Reports

June Tarpon Fishing Report

Tarpon fishing is the most extreme inshore fishing available. A successful tarpon experience will be a story to tell and a memory that will last. Feeling the incredible power and watching a silver sea beast fly high in the air is an experience I cannot put into words. It’s simply incredible. I’d like to share with you some knowledge I’ve learned. I hope it will help you in your quest.

Just remember, every situation is different. Whether you are fishing the beach, the bridges, or Egmont, there are different techniques you must use. For now, we will be focusing on the summer outgoing hill tides in the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay is the last stop in the tarpons long migration where they gather in large schools before heading offshore to spawn. The tarpon gorge themselves on the flushing pass crabs that are trying to hitch a ride with long strong outgoing tide, hoping they can make it offshore to release their offspring.

Best Bait for Tarpon Fishing

Proper bait is more than important. Use your tide chart to guesstimate when to head out to begin your hunt for crabs. The crabs will usually begin to flush an hour after the outgoing tide begins. You should know that tide charts are not always accurate. In my experience, there is usually an hour difference between what the chart says then what the tide is actually doing. But it is always better to be early than to be late. Just have patience and wait for the tide to be right. A 10 dollar crab dip net can be bought at almost any bait shop. To find the flushing pass crabs your best bet is to post up under a bridge and look for the tide lines. Locating tide lines is simple. Just look for a stream of seaweed. The crabs will be in or around that area. After you gathered a dozen or so crabs, break their claws off to prevent fighting and damaging the integrity of your bait. Improper releasing of the claws will kill your crabs and will are of no use if dead.

Best Tackle for Tarpon Fishing

Let’s talk about tackle real quick. Put your trout rods away, you’re going to need to beef it up a bit. An extra heavy rod with a 5000 or higher spinning reel will get it done. Most anglers use plenty of 50 lb braided line tied line to line to a long 60-80 lb liter. I just use a uni to uni knot and about 6 ft of fluorocarbon. If the water is really clean I like to start with a lighter liter. Don’t expect every hook up to be a fish to the boat either, it’s not gonna happen. Fish will break off but you will usually get to watch a serious jump or two before getting loose. We are happy with bringing 1 of 3 tarpon to the boat.

Where to fish for Tarpon in St. Petersburg

There are many areas that hold tarpon this time of year but the intimidating skyway bridge is a good place to start. By no means is the big bridge easy to fish. The extremely fast and strong tide along with heavy boat traffic is dangerous and takes much practice to get it down. Some great advice I can give you is to sit back and watch seasoned anglers correctly do the drift. Learning how to drift your boat and crab properly is the only way to do it. Tarpon will not eat your dragging crab, it must be presented in its natural drift. Please understand that improperly

Let’s Go Inshore Fishing on St. Pete Beach!

St. Pete Beach Charters is the Official family charter of St. Pete Beach. When you book a charter with Captain Kenny, he will take the time to get to know you and your family personally. He will explain all ins and outs of fishing on St. Pete Beach. He is passionate about making sure you and your family have the best time possible and create memories that will last a lifetime.