Tarpon Fishing

Boca Grande Pass, located at the Southern Tip of Gasparilla Island, has for decades been known to many, as the Tarpon Capital of the World. Boca Grande Pass, during peak Tarpon Season, houses the largest concentration of Tarpon in one area, than any other place in the world. Warm waters and Spring Tides bring an abundance of crabs, shrimp and other various bait fishes to the Pass, creating the perfect buffet for the Megalops atlanticus.

Anglers come from all over the world, to Boca Grande, to try their luck at taming one of the almighty Silver Kings and experience one of the Island oldest Traditions.

At the turn of the century, with the introduction of the railroad, wealthy American and British sportsman began frequenting the town of Boca Grande and quickly discovered the spectacular Tarpon Fishing of the Charlotte Harbor area.

It would be this discovery, along with Phosphate off the banks of the Peace River that would put Boca Grande on the map forever.

Many of the early fishing community on Boca Grande were comprised of Spanish and Cuban families, who mainly commercial fished for a living. Many of the local fishermen were also part-time fishing guides, but as the sport fishing popularity grew in Charlotte Harbor, many turned guiding into their main source of income. Several of these fishing families are still here on Boca Grande, as fourth and fifth generation fishing guides, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors and preserving the century old traditions of the Boca Grande community.

The Traditional Pass Tarpon Fisherman is part of the traditions of Boca Grande and is dedicated to the preservation of the islands most precious natural resource, the Tarpon Fishery. Squirrel Fish, Crabs and Shrimp are the primary sources of bait used, with two people fishing from the stern at any given time. Many can be seen on a daily basis drifting thru the Boca Grande Pass, in such boats as the 24’ foot Morgan: The Blaze.
Tarpon Fishing Guides come and go, as quickly as the tides, but the Traditional Tarpon Fishing Guides of Boca Grande, remain, along with the age old techniques. Boca Grande Florida is a community based on traditions. Its preservation has allowed many to take a walk back in time, to the times of old, as if time has stood still.
So I invite you… to take a walk back in time, to the quaint little town of Boca Grande, enjoy a beautiful sunset with the Boca Grande Lighthouse in the backdrop, and catch a Tarpon with a Salty Traditional Fishing Guide from Boca Grande.