Tarpon Capital of the World

You may ask, “What makes tarpon fishing so good?” Well, annually tens of thousands of hungry tarpon migrate to Boca Grande pass and its surrounding areas for their annual spawn. They usually show up in early April, hungry after a long journey and want to fatten up.

Now this incredible migration happens all over the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast as well, but in most areas, the Tarpon are on the move. Boca Grande is different mainly due to Boca Grande Pass. This small inlet between Gasparilla Island and Cayo Costa is the deepest natural inlet on the Gulf of Mexico, reaching depths of approximately 80 feet. Tens of thousands of tarpon congregate in the area from April through August, feeding day and night, as they prepare to head back offshore for their annual spawning ritual. There are very few other places in the world where this many Tarpon congregate in one place and are actually happily eating!

After weeks of feeding, they begin to gather into large breed schools to socialize as they prepare for this spawning ritual. They gather in huge schools that are sometimes 500 fish or more, giving anglers ample opportunities. After the spawn is over in early July most of the fish stay in the area to feed on the abundance of food the surrounding water has to offer. Great Tarpon fishing action will continue thru October offering anglers a chance at battling the “Silver King” for over 6 months out of the year!

So head out with Captain Ryan Reigsecker to do battle with these Silver Kings to experience drag yanking power, high flying aerial displays, and a beautiful day out on the water! You'll be fighting these fish on medium heavy - heavy weight rods usually using live bait (live blue crabs, mullet, or pin fish) depending on what the fish are eating that day. Depending on the time of year you will either float the live bait below a bobber through the pass (where thousands of fish wait for bait to be flushed through below) or site fish for big schools cruising the surf and surrounding areas.

Captain Ryan will provide all the necessary gear so all you need to bring are your favorite snacks and drinks, some fresh arms, and some friends/family to help you reel in these behemoths!