Guide:

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Boca Grande is home to many fish species, but there's no doubt which one rules the water when it comes to action and excitement. Tarpon are Florida's premier inshore gamefish for a reason, and there's no better place to catch one than here with Captain Chris!

Captain Chris has dedicated most of his life to helping people catch Tarpon. Targeting the "Silver King" has been a family tradition for a long time, and Tarpon fishing runs in his blood. At the age of five, Chris caught his first Tarpon, weighing around 80 pounds, in the deep waters of Boca Grande Pass with his father Mark. Even before that, his mother Cynthia was fighting Tarpon in Boca Grande Pass while pregnant with him. Captain Chris uses traditional live bait methods for catching Tarpon on his fishing charters. The most common live baits used include Blue Crabs, Pass Crabs, Squirrelfish, and Jumbo Shrimp.

Live baits are drifted along the bottom of the pass, as well as other water columns where Tarpon can be found, using a transducer bottom machine. This method requires constant adjustment of the line depth to keep the baits within the “strike zone”. The live baits are presented as naturally as possible by using extra long leaders, heavy lead weights, and constant maneuvering of the boat by the Captain. Using these methods, Captain Chris consistently gets his clients on the fish, and—although there are no guarantees in fishing—has a better than 90% success rate when it comes to his Tarpon trips.

Captain Christopher operates out of a custom built 21’ Clearwater 2000CC bay boat, built to the Captain’s standards in 2019. This modern vessel allows for a comfortable drift and great manueverability. There’s a lot of fishing space and also shaded T-top for hot summer days. The boat also has a Bluetooth stereo, so feel free to bring your favorite playlist!

Captain Chris will supply everything you need, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you need to bring along is some sunscreen (no spray please!), proper clothing, a cooler with some snacks and drinks, and a smile!

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 30 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	4 Hours	6 Hours
1 Person	$750.00	$850.00
2 People	$750.00	$850.00
3 People	$800.00	$900.00
4 People	$850.00	$950.00

Pay 50% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

Total

97% (39)

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Christopher T.

Independent Guide 16 years of exp.

Veteran

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

Captain Chris is a proud Florida native, International Game Fish Association (IGFA) certified captain, and is a member of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association (BGFGA). In addition to spending considerable time on the water guiding groups around Tampa Bay and the Boca Grande area, Captain Chris is also an accomplished outdoors writer for a variety of well-respected publications. Captain Chris is an easy-going charter captain who enjoys fishing with families, beginners, and experts alike....

About Your Guide

Christopher T.

Independent Guide 16 years of exp.

Captain Chris is a proud Florida native, International Game Fish Association (IGFA) certified captain, and is a member of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association (BGFGA).

In addition to spending considerable time on the water guiding groups around Tampa Bay and the Boca Grande area, Captain Chris is also an accomplished outdoors writer for a variety of well-respected publications.

Captain Chris is an easy-going charter captain who enjoys fishing with families, beginners, and experts alike. He is generous with his vast knowledge of the area and looks for to sharing a great day on the water with you, your family and your friends.

Check out Captain Chris' open dates to get in on the action!

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

220 pound Tarpon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Smoked Prime Rib

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

220 pound Tarpon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Smoked Prime Rib

Whats your favorite band?

Chris Stapleton

Whats your favorite movie?

Jaws

Whats your favorite sports team?

Tampa Tarpons

Whats your drink of choice?

Miller Lite

What was your last halloween costume?

I try to play off the ghost thing but I can’t pull it off.

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Side console Jon boat that I can take my son duck hunting, and fishing in the lake.

How did you get started guiding?

My dad took me Tarpon fishing as a kid every year and since I was six I wanted to be a charter captain.

What makes you different from other guides?

A great dad makes a great guide, plus losing is for quitters.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Boca Grande, Florida

Areas Fished

Boca Grande Pass

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Boca Grande Tarpon - 95% Success

Boat Type: Center Console
Boat Manufacturer: Clearwater
Year Built: 2019
Boat Length: 21'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Center Console
Boat Manufacturer: Clearwater
Year Built: 2019
Boat Length: 21'
Engine Manufacturer: Suzuki
Total Horsepower: 115
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Ice Box

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 30 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

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)

Techniques

Heavy Tackle Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Sight Casting
Topwater Fishing

Everything Else to Know

Hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, food and water. Rods, reels, tackle included.

You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 30 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 30 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

4.9

based on 39 reviews

John

Verified Review

November 16

Chris is an excellent guide (5 stars). He is very personable and we all became fishing buddies quickly. Enjoyed the action with the spotted seatrout on the flats in southern Tampa Bay.

John

Verified Review

November 16

Chris is an excellent guide (5 stars). He is very personable and we all became fishing buddies quickly. Enjoyed the action with the spotted seatrout on the flats in southern Tampa Bay.

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

Rocky

Verified Review

June 22

Christopher provided an exceptional fishing experience! As an army veteran and seasoned fisherman, his expertise was evident from the moment we set sail. My brother-in-law and I enjoyed a fantastic day in the bay near Tampa, reeling in trout under clear skies. Christopher's attention to detail and care extended beyond fishing – he even offered me water when I started feeling dehydrated. We had a blast and highly recommend Christopher for anyone looking.

Rocky

Verified Review

June 22

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

Kiani

Verified Review

May 26

Chris was a great host!! Took my father uncle and I out on a great fishing trip. Very respectful, kind, and great sense of humor. I got the biggest catch of the day with 21 inches we will 100 percent be back. Thanks again Chris!!

Kiani

Verified Review

May 26

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

Kamal

Verified Review

December 30

Captain Chris is a real bad ass, he is very professional and knows his stuff! Boat very clean and fishing rods are nice!

Kamal

Verified Review

December 30

Captain Chris is a real bad ass, he is very professional and knows his stuff! Boat very clean and fishing rods are nice!

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Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

Ron

Verified Review

November 19

MY SON HAD THE TIME OF HIS LIFE

Ron

Verified Review

November 19

MY SON HAD THE TIME OF HIS LIFE

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Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

Harry

Verified Review

July 15

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

Verified Review

July 15

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Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

Laura

Verified Review

April 23

It was a blast! Chris knew where the fish were biting. And I caught my first hammerhead shark! Overall 10/10!

Laura

Verified Review

April 23

It was a blast! Chris knew where the fish were biting. And I caught my first hammerhead shark! Overall 10/10!

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Classic

Michael

Verified Review

April 8

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

Michael

Verified Review

April 8

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

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

Madelyn

Verified Review

April 7

Captain Chris put us on some fish and made us laugh!!! Made a good experience out of a hot day! 10/10 recommend! We had a blast

Madelyn

Verified Review

April 7

Captain Chris put us on some fish and made us laugh!!! Made a good experience out of a hot day! 10/10 recommend! We had a blast

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Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

Verified Review

September 22

Chris very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. We had a great time and caught a lot of fish.

Verified Review

September 22

Chris very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. We had a great time and caught a lot of fish.

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Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

Michael

Verified Review

September 21

Amazing guide! Friendly fun and even caught some fish! Will definitely use Christopher again!!

Michael

Verified Review

September 21

Amazing guide! Friendly fun and even caught some fish! Will definitely use Christopher again!!

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Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

Regina

Verified Review

September 18

Bad day for fishing.
Captain was great.

Regina

Verified Review

September 18

Bad day for fishing.
Captain was great.

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Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

Tim

Verified Review

June 22

Friendly and informative Captain we had an enjoyable morning on the bay.

Tim

Verified Review

June 22

Friendly and informative Captain we had an enjoyable morning on the bay.

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Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

Ray

Verified Review

June 21

Five stars! Fun trip!

Ray

Verified Review

June 21

Five stars! Fun trip!

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Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

Erik

Verified Review

May 24

He was awesome and very helpful with my kids. Thanks Christopher.

Erik

Verified Review

May 24

He was awesome and very helpful with my kids. Thanks Christopher.

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Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

Brad

Verified Review

March 29

Chris is a great guy. Easy to talk to and very helpful. Fishing was a little tough, but not for lack of effort on his part. Caught a dozen Sea Trout, but no luck on the targeted Snook or Reds.

Brad

Verified Review

March 29

Chris is a great guy. Easy to talk to and very helpful. Fishing was a little tough, but not for lack of effort on his part. Caught a dozen Sea Trout, but no luck on the targeted Snook or Reds.

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Classic

John

Verified Review

March 21

Chris did a great job putting us on the fish. He toikbus to all the hot spots and gave us 4 hours of action packed fishing. Me and my son enjoyed fresh fish immediately after our trip. Great time!

John

Verified Review

March 21

Chris did a great job putting us on the fish. He toikbus to all the hot spots and gave us 4 hours of action packed fishing. Me and my son enjoyed fresh fish immediately after our trip. Great time!

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Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

Robert

Verified Review

January 18

Captain Chris was a awesome guide 5 star

Robert

Verified Review

January 18

Captain Chris was a awesome guide 5 star

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Trip: Ruskin Fishing Classic

Keith

Verified Review

December 31

It was enjoyable

Keith

Verified Review

December 31

It was enjoyable

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Classic

Nicolas

Verified Review

December 21

Chris was an absolute blast to be with. He made our trip very special as I decided to propose to my fiancé on his boat. He also has a lot of insight of the fish in the area and even if it’s not the season for the fish he will do his best to try and catch what ever you are looking for. 10/10 would recommend and we will be booking another fishing trip with...

Nicolas

Verified Review

December 21

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Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

Quan

Verified Review

December 23

Next time I will catch fish.

Quan

Verified Review

December 23

Next time I will catch fish.

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Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

Galen

Verified Review

October 21

Trip was fun. Thanks

Galen

Verified Review

October 21

Trip was fun. Thanks

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Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

Nick

Verified Review

October 14

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

Verified Review

October 14

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

Camecia

Verified Review

October 8

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

Camecia

Verified Review

October 8

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

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

Rod

Verified Review

May 27

Although the captain did a decent job trolling over hundreds of tarpon, we failed to hook up one tarpon. Not sure if it was the bait, surf or what?? The captain didn’t have an explanation either.

Rod

Verified Review

May 27

Although the captain did a decent job trolling over hundreds of tarpon, we failed to hook up one tarpon. Not sure if it was the bait, surf or what?? The captain didn’t have an explanation either.

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Trip: Boca Trophy Tarpon - 95% Success

Lesley

Verified Review

May 19

Excellent captain and we had a good time

Lesley

Verified Review

May 19

Excellent captain and we had a good time

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Trip: Boca Trophy Tarpon - 95% Success

Brian

Verified Review

May 11

Chris was excellent. Great knowledge nice boat had a fantastic time. Thank you so much.

Brian

Verified Review

May 11

Chris was excellent. Great knowledge nice boat had a fantastic time. Thank you so much.

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Classic

Rylee

Verified Review

May 4

Captain Chris was friendly, funny, and very informational. We reeled in a trophy sized tarpon. A fantastic experience!

Rylee

Verified Review

May 4

Captain Chris was friendly, funny, and very informational. We reeled in a trophy sized tarpon. A fantastic experience!

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Trip: Boca Trophy Tarpon - 95% Success

Denise

Verified Review

April 22

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

Verified Review

April 22

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Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

Walter

Verified Review

April 14

Bad weather plagued our trip. A big fog bank rolled in on us. Caught a few but it could have been better. I saw no other boats catching fish either. Chris knows his stuff and I'm booking a Tarpon trip with him next month.

Walter

Verified Review

April 14

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Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Classic

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.