facebook pixel

Tarpon Fishing Charters

Easily find a fishing guide that fits your needs. Confidently book your next day on the water.

4.87/5 Average Rating


Experts Available 24/7

Licensed & Insured Guides

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Tarpon Fishing Charters

Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Islamorada

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Epic Islamorada Inshore

100% (7)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Fort Myers Beach

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Myers Beach

Back Bay Trip – 27’ Carolina

100% (8)
27 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Key West

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Daytona Beach

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Inshore Fishing

100% (11)
18 ft 1 - 3 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Fort Myers

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Myers

Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

100% (12)
24 ft 1 - 5 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Inshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

"Locked In" Inshore Fishing

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

Most Popular Types of Tarpon Trips

“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

Fishing in Key Largo
Fishing in Key Largo
Fishing in Key Largo
trip description for Key Largo Adventure in Key Largo

Hop on board with Captain Andrew for an exciting day of fishing the flats! Key Largo is a fantastic spot to catch some of the sought-after inshore fish that Florida is known for in, a remarkably beautiful setting. On this trip, Captain Andrew will take you through the Everglades mangroves or along the coast, where you can expect to target a selection of fish including Barracuda, Bluefish, Bonefish, Jack Crevalle, Mangrove Snapper, Permit, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and Tripletail. You'll be drift fishing with light tackle and choosing from a selection of live bait or artificial lures. Depending on what you want to catch, Captain Andrew will get your rod set up with what the fish are biting and give you some of his certified "Damn Good Guide" tips! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Andrew’s 24’ Pathfinder bay boat with a capacity for 6 people. Powered by a 300 HP Yamaha engine, she'll get you to where the fish are biting, even in hard-to-reach waters. This vessel comes equipped with GPS, a Flybridge, Snorkeling Equipment, a Live Bait Well, a Wireless Trolling Motor, and Spearfishing Equipment. Captain Andrew will provide all rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, water, and fishing licenses. He will even clean any keepers you catch. All you need to bring is any snacks or drinks you might need, weather appropriate gear, sun protection (no spray sunscreen please!), a camera, and a cooler to take home your catches. Come aboard with Captain Andrew and catch some fish! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Key Largo Adventure

100% (12)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Dickinson
Fishing in Dickinson
Fishing in Dickinson
trip description for Galveston Bay Trophy Hunt in Dickinson

Get out on the open waters with Captain Blake and feel confident that you will be able to catch some trophy size fish! Using his experience and knowledge, Blake will determine what the best method is for catching fish that day and show you the ropes. Take up to three others for a max number of four anglers ensuring everybody can get lots of advice. Blake will make sure you have everything you'll need to go fishing, so just bring your fishing license, sun protection, and any snacks or extra beverages you would want. Get pumped up when you've got Captain Blake by your side because you're working with one the best guides in the Galveston area! Read More

Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Dickinson

Galveston Bay Trophy Hunt

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Tavernier
Fishing in Tavernier
Fishing in Tavernier
trip description for Tavernier Backcountry Fishing in Tavernier

Head out with Captain Ben for an action-packed day of fishing in the Tavernier backcountry! Tavernier provides quick access to the productive Florida Key waters home to reefs and shipwrecks covered in brilliant bright colors of the spectrum, backcountry shallow water flats with fish made for sight fishing, gorgeous deep water Pelagics that love to feed on the surface, and much more! On this 4 to 8-hour trip, Captain Ben will take you into the beautiful Tavernier backcountry flats where you'll be fly fishing for sought-after fish including Barracuda, Snapper, Florida Pompano, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, Tripletail, and even some elusive Bonefish and Permit. With Captain Ben, you can either use classic light tackle, or if you're looking for a challenge you can try your hand at sight-casting with a fly rod. Whatever your ideal trip is, Captain Ben will do what he can to make it happen! You'll be fishing aboard an 18' Action Craft skiff boat with capacity for 3 guests. Powered by a 115 HP Suzuki engine, this boat will have no problem taking you from one hotspot to another in the backcountry waters! She comes equipped with GPS, Fishfinder, Snorkeling Equipment, a Live Bait Well, Tuna Tubes, and an Ice Box to store your catches. Captain Ben will provide all rods, reels, tackle and fishing licenses. All you need to bring is a Florida saltwater fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and any food or drinks you might need. Come aboard with Captain Ben and experience the awesome fishing the Keys have to offer! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Tavernier

Tavernier Backcountry Fishing

100% (7)
18 ft 1 - 3 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
trip description for Flats Fury with Captain Eric in Islamorada

Fish stalk the shallow what aboard a 18 ft Hewes Flats boat with Captain Eric! This boat is a super shallow draft skiff for fishing the skinny waters of Islamorda's gorgeous inshore waters. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Florida Keys while catching fish on the flats and estuaries, or venture back into the Everglades National Park. There are a variety of species to target while Inshore Fishing with Captain Eric-Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Permit, Bonefish, Speckled Sea Trout, and Mangrove Snapper! Captain Eric specializes in Light Tackle Fishing, and with more than five generations of local Florida Keys fishing experiences in his veins. Captain Eric knows where the fish are!! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Flats Fury With Captain Eric

100% (4)
18 ft 1 - 2 People $$
Fishing in Charleston
Fishing in Charleston
Fishing in Charleston
trip description for Inshore fishing - 24’ Blazer Bay in Charleston

Head out with Captain Johnston for a memorable fishing adventure in the Charleston inshores! With its harbor and array of canals and rivers, the Charleston inshores are a great spot to go after some of the picture-worthy fish that South Carolina is known for without too long of a trek. On this 4, 6 or 8-hour trip, Captain Johnston will motor you out into Charleston Harbor or the nearby canals where you'll be targeting Redfish, Blacktip Sharks, Bonnethead Sharks, and maybe even Tarpon in the summer months, and Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder and more in the colder months. You'll be fishing with light tackle and choosing from a selection of live bait or artificial lures. Captain Johnston has years of experience in these waters and he's sure to get your rod set up with what the fish are biting! You'll be aboard Captain Johnston's 24' Blazer Bay center console with a capacity for 6 anglers. Powered by a 300 HP Mercury engine, she'll have no problem taking you to the prime inshore fishing spots! This vessel comes equipped with a GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Wireless Trolling Motor, and Ice Box to store your catches. Captain Johnston will even clean any tasty keepers for you to take home! Captain Johnston will provide all rods, reels, tackle, live bait, lures and fishing licenses. All you need to bring is sunglasses, sunscreen, and any food or drinks you might want out on the water. Come get some tasty fish with Captain Johnston in the Charleston inshores! Read More

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Charleston

Inshore Fishing - 24’ Blazer Bay

100% (4)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Galveston
Fishing in Galveston
Fishing in Galveston
trip description for Half Day Inshore Trip in Galveston

Looking for an adventure that combines the thrill of reeling in big fish with the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf of Mexico? Look no further than a fishing charter in Galveston, Texas with Captain Shawn! Captain Shawn is a seasoned angler with years of experience navigating the waters around Galveston, and he's eager to share his love of fishing with you. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice just looking to dip your toes in the water, Captain Shawn will tailor your charter to your experience level, so you can have the best possible time. On your fishing expedition, you'll have the chance to catch a variety of fish, including Redfish, Speckled Trout, sheepshead, puppy drum and many more. Cast your line and hold on tight, because these fish put up a fight! And with Captain Shawn's expert guidance, you'll have the best possible chance of bringing in a trophy catch. So why wait? Book your fishing charter with Captain Shawn today, and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget! Read More

Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Galveston

Half Day Inshore Trip

100% (3)
28 ft 1 - 6 People $$
See All Tarpon Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a tarpon fishing charter

What are the best tarpon fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 388 tarpon trips, and the most popular trips are Epic Islamorada Inshore guided by Ron, Back Bay Trip – 27’ Carolina guided by Richard, and Key West "Flex" Sportfishing guided by John.

Our guides are rated a 4.87 out of 5 based on 2568 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.

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 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 bottom fishing and fly fishing are popular as well.

How much do tarpon fishing charters cost?

for tarpon prices can range anywhere from about $475 to $1,200, but the average price for a half day trip for tarpon is $630. The average price for a full day trip for tarpon is $1,018.

What month is best for tarpon fishing?

The most popular season for tarpon fishing is spring, and most anglers book their trips 16 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.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Great afternoon of tarpon fishing with Fernando! He was knowledgable, helpful and very polite! What a nice young man! He made our afternoon very pleasant. The boat is comfortable & clean. Communication with Juan Carlos was easy, informative & prompt.

    Gail C. with Juan Carlos T. of Carolina, Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great fishing trip with Josh . We got lots of fish - Redfish, Shark, and Jack Crevalle. Josh was a joy to be with and he taught us a few technics. Jack & Tami Green Rockwall, TX

    Jack G. with Joshua B. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Tough day lots if wind. Still found fish, had a blast Chandler is an excellent guide coming back for more Tarpon

    Paul G. with Chandler W. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    He gave me the best possible chances to catch fish the whole trip. Some days they just don’t bite. Will most definitely book with him again next year!

    Cody R. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. James’ excellent customer care and service was only exceeded by his fishing and boating knowledge. We felt safe and well cared for on a two day trip where both days exceeded our expectations! We experienced great numbers of fish caught, which was exactly what we asked him to provide us! Kudos to a genuinely nice young man who damn sure knows how to help you catch fish and have fun! Good boat and equipment as well. 5 stars easy!

    Patrick M. with James G. of Fort Myers, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Fishing with Captain Randy was a blast caught plenty of bonefish and some sharks Randy is a cool dude really enjoyed my trip

    Rick B. with Randy S. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Nick tried his best but the fish just weren't biting. Nick was very nice and knowledgeable we just wish we caught more fish.

    Andy G. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Frank maintained contact up to the day of the Charter. Arrived on time and well prepared. He was knowledgeable of the area and was a great experience. We caught tuna, wahoo, barracuda, red hind grouper, yellow jack, and trumpet fish. Definitely recommend Frank.

    Stephen S. with Frank A. of Rincon, Rincón

  • ★★★★★
    We had an outstanding fishing trip with Captain Jack, and caught our target species at the first location of the day. In my experience this is rare. The snook were big, hungry, and plentiful. My son and his friend were astounded by the 30 inch snook's ability to fight. We had a great time, and I highly recommend Jack.

    Paul T. with Jack S. of Fort Myers, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I had a great experience with Andre. He is very attentive and helpful. He put me on some great fish. Thanks again Andre

    Glenn S. with Andre L. of Sanibel, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great day on the water with an awesome captain. Immaculate boat and equipment. We didn’t land any tarpan but we hooked a few and saw many. Would highly recommend this charter!

    Greg D. with Lou S. of Bokeelia, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    James was excellent. Very knowledgeable and personable. Put us on fish all morning. I would highly recommended him.

    Mike S. with James G. of Fort Myers, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain James was amazing. He was very helpful and patient with my kids. Robbie

    Robert G. with James G. of Fort Myers, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Brad did a great job! Was funny and knowledgeable. Had a wonderful time

    Melissa M. with Brad A. of Pompano Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great work Captain Phil. Had a good time on the boat and caught fish all through the 8 hour day. Even when the bite slowed down captain phil ran all over to get back on the bite. We had our trout limit within the first hour of the fishing. He showed me allot of tips for casting under mangroves. Looking forward to another trip soon.

    Shaun T. with Mike P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Did a nice job trying to get us on fish. Hustled his rear off. Seemed a bit overwhelming having 4 on the boat who had never fished the flats before and several being relative novices for just 1 crew member. As a result about 1/3 the time 1-2 of our party weren’t fishing as we could have been. He was working hard though … much appreciated! Would highly recommend a 2nd crew member when there are inexperienced people it will be a tight fit though but think it would improve the experience. Tyson was nice, polite, knowledgeable and very patient thanks for the experience. Would highly recommend especially if you’ve done this type of fishing before. Thanks Tyson!

    Mike D. with Tyson W. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great guide, great guy, knows his stuff! We will 120% be back.

    Timothy W. with Tyson W. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My husband and son had nothing but great things to say about their trip! “Best trip ever” per my son. They were able to catch a 40+ lb grouper! They loved every minute and said Spencer was super knowledgeable! Worth every penny for the experience!

    Michelle P. with Spencer C. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Jack was right on time & immediately ready to go. We were fishing within 30 minutes more or less. He was very helpful and attentive. No complaints from us. Thanks - MW

    Matthew W. with Jack S. of Fort Myers, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    This was exactly the fishing fun we needed for our super spur of the moment trip with a teenaged kid that wanted to catch fish in Florida. Lots of different species, super friendly contain and never a dull moment. It helped that the weather was great and we caught lots of fish.

    Michelle K. with Richard T. of Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Cities

What's biting?

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 licensed, insured and vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans all across the country 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