Boca Grande Tarpon Fishing - Another Keeper Charters

BOCA GRANDE TARPON FISHING
(MAY-JULY)

Fishing Boca Grande Pass for Tarpon is the Superbowl of fishing and is unlike any other experience. During peak season there are usually several dozen boats all working the same area of the Pass just a stones throw from the lighthouse and the spectator-lined beach.

Why all the boats in such a small area? More than 5000 Tarpon are landed annually at Boca Grande, making it the Tarpon Capital of the World, that's why. Tarpon fishing the pass can be a rewarding experience--and a frustrating one as well. The large number of boats in close proximity to one another, a healthy supply of giant sharks who regularly devour Tarpon at boat side (this is a site you will not soon forget), and the Tarpons' uncanny ability to shake hooks loose during their aerial displays, all combine to make landing a very large Tarpon truly an accomplishment.

Tarpon fishing is spectacular in Boca Grande and can't be beat in shear numbers of fish caught and in the average size of the fish caught. (The Tarpon here average 120-135 and regularly surpass the 190lb mark.) If you book a Boca Grande Tarpon trip, be ready for the experience of a lifetime. You are sure to have a lot of action, fight a lot of fish, and hopefully take home the coveted boat side picture of your giant Silver King.

Above: A jumping Tarpon with Boca Grande in the background.

Boca Grande Tarpon fishing is based purely on tides. Trips are planned around these tides and are run in 6 hour increments to take full advantage of both the sides of the tide. Double tide trips are accompanied by a lunch break at one of the many waterfront restaurants, or feel free to pack your lunch for a relaxing picnic on the beach at Cayo Costa State Park.

TACKLE AND TECHNIQUES

For most pass fishing we use conventional reels spooled with 40-50lb mono and fish 4-6 oz. artificial jigs attached to a large circle hook. This is by far the most productive type of fishing in the pass, and is also much safer for the fish than traditional methods. During 'Hill Tides,' evenings, and night trips various live baits are also utilized.

Above: Two Bull sharks attacking a Tarpon boatside.

CAPACITY

Price includes up 4 anglers**

**State regulations place a limit of 3 lines being fished per boat at any one time in Boca Grande Pass during season.

THE 'HILL TIDE'

The 'Hill Tide' is a local reference used to describe an occurrence during the new and full moons of May, June, and early July that is truly one of the most amazing fishing experiences you could imagine. During these tides, hundreds of thousands of crabs are washed out of the vast shallows of Charlotte Harbor and right through Boca Grande Pass over an area known as "The Hill." Tarpon congregate on 'The Hill' and proceed to absolutely stuff them selves on these tasty little morsels. They can been seen feeding actively on the surface, and will rarely turn down a properly presented live crab as bait. Double, and even triple hookups are not uncommon during these feeding frenzies. These fish are often targeted with lighter tackle than traditionally used in Boca Grande, making the experience that much more challenging and fun. True hill tides are sometimes difficult to estimate, but are based on moon phases and the activity of recent years.

Boca Grande Pass Tarpon Fishing

Above: With proper instruction, even novice anglers are capable of reeling in a Silver King. The use of a "fighting chair" helps to create balance and leverage during the fight.

LIVE vs. ARTIFICIAL BAIT

There is definitely more than one way to catch Tarpon in Boca Grande pass. Many captains have chosen a 'side' and choose to fish either live or artificial baits and seldom cross those lines once they have made a decision. Capt. Tom chooses to fish the pass in whichever manner he feels will produce the most (and biggest) fish on your trip. Generally this means artificial baits (known locally as "Jigging") however be prepared to fish with live crabs, threadfin herring, as well as other live baits, to make sure that you achieve the highest level of success possible. Hill tides are fished almost exclusively with live baits, but there are many other times when the Tarpon spread out throughout the surrounding areas that live baits will prove much more effective than artificials.

THE BEACH AND BOCA GRANDE

In stark contrast to the fast paced action of Boca Grande Pass fishing, chasing the roaming pods of tarpon just off the scenic beaches can be a great way to catch your tarpon on light tackle while experiencing the peace and serenity that Southwest Florida has to offer. This is a great relaxing way to chase Silver Kings and offers an interesting change in tactics from the usual scenario found while 'pass fishing'. Generally done in the early mornings and late evenings with live baits, pods of fish are found visually by the captain through the use of the dual-control Tower equipped on his Century 2202 Inshore and the boat is then positioned in their path as live baits are cast towards the school. You won't hook as many many fish on the beach, but the landing percentage is much higher with beach schools as you don't run the risk of losing fish to other boats and sharks.

Capt. Tom has realized that many people do not hold the same allegiances to one particular type of fishing as do many of the area captains. With this is mind he has put together a terrific opportunity to experience both of these fishing styles in the same day. Fish the beach in the early morning on the way to Boca Grande, and follow it up with a full tide fishing the hallowed 'Big Pass' or vice versa.

BOCA GRANDE TARPON FISHING (MAY-JULY)

BOCA GRANDE TARPON FISHING
(MAY-JULY)