Tampa · Tarpon · Tampa Bay

Tampa tarpon fishing charters

Big, jumping tarpon around Tampa Bay’s bridges, ledges and rivers, best from mid-March through July.

Catch and releaseSaltwater license coveredCall to book
★ 5.0 · 520 Google reviews ★ 5.0 · 6,549 guest reviews
License, tackle & bait includedTackle & bait included Free weather reschedule

Tampa tarpon fishing charters go after the “silver king” around Tampa Bay with a local captain. Tarpon here run about 50 to 200 pounds and are catch and release. Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, to book.

Angler holding a tarpon by the water on an inshore fishing trip

How to book your tarpon trip

Online booking isn’t available for this trip yet. Call us and we’ll book your date.

Tarpon trips in season

Call (407) 392-4593

Saltwater license covered by the captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the guide cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.

Quick answer

When is tarpon season in Tampa?

Tarpon season in Tampa can start as early as late February in warm years and is more consistent from mid-March, with May, June and July the peak months as the water warms. Tarpon around Tampa Bay run about 50 to 200 pounds and hold around bridges, rock ledges and rivers. They are catch and release. The licensed captain covers your saltwater fishing license. These trips are booked by phone: call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.

What’s included and what to bring

Included in the price
  • Licensed local captain
  • Boat and fuel
  • Saltwater fishing license (covered by the captain)
  • Rods, reels and tackle
  • Bait
Not included
  • Captain tip (10–20% is customary)
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation to the meeting spot

What to bring

Polarized sunglassesSunscreenHatLight rain jacketWater and snacksCamera or phone in a dry bag

Tarpon by season

Winter Dec–Feb

  • Tarpon are rare in cold water
  • Try inshore for redfish and trout

Spring Mar–May

  • Tarpon can show up from late February in warm years
  • More consistent from mid-March

Summer Jun–Aug

  • Peak tarpon months: May, June and July
  • Fish gather to feed before spawning

Fall Sep–Nov

  • Ask us about tarpon early in the fall
  • Snook and redfish on the flats

Fish you can catch on a tarpon trip in Tampa

Tarpon, with snook and redfish if the tarpon bite slows. Swipe to see what you could catch.

Illustration of a tarpon
Inshore

Tarpon

Silver king

Big, jumping fish of about 50 to 200 pounds in Tampa Bay, best from mid-March through July. Catch and release.

Illustration of a snook
Inshore

Snook

Common snook

Around mangroves, docks and passes. Seasons and size limits apply.

Illustration of a redfish
Inshore

Redfish

Red drum

On the flats and around mangroves. Seasons and size limits apply.

Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations. Your captain can tell you what you can keep.

Where you’ll fish

Tarpon trips fish Tampa Bay, around the bridges, rock ledges and rivers where tarpon gather. If the tarpon bite ends early, your captain may switch to snook and redfish.

Meeting spot: we confirm the dock and start time with you when you book.

Tampa tarpon fishing questions

How do I book?

Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, and we’ll check dates and book your trip.

When is tarpon season in Tampa?

It can start in late February in warm years and is more consistent from mid-March. May, June and July are the peak months.

How big are the tarpon?

Tarpon around Tampa Bay run about 50 to 200 pounds.

Where do tarpon bite in Tampa Bay?

Around bridges, rock ledges and rivers around the bay.

How much does a tarpon trip cost?

Call us for the price for your date, trip length and group.

Can we keep a tarpon?

No. Tarpon are catch and release.

Do I need a fishing license?

No. The captain’s saltwater license covers everyone fishing on the trip.

What’s included in the price?

The licensed captain, boat and fuel, your saltwater fishing license, rods, reels, tackle and bait. Not included: the captain’s tip (10–20% is customary) and food and drinks.

What if the tarpon aren’t biting?

Your captain may switch to snook and redfish so you still have fish to chase.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the captain or guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule. You can also cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.

Nearby tarpon fishing trips

More tarpon trips on the Gulf coast. Each one is booked by phone.

More trips near Tampa

Call to book9 am – 6 pm