5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Tarpon Fishing Charter in Florida
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday tarpon charter targeting the Silver King inshoreMorning and afternoon departure times accommodate different schedulesLight tackle techniques plus bonus species like snook
When you're itching to get on the water but don't have a full day to spare, this half-day tarpon charter hits the sweet spot. Captain Steve knows these Florida waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the track record to prove it. Whether you're an old salt or just getting your feet wet, this focused four-hour trip puts you right where the Silver Kings cruise. You'll launch either at first light (7 AM) or catch the evening bite (4 PM) – both prime times when tarpon are actively feeding and ready to put up the fight of a lifetime.
This isn't your typical mixed-bag charter where you're hoping something bites. Captain Steve runs a tarpon-focused operation, meaning every spot he hits and every technique he uses is dialed in for these magnificent fish. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, but the rate covers three guests – perfect for a small group that wants personalized attention without the chaos of a packed boat. You'll fish prime inshore waters where tarpon stage and feed, often spotting them rolling on the surface before you even make your first cast. Don't be surprised if you hook into bonus species like snook lurking in the same areas, or permit cruising the flats nearby. The captain provides all the tackle and knows exactly which baits and lures are producing, so you can focus on the fun part – fighting fish.
Captain Steve's arsenal includes light tackle setups that let you feel every head shake and jump, plus heavier gear when the big girls are eating. You'll work with spinning reels loaded with quality line, and he'll show you the right jigging techniques to get tarpon fired up. Popping plugs create surface commotion that drives tarpon crazy, especially during low-light periods when they're hunting aggressively. When fish are holding deeper, bottom fishing with live bait or cut bait can produce explosive strikes. The key is reading the water and adapting – something Captain Steve excels at. He'll position the boat perfectly for wind and current, coach you through the fight, and make sure you get those hero shots when you bring a silver king boatside. Every technique has its place, and you'll learn when and why to use each one.
"Wonderful day on the water for all of us, Captain Steve was super with our boys!!!" - Jared
"We had a great time fishing Macro Island. Captian Seteve is very generous with his time, experiance, and definitely knows his spots. very highly recommended. we will for sure be booking with Captain Steve again." - Sam
Tarpon are the undisputed stars of Florida's inshore scene, and for good reason. These silver missiles can stretch six feet long and weigh over 150 pounds, launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Florida tarpon are most active from April through October, with peak action in summer months when massive schools migrate along the coast. What makes them special isn't just their size – it's their aerial acrobatics and raw power that can strip line faster than you'd believe. Tarpon have excellent eyesight and can be picky eaters, making each hookup a real accomplishment. They're also catch-and-release only, so you're fishing purely for the sport and the stories you'll tell for years.
Snook are Florida's premier inshore gamefish and frequent companions to tarpon in these same waters. They're ambush predators that love structure – docks, mangroves, bridges – anywhere they can hide and attack passing baitfish. Snook have that distinctive black lateral line and a mouth that can inhale a lure in a split second. They're incredibly line-shy and known for their powerful runs toward cover, making light tackle battles especially exciting. Peak snook action happens during dawn and dusk, which perfectly matches your charter timing. These fish are temperature sensitive and most active when water temps stay above 70 degrees.
Permit are the ghosts of the flats – silver, disk-shaped fish that cruise shallow waters and test every angler's skill. They're notoriously spooky and selective, often following a bait for minutes before deciding whether to eat. When permit do bite, they make blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Most Florida permit range from 10 to 30 pounds, but their fighting ability rivals fish twice their size. They prefer crabs and small baitfish, and Captain Steve knows exactly which presentations trigger strikes from these finicky feeders.
Spanish mackerel bring non-stop action when they're schooled up and feeding. These sleek speedsters hit fast-moving lures with authority and provide excellent light tackle sport. They're perfect confidence-builders for newer anglers since they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. Spanish mackerel also make fantastic bait for larger species when cut fresh, so every fish serves a purpose. They're most abundant during cooler months when baitfish are thick, and you'll often find them slashing through schools of sardines and pilchards.
This half-day tarpon charter delivers world-class fishing without eating up your entire vacation day. Captain Steve's reputation speaks for itself – guests keep coming back because he consistently puts them on fish and makes sure everyone has a blast on the water. Remember to grab your Florida fishing license before you head out, and don't wait too long to book since prime tarpon season fills up fast. The deposit secures your spot and shows you're serious about experiencing some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. Whether you choose the early morning bite or evening action, you're in for a top-rated charter experience that'll have you planning your next trip before you even reach the dock.
Our 25-foot Pathfinder center console is built for serious tarpon hunting in Florida's inshore waters. This Yamaha-powered fishing machine cuts through the flats around Goodland with ease, getting you to those prime silver king spots fast. The boat's center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're stalking tarpon in shallow water. You'll have access to our fish finder to locate schools, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold during those hot Florida mornings or afternoon sessions. Whether you're throwing poppers at rolling tarpon or working live bait on the bottom for snook and permit, this boat handles it all. The stable platform makes landing that 100-pound silver king a whole lot easier, and with space for up to 6 anglers, there's room for the whole crew to get in on the action.
5.0 out of 5.0Wonderful day on the water for all of us, Captain Steve was super with our boys!!!
We had a great time fishing Macro Island. Captian Seteve is very generous with his time, experiance, and definitely knows his spot...
Florida