Fort Myers tarpon fishing is at its best a few days before, during, and after the new and full moons. During our summer months of May, June, and July we have what we call hill tides. These tides occur once every two weeks on the new and full moons. The tide comes in super strong and high for a period of time then it rushes out for the rest of the day. Hill tides are a tarpons favorite tide.

Why? Because during these super tides all the crabs get sucked out to sea from the grass flats of the back bay. The tarpon stack in the passes  aka ( Boca grande, captiva, and redfish pass). We typically drift live crabs we catch under a cork or free line them to the feeding tarpon for the duration of the tide. Hill tides are a lot fun and produce multiple hooks on a 6-8 hour tarpon fishing charter. Be sure to visit www.caloosahatcheecowboy.com for booking inqueries. Until next time jump em high.

Capt. Josh

Fort Myers in the Sunshine State is almost synonymous with tarpon fishing. The place and the fishing activities here are world-renowned, and for a good reason. The new and full moons offer some of the year’s best fishing a few days before and after. This is when Fort Meyers experiences hill tides. These tides happen once every two weeks during the full and new moon. 

The tide comes in high and super strong for some time; then, it rushes out for the rest of the day. Hill tides are a tarpon’s favorite tide because they offer an abundance of baitfish to feed on. If you’re looking to catch a giant tarpon, you can brag about it, keep an eye on the moon phases and plan your trip accordingly.

If you want to catch a tarpon, timing is everything. The best time for Fort Meyer’s tarpon fishing is during the spawning season, typically from April to June. However, tides also play a significant role in tarpon fishing. During high tides, tarpon congregates in the passes, which are easier to access. However, they often spread out onto the grass flats during low tides, making them much harder to catch. 

This is why Hill Tides are so popular among tarpon anglers. The tarpon stacks up in the passes, making them easier to catch. So if you’re looking for a productive day of tarpon fishing, keep an eye on the tide chart.

Tarpon fishing in Fort Myers: Full and new moon

Florida’s spring tarpon season is in full swing, and anglers from all over the world are converging on the Sunshine State in hopes of landing a trophy fish. Tarpon is prized for its massive size, mighty fight, and elusive nature. They have been a prized catch for centuries. 

The season typically runs from May to June, but the exact dates vary depending on the weather and water conditions. In recent years, the tarpon population has begun to rebound after decades of decline, making now a great time to try your luck at landing one of these giant fish. With a little chance and a lot of skill, you might be able to add a tarpon to your list of trophy catches.

The perfect time to attempt catching a big tarpon is now. Tarpon is one of the most prized fish by anglers, not only because of their size but also because of their fight. They’re known for their acrobatic leaps out of the water, and they struggle when you hook them. If you’re looking for a sweat-dripping challenge, this is it! Head on down to Florida’s coasts and see if you can land yourself a big one.

Islamorada/Marathon

There is no better place for anglers searching for trophy tarpon than around Seven-Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. Tarpons congregate in the warm waters around the bridge, attracted by the abundance of baitfish. Silver mullets are a favorite food of tarpon, and anglers who use live mullets as bait can expect to hook several fish daily. 

The ideal time for fishing is early in the morning and late at night when the tarpon is most active. This is also when the biggest fish are likely to be caught. Tarpons in the 150-pound class are not unheard of, though most weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Spring is the peak season for tarpon fishing, with fish arriving in May and staying through June. Seven-Mile Bridge is the place to be for anglers looking to land a trophy tarpon. 

May and June’s full moon brings a unique opportunity for fishing enthusiasts looking to snag a tarpon. Tarpon congregates to feed on palolo worms around the west side of the Bahia Honda Bridge channel. These small red worms with white heads are hundreds of tarpon’s favorite snacks, so red-colored flies are the perfect bait.

Not to be outdone by the palolo worms, other fish like grouper, snapper, sharks, and barracudas also feast on the free buffet. This is an excellent opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish in one place. So grab your rod and reel and head to the Bahia Honda Bridge channel for full moon fishing fun.

Tarpon fishing is a popular pastime in the Middle Keys, and the good news is that the fishing remains good throughout July. If you’re looking to bait and snag a big one, there is plenty of “resident” tarpon in the 30- to 60-pound range around bridges at night, passes, and canals.

Fishing is usually best from May until June. However, the best flats action happens a few weeks before and after the famous Middle Keys months. Also, consider the weather and water conditions. Take note of these months if you plan to visit Fort Meyers for its tarpon fishing seasons. 

Homosassa

You couldn’t find many places with as many big tarpons as Homosassa. Even when fishing is slow, and the big ones aren’t biting, there’s always active with the 10- to 40-pound “schoolies” that abound. The best time for tarpon fishing here is from March through June, when the fish migrate north from their winter haunts off the Florida Keys. But Homosassa is worth a visit any time of year. The scenery is fantastic, the wildlife abundant, and the people friendly. What more could you ask for?

Homosassa is well-known as a fly-rod fishing spot. But it’s clear that deep flats also are good for spin and plug fishers. The average tarpon here runs a hundred pounds or better. A world-record tarpon landed here a few years ago. It weighed just over 280 pounds and was caught on a 20-pound test line. 

The key to success in Homosassa is to fish live bait under a cork. Start by anchoring up in 25 to 35 feet of water and free-lining a live threadfin herring behind the boat. Move to another spot if you don’t hook one in ten minutes. The chances are good that you’ll see tarpon rolling on the surface before you hook up. When you do, be ready for the ride of your life. These fish are powerful and can easily break off your tackle if you’re not careful. But with practice and patience, you’ll be landing tarpon in no time.

Angling for tarpon is not for the faint of heart. These powerful fish can weigh in at over two hundred pounds, and they are notorious for their ability to break lines and snap rods in half. But for those who are up for the challenge, there is no more fantastic prize than a massive tarpon. Luckily, there are a few hotspots where anglers can reliably find these elusive fish. In the Florida Keys, Boca Grande is a popular destination for tarpon fishing. The season typically starts in April and peaks in May or June.

Although smaller fish are common, it’s not unusual to hook a tarpon that weighs 60 to 80 pounds. If you’re looking for a more significant challenge, Homosassa is considered one of the premier tarpon fishing spots globally. Here, anglers can hire guides to put them on fish that weigh well over 200 pounds. But be warned: landing a fish of this size is no easy feat despite the best efforts of even the most experienced guides. If you’re looking for mettle testing against one of the mightiest fish in the sea, head to Florida and try your luck at tarpon fishing.

Book your tarpon fishing expedition with Caloosahatchee Cowboy Charters

Nothing beats the ease and comfort of riding fishing charters driven by the most experienced boat captains. Here at Caloosahatchee Cowboy, we won’t only guarantee a fun fishing escapade, but we also offer one that’s for the books. With our experienced crew and staff, fishing even in a territory that’s new to you can be smooth sailing. We know the area best, so we can guarantee a good time. Talk to us, and let’s plan that perfect complete and new moon tarpon fishing getaway!