Hudson FL Tarpon Fly Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day tarpon fly fishing charter for two guestsPeak season runs May through August in local watersAll equipment and licenses included with expert guidance
Hudson's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent tarpon fly fishing on Florida's Gulf Coast, and this full-day charter puts you right in the thick of it. From May through August, when these silver kings are rolling and feeding in our shallow flats and nearshore structure, you'll have the entire boat to yourself and one buddy for twelve hours of focused fishing. At sixteen hundred dollars for the trip, it's priced for serious fly anglers who want quality time on prime tarpon water without dealing with crowds or rushed fishing. Your captain knows these fish move with the tides, and you'll spend the day following that movement from first light until the bite shuts down.
This isn't a casual fishing trip where you sit back and wait for bites. You'll be up at the bow with fly rod in hand, scanning for rolling fish and laid-up tarpon in two to eight feet of water. The boat stays positioned upwind and upcurrent from the fish, giving you clean shots at moving targets. When the fly fishing gets tough due to wind or spooky fish, your guide will switch tactics to light spinning gear to keep you connected to tarpon throughout the day. Everything's included - rods, reels, flies, leaders, and your fishing license - so you can focus entirely on your casting and presentation. The Hudson area's mix of grass flats, channel edges, and nearshore structure means you'll fish different water types as conditions and fish movement dictate.
Tarpon fly fishing is all about timing and precision, and you'll get plenty of practice reading fish behavior throughout the day. Most presentations happen with 10 to 12-weight fly rods throwing large streamers and tarpon patterns on intermediate or floating lines. Your guide will coach you on lead distance, strip timing, and hooksets since tarpon have bony mouths that require specific techniques. When fish are rolling but not eating flies, you'll switch to circle hooks with live bait or cut bait on spinning tackle. The key is staying flexible - morning might start with sight fishing to individual fish, while afternoon could mean intercepting schools moving through deeper channels. Wind direction and tide timing drive most decisions, and experienced captains adjust locations and techniques based on real-time conditions rather than sticking to predetermined spots.
Hudson's tarpon season runs hot from late April through early August, with peak action happening during the summer months when massive schools move through local waters. These fish range from 80 to 180 pounds, with most falling in the 100 to 140-pound range - perfect size for exciting fights without epic two-hour battles. The area's consistent population of resident and migratory tarpon means you're fishing to fresh fish throughout the season. Early season fish in May tend to be hungrier and more aggressive, while mid-summer tarpon can be pickier but are present in larger numbers. Recent seasons have produced multiple fish per trip for skilled fly casters, with many anglers getting their first tarpon on fly or upgrading their personal best. The technical nature of the fishing means every fish earned feels like a major victory.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Florida's inshore waters, and Hudson's population offers world-class opportunities for fly fishermen. These prehistoric fish average four to six feet long and jump repeatedly when hooked, often clearing the water completely in spectacular aerial displays. Peak season runs from May through July when both resident fish and migrating schools concentrate in the area's shallow flats and nearshore waters. Tarpon feed aggressively during moving tides, especially on the last two hours of incoming water when baitfish get pushed onto the flats. What makes these fish special is their combination of size, jumping ability, and the technical challenge they present - you need perfect presentation, quick reflexes on the hookset, and endurance to fight fish that can run several hundred yards. The satisfaction of landing a tarpon on fly tackle is unmatched in saltwater fishing, which is why anglers travel from around the world to fish these waters during prime season.
Hudson's tarpon season books up fast, especially for full-day trips during peak months. Sports Coast Fishing runs these charters from May first through August first when fish numbers are highest and weather conditions are most reliable. The two-angler limit ensures you get maximum fishing time and personal instruction from your captain. Since deposits are non-refundable, you'll want to plan around weather windows and coordinate with your fishing partner before booking. This trip works best for intermediate to advanced fly casters who can handle 10-weight rods and make accurate casts in windy conditions. If you're looking to target Florida's most iconic gamefish with fly tackle in some of the state's most productive waters, this charter delivers the focused, technical fishing experience that keeps serious anglers coming back every season.
You'll be targeting tarpon from a well-equipped 24' Tidewater bay boat that's built to handle the demands of serious fly fishing. This Yamaha 250 HP-powered rig gives you the speed to reach productive waters and the stability you need when sight-casting to rolling fish. The spacious deck layout provides plenty of room for your back cast, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position silently on feeding tarpon without spooking them. Quality electronics including GPS and fish finder help locate bait schools and structure where the silver kings hang out. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long stretches between fish, and the multimedia system provides some entertainment during travel time. With room for just 2 anglers on this private charter, you'll have the captain's full attention and all the deck space you need to work these challenging fish properly.
Hudson FL