April through June is prime season for Tarpon fishing here in Southwest Florida. We’ve had a lot of people asking us how, when and where to land the Silver King. I’ve put together a how to guide based on my professional experience but kept it very basic. Unfortunately Tarpon don’t always like to follow the guidelines so you may need to tweak my recommendations based on their moods, tide, weather, temperature, location, appetite, did I mention moods? The best time to fish for Tarpon would be morning or evening just before sunset. The less boat traffic, the better. Always remember to bow or point your rod at the fish when they jump!
The Beaches off of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island tend to be the areas where we begin to see large pods of Tarpon early in the season. This is because they’re migrating North towards Boca Grande Pass, where they’ll feed before they head offshore to spawn. The best time for fishing these waters is morning or evening. Look for pods in and around 30 ft. of water.
The method for catching these Tarpon is on a drift while your free lining a live thread fin.
Tackle of choice is:
- 6,000 to 8,000 size spinning reel
- 7ft. to 7.6 ft heavy action rod
- 50 to 60 lb braided line
- 60 to 80 lb fluorocarbon leader
- 7/0, 8/0, or 9/0 circle hooks.
Inshore on the flats is often a common place to see a few free jumping tarpon. Look for rolling fish near creeks, troughs or the mouth of the river.
When your fishing the flats you can use fresh cut mullet placed strategically in or near a pot hole. You can also use thread fins (my preference).
Once your anchored you’ll need to attach a buoy to the anchor rope that you’ll then leave inside the boat. After your hooked up, drop your buoy. This improves your odds of landing the tarpon. You’ll be able to find you anchor again by spotting the buoy. Leaving you with no questions as to where you just jumped that last tarpon.
Tackle of choice is :
- 6,000 to 8,000 size spinning reel
- 7ft. to 7.6 ft heavy action rod
- 50 to 60 lb braided line
- 60 to 80 lb fluorocarbon leader
- 7/0, 8/0, or 9/0 circle hooks.
Boca Grande Pass is the most common and congested area to fish during tarpon season. I would recommend the “ditch”, to anyone who is experienced and doesn’t mind a lot, and I mean a lot of boat traffic and people with bad tempers.
Fishing with Live bait such as crabs seems to be the most effective.
Traditional live bait gear consists of:
- 7-7.6 heavy action rods.
- conventional reels
- Line: 50-100lb braided line or use 40 to 60lb. mono.
- Leader: 80-100 lb mono.
- 6-8 ounce weight
- 6/0, 7/0 or 8/0 circle hooks
The pass has it’s own rules of etiquette for fishing and they’re strictly enforced by hollering, bad language and behavior. You’ll learn to follow their rules once you’ve been mooned by an overweight hairy woman who gives you the finger and then tries to hop on your boat and beat you up, lol. True story. Entertaining non the less.
Whether your fishing in Boca Grande Pass, Redfish or Captiva Pass, you should follow these guidelines.
- Keep engine running at all times.
- DO NOT anchor.
- Begin your drift at the head of the pack by going around boats.
- Once hooked up move your tarpon out of the school of fish.
- No more than 3 fishing lines in the water at once.
- During April through June (prime Tarpon season), NO break away gear such as bobbers, floats, rubber bands, etc.. This is exclusive to Boca Grande Pass.
Standard Rules regulations for Tarpon fishing:
- Never gaff a fish.
- Leave the tarpon in the water while photographing and removing hooks.
- Tired fish can be revived by towing slowly forward with the boat.
- Using circle hooks increases the survival of fish.
Captain Wes Skinner Native Fort Myers Fishing Guide
I was born in Fort Myers and have been a lifelong resident. Growing up in this area was a special time. My uncle introduced me to the sport of fishing in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Pine Island back bays and I’ve been hooked ever since! He taught me how to tie knots, throw a cast net and the best places to catch fish. I’ve learned that there are never two days of fishing that are ever the same. The only thing that’s consistent with fishing in S.W. Florida are the inconsistencies.
The fishing varies from day to day based on the moons, tides and weather etc… I’ve inherited his theories of fishing and acquired some of my own along the way. I’ve fished Fort Myers and Sanibel Island, my whole life and spent a lot of time on these waterways scouting for areas which may be rich in Snook, Redfish, Trout and Tarpon.
Now I have the opportunity to guide my clients through those Mangrove Islands, that provided me with endless hours of fishing memories. Come spend a day with me, so I can show you the beauty of fishing the back bays of Fort Myers, Naples, and Sanibel Island.
Helpful guide. Thanks for the article.
For new comers, I suggested freshwater fishing. As there is many differences between saltwater vs freshwater fishing