May marks the real start of the Florida tarpon migration, flooding Tampa waters with these magnificent “silver kings” and giving us Tampa Bay fishing charters some absolutely tremendous days on the water.
Tarpon are arguably one of the best sport fish, hands down. They’re big—we target tarpon over 80 pounds and sometimes see monsters as big as 200—and they fight like they’re even bigger, with stamina to match. They can even gulp air from the surface, keeping their strength going even when they jump out of the water.
When you hook a tarpon, you’re in for a full 12-round prize fight with a champion heavyweight.
On top of that, Tampa Bay is prime tarpon habitat: shallow and warm with some brackish areas, and with easy access to offshore waters, where the tarpon will be swimming out to spawn on a regular basis in April, May and June.
So if you want to experience Florida’s premier game fish this year, book your fishing charter Tampa Bay today. It’s going to be a busy season, and we’re prepared to have an absolute blast.
Why Spring is Prime Tarpon Season in Tampa Bay
Tarpon love shallow waters and even estuaries and brackish areas. Starting in late April, they migrate north from the Caribbean and southernmost Florida into our waters. They live and hunt in the bay, building loads of strength and size in order to periodically head offshore to spawn.
In other words, this time of year, Tampa tarpon are active, energetic, and hungry.
Where to Fish for Tarpon in Tampa Bay
Beaches and bridges are two of the best locales to fish for tarpon. These are my primary go-to environments during May—especially the Skyway Bridge. Beaches and bridges are great hunting spots for the fish and—bonus!—the bridges are often in spots where the tarpon will be passing through when leaving to spawn offshore and then coming back again. (You just have to be wary that savvy tarpon will look to wrap your line around the pilings.)
That’s right, because tarpon periodically move from inshore to offshore—and back again—passes are also a great spot for them. In June and July I dead bait them on flats and channel edges, right where they’re hanging out in the hopes of a passing meal.
Of course, since there will be so many anglers tarpon fishing in May and June, it helps to have an experienced Tampa Bay charter boat captain who knows some less-crowded, super-active fishing spots to take you.
Bait and Tackle to Use for Tarpon
In spring and summer in southwest Florida, tarpon’s main source of food is threadfin herring, pass crabs, and pinfish.
For tackle, I use 20-40lb eight-foot rod with a Shimano Saragosa 8000 equipped with 40lb braid and 60lb fluorocarbon leader.
Tampa Tarpon Regulations
Despite their strength and stamina in the water, Tampa tarpon are protected by strict laws when it comes to fishing and handling. Most importantly for our charter boat purposes, tarpon are catch-and-release only, and any fish over 40 inches must be kept in the water the entire time.
These regulations are in place in order to keep our local tarpon population happy and healthy. And that’s why we can enjoy such an amazing tarpon season year after year. Ask any experienced Tampa angler, and they’ll tell you that tarpon are a thrill to fish. We’re lucky we get to go after them virtually every day for the coming months!
Deckard & Company