Featured Tarpon Charters in Marco Island
Expert captains ready to take you on your next tarpon adventure.
Destination Fish Charters
Marco Island, Florida
Danny Fabian is one of Southwest Florida's premier backwater and sport fishermen in Naples and Marco Island, Florida. As a professional fishing quide, Danny specializes in fishing in Everglades National Park and focuses on Snook, Grouper, Tarpon, Trout, Redfish.
Grassroots Guiding
Grassroots Guiding is serving Everglade City, Chokoloskee, and the Naples area that specializes in shallow water sight fishing and light tackle for Tarpon, Redfish, and Snook.
Marco Island Fishing Guide
Join Captain John The Best Inshore Fishing In Marco Island, Naples and The Ten Thousand Islands. Fishing Daily For Snook, Redfish and Tarpon.
Best Time to Catch Tarpon
Tarpon can be caught year-round in Marco Island. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tarpon
Chasing Tarpon around Marco Island is an unforgettable experience. These 'Silver Kings' migrate through the area in the late spring and summer, offering anglers the chance to hook into a true trophy. Focus your efforts around bridges, passes, and channels where Tarpon congregate to feed on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Live crabs are a top bait choice, but large swimbaits and topwater lures can also draw explosive strikes. A key piece of advice is to fish during the early morning or late evening hours when Tarpon are most active. Be aware that Tarpon fishing requires specialized tackle, including heavy rods, reels, and leaders. The bridges around Marco Island are popular spots, but be respectful of other anglers and boaters. The Tarpon population in this area is carefully managed, so practice catch and release to help preserve this magnificent species.
How to Catch Tarpon
Tarpon Fishing Regulations in Florida
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
Catch-and-release only, except for harvest with a Tarpon tag
Size Limit
Must possess a Tarpon tag to harvest
License Required
Saltwater fishing license
Tarpon tags are obtained through a lottery or purchase for certain circumstances. There are gear restrictions; use of treble hooks to harvest tarpon is prohibited.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to target tarpon around Marco Island?
Tarpon in Marco Island are often caught using live bait such as crabs, pinfish, and threadfin herring. Artificial lures like swimbaits and large flies can also be effective. Focus on areas near bridges, passes, and channels.
Is there a size limit for tarpon in Florida?
Generally, tarpon are catch-and-release only in Florida. To harvest a tarpon, you must possess a tarpon tag.
Do I need a license to fish for tarpon in Marco Island, Florida?
Yes, a valid Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fish for tarpon. If you intend to harvest one, you also need a tarpon tag.
Can I keep a tarpon that I catch in Marco Island?
Generally, no. Tarpon are primarily catch-and-release in Florida, but limited harvest is allowed with a purchased Tarpon tag. Check current regulations before targeting them.
More Tarpon Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Marco Island
Ready to Catch Tarpon in Marco Island?
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