Thinking of going after my first tarpon in June somewhere in Florida. Since Southwest flies to Ft. Meyers I was looking at the Boca Grande area. They have backwater trips, too. Any suggestions on guides or maybe a different area that would be a fun half day trip? Not going to the Keys this trip, but that will be another one for another day. TIA

I keep reading a different word. I'm sorry.

You're not talking about fly fishing though, right? I've got a couple buddies in Tampa who don't fly fish but fish a good bit I can ask them.

Yes, not fly fishing. Artificials tho.

I have been in Tampa since 2006. Fish w/ live bait.

I've used a few guides in the Fort Myers area, but the best has been Andy Lee of Grassroots Guides. He launches out of Chokoloskee, which is an hour+ away.

It's hard to run to several spots and the tide may not cooperate on a half day trip. A full day will give you a better shot.

Finally, while you're here, check out some beach snook. They get crazy shallow and can be easily sight-fished if the water is clear (pretty big IF in June). Took this pic last year; illustrates how shallow they will go.

Ayto headed to Sanibel in March. Will there be snook on the beach

The first wave of snook will be showing up on the beaches if it stays warm. We've had such a hot spring, that I'm gonna check on Monday and see if any arrived extra early.

The key is to expect them right off the sand. Most people get in the water and pass up the fish. And the closer to a pass, the better.

Edit: I think it also helps to wear a blue shirt and try to blend in with the sky. Otherwise it seems like the snook see you.

Casey Key kayak for tarpon. Rent a place on VRBO and have the time of your life

Fished with this guy a bunch. May and June are the tarpon times in Tampa.

http://steadyactionfishingcharters.com/jason-prieto/

We caught 12+ in one day. Another trip he put my 16 yo son on his first. I've caught them on every trip while watching other boats around get skunked. As most good guides, he knows what bait to use when and gives you the subtle tips that make the difference.

Check out a few of the guides out of Jensen's Marina on Captiva Island-

Nelson Diaz
Shawn Kelly
Dieter ? - can't remember his last name
And there's another one named Jeff, again can't remember his last name.

Nelson Diaz would be my first choice.

You can fly into Ft Myers and rent a car or use a shuttle service. Stay in Sanibel or Captiva. My favorite two islands in Florida. Would choose staying at either of them over Boca Grande. You can do fishing trips to Boca Grande from Jensen's if you're set on fishing near Boca Grande.

In (the boat)!!!

All booked! Going with Andy Lee for 2 days of fishing. Talked to him, and his way of fishing matches what I was looking for. So stoked! Hopefully we'll have lots of pictures to post in late May!

Yeah, buddy!

TRIDENT said:

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In (the boat)!!!

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Can't wait!

tntotx said:

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Casey Key kayak for tarpon. Rent a place on VRBO and have the time of your life

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In the bay or on the beach? This post has potential!

Roynonroy: had to do a double-take on that guide's pics. The sheepshead pic is misleading.

I'm excited for y'all. Can't wait to see pics.

Bumping this bc I'll post the report on this thread once I get everything uploaded.

Edit. I'm gonna start a new thread for the report.

Heading to Key West in June. In the event I don't do a full day charter, what's better for tarpon: morning or evening?

I've caught a tarpon on a morning trip once before and it was the awesome. But curious if others have success in the afternoons/evenings also.

Morning was better for us last year. Winds are usually more calm, too.

Mule_lx said:

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I keep reading a different word. I'm sorry.

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Tarpon.....smells like a fish.

I prefer the morning, but tide is probably more important than time. Pick whichever is not during a lull.

You can coax a tarpon anytime, but it seems like the bite lasts longer after the sun rises. Plus, finding rollers is easier in the AM.

The benefit of an afternoon trip is the guide won't have another customer after you, so if you get into a good meatwad, he won't have to rush back for someone else.