Fort Myers Tarpon Fishing Charters

Our Fort Myers tarpon fishing charters offer what many anglers consider a true bucket list fishing experience. Tarpon season here typically kicks off in early March and runs through August, and during that time Captain Jack spends as many days as possible chasing these incredible fish.

Tarpon are one of the most exciting fish you can hook into anywhere in the world. These fish can grow to well over 200 pounds and are famous for their blistering runs and huge acrobatic jumps as they try to shake the hook.

That combination of size, power, and aerial displays is exactly why tarpon are considered one of the most rewarding trophy fish an angler can catch. Landing one is never easy — but that’s what makes it so special.

6-Hour: $1,200/1-4 People
8-Hour: $1,500/1-4 People
10-Hour: $1,800/1-4 People

How We Fish For Tarpon At Jackpot

On our Fort Myers tarpon fishing charters, Captain Jack targets tarpon in several different areas depending on conditions, tides, and where the fish are moving.

Beach Tarpon Fishing

Fishing the beaches can be one of the most exciting ways to target tarpon. During the migration, large schools of tarpon move down the shoreline, giving us incredible sight fishing opportunities. When everything lines up, it’s possible to see dozens — sometimes even hundreds — of tarpon rolling on the surface.

When we get in front of a school, multiple hook-ups can happen quickly.

Tarpon Fishing on the Flats

Fishing tarpon on the flats is a much more stealthy approach. In these shallow areas — often less than 8 feet of water — we quietly position the boat and present live or dead baits to cruising fish.

Hooking a tarpon in shallow water is something you’ll never forget. With nowhere to dive deep, these fish tend to make long powerful runs and launch into huge jumps.

Bridge Tarpon Fishing

Fort Myers bridges are another great place to target tarpon. Depending on tides and time of day, we may fish live baits like threadfin, mullet, or crabs.

We also love throwing large artificial jigs and swimbaits. When a big tarpon thumps a lure under the bridge lights, it’s one of the most exciting strikes you’ll ever feel.

Tarpon in the Passes

Tarpon also gather in the deep passes throughout the area to feed on baitfish moving through the tides. Some of these passes can reach depths of 80 feet.

One of the most famous is Boca Grande Pass, known worldwide as the “Tarpon Capital of the World.” Many tarpon gather there to spawn.

Captain Jack prefers to let those fish do their thing and instead focuses on the many other productive areas around Fort Myers where we consistently find tarpon feeding and moving through.

What to Expect on a Fort Myers Tarpon Fishing Charter

Tarpon fishing is all about patience and persistence. These fish can be challenging, which is exactly what makes them so rewarding to catch.

Because of that, Captain Jack usually recommends 6, 8, 10, or even 12 hour trips when targeting tarpon.

It’s important to understand that tarpon fishing isn’t constant action every cast. On average, we see about one hookup per hour, but when it happens, the excitement level goes through the roof.

Once hooked, tarpon are famous for their big jumps. When they come out of the water, you’ll hear Captain Jack yell “Bow to the king!” — which means dropping the rod tip toward the fish to prevent them from throwing the hook.

Our hook-up to landing ratio is typically around 50/50, which is actually very good in the tarpon world.

Since tarpon season falls during the warmer spring and summer months, it’s a good idea to bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and fishing shirts. Captain Jack also has a large cooler on board for drinks and lunch, or we can always make a quick stop at a waterfront restaurant during the trip.