Tarpon Fishing Boca Grande/Tampa Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tarpon at Boca Grande Pass, world's tarpon capitalInshore fishing for up to 3 guests with provided tackleCaptain Andrew specializes in landing monster tarpon fish
When anglers dream about the perfect tarpon fight, they're picturing Boca Grande Pass. This legendary stretch of water holds the title "Tarpon Capital of the World" for good reason – it's where trophy silver kings gather in massive numbers, ready to test your skill and endurance. Captain Andrew has made these waters his specialty, and he knows exactly where to put you on the fish when they're rolling. You'll be fishing some of the most productive tarpon grounds on the planet, with all the gear and bait provided. Just show up hungry for action and ready to feel that burn in your arms when a hundred-pound tarpon goes airborne.
Your day starts with Captain Andrew rigging the boat with top-quality tackle designed specifically for tarpon warfare. We're talking heavy action rods, smooth-drag reels, and circle hooks that'll keep these fish pinned without gut-hooking them. The boat's equipped with everything you need – premium bait, coolers packed with ice, and plenty of cold water to keep you hydrated during the fight. Boca Grande Pass is a unique fishery where tarpon funnel through deep channels, creating predictable feeding patterns that experienced guides know how to read. You'll position over structure where these fish stage, waiting for the right tide and current to bring them within casting range. The captain handles all the technical stuff like reading the water and positioning the boat, so you can focus on what matters – making the perfect presentation and being ready when that rod doubles over.
Tarpon fishing in Boca Grande is all about live bait fishing with crabs, pinfish, and threadfins. Captain Andrew rigs everything with circle hooks and heavy fluorocarbon leaders that can handle the tarpon's sandpaper mouth and gill plates. The technique is deceptively simple – drop that bait down to the right depth, keep steady tension, and wait for that unmistakable tarpon bite. When it happens, you don't set the hook like you would with bass or snook. Instead, you bow to the fish as it jumps, keeping tension steady while that silver rocket tries to throw your hook fifty feet in the air. The reels are loaded with 50-pound braided line because these fish will take you into your backing without breaking a sweat. Captain Andrew coaches you through every moment, from the initial hookup through those heart-pounding jumps, all the way to getting that fish boatside for photos and release.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Boca Grande Pass, and for good reason. These silver giants average 80 to 150 pounds in these waters, with true monsters pushing 200 pounds showing up regularly during peak season. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their aerial acrobatics and sheer power. When hooked, a tarpon's first instinct is to launch itself completely out of the water, shaking its massive head and rattling its gill plates in an attempt to throw your hook. They're prehistoric fish that can live over 80 years, and the big females you'll encounter here have been perfecting their escape tactics for decades. Peak tarpon season runs from April through July, with May and June offering the most consistent action. These fish migrate through Boca Grande Pass following massive schools of baitfish, creating feeding frenzies that attract anglers from around the world. The thrill comes from never knowing if your next bite will be a respectable 80-pounder or a once-in-a-lifetime giant that'll test every knot and connection on your tackle.
Boca Grande Pass delivers world-class tarpon fishing that's tough to find anywhere else on the planet. Captain Andrew's expertise in these waters, combined with top-notch tackle and a boat that's rigged for serious tarpon fishing, gives you the best shot at tangling with a silver king. The boat accommodates up to three anglers, so you're not fighting crowds or waiting your turn when the fish are biting. Everything's provided except your food and extra drinks – just bring your camera and get ready for some serious fishing. The cancellation policy is straightforward: full refund if you cancel 14 days out, 50% charge for seven days notice, and full charge within three days. That's fair considering how hard it is to fill premium tarpon dates on short notice. These fish don't wait around, and neither should you – the best tarpon fishing of your life is just one booking away.
Meet the Tailwalker, your perfect partner for chasing silver kings in Boca Grande's legendary waters. This 25-foot Fat Cat motorboat packs serious punch with its 300-horsepower Suzuki engine, getting you to the hottest tarpon spots at up to 55 mph. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate those monster tarpon, GPS to hit the best passes, wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, and VHF radio for safety. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles. With room for up to 6 anglers and a design focused on fishing performance, the Tailwalker puts you right where the action happens in tarpon country.
Crystal River 