Damn Good Tarpon Fishing Charters

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“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

Tarpon Fishing Charters

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, River, Flats in Saint George Island

Bay & Flats Inshore Fishing Charter

NEW
25 ft 1 - 12 People From $495
Bucket List
The Captain Experiences team chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Jupiter

Jupiter Snook & Tarpon

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing in Fort Myers

Fort Myers Inshore Angling

67% (3)
20 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Sarasota

Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore

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

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Cape Coral

Inshore Bay Trip - 23' Aqua Star

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Half Day Fort Lauderdale

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
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Everything to Know About Booking a tarpon fishing charter

What are the best tarpon fishing charters?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 479 tarpon trips, and the most popular trips are Key Largo Flats Fishing guided by , Key Largo Adventure guided by , and Jacksonville Inshore Fishing guided by .

Our guides are rated a 4.91 out of 5 based on 4134 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? Check out our beginner and family friendly tarpon guides.

What types of tarpon fishing charters are common?

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

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

How much do tarpon fishing charters cost?

Prices for tarpon can range anywhere from about $500 to $1,300, but the average price for a half day trip for tarpon is $724. The average price for a full day trip for tarpon is $979.

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?

The most popular season for tarpon fishing is spring, and most anglers book their trips 15 days in advance.

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

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

What is a Tarpon?

Tarpon are a mesmerizing species for good reason- while one of the largest gamefish species in the world, they offer one of the toughest pound-for-pound fights around and are gorgeous to watch as they cruise the flats on their never-ending migration patterns.

Tarpon are also incredibly adaptive- while their saltwater territories blanket much of the globe, they also survive in brackish water (water that's a freshwater / saltwater mix) like rivers and marshes.

Tarpon consider themselves at home in warm bodies of water which carry less oxygen than cooler waters. They don't mind since they're one of the few fish species that can rise to the surface and gulp air for bursts of energy, much like Michael Phelps as he's sprinting to a gold.

There are two species of tarpon in the world, *Megalops atlanticus* (awesome name) which is the Atlantic Tarpon, and Megalops cyprinoides, aka the Tarpon of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Atlantic vs Pacific Tarpon

The Atlantic Tarpon is found along the western Atlantic coast from Brazil up to Virginia, throughout the Caribbean Sea, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the biggest Tarpon in the world (we'll get to them) are also found along the eastern Atlantic coast from the African nations of Senegal to Angola.

The Pacific Tarpon can be found from the eastern shores of Africa to southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, and the nations of Oceania.

What Do Tarpon Eat?

Tarpon are a scavenger species and hungry Tarpon will eat just about anything, alive or dead: mullet, crabs, sardines, pilchards, minnows, ladyfish, pinfish, grunts, shrimp, herring, you name it.

Tarpon Fishing: How to Catch Tarpon

If you've ever wondered how to fish for Tarpon, you've come to the right spot.

To catch a Tarpon, you need to be fishing in the right place at the right time with the right gear. Even juvenile tarpon pack a mean punch, so it's best to gear up, and our guides always come prepared.

5000 to 7000 series spinning reels are the general consensus for conventional fishing. Medium-heavy rods are up for the challenge as are 10-12 weight fly fishing rods.

In terms of terminal tackle to protect against Tarpon breaking you off with their violent headshakes, 60-80 lb. fluorocarbon is the best bet for leader material. That being said, Tarpon can be extremely picky so balancing an unassuming profile while retaining strength is a must when targeting Tarpon.

Last note: be sure to pack a pair of fishing gloves if you plan to get up close and personal with these dinosaurs. Tarpon are known for ripping the skin right off the human hand with their scales and rock-hard jaws. Don't be a knife to a gunfight!

What is the World Record Tarpon?

How big do Tarpon get? The world record Tarpon was 286 pounds, 9 ounces and was caught by Max Domecq in Rubane, Guinea-Bissau, Africa on March 20, 2003. According to the IGFA, it is the largest Tarpon ever caught and recorded and was caught on a mullet in just over an hour.

Fly Fishing for Tarpon

The ultimate fishing experience for many is to catch a Tarpon on the fly. As stated above, 10-12 weight fly rods are recommended- anything lower and these beasts will likely snap it- plus, fighting an athletic fish on light tackle can exhaust the fish to death.

When it comes to reels, be sure to go with size and get something you're comfortable tightening up the drag and confident the reel will perform smoothly. If your reel tenses up at the wrong time, SNAP!

As covered above, 60-80 lb leader is recommended although experienced Tarpon anglers might feel comfortable taking things down a notch into the 40-60 lb range.

Tarpon flies run the gamut- as stated, Tarpon will eat everything under the sun. That being said, they can be pretty picky as they cruise the coast on the migration path paying little thought to snacks along the way.

Tarpon flies are the big secret- our damn good guides have them down to a science, but anything that resembles the poor specimens listed above ought to do the trick.

Tarpon in Texas

While Tarpon in Port Aransas may be a bit rarer since the days when town was named the Tarpon Capital of the World, catching a tarpon in Port Aransas is still one of your best bets along the Texas coast. Previously known as Tarpon, Texas back in the day, Port Aransas, with its protruding jetties, is a mainstay for Tarpon fishing along their Gulf of Mexico migration.

Not to be outdone, tarpon fishing Galveston is also a must for Texas Tarpon dreamers. The late Captain Michael Larue (and Captain Experiences Damn Good Guide) of Galveston, TX and his son Shane hold the Texas state Tarpon record for their 229 pound Tarpon caught in 2017.

Does Texas have good fishing?

Texas is widely recognized as a premier fishing destination due to its vast and varied aquatic environments. The state offers an impressive array of fishing opportunities across its extensive freshwater and saltwater habitats. With numerous lakes, rivers, and an extensive coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, Texas caters to anglers with different interests and skill levels. From the sprawling reservoirs like Lake Texoma and Lake Fork to the scenic rivers such as the Guadalupe and Brazos, there is no shortage of places to cast a line and find abundant fish species.

The Gulf Coast of Texas is renowned for its exceptional saltwater fishing. Cities like Galveston, Corpus Christi, and Port Aransas are popular spots for both inshore and offshore fishing. Inshore fishing enthusiasts can target species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, while those venturing offshore have the opportunity to catch larger game fish such as marlin, tuna, and snapper. The diversity of marine environments, including estuaries, reefs, and deep-sea waters, provides a rich fishing experience throughout the year.

Texas also boasts a well-developed fishing infrastructure that supports its angling community. The state has numerous fishing guides, charter services, and recreational facilities that enhance the fishing experience. With a range of fishing tournaments and events held throughout the year, Texas continues to attract fishing enthusiasts from all over. The combination of diverse fishing opportunities, supportive infrastructure, and favorable conditions makes Texas an excellent destination for anyone passionate about fishing.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Great time! Put us on fish the whole trip! Would highly recommend.

    John E. | March 16, 2025

    Trip: Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore

  • ★★★★★
    Tony was excellent he worked hard to get us fish. My friends and I had a great time will definitely book with him again!

    Dan M. | March 13, 2025

    Trip: Bountiful Backwaters of Sarasota

  • ★★★★★
    Bucket list trip with Carlos. He really worked for the fish which were being lazy that day, but he found them! Great experience in nature and chasing tarpon. He was an expert guide and we cannot wait to go back. Basically in town and the easiest trip ever! Lunch in Loíza beforehand was an added bonus. Would highly recommend these guys.

    Matt G. | March 10, 2025

    Trip: Puerto Rico Tarpon Adventure - 22'

  • ★★★★★
    Alex and mate Brooks were terrific!! We were on the fish for the entire trip. Caught tarpon, jack fish, barracuda, grouper and red snapper. I would highly recommend these guys!!

    Gary S. | March 7, 2025

    Trip: Backcountry - 24’ Shearwater

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip out with Alex! He took us to various spots to fish and see what was biting. He made sure the likes always had fresh bait, gave tips on how to use the equipment, identified the fish we saw in the water (and some sharks too!) and what we were catching. He was informative about the area, fishing there, etc. He recommended a great little place where we could take our catch to have it cooked immediately after- was very good!! We had a great experience!

    Kelly T. | March 4, 2025

    Trip: Backcountry - 24’ Shearwater

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast!!

    Brady E. | February 27, 2025

    Trip: Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore

  • ★★★★★
    Leighton was experienced, knowledgeable, personable, and a fantastic guide. We were very pleased with our trip and will definitely use him again. We could not be happier.

    John L. | February 26, 2025

    Trip: Fishing Nirvana in Boca Grande

  • ★★★★★
    Great guide, friendly, helpful and an excellent fisherman. I came looking for bone and permit and caught both. A number 1; could not have asked for more.

    William R. | February 13, 2025

    Trip: Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Unbelievable trip! Tarpon, cobia, jacks and sea trout! Captain Alex was great! Can’t say enough about the entire experience!

    Ron R. | February 7, 2025

    Trip: Backcountry - 24’ Shearwater

  • ★★★★★
    I have fished with numerous guides and have over fifty years of fishing experience myself with over 120 days per year for the past 20 years. Andrew has extensive knowledge of the areas we fished and is a very skilled fisherman as well as an excellent guide. His boat is both comfortable and clean as is the fishing gear. I have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone interested in fishing the Key Largo area. And yes, we caught fish.

    Warren H. | February 3, 2025

    Trip: Key Largo Silver Kings

  • ★★★★★
    I had a great experience with Captain Mike. He has 20 years experience in the waters around St. Augustine and provided the exact experience I requested. Flats fly fishing for redfish. Also good personality and great conversations while moving between fishing spots. Would recommend him to anyone.

    Arthur W. | January 30, 2025

    Trip: Inshore Light Tackle Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Ben was amazing! A cold front moved in, temps plumetted, it didnt look good. We laid into 2 tarpon, about 30 jacks, red snapper, mangrove snapper, and many others. He is a great captain with lots of knowledge. I will book with him again.

    Michael D. | January 13, 2025

    Trip: Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Good captain, experience, personality, fish caught exceptional!

    John C. | January 8, 2025

    Trip: Key Largo Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Knowledgeable, friendly, courteous and most important… he took us to where the fish were biting. Had a great experience and caught plenty of fish for dinner. He was patient with all of us and attentive as well. Fished multiple spots. Kept the trip moving. I would recommend.

    Robert T. | January 3, 2025

    Trip: Bountiful Backwaters of Sarasota

  • ★★★★★
    Great charter trip! Caught plenty of fish, captain was knowledgeable, fun and made our day fantastic

    Robert B. | January 1, 2025

    Trip: Back Bay Trip – 27’ Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    An awesome day on the water!! Travis is an excellent captain and knows the area and water well. We went to several key spots that he had marked and it was obvious he knew where the fish were. The fish weren’t as active that day, however, Travis knew where to go to make sure we still got on fish to make it a memorable day. Thanks again Travis!! Highly recommend!

    Kevin K. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: Bokeelia Half Day Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Capn Mike took us out and was very informative about how and why and where went went Ladyfish were plentiful. it was tougher for bigger fish. But thats the way fishing is. Capn MIke kept us out longer in hopes of getting something We appreciated that, All in all it was a good experience and we would do it again. Don B

    Donald B. | December 31, 2024

    Trip: St. Petersburg Inshore Slam

  • ★★★★★
    We had a half day charter where we split it up between offshore and onshore for redfish and Travis did not disappoint! We caught a decent number of snapper and a few other things out offshore but then ensure we caught some redfish for the first time! Some keepers some not, but it was definitely a great experience overall! We will definitely be calling Travis again! Would love to even try some tarpon one day! Thank you for a great day!

    Susan W. | December 27, 2024

    Trip: Bokeelia Half Day Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent day on the water! Travis was an awesome guide! He took great care of us and we had a fabulous time. Mangrove, lane snappers, sheep heads, groupers and grunts were among the catch today!

    April C. | December 26, 2024

    Trip: Bokeelia Half Day Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Richard and Captain Kenny were great. They knew hotspots to fish and were extremely friendly. Would highly recommend!

    Mike W. | December 24, 2024

    Trip: Back Bay Trip – 27’ Carolina

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