Welcome to peak Silver Kings Season!
Yep, our famous tarpon schools bring all adventure-seeking anglers to the waters of AMI this time of year. While we these awesome sport fish around all year, now’s the time when the warmer waters mean more tarpon—and more fish in general.
And that’s the beauty of booking a fishing charter on Anna Maria with me: I’m flexible! I always take note of what my clients want to do, where they want to go and what they want to fish for and see. Then I put together the best possible boat trip for their wants and needs.
So when we set off in the morning for tarpon, I factor in whether they’re dedicated to reeling in that one species or if they’re just on the water for a fishing adventure. If it’s the latter, we can play it by ear. Maybe the tarpon fishing is having a rare off day, in which case we can always change it up and try for other fish. Goodness knows there are enough to choose from!
But in June and July, it almost always makes sense to give tarpon fishing a try. These monsters are absolutely iconic for anyone who likes to fish, and now’s the time to get your picture taken with a king.
Why are tarpon so iconic?
They’re not called “Silver Kings” for nothing! Tarpon are big, bright fighters. If you’re looking for something to compare them to, you really can’t. Tarpon are the only fish in their family (though they are in the same order as bonefish). So when we say tarpon fishing is a unique adventure, we’re not exaggerating!
And then there’s their fight. Reeling in a tarpon is a physical and mental challenge. They’re super-strong, super-durable fighters, and the fights can go on for half an hour.
But as a reward for your struggle, you’ll likely get a show. Many tarpon incorporate jumps into their fight, leaping out of the water so everyone can see exactly what you’re fighting. (There’s a practical reason for this: Tarpon can actually breathe a little above water, so part of the jumps is to “gulp” air.)
How do you fish for tarpon near Anna Maria Island?
Part of the appeal of southwest Florida for these fish lies in our relatively shallow estuaries, where the juveniles like to grow big and strong.
Longboat Pass at the south end of AMI and Tampa Bay to the north are both great tarpon-fishing locales that are literally right here. And there are plenty of others just a short boat ride away.
We’ll head out early, when they’re most active moving through those passes in search of food—which we supply in the form of live bait. We’ll use a super-sharp circle hook because tarpon have bony mouths, so it can be hard to get them hooked.
If we get one to the boat, we’ll work fast to get a photo. Tarpon are catch-and-release only, which just goes to show you how much fun they are. People come to Anna Maria from all over the world just to catch fish that they can’t even take to the dock!
The Best AMI Fishing Charter for You
All that being said, tarpon can be a challenge to fish and to fight. For folks who aren’t committed to landing one of these famous gamefish, you’ve got options! We can always switch it up and go after snook, redfish, seatrout, Spanish mackerel, cobia, and loads of other species that are teeming in our local waters right now. Take your pick and I’ll take you to ‘em!
