Tarpon fishing near St. Pete Beach
THE SILVER KING! Known throughout as the top trophy fish in the Tampa bay area, Tarpon are truly the catch of a lifetime. Tarpon can grow over 8 feet long and weigh over 200 lbs. These fish can easily live longer than 50 years with the oldest tarpon being recorded at 63 years old, meaning if you book a charter with Capt. Zack, you may catch a fish bigger and older than you! While a world record is not guaranteed, catching a Tarpon that weighs over 100lbs is not uncommon.
Where to find Tarpon in Tampa Bay
Tarpon are migratory fish found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, making it the largest inshore fish in our area. Depending on where the fish are at that day, we will either target them in Tampa Bay or catch them running along the beaches.
What to expect during a Tarpon Fight in Tampa Bay
Tarpon are known for their fighting abilities. Typically after a hookup they will make a hard run and then come flying into the air. They put on one of the most impressive air shows out of any fish, typically jumping multiple times and doing flips and somersaults in the air. That’s not all they offer though! Besides being known for their long runs and air flying abilities, Tarpon will also give HUGE head shakes trying to shake the hook and dig deep into the channels to try and get away. Depending on the size of the fish you can expect to fight a Tarpon for as little as 10 minutes or well over an hour. Ideally, we like to land the fish as soon as possible to put less stress on the fish and to put less stress on you so you can get right back at it and catch another one!
Tarpon Season in Florida
Tarpon are typically targeted during May, June, July, and August. They are a protected species making them a catch and release fish, so this is purely a top sport fish.
Because of the popularity of Tarpon fishing, charters fill up fast, so don’t waste any time and BOOK TODAY!