Serving Boca Grande · Punta Gorda · Port Charlotte · Englewood · Charlotte Harbor
941-623-5673
Southwest Florida Tarpon Guide
The Silver King is the most spectacular gamefish in saltwater. Giant tarpon — some pushing 200 lbs — that leap 10 feet in the air and strip line like nothing else on the flats. Captain Matt has spent 20+ years chasing them in Southwest Florida's best tarpon waters.
80–150 lbs
Average size
April – July
Peak season
Boca Grande Pass
Best location
20+
Years guiding tarpon
Southwest Florida is one of the greatest tarpon fisheries on earth. Every spring, the Atlantic tarpon migration funnels through Boca Grande Pass — the world's most famous tarpon spot — and spreads across the shallow flats of Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, and the backcountry creeks of Gasparilla Island. From April through July, giant Silver Kings are everywhere.
Captain Matt has been guiding tarpon charters in these waters for over 20 years. He knows the tides that trigger feeding, the moon phases that stack fish in the Pass, the flat edges where rolling tarpon give themselves away at first light. Tarpon fishing demands patience, precision, and local knowledge — and Captain Matt brings all three.
Whether you want to fish the world-famous Boca Grande Pass for 100+ lb giants, sight-fish rolling tarpon on the shallow flats, or target juvenile tarpon in the backcountry creeks, Captain Matt will put you in the right place at the right time.
Real Silver Kings caught with Captain Matt — Boca Grande Pass & Charlotte Harbor
The deep channel at the southern mouth of Charlotte Harbor is the tarpon capital of the world. Every spring, hundreds of giant Silver Kings stack in the Pass. Live pass crabs drifted through the current is the classic technique — and it still works better than anything else.
Learn moreThe vast shallow flats of Charlotte Harbor hold rolling tarpon from April through July. Sight-fishing to individual fish 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 happen.
Learn moreThe backcountry creeks and channels of Pine Island Sound hold juvenile tarpon (20–60 lbs) year-round. These fish are aggressive and acrobatic on lighter tackle — a perfect introduction to tarpon fishing or a fun alternative when the big fish are off the bite.
Learn moreThe waters around Gasparilla Island and Placida see the first push of migrating tarpon each spring. Fish stage here before moving into the Pass, making early-season April trips productive before the peak-season crowds arrive.
Learn moreCaptain Matt didn't just stumble into tarpon fishing — he grew up on it. Raised in Southwest Florida, he spent his childhood watching tarpon roll in the Pass and his teenage years learning to fish them. By the time he got his USCG captain's license, he already had more tarpon hours than most guides accumulate in a career.
Over two decades of guiding, he's seen every condition the Pass can throw at you — flat calms and ripping tides, full moons and new moons, early-season fish and late-season giants. He's learned what works and, just as importantly, what doesn't. That knowledge is what you're booking when you step on his boat.
Captain Matt's approach is methodical. He reads the tide, positions the boat on the right current seam, and puts the bait in front of fish — not near them. When the bite is slow, he adjusts. When the fish are there, he maximizes every opportunity. His anglers catch tarpon.
Tarpon are present in Southwest Florida waters from March through October, but the peak season is tight. Here's when to book:
First fish arrive. Smaller tarpon in the backcountry. Pass fishing picks up late in the month on warm tides. Good for anglers who want to beat the crowds.
Numbers build steadily. The Pass starts fishing well. Excellent month for anglers who want action without peak-season pressure. Book early — April fills fast.
The single best month. Massive schools of fish in the Pass. Calm weather, warm water, and hungry tarpon. May is the bucket-list month — book 2–3 months in advance.
Fishing remains excellent through June. Fish are well-established in the Pass and on the flats. Morning trips are ideal as afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Numbers thin as fish migrate north, but quality fish remain. Backcountry tarpon fishing on the flats is excellent. Less competition for spots.
Most fish have moved on. Occasional juvenile tarpon in the backcountry. Focus shifts to snook, redfish, and trout — all of which are excellent this time of year.
All tarpon trips include rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and fishing license. Gratuity not included.
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.
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.
Prices are for the full boat. Gratuity not included. Call to confirm availability.
"We hooked four tarpon and landed two — both over 100 lbs. Captain Matt knew exactly where to be and when. The fight on the first fish lasted 45 minutes. I've been fishing my whole life and nothing compares to this."
Dave K.
Chicago, IL
"My husband and I came down specifically for tarpon season and Captain Matt delivered. We were on fish within the first hour. He's incredibly patient with beginners and his knowledge of the Pass is unreal."
Sarah M.
Atlanta, GA
"Third year in a row booking with Captain Matt for tarpon. He's the real deal — knows the tides, knows the fish, and knows how to put you in position. Already booked next May."
Tom R.
Nashville, TN
May and June dates fill months in advance. Don't miss your shot at the Silver King.
