What is the best month for tarpon fishing at Boca Grande?

May is the single best month. Fish are present in huge numbers, weather is typically calm, and the Pass is firing on all cylinders. April and June are also excellent. Book early — May dates fill months in advance.

How big are the tarpon at Boca Grande Pass?

Boca Grande tarpon average 80–120 lbs, with fish over 150 lbs caught regularly. The Florida record tarpon was caught nearby. These are genuinely large, powerful fish — expect a serious fight.

Do I need experience to fish for tarpon?

No experience required. Captain Matt will coach you through every step — the cast, the hookset, and the fight. That said, tarpon are challenging fish. Even experienced anglers get humbled. That's part of the appeal.

Can we keep the tarpon?

Tarpon are a protected species in Florida and must be released. You can take photos at the side of the boat, but the fish stays in the water as much as possible for a healthy release. Captain Matt is strict about this.

What if the tarpon aren't in the Pass?

If conditions push fish off the Pass, Captain Matt has backup plans — backcountry tarpon, the flats around Gasparilla Island, or switching to snook and redfish. You'll always be fishing for something.

How far in advance should I book?

For May and June, book 2–3 months in advance. Peak tarpon season is the most in-demand time of year. April and July have more availability but still fill up. Call 941-623-5673 to check current openings.

Giant tarpon jumping at Boca Grande Pass, Southwest Florida

World-Class Silver King Fishing

Boca Grande Tarpon Fishing

Boca Grande Pass is the tarpon capital of the world. Every spring, hundreds of giant Silver Kings stack in the Pass — and Captain Matt has spent 10+ years learning exactly how to put you on them.

Book a Tarpon Charter Call 941-623-5673

10+ Years on the Pass Live Bait Provided USCG Licensed Catch & Release

80–200 lbs

Average tarpon size

10+ Years

Captain Matt on the Pass

5.0 ★

Google rating

May–June

Peak season

The World's Greatest Tarpon Fishery

There is no place on earth quite like Boca Grande Pass in May. The deep channel at the southern tip of Gasparilla Island funnels massive schools of Atlantic tarpon — some pushing 200 lbs — into a concentrated stretch of water that has made this spot legendary among saltwater anglers for over a century.

Tarpon migrate north along Florida's Gulf Coast every spring, and Boca Grande Pass is their staging ground. The combination of deep water, strong tidal current, and an abundant food supply creates a perfect holding area. On a good day, you'll see rolling fish in every direction.

Captain Matt has been chasing tarpon in these waters his entire life. He knows the tides, the moon phases, the bait schools, and the subtle current seams where fish stack up. When you're on the water with him, you're not guessing — you're fishing with someone who has put in the time to understand every nuance of this fishery.

Real Silver Kings — Real Catches

Photos from actual charters with Captain Matt at Boca Grande Pass

Angler holding a giant tarpon at Boca Grande Pass with Captain Matt

Father and son with a Silver King tarpon on a SWFL Fishing Charters trip

Two anglers with a tarpon at the side of the boat, Boca Grande Pass

Group of anglers with a massive tarpon alongside the charter boat at Boca Grande

Angler and child with a tarpon catch-and-release in Southwest Florida

Angler holding a Silver King tarpon on a SWFL fishing charter at Boca Grande

Tarpon Season at Boca Grande

Timing is everything when it comes to tarpon fishing. Here's what to expect month by month:

March

Early

First fish begin arriving. Smaller 'baby tarpon' in the backcountry. Pass fishing picks up late in the month on warm tides.

April

Good

Tarpon numbers build steadily. The Pass starts fishing well. Excellent month for anglers who want action without peak-season crowds.

May

Peak

The single best month. Massive schools of fish in the Pass. Calm weather, warm water, and hungry tarpon make May the bucket-list month.

June

Peak

Fishing remains excellent through June. Fish are well-established in the Pass and surrounding flats. Afternoon thunderstorms are common — morning trips are ideal.

July

Good

Numbers begin to thin as fish migrate further north, but quality fish remain. Backcountry tarpon fishing on the flats is excellent.

Aug–Oct

Slow

Most fish have moved on. Occasional juvenile tarpon in the backcountry. Focus shifts to snook, redfish, and trout.

What to Expect on Your Tarpon Charter

Here's how a typical tarpon charter with Captain Matt unfolds — from the dock to the release.

Meet at the Dock

We meet at Eldred's Marina in Placida, FL — just minutes from Boca Grande Pass. Arrive 15 minutes early. Captain Matt will have the boat rigged, bait in the well, and a full briefing ready.

Run to the Pass

It's a short run to Boca Grande Pass. On the way, Captain Matt will explain the plan for the day — which tides to target, where the fish have been holding, and what technique we'll start with.

Set Up on the Fish

Using Power-Poles and the Minn Kota trolling motor, Captain Matt positions the boat silently on the current seam where tarpon are stacked. You'll often see fish rolling before the first bait hits the water.

The Bite & the Fight

When a tarpon eats, everything happens fast. Captain Matt coaches you through the hookset and the first jump — the most critical moments. Then it's a full-body fight that can last 20–45 minutes on a big fish.

Photos & Release

Tarpon are protected in Florida — they stay in the water for photos. Captain Matt handles the fish carefully for a quick, healthy release. You'll have a great photo and a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Your guide

Your Guide: Captain Matt Newberry

Captain Matt Newberry is a USCG-licensed guide who has spent his entire life fishing the waters of Southwest Florida. He grew up on Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande Pass, learning the tides, the bait schools, and the seasonal patterns that define this fishery.

He's not a tournament angler who guides on the side — fishing is his full-time profession and his passion. When you're on the water with Captain Matt, you're getting someone who fishes these exact spots every single week of the season.

USCG Licensed Captain
10+ years guiding Boca Grande Pass
Lifelong Southwest Florida local
5.0 stars — 78 Google reviews
Full liability insurance

Read Captain Matt's full story →

Captain Matt Newberry — SWFL Fishing Charters, Boca Grande Pass guide

5.0 · 78 Google reviews

The vessel

The Boat: 23 ft Hanson

Captain Matt runs a custom 23-foot Hanson bay boat — one of the finest inshore platforms available. Shallow-draft, stable, and rigged specifically for tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass and the surrounding flats.

Engine

2026 Suzuki 175 hp

Anchoring

Power-Pole shallow anchors

Stealth

Minn Kota trolling motor

Bait

50-gallon livewell

Electronics

Full Garmin suite

Capacity

Max 4 guests

See full boat specs & photos →

23 ft Hanson bay boat — SWFL Fishing Charters, rigged for tarpon fishing at Boca Grande

As seen on YouTube

Watch: Tarpon Fishing at Boca Grande Pass

Captain Matt was featured in this tarpon fishing video shot right here at Boca Grande Pass — one of the most iconic fisheries in the world.

Ready to experience it yourself? Book your tarpon charter →

Why Fish Tarpon with Captain Matt

10+ Years on the Pass

Captain Matt has fished Boca Grande Pass his entire life. He knows the tides, the structure, and the seasonal patterns that produce fish when others come up empty.

Purpose-Built Flats Boat

The 23 ft Hanson is rigged specifically for tarpon fishing — Power-Poles for precise positioning, a 50-gallon livewell for fresh crab and threadfin, and Garmin electronics to read the current.

Live Bait Advantage

Captain Matt sources the best live bait available — pass crabs, threadfin herring, and live pinfish — giving you the most natural presentation possible in the Pass.

Catch & Release Focus

Tarpon are a protected species in Florida. Captain Matt practices responsible catch-and-release, keeping fish in the water as much as possible for a healthy release and a great photo.

Heavy Tackle Ready

Tarpon fishing demands serious gear. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided — heavy spinning and conventional setups capable of handling 150+ lb fish.

USCG Licensed & Insured

Every charter operates under Captain Matt's USCG captain's license and full liability insurance. Your safety and experience are always the top priority.

How We Fish for Tarpon

Live Crab in the Pass

Pass crabs drifted through the deep channel on a free-line are the most effective tarpon bait at Boca Grande. Captain Matt knows exactly how to read the current and position the boat for the perfect drift.

Live Threadfin Herring

When threadfin schools are present, a live herring under a float or free-lined is irresistible to tarpon. Captain Matt nets fresh threadfin each morning before the trip.

Sight-Fishing the Flats

When fish are rolling on the shallow flats around the Pass, sight-fishing with live bait or artificial lures is one of the most exciting ways to target tarpon. You see the fish, make the cast, and watch the eat.

Backcountry Tarpon

The creeks and channels of Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound hold juvenile tarpon (20–60 lbs) year-round. These fish are aggressive and acrobatic — perfect for lighter tackle and a different kind of challenge.

Tarpon Charter Options

All tarpon trips include rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and fishing license. Gratuity not included.

6-Hour Tarpon Charter

6 Hours

$1,200

Best for: First-time tarpon anglers, couples

A focused morning session targeting tarpon in Boca Grande Pass and the surrounding flats. Enough time to work multiple tides and give every angler quality shots at fish.

Live bait (pass crabs & threadfin)
Heavy spinning & conventional tackle
Fishing license
Garmin electronics & Power-Poles
Up to 3 anglers

Book This Trip

Recommended

8-Hour Tarpon Charter

8 Hours

$1,600

Best for: Serious anglers, groups of 3–4

The full tarpon experience. Cover the Pass, the flats, and the backcountry channels. Work multiple tides and maximize your chances at a Silver King. This is the trip serious tarpon anglers book.

Live bait (pass crabs & threadfin)
Heavy spinning & conventional tackle
Fishing license
Garmin electronics & Power-Poles
Up to 4 anglers

Book This Trip

Prices are for the full boat. Gratuity not included. Call to confirm availability.

What Anglers Are Saying

Real reviews from real customers — verified on Google.

"Excellent trip with Captain Matt. He was knowledgeable, patient, and personable. Will definitely book with him again.

Meri M.Google

"If youre looking for an absolute amazing day of fishing- Captain Matt in boca grande is definitely your guy!! My sons 13th bday was today and his dream was to catch a shark. Capt Matt definitely came through! My kid is on top of the world! We also caught SO MANY snook, redfish, grouper, trout, and jack! From the minute we cast til the end of the trip we were catching fish. He was so easy going and fun, and amazing with my kids. You can tell hes passionate about what he does & makes sure you have an awesome time. He was also very patient with my lack of fishing skills 🤣 We will 100% be back in march! Thank you for the best day, captain matt!!

Raegan K.Google

"Captain Matt was awesome! Throughly enjoyed ourselves will be definitely be booking another trip in the near future!

Andrea B.Google

"Great captain + very knowledgeable + born and raised locally =great times!

Gary G.Google

"Wow! Great inshore trip for our family with mixed levels of experience. Matt knew a lot of great locations, was a great guide, and very communicative. Excellent equipment and rig, terrific day out we couldn't recommend more!

Rachel H.Google

"We had an outstanding experience with SWFL Fishing Charters and Captain Matt! From the moment we arrived, he was friendly, professional, and made sure everyone felt comfortable. He knew exactly where the fish were and worked hard all trip to keep us on the action. His knowledge of the local waters was impressive, and he was patient and happy to share tips that helped us catch more fish. The boat was clean, well-equipped, and everything was organized. Captain Matt made safety a priority while still making the trip relaxed and fun. Whether you're an experienced angler or it's your first time fishing, he makes sure you have an unforgettable experience. If you're looking for an honest, hardworking captain who genuinely wants his guests to have a great day on the water, I highly recommend Captain Matt and SWFL Fishing Charters. We'll definitely be booking another trip the next time we're in Southwest Florida!

Sarah M.Google

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