Boca Grande fishing
Top Rated Fishing Charters in Boca Grande, Florida.
Boca Grande is an island community on the Grand Barrier Island of Gasparilla between Sarasota and Ft. Myers on Florida’s beautiful southern Gulf Coast. Boca Grande is truly a quiet island retreat and a Mecca for sport fishing. Boca Grande has no traffic lights, white sand beaches all along its Gulf shore, and miles of estuary on its eastern shore which serve as a nursery to many species of ocean fish. The white sand beaches and warm Gulf waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and shelling. Sailing and boating are popular water sports and sightings of osprey, manatee, and dolphins are common.
Boca Grande has a lighthouse which houses a museum that spotlights Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island’s rich history. Art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, and gift shops offer lovely shopping opportunities on Boca Grande. Boca Grande has several restaurants that features the best in fresh local seafood and produce in a charming seaside atmosphere.
Boca Grande’s greatest attraction is its unspoiled natural beauty and quiet charm. Boca Grande is easily accessible by car and is located near the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport, and Tampa International Airport. Boca Grande Fish Boca Grande arguably has the best tarpon fishing in the world. Other great inshore fish species caught in Boca Grande include: snook, redfish, mackerel, ladyfish, sheepshead, shark, jack Crevalle, cobia, and snapper.
Boca Grande boasts incredible tropical weather year-round. High temperatures range from the mid ’70s in winter to the high 80s to 90 degrees in the summer. The summer months, from June to September, have the most rainfall, but the sun shines almost daily. Fishing charters in Boca Grande often specialize in outstanding giant tarpon fishing, but great fishing for many species is available year-round.
Tarpon fishing is good from March through August, with its amazing peak in April and May with tarpon by the thousands surrounding Boca Grande. Snook, trout, grouper, redfish, and jack Crevalle provide year-round fishing opportunities. Sharks come in the warm months from April to August, while cobia is available from February through June. Most charter fishing in Boca Grande is inshore light tackle and fly fishing from small 2-4 person boats.
The captains and guides are very friendly and knowledgeable and can point anglers in the right direction for great fishing year-round. Choose Boca Grande for your next Florida fishing adventure Sometimes called Martha’s Vineyard of the South, Boca Grande is an island paradise with sugar sand beaches, charming shops, great seafood, unspoiled natural beauty and some of the best inshore backwater fishing in Florida and the best tarpon fishing in the world. The friendly community embraces sport fishing and makes anglers feel welcome, making Boca Grande an amazing charter fishing destination.
Boca Grande Fishing Seasons
Winter Fishing Season
Spring Fishing Season
Summer Fishing Season
Fall Fishing Season
Fall brings a continuation of remarkable fishing opportunities in Boca Grande. This season brings milder temperatures and less crowded waters, allowing anglers to enjoy a peaceful fishing experience. Inshore fishing presents opportunities to catch Snook, Redfish, Trout, and Flounder. Exploring the nearshore reefs and wrecks, anglers can expect to encounter Grouper, Snapper, and Sheepshead.
Before embarking on your fishing adventure, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. Remember to practice responsible angling by following catch limits and releasing undersized or protected species to preserve the ecosystem for future generations.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to catch your first fish, saltwater fishing in Boca Grande offers a year-round angling paradise. So grab your fishing gear, immerse yourself in the beauty of the coastal surroundings, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on the waters of Boca Grande!
Boca Grande Weather Conditions
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Boca Grande is mild and comfortable. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-23 degrees Celsius). It is a pleasant time to visit, with mostly clear skies and lower humidity levels. Occasionally, cooler days or cold fronts might bring slightly cooler temperatures. The cooler temperatures attract a variety of fish to the area. In the backwaters and estuaries, anglers can target popular catches such as Snook, Redfish, and Trout. Rainfall is generally lower during this season, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Before embarking on your fishing adventure, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. Remember to practice responsible angling by following catch limits and releasing undersized or protected species to preserve the ecosystem for future generations.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to catch your first fish, saltwater fishing in Boca Grande offers a year-round angling paradise. So grab your fishing gear, immerse yourself in the beauty of the coastal surroundings, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on the waters of Boca Grande!
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings warmer temperatures and increasing humidity to Boca Grande. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28 degrees Celsius). The weather is generally sunny, with occasional rain showers. It’s a beautiful time to explore the area, as nature comes alive with vibrant colors and blooming flowers. Water temperatures rise, attracting various fish species to the coastal waters. As spring arrives, Boca Grande’s fishing scene bursts with life and activity.
Summer (June to August)
Fall (September to November)
Fall in Boca Grande brings slightly cooler temperatures and reduced humidity. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28 degrees Celsius). The weather remains mostly sunny, with occasional rain showers and tropical storms. This season brings milder temperatures and less crowded waters, allowing anglers to enjoy a peaceful fishing experience. It is a popular time for fishing, as many species are active and migrating through the area. Water temperatures gradually cool down, attracting different fish species.
It’s important to note that weather conditions can vary, and occasional deviations from the typical patterns can occur. It’s always advisable to check local weather forecasts before planning outdoor activities. Additionally, remember that hurricane season extends from June to November, with September being the peak. Stay informed about any potential weather disturbances and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go charter fishing in Boca Grande?
The price of fishing in Boca Grande depends on the time of year. There is the peak April – July, Tarpon Season where prices are at the highest with the average prices of between $900 for 6 hrs. to $1600 or more for 12 hour trips.
Off peak season, August – November, prices drop significantly with an average price for 4 hours around $600 up to 8 hr. trips for $950. These prices are based on 4 anglers per boat. Usually there is a $100 charge for up to two additional passengers. Some inshore trips are for only 2 anglers.
These prices vary depending on the length of trips, size of boat, number of anglers and for some Boca Grande fishing charters the fishing technique used. There are many charters specifically designed for particular popular fish species and Boca Grande fishing charters can also customize charters to cater to your needs. At this time there are no shared trips available.
What should I bring on a Boca Grande Fishing Charter?
What is the most popular fish to catch in Boca Grande?
Boca Grande is known as “The Tarpon Capital of the World” and for the peak four months of April to July, when the annual migration begins, is all that anglers that have come from all corners of the globe are targeting the “Silver King.”
Tarpon are so popular because of the fight and acrobatic flight they display when being reeled in and during these four months there is nowhere in the world with a larger population.
Even after the spawning season is over these giants stay in the area till early November and for some the off peak season is the time to go because there are less crowds and there are still plenty of fish.
Snook and Redfish are also popular inshore fish except during the Tarpon season. This is because landing a Tarpon is a thrill that every fisherman should feel at some time in their lives and coming to Boca Grande is one of the best chances of watching the dance of the “Silver King” as you fight to reel it in.
How big do tarpon get in Boca Grande?
When is tarpon season in Boca Grande?
Some feel there are actually three separate seasons for Tarpon in Boca Grande. The first is the entrance of these giants to the area from April to May. This is when they come to feed and get fattened up for their spawning. The peak of Tarpon season is from June and July and this is probably the best time of year to land a “Silver King.”
This is when they gather in large groups to feed and to spawn. But the “Silver King” stay in the area till early November and for many of the Boca Grande fishing charter captains say this is the best time to try to hook up with one. They are still feeding, just not in the numbers before but still in good numbers, and there are much less boats in the water. So the season is actually eight months of the year.
What’s the best method of catching tarpon?
There are many methods, and the best depends on time of year and time of day.
The first month, April, sight fishing is used by many. After that, drifting is the method of choice.
Also two types of bait work best for catching Tarpon in the Boca Grande Pass. Depending on your Boca Grande fishing charter captain they may follow one of two methods. First, in the morning hours many feel live crabs are best, but as the day progresses they change to artificial lures.
The second factor is the type of boat. If you are on a Boca Grande fishing charter in the Pass with an outboard motor your experienced guide will probably recommend using an artificial jig or during Hill Tides live crab. If your guide is on a smaller inboard boat then your captain will probably have you fishing with live bait like squirrelfish, live crab or shrimp.
What are the Hill Tides?
For four days in the afternoon, two before the full moon and two before the new moon, a phenomenon occurs called the “Hill” tides.
During these afternoons, outgoing waves bring thousands of crabs into the Pass, and it brings with it a feeding frenzy. These “Hill” tides occur for three months; May, June, and July and are one of the main reasons these months are the peak season for Tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass.
Are there other places close to Boca Grande that offer good fishing?
Florida is known for its Tarpon population. They are located just about anywhere on the coasts of the Gulf and Atlantic.
So there are many places very close to Boca Grande Pass. Here are a few of the most popular.
To the north is Tampa Bay which is quickly getting a reputation for Tarpon like the Pass. There is also the Homosassa River, where giant Tarpon are known to frequent. There have been many world records caught in these pristine open waters.
To the South is Marco Island, The Everglades and Key West. Marco Island and the Ten Thousand attract the migrating Tarpon as they make their way to the Pass. The Everglades are more wild with backcountry creeks and rivers with giant mangroves and flats. The Florida Keys is probably the most popular destination for Tarpon fishing in the world. You can hook up with Silver Kings on both sides of the Keys throughout the spring and summer. Islamorada, halfway between Miami and Key West, is said to be the center of attraction for these most prized game fish.
Can you catch other fish besides tarpon in Boca Grande?
There are plenty of other fish in the waters of Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor. Charlotte Harbor itself is one of the largest estuaries in the US and is home to many fish species. Examples would be Redfish, Speckled Trout, Snook, Sheepshead, Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel.
Also the Gulf of Mexico has many other fish that live in the reefs, wrecks and oil rigs, Examples here would be many different species of Snapper including the delicious Red Snapper, a variety of Grouper, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Amberjacks, Wahoo, Barracuda and a large population of sharks that unfortunately also eat a lot of the Tarpon you hook up with.