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 20+ years learning exactly how to put you on them.

Book a Tarpon Charter Call 941-623-5673

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

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.

Angler holding a giant tarpon at Boca Grande Pass

Father and son with a Silver King tarpon on a SWFL charter

Two anglers with a tarpon at the side of the boat

Group of anglers with a massive tarpon alongside the charter boat

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

Angler holding a Silver King tarpon on a SWFL fishing charter

Real Silver Kings caught with Captain Matt at Boca Grande Pass

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.

Why Fish Tarpon with Captain Matt

20+ 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

$1,000

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

$1,200

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.