Lake Tarpon fishing charters
Guided largemouth bass trips on Lake Tarpon in Pinellas County, northwest of Tampa and just north of Clearwater.
Lake Tarpon is a 2,534-acre lake in Pinellas County, with shoreline weeds, bulrush, cattail and tape grass. Largemouth bass are the main target. Book 4-, 6- or 8-hour trips online with live dates.
Book your Lake Tarpon fishing trip
Every calendar below shows live availability. Choose your number of guests, a date and a time, then book.
4-hour bass charter
6-hour bass charter
8-hour bass charter
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. 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.
How do you book a Lake Tarpon fishing charter?
iOutdoors books 4-, 6- and 8-hour guided largemouth bass trips on Lake Tarpon in Pinellas County, northwest of Tampa, with live dates online: $350 for 4 hours, $425 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. The guide provides the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures, and each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
What's included and what's not
- Professional local fishing guide
- Boat and fuel
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Artificial lures
- Life jackets
- Florida freshwater fishing license (required for most anglers 16 and older)
- Live wild shiners (optional; ask your guide about the cost)
- Guide tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
Lake Tarpon
Lake Tarpon is a 2,534-acre lake in Pinellas County, near Tarpon Springs and Palm Harbor, northwest of Tampa. Bass hold in the shoreline weeds, bulrush, cattail and tape grass beds, under docks and along shade lines, and on offshore humps with submerged grass.
Every trip on this page fishes Lake Tarpon for largemouth bass, which share the lake with black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish. Anglers have logged 15 bass of 8 pounds or more and one over 10 pounds here in FWC’s TrophyCatch program. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
Fish you can catch on Lake Tarpon
Know your fish →
Size limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Reviews from Lake Tarpon trips
5.021 reviews
Freshwater bass fishing trip
Loved fishing near Bradenton for bass. Took my family on vacation. We wanted to explore some freshwater fishing. Found Bass Online and their great guides and went out on Lake Tarpon with Capt Lenny. Great day of fishing with artificial lures! Will be back soon.
Bob Summers · January 2026
This was terrific. Our grandson said it was THE BEST part of our week long vacation in Florida. Captain Lenny was great. Wonderful experience and worth every penny. Will certainly take this adventure next time in Tampa.
mrFisherUSA · June 2024 · Google
Great time!
Lake Tarpon Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Thomas Pace · December 2023
Great trip
Tampa Bass Fishing Trip - 6 Hr Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Pete Johnson · September 2023
Bass fishing
Lake Tarpon Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
William Vaughn · September 2023
Fish on!!!!
Captian Bill was fantastic put me on fish all day and I put 20 on the boat. Captain Bill knew all the spots and tricks to get fish on the line and was extremely professional. If you ever get a chance to fish the Tampa area Captian Bill is a must.
alan lyons · September 2021
Fish on!!!!
Captian Bill was fantastic put me on fish all day and I put 20 on the boat. Captain Bill knew all the spots and tricks to get fish on the line and was extremely professional. If you ever get a chance to fish the Tampa area Captian Bill is a must.
Alan Lyons · September 2021
Bass Online is #1 Service
They advertise being good, there guides are the best. They only work with select few for a reason. I was able to ask specifically for a guide who I seen online. Buyer Beware, this is the real deal!
Tony Allen · July 2021
lake tarpon
went fishing with captain Bill back in the spring, weather was a little windy and chilly. He came through for me, caught my limit Up to 5 lbs size wise
Time bourke · June 2021
Great Choice with Captain Bill
When we looked to charter a guide we had multiple options so we went with Captain Bill Goudy. We definitely made an awesome choice. We chose Lake Tarpon and he was very knowledgeable of the lake and was able to find us fish. We had a great time. You won’t go wrong with Captain Bill. We will…
Kathy & Rich Erdely · April 2021
Lake Tarpon
Spent an OUTSTANDING morning with Capt Bill on Lake Tarpon. He put us on fish immediately and we all caught several monster largemouth bass.. largest 6#14, that by a pal who NEVER catches big fish! Great experience.. look forward to next time.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
rborman52 · February 2021
Just back from an OUTSTANDING morning on Lake Tarpon with Capt Bill Goudy Jr. He put us on fish immediately and we all caught several monster largemouth.. the largest 6#14 by a pal who NEVER catches big fish! Look forward to the next time.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Richard Borman · February 2021 · Google
Lake Tarpon fishing: what you can catch
Lake Tarpon fishing near Tampa and Clearwater is about largemouth bass in the weeds, around docks and on offshore humps. FWC lists largemouth bass, redear sunfish (shellcracker), black crappie and bluegill, with shad as forage. In summer, bass often school in open water.
What's biting by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Bass spawn season and the best shot at a big fish
- Crappie at their best
Spring Mar–May
- Late spawn and post-spawn bass
- Bluegill and shellcracker on beds
Summer Jun–Aug
- Early-morning topwater bass; schooling bass in open water
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
- Every angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Buy it online before the trip.
- Black bass: 5 per person per day, and only 1 may be 16" or longer. Some waters have special bass rules; your guide will tell you before the trip.
- Crappie: 25 per person per day, 10" minimum.
Source: FWC. Limits change; your guide has the current rules.
Lake Tarpon fishing guide
Lake Tarpon is a 2,534-acre lake in Pinellas County, northwest of Tampa and just north of Clearwater. Weeds, docks and offshore humps hold largemouth bass all year.
Where you'll fish
Lake Tarpon has shoreline weeds, bulrush, cattail and tape grass beds, plus offshore humps with submerged grass. County parks have public boat ramps. Every trip on this page fishes Lake Tarpon. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time before the trip.
How the trips work
Trips run from a bass boat. Your guide provides rods, reels and artificial lures, and can set you up with live wild shiners, which are optional and cost extra. Most bass are photographed and released.
Best time to go
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish. In summer, go early before the heat and afternoon storms.
Tips for planning your trip
Buy a Florida freshwater fishing license online before the trip. Morning trips usually fish best, especially in summer.
Lake Tarpon fishing questions
How much does a Lake Tarpon fishing charter cost?
Trips start at $350 for 4 hours, $425 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. The live calendar shows the price for each date.
What fish can I catch on Lake Tarpon?
Largemouth bass are the main target. FWC also lists redear sunfish (shellcracker), black crappie and bluegill in the lake.
Where is Lake Tarpon?
In Pinellas County, near Tarpon Springs and Palm Harbor, northwest of Tampa and just north of Clearwater.
What is included?
Your guide, the bass boat and fuel, rods, reels and tackle, artificial lures and life jackets. The Florida freshwater license, live shiners and the guide’s tip are not included.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Freshwater guides don’t carry a license that covers guests, so each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online before the trip.
How many people can come?
Up to 4 people on the bass boat. Choose your number of guests in the calendar.
Which trip length should I book?
A 4-hour trip is a good first trip and fits families. Book 6 or 8 hours for more time on the water and a better shot at a big bass.
Where do we meet?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
What if the weather is bad?
If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
Nearby destinations
More fishing trips around Tampa Bay.
