Expert-Guided Tarpon Fishing Charter in Florida

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Florida
$550 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Get ready for an epic Tarpon fishing adventure in Florida with Trophy Time Charters and More. We offer full-day trips starting at 7 AM, giving you the best shot at landing one of these trophy fish. Using techniques like bottom fishing, light tackle, jigging, and spinning, we'll put you on the action. If you're short on time, our half-day trips at 7 AM or 4 PM are perfect for a quick taste of Tarpon fishing. These trips are great for anglers of all skill levels – whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. Our experienced guides will work hard to maximize your chances of hooking into a big one. With room for up to 3 guests, you can bring along a couple of friends or family members to share in the excitement. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so be sure you're ready for some serious fishing when you book. Come join us for a day on the water you won't soon forget!

Expert-Guided Tarpon Fishing Charter in Florida

Tarpon Takedowns

Energetic dolphin leap behind the boat!

Massive Goliath grouper at the boat!

Incredible Goliath grouper boatside!

Gone fishing in paradise – Florida style!

Tarpon Fishing Charters in Florida's Hot Spots

Ready to tangle with the Silver King? Our Tarpon fishing charters out of Florida are custom-built for anglers itching to cross these bucket list fish off their hit list. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, we've got options that'll fit your schedule and skill level. Our full-day trips kick off at the crack of dawn, giving you prime time on the water when these acrobatic fighters are most active. If you're short on time or just want a taste of the action, our half-day trips in the morning or afternoon are perfect for getting your feet wet without burning a whole day.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard with Trophy Time Charters, you're in for a real Florida fishing experience. We'll cruise out to the best Tarpon haunts, whether that's in the backcountry, along the beaches, or near the bridges where these silver missiles like to hang out. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're always on top of where the fish are biting. You'll get hands-on instruction on everything from rigging live bait to setting the hook when a Tarpon decides to crash the party. And let me tell you, when a hundred-pound Tarpon goes airborne, it's a sight you won't forget.

Techniques That Land Giants

We don't just toss out a line and hope for the best. Our charters use a mix of tried-and-true techniques to put you on fish. We'll do some bottom fishing to get you warmed up, maybe even score some Spanish Mackerel or Snook while we're at it. But when it's Tarpon time, we break out the light tackle and get serious. Jigging, popping, and spinning are all on the menu. We'll show you how to work a DOA Baitbuster or a live crab to entice those big silver sides. And when a Tarpon decides to eat, hold on tight – the fight of your life is about to begin!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Wonderful day on the water for all of us, Captain Steve was super with our boys!!!" - Jared

Species You'll Want to Hook

Tarpon: The star of the show, these prehistoric powerhouses can tip the scales at over 200 pounds. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays and bull-dog determination. Spring and early summer are prime time, but we can find 'em year-round in Florida. Anglers love 'em because they're one of the toughest fighters in the sea – landing one is a real notch in your belt.

Snook: These wily predators are a Florida staple. They love to hang around structure, ambushing bait with lightning-fast strikes. Snook fishing is all about precision casting and quick reflexes. They're at their most aggressive during the warmer months, and putting a big snook in the boat is always cause for celebration.

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast on light tackle. They school up and can provide non-stop action when you find them. They're here in force during the cooler months, and their aggressive feeding frenzies make for some of the most exciting fishing you can have. Plus, they're delicious if you're looking to take home dinner.

Sheepshead: Don't let their striped, prison-jumpsuit looks fool you – these guys are clever and tasty. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one takes finesse. Winter is the best time to target them around pilings and reefs. Anglers love the challenge they present and the sweet fillets they provide.

Permit: The holy grail for many flats anglers, permit are wary, strong, and downright picky. They've got eyes like hawks and will spook at the slightest mistake. But when you do everything right and a permit eats your crab, it's pure magic. They're around all year, but spring and fall see them most active on the flats.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, whether you're dead-set on battling a trophy Tarpon or just want to bend a rod on whatever's biting, we've got you covered. Our 4-hour and 8-hour charters are dialed in to give you the best shot at success, no matter your experience level. We provide all the gear, know-how, and local intel – you just need to bring your A-game and be ready for some serious action. Remember, those Tarpon aren't going to catch themselves, and our prime dates fill up fast. So if you're ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime, give us a shout and let's get you on the books. The Silver Kings are waiting, and trust me, there's nothing quite like watching a hundred pounds of muscle and scales go airborne on the end of your line. Let's make it happen!

Customer Review

Captain Steve Rocks

Wonderful day on the water for all of us, Captain Steve was super with our boys!!!

Jared Blocker

January 4, 2025

Learn more about the species

Permit

Spanish mackerel are the speed demons of Florida's coastal waters. These sleek, toothy fish average 2-4 pounds but can top 10. You'll find them in open bays and along beaches, often in large schools. They're migratory, showing up in spring and fall. These fish are built for speed. When hooked, they make blistering runs and occasional jumps. Light tackle makes for an exciting fight. Spanish macks are also great eating, with firm, tasty flesh. Look for birds diving on bait schools - mackerel are often feeding below. They'll hit just about anything that moves fast. Small spoons, jigs, and Got-cha plugs all work well. Live bait like pilchards is deadly too. Trolling is effective for covering water. Use planers to get lures down if fish are deep. When you find a school, stop and cast - the action can be non-stop. Here's a tip: Spanish mackerel have soft mouths, so don't set the hook too hard. Just reel fast and keep tension on the line. Use a long-shank hook or wire leader to prevent bite-offs from their sharp teeth.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the striped convicts of Florida fishing. These tasty bottom-dwellers typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach over 15. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and rocky structure. They have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. Winter is prime sheepshead season as they gather to spawn. Look for them around barnacle-covered pilings and oyster bars. They're sometimes called "bait stealers" for their ability to pick hooks clean. Sheepshead put up a decent fight for their size. The real challenge is hooking them - their bite is so subtle you might miss it. Light tackle and a sensitive rod tip help. When you feel that slight tap, set the hook hard. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or sand fleas are top baits. Use a small, sharp hook and just enough weight to hold bottom. My secret weapon is scraping barnacles off pilings to chum them up. These fish make excellent table fare. Their white, flaky meat is delicious fried or baked. Just be careful of the many small bones when cleaning them.

Snook

Tarpon are the silver kings of Florida fishing. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds and put on aerial shows like no other fish. You'll find them in coastal waters, bays, and even up rivers. Tarpon migrate through Florida waters, with peak season from April through June. These fish are all about the fight. When hooked, they'll make spectacular leaps and powerful runs. Even seasoned anglers get their hearts racing when a big tarpon goes airborne. It's an experience you won't forget. Look for rolling tarpon in deeper channels or laid up in shallow water. They'll take live bait, artificials, and flies. Sight-fishing for them is a real thrill. Patience and proper technique are crucial - tarpon have bony mouths and throw hooks easily. Night fishing around bridges and dock lights can be productive. For best results, use heavy tackle and stout leaders. My go-to rig is a live mullet or pinfish on a circle hook. Remember, these fish are catch-and-release only in most areas. Handle them carefully and keep them in the water for quick photos. It's all about the experience, not the meat, with tarpon.

Spanish Mackerel

Permit are one of the most challenging and sought-after fish in Florida. These silvery, disc-shaped fish typically run 20-40 pounds but can reach up to 60. You'll find them on shallow flats, around reefs, and near offshore wrecks. Permit have incredible eyesight and spook easily, making them a true test of an angler's skill. Spring through fall is prime permit season, with spawning peaks in summer. They're often spotted tailing on the flats, hunting for crabs and shrimp. Fly fishermen love the sight-fishing opportunities, while spin anglers do well with live crabs. Permit put up an amazing fight, making long runs and using their broad bodies to resist. Landing one is a real accomplishment. For the best shot, use light tackle and make long, accurate casts. Let the bait sink naturally and wait for that telltale bump. Set the hook hard - permit have tough mouths. My top tip: When you spot a permit, don't cast right at it. Lead it by several feet and let the fish find your bait. Patience is key with these wary fish.

Tarpon

Snook are one of Florida's premier inshore gamefish. These hard-fighting predators average 5-15 pounds but can reach over 40. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and in coastal rivers. They love structure and use it to ambush prey. Snook fishing is best from spring through fall, with spawning peaks in summer. They're temperature sensitive, so winter cold snaps can shut them down. Look for snook hanging around points, creek mouths, and bridge pilings. These fish strike hard and make powerful runs. Their gill plates are razor-sharp, so watch your hands. Snook put up an acrobatic fight, often jumping to throw the hook. It's a blast on light tackle. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works great. For artificials, try swim baits or topwater plugs early and late in the day. My favorite technique is slow-rolling a big jig along the bottom near structure. Here's a local tip: Fish the outgoing tide around mangrove points. Snook stack up to ambush bait being swept out of the backcountry. Make accurate casts - these fish don't chase far.

About the Pathfinder

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 3

Ready for some serious Tarpon action in Florida? Our private charters are tailored for anglers eager to tangle with these prized game fish. We offer full-day trips starting at 7 AM, giving you ample time to try various techniques like bottom fishing, light tackle, jigging, popping, and spinning. If you're short on time or new to Tarpon fishing, our half-day options departing at 7 AM or 4 PM are perfect. With room for up to 3 guests, you'll get personalized attention as we hunt for that trophy catch. Our experienced crew will adapt to your skill level, ensuring everyone has a shot at hooking into a mighty Tarpon. These trips are all about maximizing your time on the water and boosting your chances of success. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so come prepared for an exciting day of fishing in the Sunshine State!

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