What makes Gasparilla Island special for fishing?

Gasparilla Island is home to Boca Grande Pass — the world's greatest tarpon fishery. The island is also surrounded by productive inshore flats holding snook, redfish, and trout year-round.

When is the best time to fish around Gasparilla Island?

Tarpon season (April–July) is the peak time for big game fishing at Boca Grande Pass. Snook and redfish are excellent year-round. Fall (October–December) is outstanding for redfish and trout.

How many people can fish on the charter?

The 23 ft Hanson comfortably accommodates up to 4 anglers. For the best experience — especially on tarpon trips — we recommend 2–3 anglers.

Do I need a fishing license?

No — your fishing license is included with every charter. Just show up ready to fish.

Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, snacks, drinks, and a cooler for your catch. Captain Matt provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait.

Fishing Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande Pass, Southwest Florida

Gasparilla Island & Boca Grande Pass Fishing

Gasparilla Island Fishing Charters

Fish the legendary waters surrounding Gasparilla Island — home to Boca Grande Pass, the world's greatest tarpon fishery — with Captain Matt, your local expert with 10+ years on these flats.

Book Your Charter Call 941-623-5673

USCG Licensed Captain 10+ Years Experience License & Tackle Included 5-Star Rated

Gasparilla Island: The Crown Jewel of Southwest Florida Fishing

Gasparilla Island is home to Boca Grande — the self-proclaimed Tarpon Capital of the World. The deep waters of Boca Grande Pass at the island's southern tip funnel massive migrations of giant tarpon every spring, drawing anglers from around the globe. But the fishing around Gasparilla Island is world-class in every season.

The shallow flats on the bay side of the island hold year-round populations of snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout. The mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and oyster bars surrounding Gasparilla Island create a diverse inshore ecosystem that rewards skilled anglers with trophy fish on every trip.

Captain Matt has fished Gasparilla Island's waters his entire life. He competed in the Flatsmasters Redfish Series and knows every productive flat, channel edge, and seasonal pattern that makes this island so special.

What You'll Target Around Gasparilla Island

Tarpon

April – July (Peak)

Boca Grande Pass at the southern tip of Gasparilla Island is the world's greatest tarpon fishery. Giant Silver Kings averaging 80–150 lbs stack up in the Pass every spring.

Snook

Year-Round

The mangrove shorelines and dock pilings of Gasparilla Island hold trophy snook all year. Spring and fall are prime, with fish pushing 30+ inches on the shallow flats.

Redfish

Year-Round

Sight-fishing tailing reds on the Gasparilla Island flats is as good as it gets in Florida. Fall brings massive schools of bull reds for explosive action.

Spotted Seatrout

Fall – Spring

The grass flats surrounding Gasparilla Island and in nearby Lemon Bay produce excellent trout fishing, especially in the cooler months.

Your Ride: The 23 ft Hanson

Every Gasparilla Island charter runs on Captain Matt's custom 23 ft Hanson flats boat — purpose-built for the shallow waters surrounding the island. With a 2026 Suzuki 175, Power-Poles, Minn Kota trolling motor, 50-gallon livewell, and full Garmin electronics, you'll have every advantage on the water.

23 ft Hanson flats boat
2026 Suzuki 175 hp outboard
Power-Pole shallow water anchors
Minn Kota trolling motor
50-gallon livewell
Full Garmin electronics suite
JL Audio marine speakers
All rods, reels & tackle provided

See full boat details →

23 ft Hanson flats boat — SWFL Fishing Charters, Gasparilla Island FL

Charter Pricing

All trips include rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing license. Just bring sunscreen, snacks, and a cooler.

4 Hour Inshore

4 Hours

$600

Target snook, redfish, and trout on the Gasparilla Island flats. Perfect for families and first-timers.

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6 Hour Inshore

6 Hours

$800

More time to explore the Gasparilla Island flats and surrounding waters. A great option for anglers who want a fuller session.

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Full-Day Inshore

8 Hours

$1,200

Maximum time on the water. Cover the full range of Gasparilla Island's flats, mangrove edges, and grass beds.

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Tarpon Charter

8 Hours

$1,600

The ultimate Gasparilla Island experience — target giant Silver Kings in Boca Grande Pass during tarpon season (April–July).

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

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Matt is hands down one of the best guides around Gasparilla Island. His knowledge of Boca Grande Pass is incredible — I landed the fish of a lifetime with his guidance."

Mike A.

Charlotte County, FL

"If you want to go tarpon fishing at Boca Grande, book Captain Matt. He and his mate go above and beyond. Very knowledgeable and knows these waters like the back of his hand."

Robert S.

Sarasota, FL

"Took a tarpon fishing trip around Gasparilla Island with Captain Matt. Communication, equipment, and energy were all great — and he put us on fish. Highlight of our vacation."

Derek R.

Tampa, FL

Read all 5-star reviews →