Best Tarpon Fishing Charters in Sanibel

Saltyboy Charters – Sanibel/Captiva

Saltyboy Charters – Sanibel/Captiva

39 reviews
 Sanibel  •  24 ft  • 6 persons
Popular with anglers looking for Tarpon fishing charters in Sanibel

The local waters are teeming with both good-eating and trophy fish and Capt. Scotty is dedicated to taking his anglers to the best bite. Whether you’re on the prowl to land your personal Tarpon record or you’re in the mood to chase predators like Blacktip Shark, Sanibel is the place to be.

Indigenous Charters

Indigenous Charters

157 reviews
 Fort Myers  •  24 ft  • 5 persons
Popular with anglers looking for Tarpon fishing charters in Sanibel

His charter boat is a custom 24’ Southern Cross bay boat powered by a 250 HP Yamaha engine. On board you will find the latest electronics, including Simrad GPS and Fishfinder, a Minn Kota trolling motor, and a 10’ Power Pole anchor system.

Captain Jack’s Fishing Charters

Captain Jack’s Fishing Charters

59 reviews
 Fort Myers  •  23 ft  • 5 persons
Popular with anglers looking for Tarpon fishing charters in Sanibel

Captain Jack’s Fishing Charter’s goal is to create the memory of a lifetime on every trip. Capt. Jack has been fishing the waters of Southwest Florida since he was a toddler and was lucky to have a father and grandfather (who first moved to Fo

Capt Charlies Fishing Charters

Capt Charlies Fishing Charters

135 reviews
 Fort Myers  •  20 ft  • 5 persons
Popular with anglers looking for Tarpon fishing charters in Sanibel

Capt. Charlie Cooper has spent his life honing his skills, and knows all the best places to hit in the Fort Myers area. And with mile after mile of perfect flats, hidden bayous, and open sounds, there is a lot to choose from.

View all Tarpon Fishing Charters in Sanibel

Top Tarpon Fishing Charters in Sanibel

Catchin’ Jiants - Sanibel

Catchin’ Jiants - Sanibel

52 reviews
Sanibel  • 26 ft  • 6 persons
4 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $600
Fish On Adventure – Sanibel Island

Fish On Adventure – Sanibel Island

8 reviews
Sanibel  • 23 ft  • 4 persons
trips from $450
Capt Charlies Fishing Charters

Capt Charlies Fishing Charters

5 reviews
Sanibel  • 20 ft  • 5 persons
trips from $400
Fischer Charters - Fort Myers

Fischer Charters - Fort Myers

76 reviews
Fort Myers  • 24 ft  • 6 persons
4 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $450
Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

13 reviews
Sanibel  • 22 ft  • 6 persons
1 person is looking at this charter.
trips from $425
Fischer Charters - Sanibel

Fischer Charters - Sanibel

63 reviews
Fort Myers  • 24 ft  • 5 persons
4 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $400
First Lite Charters LLC

First Lite Charters LLC

2 reviews
Fort Myers  • 22 ft  • 4 persons
trips from $400
Capt. Bill Walker's Fishing Charters

Capt. Bill Walker's Fishing Charters

24 reviews
Fort Myers  • 24 ft  • 4 persons
trips from $400
View all Tarpon Fishing Charters in Sanibel
Tarpon

Tarpon

  • Size 25 to 80lbs
  • Food Value None
  • Game Qualities Excellent
  • Habitats Inshore, Flats, Backcountry

Tarpon Fishing in Sanibel

Sanibel has been described as the birthplace of Tarpon fishing. The first recorded catch on rod and reel happened right here in Sanibel’s Tarpon Bay way back in 1885 and anglers have been perfecting the art ever since. Sanibel Tarpon fishing is viable year-round, with a permanent population settling down in the island’s shallows. It is the yearly migration which makes the area famous, though, and its proximity to the famous Boca Grande Pass is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to big Silver Kings.

When should I visit?

The “summer migration” can be a bit of a misnomer here in Sanibel. The first big schools are often seen as early as March, and can stick about as late as October before finally moving on. During this time, fish and anglers take to these waters in insane numbers, with schools a hundred strong found in any depth of water. 
 
If you are after the biggest and meanest out there, the king of kings, then this is the a very special time and place to visit, but there is no bad time to target Tarpon in Sanibel. Even in the depths of winter, you can catch fish as big as 100 pounds here. If your priority is to fish in peace without worrying about other anglers spooking or hooking the best catch, wait for the yearly migrations to subside before heading down to Sanibel. 

Where will I fish?

Boca Grande Pass draws anglers like flies to honey every summer and has earned the nickname Tarpon Capital of the World. If you are around in the early summer months and want to witness one of the craziest events in inshore fishing, head to the pass and take part in the madness, as schools several hundred strong are met by an army of anglers wanting their slice of angling heaven. 
 
Sanibel has much more going for it than just one pass, though. Spots like Tarpon Bay are as worthwhile today as they were back in the 19th century, and the tidal waters of the Caloosahatchee River are the winter home for many resident Tarpon.

How will I catch them?

There are many ways to target Tarpon, but fly fishing is the favorite in these waters. Hefty 12-weight rods and big, three-inch-long Black Death flies make for the most challenging and enjoyable angling you could ask for. If regular tackle is more your style, beefy 50-pound tackle with spinners, plugs, or live Blue Crabs or Pinfish will have you hooked on a winner faster than you could believe.

How much will it cost?

The standard rates for Sanibel fishing charters are $100 an hour, with $50 or so knocked off the price of ¾ and full day trips. During high season, some charters will run specialist Tarpon trips with tackle, bait, lures and flies set up to make the most of the huge migration. This is well worth the money for experts, but a standard trip will do just as well for entry-level anglers, and will normally cost a little less.
Tarpon

Tarpon

  • Size 25 to 80lbs
  • Food Value None
  • Game Qualities Excellent
  • Habitats Inshore, Flats, Backcountry

Sanibel Tarpon Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Tarpon fishing in Sanibel varies moderately throughout the year. High season is May to July. Low season is January to March and September to December. There is no closed season.

Fish Species Similar to Tarpon in Sanibel

Ladyfish

Ladyfish

Sanibel
4.44
Based on 18,426 reviews by FishingBooker anglers