4 anglers, she's packed with serious fishing gear including a fish finder to locate those silver kings, wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, and full navigation setup. The onboard head keeps everyone comfortable during those epic 30-minute tarpon battles. Whether you're targeting 200-pound giants in the pass or exploring the crystal waters around Cayo Costa, this boat delivers the perfect blend of fishing performance and comfort for chasing Southwest Florida's legendary silver kings.
Cape Coral