Boca Grande Pass
The legendary tarpon crossroads, where migrating fish stack up during the spring and early-summer run.
Southwest Florida target species
Tarpon Fishing in Southwest Florida
Silver King — world-famous Boca Grande Pass action from May through July
Average size
60–150 lbs
Record size
243 lbs
Best season
May–July
Top location
Boca Grande Pass
Meet the Silver King
Tarpon are among the most celebrated gamefish in the world, known for their mirror-bright scales, explosive jumps, and stubborn runs. Southwest Florida offers exceptional opportunities to sight-cast and drift for these fish in clear coastal water.
Boca Grande Pass becomes the center of the tarpon world during the May through July migration, when huge schools move through the pass. Charlotte Harbor and Gasparilla Sound also hold resident and traveling fish throughout the warmer months.
Tarpon fishing is catch-and-release only. Captain Matt handles each fish carefully at the boat so it can swim away strong after the fight.
Best locations in Southwest Florida
Charlotte Harbor
Broad grass flats, channels, and harbor edges give anglers room to find rolling fish and moving schools.
Gasparilla Sound
A productive mix of deeper cuts and shallow water where tarpon travel with the tides.
Techniques & tackle Captain Matt uses
Live crabs
A classic drift bait during the Boca Grande migration when tarpon are keyed on crabs.
Threadfin herring
Free-lined or presented under a float to imitate the forage tarpon are chasing.
Jigs
Controlled presentations through deeper pass water when current and depth call for a vertical approach.
Fly fishing
Sight-casting to laid-up or rolling fish with appropriately weighted patterns and patient boat positioning.
Tarpon season calendar
Jan
Slow
Feb
Slow
Mar
Good
Apr
Good
May
Peak
Jun
Peak
Jul
Peak
Aug
Good
Sep
Good
Oct
Slow
Nov
Slow
Dec
Slow
Captain's tarpon tips
Let the fish eat
Give a tarpon a moment to turn down a live bait before coming tight, then use a firm sweep rather than a violent hookset.
Match the tide
Moving water brings fish and bait through the passes, so timing the drift is often more important than covering miles.
Fight with angles
Keep pressure to the side, follow a hard-running fish when needed, and be ready to bow the rod when it jumps.
Ready to chase the Silver King?
Book a tarpon charter with Captain Matt in Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor.
Tarpon Catches with Captain Matt
Real Silver Kings from Boca Grande & Charlotte Harbor
Explore SWFL Fishing Charters
Boca Grande Fishing ChartersTarpon, snook & redfish at the world-famous Boca Grande Pass
Boca Grande Tarpon FishingChase giant Silver Kings in the world's best tarpon fishery
Charlotte Harbor Fishing ChartersPunta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Boca Grande & Placida — 700 sq mi of fishable water
Tarpon Fishing ChartersSouthwest Florida's premier tarpon guide — Boca Grande Pass & Charlotte Harbor
Trips & PricingInshore, tarpon & nearshore packages from $600
Service AreasBoca Grande, Charlotte Harbor & 7 more locations
Photo GalleryReal catches from the flats of Southwest Florida
Customer Reviews5-star reviews from happy anglers
About Captain Matt20+ years experience, USCG licensed
The Boat23 ft Hanson, fully rigged for inshore fishing
Book a CharterCall 941-623-5673 or send a booking inquiry