Top-Rated 2-Day Tarpon Charter in Florida

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Florida
$550 - $1,000 price range
Updated Date: October 22, 2025

Summary

Captain Steve Gould's two-day Tarpon fishing charter out of Goodland, FL is all about maximizing your time on the water. You'll head out at 7 AM for two full days of fishing, with an overnight stay right on the boat. This setup lets you target not just Tarpon, but also Permit, Snook, Sheepshead, and Spanish Mackerel without feeling rushed. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, you'll get to try different methods like bottom fishing, jigging, spinning, and light tackle. The captain provides all the gear and know-how, so you can focus on fishing the best spots. With room for up to three guests at $950 total, it's a great value for a multi-day trip. Just remember to grab your Florida fishing license before you go. The boat leaves from Goodland Drive, and deposits are non-refundable. It's a real chance to settle in, fish hard, and get a feel for life on the water in this part of Florida.

Top-Rated 2-Day Tarpon Charter in Florida

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Gone fishing in paradise – Florida style!

Two-Day Tarpon Bonanza in Goodland, FL

Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime with Captain Steve Gould in the tarpon-rich waters of Goodland, Florida. This two-day adventure is perfect for anglers looking to maximize their time on the water and improve their chances of landing the silver king. With an overnight stay included, you'll have plenty of opportunities to target not just tarpon, but also permit, snook, sheepshead, and Spanish mackerel. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, this trip offers something for everyone.

What to Expect on the Water

Kicking off bright and early at 7:00 AM, you'll head out with Captain Steve to some of the best fishing spots in the area. The beauty of this extended trip is that you're not rushed – you've got two full days to explore different areas and techniques. You'll be fishing the inshore waters around Goodland, known for their abundance of game fish. As the sun sets, you'll anchor up for the night, giving you a chance to rest and recharge for another full day of fishing. With room for up to five anglers, it's a great opportunity to bring along some buddies or family members for a shared adventure.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On this trip, you'll get to try your hand at a variety of fishing methods. Bottom fishing is great for nabbing sheepshead and snapper, while jigging can be deadly effective for Spanish mackerel. For the tarpon and snook, you might find yourself using spinning gear or light tackle, depending on the conditions. Don't worry about bringing your own equipment – Captain Steve provides all the gear you'll need. He's always happy to share tips and tricks, so whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced angler wanting to refine your technique, you're in good hands.

Top Catches This Season

While tarpon might be the headliner, there's a whole cast of other species you might encounter. Permit are a challenging catch that'll test your skills, while snook are known for their acrobatic fights. Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are a tasty addition to any catch. And let's not forget about the Spanish mackerel – these speedy fish can really make your reel sing. The variety means you're almost guaranteed to have action on your line throughout the trip.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," tarpon are the stars of the show in Goodland. These massive fish can grow over 6 feet long and weigh well over 100 pounds. They're famous for their spectacular leaps and powerful runs, making them a bucket-list catch for many anglers. Spring and early summer are prime times for tarpon, but they can be caught year-round in Florida. The thrill of watching a tarpon clear the water by several feet is something you'll never forget.

Permit: These elusive fish are considered one of the most challenging catches in saltwater fishing. Permit are wary and have excellent eyesight, so presenting your bait just right is crucial. They typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50 pounds or more. Permit fishing requires patience and skill, but landing one is incredibly rewarding. They're most active in the warmer months, from spring through fall.

Snook: Snook are ambush predators with a distinctive black lateral line and protruding lower jaw. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, often leaping clear of the water multiple times. Snook can be caught year-round in Florida, but the bite is especially good during the warmer months. These fish are prized for both their sporting qualities and their delicious white meat.

Sheepshead: With their human-like teeth and black and white stripes, sheepshead are one of the more unique-looking fish you'll encounter. They're notorious bait stealers, making them a fun challenge to catch. Sheepshead typically weigh 2-4 pounds, but bigger ones up to 10 pounds aren't uncommon. They're most active in cooler months, from fall through spring. Anglers love targeting sheepshead not just for the fight, but also for their excellent table fare.

Spanish Mackerel: These fast-swimming predators are known for their blistering runs and sharp teeth. Spanish mackerel typically range from 2-4 pounds, though some can reach up to 12 pounds. They're often found in schools, which can lead to exciting multiple hookups. These fish are most abundant in the spring and fall as they migrate along the coast. Their fight and tasty flesh make them a popular target for both sport and food.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Captain Steve's two-day trip offers a unique opportunity to really immerse yourself in the fishing experience. By staying overnight, you're able to fish during prime feeding times both days without the rush of a day trip. You'll have time to explore different spots, try various techniques, and really get a feel for the waters around Goodland. The extended time on the water also increases your chances of landing that trophy fish you've been dreaming about. Plus, there's something special about spending a night on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fishing adventure that goes beyond the ordinary, Captain Steve's two-day tarpon charter is hard to beat. At $950 for up to three guests, it's a great value for the amount of time on the water and the opportunity to target multiple species. Remember to bring your valid Florida fishing license, and keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable. The trip starts from Goodland Drive in Goodland, FL, so you'll be right in the heart of some of Florida's best fishing grounds. Whether you're chasing your first tarpon or looking to add to your species list, this trip offers the perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, and expert guidance. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your spot now and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure!

Learn more about the species

Permit

Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, known for their wariness and powerful runs. These silvery, disc-shaped fish typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, with some monsters topping 50 pounds. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats, often in less than 3 feet of water, or around offshore wrecks and reefs. Permit are most active in warmer months, from March through October. They're incredibly spooky, so a stealthy approach is crucial. Live crabs are the go-to bait, but fly anglers also have success with crab patterns. Here's a local trick: look for permit following stingrays, as they often feed on disturbed bottom creatures. Anglers prize permit for their challenging nature and strong fights. It's all about the chase with these fish – spotting them, making the perfect cast, and hoping they'll bite. While they're good eating, most anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve this special fishery.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are quirky-looking fish with distinctive black and white stripes, earning them the nickname "convict fish." They typically weigh 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 15 pounds. You'll find them around structures like pilings, oyster bars, and reefs, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crustaceans. Sheepshead fishing is best in cooler months, from October through April. These fish are notorious bait stealers, so a light touch and quick hook-set are crucial. Try using fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp on a small hook. Here's a local tip: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum the water and attract more sheepshead. Anglers love targeting these fish for their challenging bite and excellent table fare. Their white, flaky meat is delicious when fried or baked. Just be careful of those sharp dorsal spines when handling them!

Snook

Snook are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore species, known for their hard-hitting strikes and acrobatic jumps. These silver-sided fish with a distinctive black lateral line typically range from 5 to 15 pounds, though trophy fish can exceed 40 pounds. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings, especially during incoming tides. Snook are most active in warmer months, with peak fishing from April to October. They're ambush predators, so casting live bait or lures close to structure is key. A local tip: use a stout leader to prevent break-offs on their razor-sharp gill plates. Anglers love snook for their challenging fight and their excellent table fare, though most practice catch-and-release to preserve the fishery. Remember, snook are temperature sensitive, so they'll move to deeper waters when it gets cold.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are fast-swimming, silver-sided fish with dark spots along their flanks. Usually 1-2 feet long and 2-6 pounds, they're often found in large schools near the surface. Look for them around inlets, beaches, and offshore structures, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These fish are prized for their hard fights and tasty meat. When targeting Spanish Mackerel, use light tackle and small, shiny lures like spoons or jigs. Trolling can be effective, but watch for diving birds to find feeding schools. A local trick: try using a long fluorocarbon leader to avoid bite-offs from their sharp teeth. Spanish Mackerel are most active in our waters from April through October, with peak action in the summer months. They're great for both novice and experienced anglers, offering exciting topwater strikes and delicious fillets for the dinner table.

Tarpon

Tarpon, nicknamed the "Silver King," are the ultimate game fish in Florida waters. These prehistoric-looking giants can grow over 200 pounds and put on incredible aerial displays when hooked. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and even up rivers, typically in depths of 4 to 30 feet. Prime tarpon season runs from April through June, coinciding with their annual migration. Anglers chase tarpon for the thrill of the fight – they're notoriously difficult to hook and land. When targeting these beasts, use heavy tackle and large live baits like mullet or crabs. A local secret: during the "laid-up tarpon" phase, look for them rolling on the surface in deeper holes on calm days. Patience is key with tarpon fishing; it's all about the right place, right time, and perfect presentation. It's catch-and-release only for these magnificent fish, ensuring future generations can experience the rush of battling a tarpon.

About the Pathfinder

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 3

Hop aboard Captain Steve Gould's boat for a laid-back two-day Tarpon fishing trip in Florida's coastal waters. This extended charter gives you plenty of time to target the big silver kings, along with other local species like Permit, Snook, and Spanish Mackerel. You'll spend a full day on the water, then anchor up for the night before hitting the fishing grounds again the next morning. With all the gear provided and the captain's know-how at your disposal, you can focus on enjoying the fishing action using various techniques. Whether you're an old salt or new to angling, this trip offers a great chance to improve your skills and land some impressive catches. The comfortable boat can accommodate up to five guests, making it ideal for small groups or families looking for a unique fishing adventure. Just remember to grab your Florida fishing license before setting out from Goodland.

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