Fort Myers Tarpon Fishing Charters & Fishing Guide Service
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. Tarpon are prized not only for 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 Tarpon our clients catch is 68" long and average 120 lbs.
FORT MYERS & SANIBEL ISLAND TARPON FISHING CHARTERS
TARPON
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 capital 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.
TARPON FISHING RESPONSIBILITIES
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 opposed 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 preference for the day is all part of the fun and challenge of fishing. 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!
Tarpon are catch-and-release only. Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water.
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 capital 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.
TARPON FISHING RESPONSIBILITIES
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 opposed 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 preference for the day is all part of the fun and challenge of fishing. 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!
Tarpon are catch-and-release only. Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR TARPON FISHING CHARTER
FishSkinner Fishing Charters offers a 6 or 8 hour Tarpon fishing charter with up to 4 passengers (other than the captain) occupying the vessel. On a typical trip we leave the boat ramp at 8 a.m. It may be necessary to leave earlier if the captain thinks the bite will be better. If needed, we can acquire additional captains to accommodate larger groups. When fishing for Tarpon there are many different methods such as drifting, site casting, anchoring etc... The approach for the day will be determined by the weather, temperament of the fish, location and tides. We provide everything you will need for your charter. All you will need is a positive attitude and personal effects such as hats, sunscreen and sunglasses. Feel free to CONTACT US with any questions.