Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay is a chaotic, yet joy-filled experience, containing excited anglers waiting for their chance at hooking into one of saltwater’s best game fish. It’s no secret that Tampa Bay is of the best Tarpon fishing locations in Florida! It provides many miles of warm and habitable water, loads of lively sea creatures, and plenty of bait fish. There’s also a variety of popular sites for these fish to roam around. Read on to find out how you can hook into a big Tarpon!
When is the best time to go Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay?
First things first. When can you go Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay? Well, Tarpon tend to stay around areas with warmer waters. Therefore, you may be able to find them in Tampa Bay year-round. However, April through September gives the best chance at hooking some big Tarpon in Tampa Bay, with May and June being the peak months. This time of year is when Tarpon are migrating, and thousands make their way into the area.
Typically, warmer days with calm waters and winds allow for the best opportunities to hook into Tarpon. But there have been reports of Tarpon being caught in heavy rain and windy conditions as well.
The best time to go Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay is first thing in the morning when the sun has just risen or later in the evening when the sun is going down. This still provides enough sunlight to see the action and movement of nearby fish but doesn’t create a heat stroke waiting to happen. This is especially true in summer. Trust me, you aren’t the only species that needs a break from the sun! Speaking from experience, during these times, you’ll see bait fish flickering all around the surface, as well as some Tarpon rolling.
Where’s the best Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay?
You can find plenty of opportunities to find Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay, both on land or from a boat. If on land, you’ll find the best opportunities from piers or beaches. Meanwhile, on a boat, you can cruise along the bay, passes, channels, and nearshore points.
Another option is to book a knowledgeable fishing charter and have them bring you around to the best spots. Fishing Booker can provide you with a list of great and experienced charter captains who can take you along for the fishing trip of a lifetime.
There are a couple of key places that experienced fishermen recommend when it comes to Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay. At the top of the list is Boca Grande Pass, which many call the “Tarpon fishing capital of the world.” Tarpon often gather here in big groups, as the current pushes lots of crabs, shrimp, and a variety of bait fish out of the pass.
Tarpon can be feisty as they are in hunting mode trying to gather any bait that travels by, giving you a chance at hooking one if your bait happens to stroll in their direction. If you’re in the area, you’ll most likely see many boats lined up in the pass, fishermen throwing lines out from shore, and probably a lot of action. This is how you know you are at a good fishing spot!
In addition to Boca Grande Pass, the Skyway Bridge and Pier is another great location to go Tarpon fishing in the area. With opportunities for fishing on boats and on land, it is perfect for everyone. It allows access to deeper waters and is booming with marine life, including bait fish which bring Tarpon in.
The Skyway Pier has a $4 entrance fee for vehicles and a $4 fee per person for fishing. A good thing to note, the pier does not require fishing licenses and has multiple bait shops on site. It offers many amenities and has plenty of fish to catch. It’s, therefore, definitely a place to visit!
How to Go Tarpon Fishing in Tampa Bay
As mentioned earlier, Fishing Booker can point you in the direction of some awesome guides that can get you on the water and hook you up with some big Tarpon. Hence, booking a fishing charter is one way to go Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay.
If you have a boat, hang around the passes, bridges, or along the beaches and points. If on land, anywhere that can get you to somewhat deeper water with currents pushing through and plenty of bait fish may bring some luck as well.
Be sure to bring along some good bait fish or artificial lures for the Tarpon. Live bait favorites of theirs include crab, pilchards, threadfin herring, pinfish, mullet, shrimp, and ladyfish. For artificials, try bringing out some topwater lures, jig heads and swimbaits, flukes, and flies if you prefer fly fishing. If using live bait, rig it up with a leader and a circle hook. Optionally, you can add a sinker if the current is too strong for your bait to float down.
When you fish for Tarpon, the bait you have will depend on how they strike. For example, if you are using live or dead/cut bait, typically it will be under the water and you usually won’t see the strike – you’ll most likely feel it.
The feeling of a Tarpon bite is like no other in my opinion. It’s a feeling that will instantly have your heart racing and will become something you can recognize in the future. The bite is quick, sudden, and strong. Your rod will thump down hard, and your drag will scream, followed by acrobatic jumps.
When you use jig heads, swimbaits, or are jigging, this also occurs under the surface, but you can feel the moment the bait is hit, and the line runs in the opposite direction. For some anglers, the topwater action is incomparable to other bait. You see the wake form behind the lure as you work your topwater along the surface and the Tarpon emerges to blow up on your bait. The feeling is like a mini heart attack!
Tarpon Fishing Regulations in Tampa Bay
If you haven’t already, make sure you secure your saltwater fishing license before getting out there. You may be fined if you’re caught fishing and don’t provide a license. Fishing licenses don’t cost too much and are surely cheaper than getting a ticket!
You can purchase an annual license online, through the phone, at a tax office, or at certain local stores. You can then have it either printed right away or mailed to you. Check out FishingBooker’s handy guide to get your Florida license.
Whether fishing on land or on a boat, the regulations for Tarpon fishing will be the same. Tarpon are protected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and certain regulations are in place to ensure they’re kept safe when caught.
First, you must keep any Tarpon over 40 inches in the water. This allows water to flow through their mouth and gills. You can take smaller ones out of the water but be sure to support their belly and hold them horizontally. You should also try to keep them out for only short periods of time.
When going after Tarpon, you’ll notice they like to “roll.” This is when the fish takes a gulp of air to bring oxygen throughout its body to regulate their swim bladder. It’s important to keep this in mind and to also ensure they can get water throughout their body. If you need to take out a hook, snap a photo, or tag the fish, be sure to keep the larger ones in the water while doing this. Hang over the side of the boat or even get in the water if needed.
The same technique goes for reviving them as well. Be sure to keep them in the water, with their mouth and gills facing forward. This flushes water through their body and they prepare for recovery. You should notice a big kick from the Tarpon when it has been revived and is ready to swim back down. This is when you can let them go. The FWC strongly encourages everyone to practice safe handling and releasing of Tarpon always.
In addition to these regulations, no Tarpon can be harvested at any time. The exception is if you’ve been approved to have a Tarpon tag. This allows you to keep one Tarpon annually, but only if you are in pursuit of a world or state record.
As long as you understand the importance of safely bringing in your Tarpon and releasing it, and are committed to respecting the fishery, you’re ready to go Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay!
Extra Tips for Tarpon Fishing
Be sure to use the correct tackle when Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay. These fish are strong, feisty, and have a little experience in gymnastics. They often leap high out of the water and do all sorts of flips and turns before crashing back through the surface. They’re also very heavy and fast, and have sharp mouths that can cut through lines – or hands if grabbing one!
That being said, there are many risks involved when it comes to hooking up a Tarpon. Make sure you have a strong rod, a reliable reel, and a heavy leader paired with sturdy hooks. It also may be a good idea to have some gloves ready to use.
Tarpon Fishing in Tampa Bay: What Dreams Are Made of
So, there it is – my guide to Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay has so much to offer, including top dining and entertainment opportunities. It’s a wonderful place to visit, and you can be sure to add fishing to the itinerary. Fishing is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get outdoors and get in sync with nature and its creatures – Tarpon being one of them.
Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay will provide lifelong memories that will create joy for everyone involved. So, if you’re looking for a place to take your next trip, consider coming down to the bay in search for your own “Silver King.”
Have you ever been Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay? What was your record catch? Any tips and tricks to share with your fellow anglers? Let us know in the comments below!
