Damn Good Tarpon Fishing Charters In Sarasota

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Recently Booked Tarpon Fishing Charters In Sarasota, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Tarpon Trips

100% (3)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $900
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 Charter in Sarasota

Chasing Monsters - 24’ Pathfinder

100% (3)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
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 Charter in Sarasota

Bountiful Backwaters Of Sarasota

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore

100% (3)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
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, Flats Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Private 4 Hour - Sarasota Bay

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Anna Maria Island Inshore Trip

NEW
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $600

Top Types of Tarpon Trips in Sarasota

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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

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Family Fishing Sarasota / Siesta Key

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $699
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota Classic Trip

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

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Family Fishing Sarasota / Siesta Key

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $599
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Inshore Fishing Trip AM

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 3 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Sarasota

All-Day Inshore Action

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $900
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Sarasota

Florida Sportfish On Light Tackle

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
See All Tarpon Trips in Sarasota

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Everything to Know About Booking a Sarasota tarpon fishing charter

What are the best tarpon fishing charters in Sarasota?

Why should I book a tarpon fishing charter in Sarasota with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 32 tarpon trips in Sarasota, and the most popular trips in the area are Sarasota Classic Trip guided by James, Family Fishing Sarasota / Siesta Key guided by Michael, and Bountiful Backwaters of Sarasota guided by Tony.

Our guides in Sarasota are rated a 4.77 out of 5 based on 3716 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly tarpon guides / fishing lessons in Sarasota? Check out our beginner and family friendly tarpon guides in Sarasota.

What types of tarpon fishing charters are common in Sarasota?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for tarpon in Sarasota as well as inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Sarasota are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and drift fishing but bottom fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Sarasota tarpon fishing charters cost?

Prices for tarpon in Sarasota can range anywhere from about $500 to $2,650, but the average price for a half day trip for tarpon in Sarasota is $874. The average price for a full day trip for tarpon in Sarasota is $1,655.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for tarpon fishing in Sarasota?

The most popular season for tarpon fishing in Sarasota is summer, and most anglers book their trips 17 days in advance.

Do I need a Sarasota fishing license for tarpon and what are the bag limits for tarpon in Sarasota?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Sarasota, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Sarasota. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations 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

  • ★★★★★
    Great day on water. Very knowledgeable of the waters, fish, and gear.

    Ben A. | November 12, 2024

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful morning with Captain Alex catching redfish, snook and speckled sea trout. He even cleaned our fish for us.

    Beth G. | October 26, 2024

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Outstanding! Worked hard to find fish, great adventure

    Mark H. | August 24, 2024

    Trip: Chasing Monsters - 24’ Pathfinder

  • ★★★★★
    Great time on the water. Chris and Kaden are very knowledgeable. Highly recommend

    Brian P. | July 30, 2024

    Trip: Florida Sportfish on Light Tackle

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip with David. He arrived at the dock on time ready to go. He's got a nice, open, boat with a center console so it was easy to move around. We moved around the inter coastal area between Anna Maria and Long Boat fishing for snook, red fish, and trout. Anytime we weren't getting bites we'd move. David worked very hard to keep all of us in fresh bait, and good locations. He knew a ton about the local fish, currents, depths, and regulations. We also got to see several manatees which was such a lovely bonus! When my son hooked a big red fish David gave him great guidance to help him bring it in. He was easy to talk to and we are already recommending him to our friends. We will definitely book again next time we're in the area.

    Rey S. | June 28, 2024

    Trip: The Local Trip

  • ★★★★★
    great day!!

    Marissa L. | June 16, 2024

    Trip: The Local Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Booked this for my son’s birthday trying to get him to enjoy the outdoors again. We had a great time,I was thrilled when he asked if we could go again! Thank you so much for a great day! Jeannette & Kai

    Jeannette F. | June 15, 2024

    Trip: Bountiful Backwaters of Sarasota

  • ★★★★★
    The boys and I had a great time. It was the first time they’d ever been out on a charter. Kevin was a great host he put us on the fish cleaned our catch and was just a joy to spend four hours with. We would highly recommend. Where he picks you up they have valet parking and his boat is just a few steps away.

    Cornelius B. | May 23, 2024

    Trip: Non-Stop Inshore Action

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic 4 hour charter, Captain James was a blast and he knew where the fish were! Will book again, thanks for a great time.

    Ted M. | May 8, 2024

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a super great time with Tony! He was friendly and very helpful, Made the adventure extra special. I would give Tony a 5 Star rating!!

    Steve T. | March 10, 2024

    Trip: Bountiful Backwaters of Sarasota

  • ★★★★★
    Captain James was AWESOME! He was easy going, confident and a pleasure. One person in our party had never fished and Captain James was patient and instructional. He got us on fish immediately and we caught Jacks, Trout, Reds, and Snooks. I cannot recommend Captain James highly enough. I will definitely be using him in the future!

    James R. | February 29, 2024

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Chris was a awesome guide 5 star

    Robert L. | January 18, 2024

    Trip: Ruskin Fishing Classic

  • ★★★★★
    My family fished with Alex today and everyone had a blast. Great guide and wonderful trip and experience with him and Taylor. Would highly recommend them and we plan to book them again in the future.

    Bill Z. | December 30, 2023

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had an awesome morning with our terrific guide. Could not have been better. Thanks.

    Chip B. | December 23, 2023

    Trip: Inshore Fishing Trip AM

  • ★★★★★
    Darius was very informative and always helpful during out inshore fishing trip. He was always considering when it was best to move to a new location to provide the best fishing experience. He was also great to talk to and share thoughts about the area.

    Todd W. | December 21, 2023

    Trip: Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast with James, it made our vacation!

    Theresa M. | November 9, 2023

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Highlight of our summer vacation! We took our kids (8 and 4 yr olds) and James made the trip all about them. We caught fish at every stop, did some sight seeing and played in the water. Exactly what I wanted them to experience. Thank you and see you next summer!

    Clint D. | June 29, 2023

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best time with Capt. Kevin! We caught tons of fish and he was informative and engaging. I could not recommend more. The boat is also fantastic. Beautifully maintained custom boat with great speakers. Can't wait to get on the water with him again!

    Harper W. | April 27, 2023

    Trip: Non-Stop Inshore Action

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Alex put us on the fish today. We caught snook , sea trout , and hooked into a huge cobia that took my wife for a fun ride until it broke off. It was a fun time and great trip.

    Rich V. | October 26, 2022

    Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Captan James was a great guy as well as a great Captain. He put my family on exactly what we were looking to catch and sent us home with a good meal. I would recommend him any day.

    Brian W. | October 24, 2022

    Trip: Sarasota Classic Trip

What's biting in Sarasota?

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