Boca Grande is referred to as the tarpon capital of the world, and here's why - May through July, all of the passes from Tampa Bay to Naples experience something called a crab flush. A huge amount of water is dumped from the Boca Grande estuary into the Gulf of Mexico. These strong tides drive crabs out of the inshore flats and into the Boca Grande. The tarpon await their easy meal eagerly in the depths of the Boca Grande Pass.

You can choose from fishing the Charlotte Harbor, the flats or the 70ft deep Pass, which hosts literally hordes of tarpon. April through August are the best months to target the silver king. You should try to come on weekdays, as on weekends the waters will be swarming with boats carrying anglers practicing for the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, taking place here annually.

Soft plastic lures have been found to be the easiest way to catch the king in this area. Smaller fish will be around 120lbs, but it is common to catch one up to 220lbs. Sharks also arrive in the Pass right before the tarpon do, so it's common to have your catch become convenient food for these predators - or to catch a shark!

Captain LeRoy with Tapout Charters is ready to help you land a big king.