Southwest Florida target species

Tarpon Fishing in Southwest Florida

Chase the Silver King on Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande Pass with Captain Matt Newberry — 10+ years guiding the world's premier tarpon fishery.

Angler holding a giant Atlantic tarpon at Boca Grande Pass, Southwest Florida — SWFL Fishing Charters

Average Size

60–150 lbs

Peak Season

April – July

Best Location

Boca Grande Pass

Record Weight

286 lbs

About the Silver King

The Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) is one of the most sought-after game fish in the world — and Southwest Florida is home to the greatest tarpon fishery on the planet. Every spring, tens of thousands of tarpon migrate through Charlotte Harbor and stage at Boca Grande Pass, creating a once-in-a-lifetime fishing experience.

Tarpon are known for their explosive strikes, acrobatic jumps, and sheer power. A 100-pound tarpon can strip 200 yards of line in seconds and leap 10 feet out of the water. They are entirely catch-and-release in Florida, which means every fish you land goes back to fight another day.

Captain Matt Newberry has been guiding tarpon trips on Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande Pass for over 10 years. Whether you want to sight-fish rolling fish on the flats or target the massive concentrations at Boca Grande Pass during the peak spring run, we will put you on fish.

Where We Find Tarpon

Boca Grande Pass

The world's tarpon capital. During the spring run, thousands of tarpon stack in the deep waters of the pass. This is the most productive tarpon fishery on earth.

Charlotte Harbor

A 270-square-mile estuary that serves as a staging ground and migration corridor. Tarpon roll on the surface throughout the harbor from April through October.

Backcountry Creeks

Juvenile tarpon (20–80 lbs) inhabit the mangrove creeks and channels year-round. These fish are aggressive and perfect for light-tackle action outside the peak season.

How We Catch Them

Live Bait — Pass Fishing

Drifting live crabs, threadfin herring, or pinfish through Boca Grande Pass is the most productive technique during the spring run. We position the boat on the tide and let the bait do the work.

Sight Fishing on the Flats

Spotting rolling or tailing tarpon on the shallow flats and presenting a live bait or fly is the most exciting way to target these fish. Requires patience, accuracy, and a skilled guide.

Artificial Lures

Large swimbaits, DOA Baitbusters, and topwater plugs worked along the surface can trigger explosive strikes from tarpon feeding on baitfish schools.

Fly Fishing

Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor offer world-class tarpon fly fishing. Large streamers and crab patterns presented to rolling fish on the flats are the standard approach.

Tarpon Fishing Calendar

January

Slow

February

Slow

March

Good

April

Peak

May

Peak

June

Peak

July

Good

August

Good

September

Good

October

Good

November

Slow

December

Slow

Captain Matt's Tarpon Tips

Book Early

The spring tarpon run (April–June) is our busiest season. Dates fill up months in advance. Book as early as possible to secure your preferred dates.

Bring the Right Gear

Tarpon fishing requires heavy tackle — 50–80 lb braid, strong hooks, and a quality reel with a smooth drag. We supply all tackle, but let us know if you have preferences.

Be Patient

Tarpon fishing is not always fast-paced. Some days you will hook multiple fish in an hour; other days you will wait. The reward when a 150-lb tarpon jumps 10 feet in the air is worth every minute.