Florida Gulf Coast

Like I said in a previous post, it's tarpon time down in the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, known as Boca Grande Pass. My posts will concentrate on this for a while because it's a major part of this SouthWest Florida region every year. Tourists and locals flood this area in a perfect time of year to test their skills against the Silver Kings.

Every year thousands (like 50,000) of tarpon gather in the pass to meet, eat, and greet. There are a couple of popular ways to fish for the tarpon but mainly it boils down to 2-3 options including:

• Traditional Live Bait (crab mostly)
• Jig fishing with short drifting the pass
• Fly fishing select areas

If you are considering some Tarpon fishing in Boca Grande you might consider a charter your first time out. Guides will normally choose one of the above options, but some are prepared for both Live Bait and Jig Fishing. Here are some things to prepare if you are thinking of heading out with a guide:

• Bring sun-screan, especially if you are coming from the north!
  
• Hat
• Sunglasses, polarized for better view and reduced glare
• Windbreaker (the pass can be pretty windy depending on the time of day)
• Beverage of choice, although many guides will have a packed cooler with refreshments
• Camera (video/digital still camera) ...Mostly something that can shoot quickly.

You're ready to go! I'll try to put together a list of reliable Captains next time.

Enjoy!

Posted by TRock on Friday, May 18, 2007 at 5:38 PM | Permalink