Damn Good Tarpon Fishing Charters In Sarasota

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Sarasota tarpon fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

Choose a Date
4.79/5 Average Rating

Damn Good Guides

You will only find quality, vetted guides on Captain Experiences, and we know them all on a first-name basis

Experts Available 24/7

Our US-based team is available 24/7 to help you with any questions or concerns

100% Weather Guarantee

We want to keep everyone safe, so in the case of inclement weather we'll work with you to reschedule at no cost

Recently Booked Tarpon Fishing Charters In Sarasota, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Sarasota

2 Hour Trip Fish & Fun

100% (2)
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $399
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Sarasota

Calm Water Inshore Fishing Charter

100% (4)
25 ft 1 - 5 People From $599
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Sarasota

Tarpon Trips Sarasota

100% (15)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $900
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty in Sarasota

Sarasota’s Premier Fishing Trip

100% (16)
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Sarasota

Sarasota Bay Fly & Light Tackle

NEW
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $300
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Sarasota

Chasing Monsters - 24’ Pathfinder

100% (26)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000

Top Types of Tarpon Trips in Sarasota

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

All Target Species in Sarasota

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

More Tarpon Fishing Charters In Sarasota, Fl

Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Sarasota

Bountiful Backwaters Of Sarasota

100% (13)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Sarasota

Private 4 Hour - Sarasota Bay

83% (6)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Sarasota

Kid's Trip

100% (3)
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Sarasota

Seasonal Tarpon Fishing May-july

100% (2)
1 - 4 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Sarasota

Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore

100% (15)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Ruskin

Inshore Fishing Slam

99% (90)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $350
See All Tarpon Trips in Sarasota

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a Sarasota tarpon fishing charter

What are the best tarpon fishing charters in Sarasota?

What is tarpon in Sarasota all about?

In Sarasota, Florida, tarpon fishing is a cherished tradition that draws anglers from across the globe. Tarpon, also known as "silver kings," are revered for their immense size, acrobatic leaps, and challenging fights. These majestic fish migrate along the coast of Sarasota during certain times of the year, offering anglers thrilling opportunities for sight fishing and fly fishing in the region's clear, shallow waters. Tarpon can be found inhabiting the expansive flats, passes, and channels around Sarasota, providing anglers with ample opportunities to encounter these iconic gamefish.

Fishing for tarpon in Sarasota requires skill, patience, and specialized techniques tailored to their behavior and habitat. Anglers commonly target tarpon by sight fishing, scanning the crystal-clear waters for the telltale signs of rolling or feeding fish. Once located, anglers present live bait such as crabs, threadfin herring, or mullet rigged on stout tackle to entice tarpon into striking. Fly fishing for tarpon is also popular in Sarasota, with anglers using a variety of flies such as streamers, poppers, or baitfish imitations to mimic the movement of prey and tempt tarpon into biting.

The tarpon season in Sarasota typically peaks during the warmer months of spring and summer when these majestic fish are most abundant and active in the area. During this time, tarpon congregate in large numbers around the region's shallow flats, passes, and beaches, providing anglers with prime opportunities for exciting encounters. However, tarpon can still be caught year-round in Sarasota, with dedicated anglers finding success during the fall and winter months as well. By staying attuned to seasonal patterns and adjusting their tactics accordingly, anglers in Sarasota can maximize their chances of encountering and landing the ultimate trophy fish, the mighty tarpon.

What are the most popular months to fish for tarpon in Sarasota?

Understanding the seasonal patterns of tarpon is essential for anglers looking to maximize their chances of success in Sarasota, Florida. Tarpon, also known as "silver kings," exhibit distinct behavior throughout the year, with certain seasons offering more favorable conditions for fishing. Typically, the prime tarpon season in Sarasota falls during the warmer months of spring and summer. During this time, tarpon migrate along the coast in large numbers, congregating in the region's shallow flats, passes, and channels. Anglers can capitalize on this abundance by targeting tarpon with various techniques, including sight fishing and fly fishing, in the clear, warm waters of Sarasota.

As temperatures begin to cool in the fall, tarpon may become less active and migrate to deeper or warmer waters. However, dedicated anglers can still find success targeting tarpon during the fall season, particularly around passes, channels, and deeper flats where these fish may seek refuge from cooler temperatures. Additionally, tarpon may continue to be present in Sarasota's waters throughout the winter months, offering opportunities for anglers willing to brave the cooler conditions. By adjusting their tactics and focusing on areas where tarpon are known to congregate, anglers can continue to enjoy thrilling encounters with these majestic fish in Sarasota year-round.

While the spring and summer months typically offer the best tarpon fishing opportunities in Sarasota, tarpon can still be caught year-round with the right techniques and strategies. By staying informed about seasonal patterns, weather conditions, and tarpon behavior, anglers can increase their chances of encountering and landing these iconic gamefish in Sarasota's rich coastal waters. Whether targeting tarpon during the peak season or exploring opportunities during the offseason, Sarasota provides anglers with ample opportunities to experience the thrill of tarpon fishing in a picturesque and vibrant coastal setting.

What techniques are popular for catching tarpon in Sarasota?

Fishing for tarpon in Sarasota, Florida, requires specialized techniques and strategies to successfully hook and land these iconic gamefish. One effective method for targeting tarpon is sight fishing, where anglers scan the crystal-clear waters for the telltale signs of rolling or feeding fish. Once located, anglers present live bait such as crabs, threadfin herring, or mullet rigged on stout tackle to entice tarpon into striking. Sight fishing allows anglers to capitalize on the tarpon's natural behavior and target actively feeding fish in shallow flats, passes, and channels.

Fly fishing is another popular and rewarding technique for targeting tarpon in Sarasota. Anglers use a variety of flies such as streamers, poppers, or baitfish imitations to mimic the movement of prey and tempt tarpon into biting. This method requires precision casting and a keen understanding of tarpon behavior, but anglers who master the art of fly fishing can enjoy exhilarating encounters with these majestic fish in Sarasota's pristine coastal waters. Fly fishing for tarpon offers anglers a challenging and rewarding experience that tests both skill and patience.

Trolling can also be an effective technique for targeting tarpon in Sarasota, particularly when covering larger areas of water or exploring new fishing grounds. Anglers troll with diving plugs, weighted spoons, or rigged baits at varying depths to entice strikes from tarpon patrolling offshore reefs, passes, and channels. By varying trolling speeds and depths, anglers can increase their chances of encountering tarpon and enjoy the excitement of a sudden strike while trolling in Sarasota's scenic coastal waters. Whether sight fishing, fly fishing, or trolling, Sarasota offers anglers a variety of techniques to enjoy the thrill of targeting tarpon year-round.

What other species are popular in Sarasota?

Aside from targeting tarpon, anglers in Sarasota, Florida, have a plethora of other exciting species to pursue. One notable catch is the snook, a prized gamefish known for its powerful runs and challenging fights. Snook can be found inhabiting the region's estuaries, mangrove shorelines, and shallow flats, providing anglers with thrilling opportunities for sight fishing and light tackle action. Using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics or spoons, anglers can entice snook into striking while exploring Sarasota's diverse inshore waters.

Another sought-after species in Sarasota is the redfish, prized for its delicious taste and hard-fighting nature. Redfish can be found patrolling the shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove-lined creeks throughout the area, providing anglers with exciting opportunities for sight fishing and light tackle action. Anglers targeting redfish often use live bait such as shrimp or pinfish, as well as artificial lures like spoons or jerkbaits, to entice strikes from these elusive predators. Hooking into a redfish promises an exhilarating battle and the chance to land a trophy-sized fish.

For anglers seeking offshore adventure, Sarasota offers opportunities to target species such as king mackerel, grouper, and snapper. Trolling with lures or rigged baits along reefs, wrecks, and underwater structures can attract these pelagic predators, providing anglers with thrilling action and memorable catches. Whether fishing inshore for snook and redfish or venturing offshore for king mackerel and grouper, Sarasota offers a diverse range of fishing experiences to suit anglers of all interests and skill levels.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic day on the water with Captain Alex. I showed up to the dock a little early and everything was already dialed in—the boat was spotless, fully prepared, and stocked with fresh bait he’d caught that morning. Even on a quick half-day trip, we covered multiple areas and switched up tactics, starting with snook along mangroves and docks before moving on to speckled trout and mackerel. Captain Alex struck the perfect balance between being helpful and letting me fish how I wanted. He was always ready to assist, but also encouraged me to bait hooks, handle fish, and stay fully involved. The action stayed steady, and he offered great coaching and insight whenever I had questions. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I’d absolutely book with him again and look forward to getting back out there soon!

    Scott S. | November 25, 2025

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Outstanding experience with Alex and his skills and knowledge. Great day of fishing with everyone in the group catching a ton and we have a great time. Highly recommend!

    Mike H. | November 25, 2025

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Great time, great action. Very knowledgeable. Caught lots of different species. Highly recommend!

    Scott J. | November 10, 2025

    Trip: Inshore Trip Afternoon Action

  • ★★★★★
    Tony's the man went out with myself and 2 boys and had a blast catching multiple species of fish 🐟 and cant wait to go again ! sea trout, reds , snapper, snooks and tarpon are what we had on the mission and he even cut us up some to take home to cook on the grill

    Lyle K. | August 12, 2025

    Trip: Bountiful Backwaters Of Sarasota

  • ★★★★★
    Alex was a fantastic guide! Put us on fish at every stop and was very thorough, professional and really an awesome guy/Captain. And we left with a huge bag of speckled trout and mangrove snapper. Can't wait to have fish for dinner!!!!!

    Peter K. | July 31, 2025

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

Other Featured Cities

What's biting in Sarasota?

View Tarpon Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Tarpon Trips in Sarasota