Every year, Boca Grande draws anglers who want a real shot at tarpon. These fish don’t just show up—they take over the passes, flats, and channels, and when they’re in, the action is relentless. Tarpon hit hard, leap high, and punish any weakness in your gear. To land one, you need to know the patterns of the season, the right places to fish, and how to handle the chaos once a tarpon is hooked. The unique tidal flows and deep channels around Boca Grande make it a legendary destination for this pursuit.

We Fish When Tarpon Are Here

Late April through July brings the main run, and that’s when we’re on the water. As water temperatures climb into the mid-70s, the big schools arrive. May and June see the thickest concentrations—hundred-pounders rolling on the surface, steady bites, and long days of action. Early in the season, smaller fish show up first, but by mid-May, the real giants move in and the pace picks up.

Calm mornings with just a hint of breeze make it easier to spot rolling tarpon and get a clean bait presentation. Overcast skies can stretch the bite, keeping fish active longer. We track tides, wind, and water clarity to put you in the right spot at the right time. Tarpon don’t wait, and neither do we.

Our Gear Handles the Pressure

When you’re up against a tarpon, only the right equipment will do. We run heavy spinning rods and high-capacity reels, each loaded with 50- to 65-pound braided line and a tough fluorocarbon leader. The drag system has to be smooth, ready for a fish that can rip off a hundred yards in a single burst. Every knot gets checked, every connection tested. Tarpon will find any weakness, and we don’t give them the chance.

• Heavy Spinning Rods: Built for the weight and power of big tarpon, these rods won’t fold under pressure.
• High-Capacity Reels: Packed with strong braid, they handle long runs and sudden changes in direction.
• Fluorocarbon Leaders: Stand up to rough mouths and sharp gill plates, keeping you connected through the fight.
• Circle Hooks: Secure the hook in the corner of the mouth, making for a solid hold and a cleaner release.
• Live Bait Rigs: Matched to what tarpon are feeding on—crabs, pinfish, or threadfin—so you’re always in the game.

Backup rods are always ready, and nothing goes on the boat unless it’s been checked and proven. You focus on the fish; we handle the rest.

We Know Where Tarpon Feed

When the tide moves, so do the tarpon. Boca Grande Pass stands out as a world-class spot, with currents pushing bait through and tarpon stacking up to ambush anything in their path. Timing matters—too much current and the bait won’t stay in the zone, too little and the fish scatter. We know the windows and work them hard.

Flats and nearshore waters also hold fish, especially at the edges of the season. Tarpon cruise the shallows, hunting for crabs and baitfish. Sight fishing here is a different challenge: you watch for rolling fish, cast ahead, and wait for the strike. It’s visual, demanding, and delivers some of the most memorable hookups you’ll ever see.

We Adjust Methods to Match the Bite

Live bait leads the way—crabs, pinfish, and threadfin herring, rigged on circle hooks and allowed to drift naturally. Presentation is everything. If the bait looks wrong or moves unnaturally, tarpon pass it by. When they’re fired up, artificial lures come into play. Soft plastics, jigs, and topwater plugs all have their moments, but the retrieve has to match the mood. Some days, a slow roll gets crushed; other days, only a fast-moving lure draws a strike. We keep switching until the fish tell us what works.

We Manage the Fight from Hookset to Release

With a tarpon on, the real work begins. The first run is pure chaos. Line peeling off, the fish launching skyward, and every move testing your reflexes. Keeping steady pressure without overdoing it is key. Too much and the hook pulls free; too little and the fish shakes loose. The fight can last twenty minutes or stretch past an hour, depending on the fish and the conditions.

• First Run: Tarpon explode away from the boat, often taking 50 to 100 yards of line in seconds.
• Jumps: Multiple leaps, each one a chance for the fish to throw the hook.
• Direction Changes: Sudden shifts force you to stay sharp and adjust quickly.
• Endurance Test: Some battles push both angler and gear to the limit before the fish tires.
• Boatside Battle: Even at the boat, tarpon make last-ditch runs and rolls that can end the fight in a heartbeat.

We keep every fish in the water as much as possible, handling them with care for a strong release. Tarpon are built tough, but a quick recovery is the goal every time.

Why Anglers Trust Our Experience

Years on these waters have taught us what works and when. Captain Jason Prieto has chased tarpon through every tide and weather pattern Boca Grande can throw at you. We don’t fish by the clock. We fish when the bite is on, even if that means early mornings or long days. Our boats are designed for this fishery, with powerful engines and open layouts that give you the space and stability you need during the fight. Everything is provided, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. You just bring your focus and energy.

Let's Get You on a Silver King

Tarpon season is short, and the best days fill up fast. Call Steady Action Fishing Charters at 813-727-9890 or book your fishing charter to lock in your trip.

Book Your Tarpon Fishing Charter in Boca Grande