About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

About Your Trip

Join Captain Gene for an unforgettable day of tarpon fishing in the waters of Tierra Verde! Whether you're a first-timer looking to land your first trophy fish or an experienced angler chasing the adrenaline rush of battling a 100+ pound tarpon, this trip is built for you.

You'll start the day gathering live bait and cut bait—because when it comes to tarpon, being prepared for anything is key. These powerful fish can be targeted using a variety of techniques, from live bait fishing and drift fishing to sight casting. Tarpon are famous for their aerial acrobatics and drag-screaming runs, making them one of the most exciting fish to catch.

But the action doesn’t stop there—while targeting tarpon, you may also encounter permit, blacktip sharks, bull sharks, and even the mighty goliath grouper lurking beneath the surface. Captain Gene knows these waters inside and out and will put you in the best spots to hook into some serious action.

You'll be fishing from a classic 24' Mako bay boat, powered by a reliable 150 HP Yamaha engine. It’s the perfect setup for navigating both inshore and nearshore waters, with plenty of space for up to six anglers. The boat is equipped with all the gear you’ll need, and you're welcome to bring your favorite drinks (just no glass, please!). Want to set the mood? Connect your own music via Bluetooth and enjoy the ride.

Captain Gene provides all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait—just bring sun protection, snacks, and a camera to capture your trophy catch. This trip is kid-friendly and perfect for anglers of all skill levels.

Get ready for an epic day on the water—book your trip today and take your shot at the Silver King!

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore

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.

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 up to 3 days before the trip.

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.

Scroll for more

Pricing Matrix

	6 Hours	8 Hours
1 Person	$1,000.00	$1,200.00
2 People	$1,000.00	$1,200.00
3 People	$1,050.00	$1,250.00
4 People	$1,100.00	$1,300.00
5 People	$1,150.00	$1,350.00
6 People	$1,200.00	$1,400.00
7 People (Second Boat)	$2,200.00	$2,600.00
8 People (Second Boat)	$2,200.00	$2,600.00
9 People (Second Boat)	$2,300.00	$2,700.00
10 People (Second Boat)	$2,300.00	$2,700.00
11 People (Second Boat)	$2,400.00	$2,800.00
12 People (Second Boat)	$2,400.00	$2,800.00

Pay 15% 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

NEW

Select a date to view pricing. The date you selected is no longer available. Please select another date.

Date

Select a group size to view pricing.

Select a duration to view pricing.

Select a start time to check out.

You won't be charged yet

Total

Browse Similar Trips

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

Gene M.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Intense

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Adventurous

Quantity

About Your Guide

Gene M.

Independent Guide

We have over 30 years of combined experience in the fishing industry. Gene's knowledge and experience fishing in the Tampa Bay area keeps you on the fish at all times of the year. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to fishing, Capt. Gene can accommodate your skills.

Gene was born and raised right here in St. Pete and has spent his entire life on the water fishing starting from an early age. He has traveled throughout the Florida coast and Caribbean islands fishing with elite fisherman over the years which has expanded his knowledge to deliver exceptional fishing experience to each of his clients!

Scroll for more

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Blue marlin

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

Lobster

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Blue marlin

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

Lobster

What’s your favorite band?

Stick figure

What’s your favorite movie?

Forest gump

What’s your favorite sports team?

Rays

What’s your drink of choice?

Water

What was your last halloween costume?

None

What do you want for Christmas this year?

100000000 dollars

How did you get started guiding?

Born and raised on the water

What makes you different from other guides?

Pretty intense and love to fish. Been guiding for over 10 years and love every minute of it. I’m not burnt out like a bunch of other people

Scroll for more

Start Location & Lodging Options

Tierra Verde, Florida

Areas Fished

Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Tarpon Trips St Petersburg

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Mako
Year Built: 1976
Boat Length: 24'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Mako
Year Built: 1976
Boat Length: 24'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Yamaha
Total Horsepower: 150
Number of Engines: 1

Scroll for more

Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore

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.

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 up to 3 days before the trip.

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

Cut Bait Fishing
Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Sight Casting

Everything Else to Know

Bring whatever food and drinks u want. We supply everything else

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 3 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 3 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.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

Jared

Verified Review

Excellent trip! The boys loved it as well as my dad! They haven't stopped talking about it!

Jared

Verified Review

Excellent trip! The boys loved it as well as my dad! They haven't stopped talking about it!

Scroll for more

Trip: Destin Gulf Fishing

Kevin

Verified Review

Great - enjoyed every minute.

Kevin

Verified Review

Great - enjoyed every minute.

Scroll for more

Trip: Bluefin on the Surf

Lauren

Verified Review

We had the BEST time!

Lauren

Verified Review

We had the BEST time!

Scroll for more

Trip: Crystal Coast Scalloping Adventure

Scott

Verified Review

Very nice trip . I enjoyed it

Scott

Verified Review

Very nice trip . I enjoyed it

Scroll for more

Trip: Flagler Lures Style

John

Verified Review

Everything went great. The weather was great too.

John

Verified Review

Everything went great. The weather was great too.

Scroll for more

Trip: Inshore Venice

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.