Tarpon fishing report for Fort Myers to Boca Grande

Capt. Scott Hughes
June 30, 2011
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report

We are in the middle of another excellent tarpon season. The full and new moon tides during May and June produced some fantastic days with bunches of tarpon over 175 pounds. Weather did ruin a number of good tide days but overall it has been a good season. The fishing for the last 5 weeks has been more traditional than it has been the last few seasons for June. For the past few years the tarpon have pushed into Charlotte Harbor quite a bit during the month of June. But, June tarpon fishing is usually best around the passes and on the beaches. Both areas can be tricky for the inexperienced. Put your time in and you'll figure it out. To help shorten the learning curve, hire a experienced guide who specializes in tarpon fishing. The best tarpon guides only target tarpon during the prime months. If a guide is will to take you flats fishing during the months of May, June or July, he's not a devoted tarpon guide.

Right now the tarpon are starting to transition to a post spawn pattern and the bites have been easier to come by. I've noticed that the scattered singles and groups are feeding more on baitfish and the schools are still taking crabs and baitfish. In Boca Grande Pass, squirrel fish are catching as many if not more tarpon than crabs.

Fort Myers Fishing Forecast:

The tarpon fishing will continue to be good thoughout the summer and into the early fall. These fish will not likely be in shcools so you'll have to put in your time and look for scattered singles. These fishing can be anywhere there is a lot of baitfish. The beaches and the bays are the best places to look but some of the best tarpon fishing that I've ever had has been 3-4 miles offshore during the late summer when the tarpon move south during the fall migration.

Target Species:

tarpon

More Fishing Reports:

I specialize in light tackle saltwater, and fly fishing from the backcountry of the 10,000 Islands to flats of Pine Island Sound and the bay system of Charlotte Harbor. I have pick-up locations out of Ft Myers, Marco Island, Pine Island, Punta Gorda and Boca Grande. I like to target big fish. During warm months, tarpon, sharks, snook, redfish, cobia, king mackerel and big jacks are the main species sought after. Most of the winter months are devoted to redfish, trout, snook and grouper. Whether

Contact Info:

Blackwater Charters
12571 Burnt Store Rd
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Phone: 941-575-2389
Alt. Phone: 941-628-4247
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