Full Day Tarpon Fishing Charter in Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday charter targeting trophy Tarpon with Captain Steve GouldEight hours using jigging, spinning, and bottom fishing techniquesAccommodates up to six guests departing at 7:00 AM daily
Ready to tangle with one of Florida's most legendary game fish? Captain Steve Gould's full-day tarpon charter is built for serious anglers who want maximum time on the water chasing these silver kings. Starting at 7:00 AM sharp, you'll have eight solid hours to work the prime fishing grounds and ride the best tidal movements of the day. This isn't just about tarpon either – you'll be targeting snook, permit, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel as conditions allow. With room for up to six anglers, this trip gives everyone plenty of elbow room to fight fish without getting tangled up.
Captain Steve knows Florida's inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using every trick in the book. The early morning departure isn't just for show – it gets you to the best spots while the water's still cool and the fish are active. You'll be working a variety of techniques throughout the day, from jigging structure to throwing poppers over shallow flats. Light tackle spinning keeps things sporty when the bite gets hot, while bottom fishing produces steady action when you need to put some meat in the cooler. The captain adjusts tactics based on tide, weather, and what the fish are telling him. Some days you'll be sight-casting to rolling tarpon, other days you'll be working deep channels where the big girls like to hang out. Either way, you're getting a masterclass in Florida inshore fishing.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to fishing methods. Jigging gets down to where the bigger fish cruise, especially around bridges and deep holes where tarpon stack up during tide changes. Light tackle keeps the fights interesting – there's nothing quite like battling a 100-pound tarpon on spinning gear that makes every jump feel like the fish might spool you. Popping brings explosive surface strikes that'll get your heart racing, particularly when snook ambush your lure in shallow water. The bottom fishing component ensures consistent action when the glamour species get finicky. Captain Steve provides all the gear, but if you've got favorite rods or lucky lures, bring them along. He's always curious to see what works in other waters. The boat's rigged with quality tackle that can handle everything from 10-pound permit to tarpon pushing triple digits.
Tarpon are the main event here, and Florida's population of these silver-sided bruisers is world-class. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach over 200 pounds and jump like dolphins when hooked. Peak season runs from April through July, but you'll find fish year-round in Florida's warm waters. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their acrobatics. They'll jump repeatedly, trying to throw the hook, and even smaller fish in the 40-60 pound range will test your drag and your nerves. Snook are Florida's signature inshore species, ambush predators that love structure and moving water. They're incredibly aggressive when feeding and notorious for their gill-rattling runs toward cover. Spring and fall offer the best snook action, with fish ranging from schoolie-size up to true slob snook over 35 inches. Permit are the technical challenge of this trip – spooky, selective, and incredibly strong once hooked. These disc-shaped fighters prefer sandy flats and are notorious for testing an angler's patience before delivering heart-stopping runs. Spanish mackerel add speed and numbers to the mix, especially during cooler months when schools move through the area. Sheepshead might not win beauty contests, but they're excellent table fare and surprisingly tough fighters around structure.
Eight hours on the water with Captain Steve gives you the best shot at connecting with Florida's premier inshore species. The full-day format lets you ride out slow periods and be there when the bite turns on. Remember to grab your Florida saltwater fishing license before the trip – it's required and easily obtained online. The deposit locks in your date but it's non-refundable, so make sure your schedule's clear. With space for six anglers, this charter works great for groups who want to split costs while maximizing fishing time. Whether you're chasing your first tarpon or trying to beat your personal best, this trip puts you in the right place with the right captain to make it happen. Don't wait too long to book – prime dates fill up fast, especially during tarpon season.
Step aboard our 25-foot Pathfinder center console and get ready to chase some serious silver kings in Florida's productive inshore waters. This well-equipped fishing machine runs on a reliable Yamaha engine that'll get you to the hottest tarpon grounds around Goodland quickly and quietly. The boat's center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish, while our wireless trolling motor lets us slip into shallow spots without spooking wary tarpon. Keep your drinks ice-cold in the onboard icebox during those long battles, and rely on our fish finder to locate schools of baitfish where the big boys like to feed. Whether you're jigging deep channels or sight-casting to rolling fish, this boat handles everything from light tackle spinning to bottom fishing for snook and permit. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have room to spread out and work different techniques as Captain Steve puts you on the fish during prime feeding times.
Florida