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Tarpon Fishing Charters In Sarasota

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Recently Booked Tarpon Fishing Charters Near Sarasota, Fl

Fishing in Sarasota

Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota Classic Trip

100% (4)
22 ft 1 - 5 People $
Fishing in Sarasota

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore

100% (3)
23 ft 1 - 5 People $$
Fishing in Sarasota

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Bountiful Backwaters Of Sarasota

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Sarasota

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Sarasota

Chasing Monsters - 24’ Pathfinder

NEW
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in St. Petersburg

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Tarpon Charters

NEW
24 ft 1 - 3 People $$$
Fishing in Ruskin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Ruskin

Inshore Fishing Slam

NEW
21 ft 1 - 4 People $

Most Popular Types of Tarpon Trips in Sarasota

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Tarpon Fishing Charters Near Sarasota, Fl

Fishing in Holmes Beach
Fishing in Holmes Beach
Fishing in Holmes Beach
trip description for Family Fun Fishing Excursion in Holmes Beach

Come aboard with Captain Jimmy for a family-friendly excursion on the inshore waters off of Holmes Beach, FL! You can choose between a 3 hour and a 4 hour adventure aboard his comfortable 26’ Donzi center console. Among the flats, you and your young anglers will learn a range of fishing techniques as you target Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, and Spotted Seatrout. In addition to those beautiful and delicious fish, you might hook a Sheepshead or a Snook. This trip offers the opportunity for children to learn new fishing skills like Bottom Fishing, Drift Fishing, and Trolling. You will also learn to use both heavy and light tackle. Captain Jimmy is an experienced angler and a great instructor, making this trip perfect for children. His 26’ Donzi is powered by a 225 HP Mercury which makes for a smooth ride across the calm flats. It comes equipped with a flybridge to enjoy the sea breeze and an icebox to store your catch. Captain Jimmy provides all the equipment you need as well as fishing licenses for the whole family! Be sure to bring sunblock and polarized sunglasses, as it can get hot out there! You will also want to bring water and snacks to ensure a great time. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Holmes Beach

Family Fun Fishing Excursion

NEW
26 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Ruskin
Fishing in Ruskin
Fishing in Ruskin
trip description for Nighttime Snapper, Snook, Tarpon in Ruskin

Want to escape the Florida heat and cast a few lines after-hours? Join Captain Ryan and enjoy an adventurous night of fishing in Tampa Bay, Florida! Nighttime fishing can be hit or miss depending on the moon phase but catch a full moon or the days around it more specifically and the fishing can be red hot! On these Tampa Bay night fishing adventures you can expect to target some dock lights, unlit bottom structures, fish the channels with live bait or post up by a bridge to target Mangrove Snapper, Snook, and even Tarpon during the summer months! These calm water conditions are perfect for beginner to intermediate fishermen/fisherwomen who are eager to reel something in. Even though there is low light, these trips can be super productive because some fish like to feed at night when predators—especially out of water predators like birds and humans—are less of a threat. Snook are one of these nocturnal feeders that love biting at night! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Ryan’s 22-foot Skeeter bay boat powered by a 300 HP Suzuki engine. This boat is equipped with a GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Wireless Trolling Motor, and Ice Box. Don’t forget to bring any snacks you might need (Captain Ryan will have bottled waters on board) as well as a cooler with ice to take home your night's catch. Captain Ryan will provide all rods, reels, and tackle, but feel free to bring your own. Captain Ryan catches live bait before the start of each trip, as it’s most effective in these waters, so don’t worry about bait! Captain Ryan will also clean and fillet your fish at the end of each trip. Get ready for an eventful night on the water with Captain Ryan! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Ruskin

Nighttime Snapper, Snook, Tarpon

NEW
22 ft 1 - 2 People $$
Fishing in Englewood
Fishing in Englewood
Fishing in Englewood
trip description for Tarpon Capital of the World in Englewood

Boca Grande, FL is known as “The Tarpon Capital of the World”, and it certainly lives up to its name as it is one the most renowned Tarpon fishing destinations in 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! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Englewood

Tarpon Capital Of The World

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
trip description for Half Day Inshore Trip in St. Petersburg

Climb aboard with Joseph and enjoy a memorable day of fishing outside of St. Petersburg, Florida! On this 4-hour adventure, you’ll be fishing aboard Captain Joseph’s 25-foot C Hawk. She is a versatile vessel, capable of running through shallow inshore waters, as well as cruising offshore. As a 2019 custom rebuild, she is equipped with a toilet within the console, which has more than 6 feet of headroom. Don’t forget to bring a cooler with ice to take home your day’s catch, sunscreen, and a hat. Feel free to bring food and beverages of your choice as well. Captain Joseph will provide all rods, reels, tackle, lures, licenses, and live bait (free of charge). A first mate will also be on board. He’ll be assisting you throughout your trip. Come on down to St. Petersburg, Florida, and make some memories with Captain Joseph! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Half Day Inshore Trip

NEW
25 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Bradenton
Fishing in Bradenton
Fishing in Bradenton
trip description for Bradenton Classic Inshore in Bradenton

If you're looking for a great fishing experience in Bradenton, Florida, then look no further than Captain Alex Bradenton Classic Inshore Charter. This experience offers some of the best inshore fishing in the area, and they're sure to make your trip a memorable one. Inshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico just south of Tampa is a great way to enjoy the sport and catch a variety of different fish. Snook, redfish, tarpon, permit, trout, and other fish can all be caught inshore. Light tackle trolling, bottom fishing, and sight fishing are all great techniques to use when fishing in this area. So come on down and enjoy some of the best inshore fishing in Florida! Captain Alexs boat is a great choice for fisherman who want a reliable and well-performing center console. Offshore is a reputable boat manufacturer, and the 22 ft length is perfect for many different types of boating activities. The Suzuki engine provides 200 hp of power, making it great for trolling or bottom fishing. The boat also comes equipped with GPS, a fishfinder, and a live bait well - perfect for serious fishermen. And for those who like to relax on the water, the wireless trolling motor is a great feature. The ice box is also perfect for keeping drinks cold on hot days. Whether you're looking for a boat to fish from or just relax on, Captain Alexs boat is a great choice. Before you come out on your fishing trip, be sure to have your sunglasses, sunscreen, food, and drinks. Captain Alex will provide you with the tackle, licenses, bait, ice, and a cooler for your catch. The captain will fillet your fish at the end of the trip. He prefers to fish in smaller groups of up to 4 people to make sure that lines don't tangle. Come prepared for a fun day of fishing and making memories! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Bradenton Classic Inshore

100% (3)
22 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Holmes Beach
Fishing in Holmes Beach
Fishing in Holmes Beach
trip description for Tampa Bay Big Fish Special in Holmes Beach

Are you ready for a fish that will test your strength, stamina, and fishing skill? If you can handle the challenge, the “Silver King” is the fish for you. The majestic Tarpon has become the most sought-after game fish in Florida—especially between June and July. During this short window, these mammoth fish move up and down the coast, hunting for food. Tides, weather, and the phases of the moon play essential roles in Tarpon behavior, but in the spring and early summer, these kings of the inshore are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. Get out there and test yourself against these prime gamefish with Captain Joe, an experienced Tarpon fisherman and one of our top guides the Gulf Coast of Florida. You'll also have the chance to hook up Blacktip and Bonnethead Sharks, Gag Grouper, and Snook, depending on your tackle and preferences. On the day of the trip, you'll set out aboard Captain Joe's 23' Ranger bay boat—a perfect vessel for fishing the Florida inshore. It's equipped with everything you could possibly need for a successful and comfortable trip, and a 300 HP Mercury to put you on the fish fast! Captain Joe will provide everything you need, including top-of-the-line rods, reels, bait, and tackle, so that all you have to do is cast out, hook up, and then hold on for the fight of your life! To maximize your time on the water, make sure to bring proper clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera! Any trip with Captain Joe is sure to be picture-worthy, and Tarpon are a particularly photogenic fish. Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Holmes Beach

Tampa Bay Big Fish Special

NEW
23 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
See All Tarpon Trips in Sarasota

Everything to Know About Booking a Sarasota tarpon fishing charter

What are the best tarpon fishing charters in Sarasota?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 40 tarpon trips in Sarasota, and the most popular trips in the area are Sarasota Classic Trip guided by James, Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore guided by Darius, and Bountiful Backwaters of Sarasota guided by Tony.

Our guides in Sarasota are rated a 4.88 out of 5 based on 2549 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and 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.

Other popular cities nearby for booking a Tarpon charter include St. Petersburg, Holmes Beach and Ruskin.

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 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 bottom fishing but heavy tackle fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Sarasota tarpon fishing charters cost?

for tarpon in Sarasota prices can range anywhere from about $400 to $1,200, but the average price for a half day trip for tarpon in Sarasota is $557. The average price for a full day trip for tarpon in Sarasota is $1,006.

What month is best for tarpon fishing in Sarasota?

The most popular season for tarpon fishing in Sarasota is spring, and most anglers book their trips 12 days in advance.

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

You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in Sarasota don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season 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 of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Tony F. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

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

    Robert L. with Christopher T. of Ruskin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Alex K. of Bradenton, Florida

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

    Chip B. with Andrew C. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Darius K. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip, he put me on fish the whole trip. Caught redfish, snook, Jack crevalle, trout and a 4 ft 60 lb bull shark

    Matt D. with Matt Y. of Riverview, Florida

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

    Theresa M. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We went out with captain Chris and had a BLAST. Great time great vibes, Chris is a hell of a guy and knows what he’s doing do a T, he put us on tons of fish between the both of us we probably caught around 30 fish in 4 hours!

    Nick D. with Christopher T. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    He was so freaking awesome! This was a great experience and I would recommend him to any and everyone!

    Camecia B. with Christopher T. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time. Chris was a great captain/fishing guide. We had a hookup on the first cast fishing near the mangrove trees. Took home two good sized red fish, a snapper and a spotted trout. Had a few got aways and a couple throw backs (under sized). It was a fun half day. Thanks Captain Chris!

    Harry Y. with Christopher T. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful vacation at Clearwater Beach Florida. So many memories. The totally enjoyed fishing with Captain Christopher, he was knowledgeable and easy to talk with. Good time for them. Only comment was a little larger boat for the four of them. But then they like to move around…thank you for the memories. Denise

    Denise S. with Christopher T. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Kevin W. of St. Pete Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time! Caught a lot of fish! Would recommend!

    Michael H. with Christopher T. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    A good day on the water with Captain Chris. Plan to go back out on the water with him soon.

    Larry H. with Christopher T. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Went fishing for my bachelor party. Chris was super cool. We had a great time laughing and joking the whole time. He was able to put us in fish and keep things lively. Excellent experience. Will be back again eventually.

    Landen D. with Christopher T. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Alex K. of Bradenton, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Alex was a knowledgeable guide. Quick to get everyone's line in the water and manage them whenever there was a tangle or snapped line. Great conversationalist if you wish to chat and fish. Great experience all around, no complaints.

    Andrew A. with Alex K. of Bradenton, Florida

What's biting in Sarasota?

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