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 Season is here! Tarpon fishing off the beach is a unique experience with some big rewards!

Tarpon migrate along the Suncoast as the water temps get to 80 degrees and up. These larger migratory fish can offer exciting days with ample opportunities at 100lb+ fish swim along our beaches. The best time of year for migratory tarpon is May through August. We use heavy spinning gear for lures or 11wt rods for fly fishing to target the Silver King! These trips are 4 to 6 hours long and require patience and good communication.

Fly anglers: Practice, Practice, Practice! Your ability to cast an 11wt (50'+) is key! If you have only trout fished or used an 11wt in Alaska, I highly recommend taking a casting lesson before your trip. I have two local instructors who work with my clients regularly and will greatly increase your chances of success.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, 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 provided for an additional fee.

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.

Flexible Cancelation

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

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

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

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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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.

Reserve Your Trip

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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

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

Paul D.

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

Quiet

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Adventurous

Quantity

Captain Paul and his team.

Man, I love what I do! Being a full-time fishing guide for me is an excuse to fish with new friends and share this amazing place I call home! I am laid back and absolutely love to put people on fish! A screaming drag is one of my favorite sounds in the world! Let's go bend a few rods and make some memories!

About Your Guide

Paul D.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Grouper

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

Brats!

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Grouper

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

Brats!

What’s your favorite band?

Stick Figure

What’s your favorite movie?

Jaws

What’s your favorite sports team?

Eagles

What’s your drink of choice?

Arnold Palmer

What was your last halloween costume?

Ted Lasso

What do you want for Christmas this year?

New drone

How did you get started guiding?

Sold my tackle / fly shop and decided to guide full time

What makes you different from other guides?

I only know how to fish one way. Thats how I fish when I am with my friends. So, I will treat you just like I do them. I will give you all the shots you can take, and I will give a little tough love and encouragement if needed. I don't watch the clock and do my best not to book two trips in one day. I like the flexibility of letting the charter develop as the day goes on. Sometimes we are on them, and no one is ready to go home after four hours. We also have challenging days for whatever reason, weather or pressure, and we might need a little more time to get to the perfect part of the tide. I am not going to talk your face off or try and solve the world's problems. I have one job and that is to put you on the fish. We will have some laughs and catch some fish!

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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.

Tampa, Florida

Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat photo for TARPON FISHING - Spin Or Fly

Boat Type: Skiff
Boat Manufacturer: Saltmarsh Heron 18
Year Built: 2019
Boat Length: 19'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Skiff
Boat Manufacturer: Saltmarsh Heron 18
Year Built: 2019
Boat Length: 19'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Suzuki
Total Horsepower: 60
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: Top quality gear Casting stool Bluetooth speaker Cooler

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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.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is provided for an additional fee.

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.

Flexible Cancelation

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

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

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

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

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

Artificial Lure Fishing
Fly Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Sight Casting
Topwater Fishing

Everything Else to Know

Bring plenty to eat and drink.

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.

Reviews

5.0

based on 1 review

Michael

Verified Review

December 11

Awesome trip. Had a blast. Communications were outstanding and a great time had by all

Michael

Verified Review

December 11

Awesome trip. Had a blast. Communications were outstanding and a great time had by all

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Trip: 1/2 Day Family Friendly To Expert

Response from Paul:

You guys were awesome! Already looking forward to the next trip. Tarpon season will be here before you know it!

Response from Paul:

You guys were awesome! Already looking forward to the next trip. Tarpon season will be here before you know it!

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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.