Tarpon fishing in In The Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, and Naples Area
Tarpon, also known as the Silver King, are without question the king of Florida's inshore waterways, even though the largest are in fact, female. The first Tarpon ever caught on rod and reel was in 1855 using a thumb stall reel with white linen line right here fishing Sanibel Island, in Tarpon Bay. They are prized not only because of their size but also because of the fight they put up and their amazing ability to leap out of the water. The average size of the Tarpon our clients catch is 68" long and average 120 lbs. Tarpon season in Fort Myers and the surrounding areas is from mid April and remain through most or all of July.
Tarpon make seasonal migrations. From Spring through summer we have the good fortune of having them in Ft Myers, Sanibel, Naples, and Ft Myers beach nearly all summer. In the fall, they work their way down towards the Florida Keys, where they'll then migrate back north again in the Spring. They usually begin their spring northward migration when the water temperatures average, 75 to 85 degrees. Boca Grande, is known as the, "Tarpon capitol of the world" due to the large number of tarpon that arrive annually in the spring and inhabit the local waterways through the summer with the intention of reproducing. The Pass and surrounding areas offer Tarpon the leisure to nourish in preparation for spawning as a result of crabs, shrimp, and baitfish that drift in and out of the pass on the tides.
Although Tarpon are one of the most sought after saltwater game fish, they are bony fish and have very little food quality, so they are released once they're caught. Because the species is caught strictly for the sport of fishing, local anglers have come to respect the history and existence of this species and choose to catch and release with care. Tarpon do not have the skeletal or muscular anatomy to support their weight out of water. In their natural surroundings water serves much of that support for them.
When catching a tarpon, we should all be responsible anglers and comply with the following:
Lifting the tarpon out of the water by their jaw may tear muscles that they use for eating since their tissue isn't designed to hold their weight. It is best to support their body from underneath. When helping a tarpon recover before releasing, it is best to adjust the fish so water passes into it's mouth as apposed to jerking the fish forward and back. Directing the tarpon into the current or holding it alongside the boat are the best methods to safe release for the fish,
There are many methods and opportunities to fish Fort Myers for the great, silver king. Figuring out the tarpons preferences for the day is all part of the fun and challenge of fishing for us all. Each Tarpon, whatever the size becomes a thrilling adventure! The downside (of course there's a downside) is that more will jump off than you'll actually catch!
What To Expect On Your Tarpon Charter
FishSkinner Charters offers either a 6 or 8 hour Tarpon charter with no more than 3 passengers (other than the captain) occupying the vessel. On a typical trip we leave the boat ramp at 8 a.m. If needed, we can acquire additional captains to accommodate larger groups. When fishing for Tarpon there are many different methods such as drifting, jigging, site casting, anchoring etc...The approach for the day will be determined by the weather, temperament of the fish and the tides. We provide everything you will need for your charter. The very best St. Croix Rods combined with either Canyon and Penn Reels, depending on the strategy for the day. All you need to bring is a positive attitude and your personal effects such as hats and sunglasses.
Phone: 239-851-9600
Email: 
We accept the cards shown above for your convenience. 
