Featured Tarpon Charters in St. Augustine
Expert captains ready to take you on your next tarpon adventure.
Everett's Adventure Charters
Inshore/ nearshore charter fishing located in Saint Augustine, Flagler beach, Daytona beach. Open year round offering 4,5,6, and 8 hour trips. Targeting redfish, tarpon, black drum, sheepshead, mackerel and more! We are always open, give Everetts Adventure Charters a call today.
Fishardy Charters St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine, Florida with Fishardy Charters. For the best experiences on the water, choose your local fishing guide Capt. Jacob Hardy. Redfish, Flounder, Tarpon, Sheepshead, and more are on the menu with Fishardy Charters
Best Time to Catch Tarpon
Tarpon can be caught year-round in St. Augustine. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tarpon
The waters surrounding St. Augustine are a prime location for pursuing the Silver King, Tarpon. These magnificent fish migrate through the area during the warmer months, offering anglers a thrilling challenge. Focus your efforts in the inlets, backwaters, and nearshore waters, particularly around bridges, docks, and channels. Live bait, such as crabs, mullet, or pilchards, are highly effective, but artificial lures like swimbaits and topwater plugs can also entice a strike. A local's tip: the St. Augustine Inlet is a notorious tarpon hotspot, but be prepared for strong currents and heavy boat traffic. Pay close attention to the tides and fish during periods of moving water. Remember that tarpon are catch-and-release only in Florida, so handle them with care and revive them properly before releasing them back into the water.
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 in St. Augustine?
Since tarpon fishing in St. Augustine is primarily catch-and-release, using circle hooks with live bait like crabs or mullet is a good approach to minimize harm. Anglers also have success with artificial lures.
Is there a closed season for tarpon fishing in St. Augustine?
No, tarpon can be targeted year-round in St. Augustine. However, almost all tarpon fishing is catch-and-release only.
Do I need a special tag to harvest a tarpon in Florida?
Yes, you must possess a valid Florida Tarpon tag to harvest a tarpon. Otherwise, all tarpon must be released immediately.
Do I need a license to fish for tarpon in St. Augustine?
Yes, a valid Florida saltwater fishing license is required to target tarpon in St. Augustine. Make sure your license is up to date before heading out.
More Tarpon Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in St. Augustine
Ready to Catch Tarpon in St. Augustine?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.