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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 Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

About Your Trip

Tarpon have earned the name "Silver Kings" for their distinctive, shiny scales, but their status as king of the inshore goes far beyond that. Many anglers consider these fish the premier sportfishing species in Tampa Bay, and they're famous for their long, fast runs and spectacular jumps! Experienced anglers also know Tarpon for their stamina, and they can put up a fight that lasts anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. Catching this fish is one of the most exhilarating sport fishing experiences you’ll ever have!

While you might find it tempting to draw out the fight, the best practice is to end it as quickly as possible. Not only will this help ensure the Tarpon’s survival, but it will also help avoid drawing in any nearby sharks, which will happily take a bite out of a struggling Tarpon.

Tarpon typically range in size between 80 and 140 pounds, though they can reach upwards of 200 pounds. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida holds 29 world records for Tarpon. However, the current all-tackle world record tarpon, weighing in at a whopping 286 pounds 9 ounces, was caught in Africa in March 2003.

In 2013, Florida might have had a chance to take that record. A group of anglers caught a tarpon measuring 96 inches long with a girth of 53 inches, estimated at over 300 pounds. At the time, the anglers didn’t realize they had a potential record-breaker and released the fish, making it impossible to submit for a world record.

If you want to attempt an International Game Fish Association record-breaking catch, you need a $50 harvest tag. Tarpon fishing is catch-and-release only. While there is no minimum size limit, all tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water.

On the day of your trip you will launch from the boat ramp next to Hook's Waterfront Bar and Grill. If you need to launch from a different area, Captain Jarrod is flexible and has several options—please let him know what works best for you.

You'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Jarrod's 25' Sportsman 234 bay boat. This puppy comes equipped with a 250 Yamaha SHO engine for speed and maneuverability, plus a range of amenities including a multimedia system, PowerPoles for exploring shallow flats, trolling motor, multiple live wells for your bait, Yeti coolers for your drinks, and more! This boat is perfect for a family fishing trip.

Jarrod will provide you with all the equipment, tackle, and bait you need, plus he'll supply ice for your food, drinks & fish, artificial lures, photos of your catch, secret techniques and instruction for artificial bait fishing, and he will even clean and bag your fish for you at the end of the day!

All you need to bring is your sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, any food & drinks you'd like to enjoy onboard. Beer is welcome, but please—no hard liquor or wine, and no glass containers. If you've got Captain Jarrod at the wheel, your fishing adventure will surely be one to remember!

Gratuties are never expected, but are always greatly appreciated! If your captain did a good job and you had an enjoyable trip, please consider rewarding his efforts with a 15-20% tip.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

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 small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

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

	6 hours
1 Person	$1,000.00
2 People	$1,000.00
3 People	$1,000.00
4 People	$1,000.00
5 People (two boats)	$2,000.00
6 People (two boats)	$2,000.00
7 People (two boats)	$2,000.00
8 People (two boats)	$2,000.00

Pay 25% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Jarrod W.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Adventurous

Quality

About Your Guide

Jarrod W.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide

Captain Jarrod is a second generation captain. Born in New York, he transplanted to Florida in 2014.

In his words: "From as early as I can remember, my dad had me on a boat with a fishing rod in my hands. At first, I was simply excited to have bait on my hook and hang with my dad. As I grew up the fish got bigger and bigger… and I was hooked! Growing up in New York, we would fish for Fluke, Flounder, Stripers & Cod in the winter. We would also enter the occasional shark fishing tournament. Fishing was, and still remains, a huge part of my life and it gave my father and I the time we needed to bond, before he unexpectedly left us in 2006.

Since moving to Florida in 2014, I have been fishing this fishery with friends and competing in local tournaments. From King of the Beach, a well known Offshore King Fish tournament, to a local firefighter charity tournament.

In 2018, I went to Sea School to become a captain. After graduating, I purchased my boat and here we are. Living the dream!

It was always my father’s dream to retire and use his captains license to open a charter business. Every day, I strive to keep his legacy alive. It is my dream, to have that same experience with my daughter, while helping other families experience the water, as I once did, as a boy, with my father.

My favorite fish to catch in New York was definitely Bluefish! Pound for pound, the best fight to find. In Florida, my favorite fish has to be Redfish. There is nothing like their hard slam & drag-screaming runs. The fish itself is beautiful, and every one has different spots. Will your next redfish have 1 giant spot, 2 spots or 10? Book a charter and come find out!"

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Tuna

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

Fish

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Tuna

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

Fish

What’s your favorite band?

Shinedown

What’s your favorite movie?

Top Gun

What’s your favorite sports team?

Tampa Bay Lightning

What’s your drink of choice?

Diet Coke

What was your last halloween costume?

Fisherman

What do you want for Christmas this year?

A Miracle

How did you get started guiding?

I am a 2nd generation captain.

What makes you different from other guides?

Experience, Personality and Fun!

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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.

Ruskin, Florida

Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Tarpon Adventures Tampa Bay

1/4

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Sportsman
Year Built: 2019
Boat Length: 25'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Sportsman
Year Built: 2019
Boat Length: 25'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Yamaha
Total Horsepower: 250
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: GPS, Fishfinder, Snorkeling Equipment, Live Bait Well, Multimedia System, Wireless Trolling Motor, Ice Box

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

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 small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

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 » View Recent Ruskin Fishing Reports »

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

Everything Else to Know

All rods, reels, and tackle are included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and any gear of your own you want to use on the trip. Do NOT bring coolers. There are coolers with ice on board for your drinks and snacks.

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 7 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 7 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.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports 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, 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.