Anna Maria Island Tarpon Fishing Charters

About Your Tarpon Fishing Adventure

These fish are by far, my favorite species to target. We typically see the spring migration starting the first week of May and fizzling out toward the end of June. I frequently schedule trips according to the moon phase. The very early morning and late in the evening can be extremely productive. So if you're planning on targeting these amazing animals, please be flexible. When targeting Tarpon, that is all we will target. And much like big game hunting, there is the rare trip that a fish doesn't come to the boat. But like Evil Kenievel, I get paid for the attempt! Most of these battles happen right along the Anna Maria Island and Bradenton beaches and in the passes of Tampa Bay, where the migrating Silver Kings stack up each spring.

Provided by Captain David

Top-Quality Fishing Gear: Rods, reels, and tackle appropriate for your fishing trip type.
Expert Guidance: Personalized instruction and tips to help you make the most of your fishing experience.
Refreshments: Bottled water to keep you hydrated.

Why Choose Captain David

Expertise and Local Knowledge: With years of experience fishing the waters around Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay, Captain David White offers unparalleled expertise and insight into the best fishing spots and techniques.
Personalized Experience: Each trip is customized to suit your preferences and skill level, ensuring a memorable and successful fishing adventure.
Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment: Captain David prioritizes your safety and comfort, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day on the water.

Pick up Location

This is the public boat ramp on Holmes Beach that we pick up our clients. It has a public restroom with a water fountain as well.

6398 Marina Way, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Park across the street from the tennis courts, by the public restroom.

We are happy to pick you and your group up at place of residence, given it's an accessible location by boat, and a reasonable distance from our normal operating area.

4 Hour Trip

Chase the silver king on a focused 4-hour trip, timed to the tides for your best shot at hooking up with a giant tarpon.
^$1000
Includes 4 Persons. $50 extra per person up to 6 maximum people.
6 Hour Trip

Extend the hunt with a 6-hour trip — more tide changes and more time in the migration lanes for multiple tarpon shots.
^$1200
Includes 4 Persons. $50 extra per person up to 6 maximum people.
Full Day

Experience a full day on the water, maximizing your chances at multiple tarpon hookups and creating unforgettable fishing memories.
^$1400
Includes 4 Persons. $50 extra per person up to 6 maximum people.

What To Bring On Your Fishing Trip

Essential Items

Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the Florida sun with a high-SPF sunscreen.
Hat and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses will help keep you cool and reduce glare on the water.
Comfortable Clothing: Dress in light, breathable clothing suitable for the weather. A long-sleeved shirt can provide extra sun protection.
Footwear: Non-slip, water-resistant shoes or sandals are ideal for comfort and safety on the boat.
Camera: Capture the memories of your fishing adventure with photos of your catch and the beautiful surroundings.
Snacks and Drinks: While water is provided, you might want to bring additional snacks and beverages to keep your energy up throughout the trip.
Personal Medications: Bring any necessary medications you might need during the trip.

Optional Items

Rain Gear: Just in case of an unexpected shower.
Cooler: If you plan to keep your catch, bring a cooler with ice for transport after the trip.
Personal Fishing Gear: If you prefer to use your own rods and reels, feel free to bring them along.

What Species Do We Target?

You can click on any fish to see details.

Compare Our Fishing Trips

Four ways to fish the same waters — side by side, so you can pick the day that fits your crew.

Comparison of Captain David White's four guided fishing charters
Trip	Inshore Fishing	Nearshore Fishing	This trip Tarpon Fishing	Fly Fishing
Pricing	^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr to full day	^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr to full day	^$ 1000 – ^$ 1400 4 hr to full day	^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr to full day
Trip lengths	4 hr · 6 hr · full day	4 hr · 6 hr · full day	4 hr · 6 hr · full day	4 hr · 6 hr · full day
Where you fish	Protected flats, mangroves & backcountry	Gulf reefs, up to 9 miles out	Beaches & passes on the migration route	Sight-casting the shallow flats
Season	Year-round	Year-round	May – July	Year-round
Top targets	Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout +7 more	King Mackerel, Cobia, Permit +7 more	Tarpon	Redfish, Snook, Tarpon +2 more
Best for	Families & anglers of every level	Offshore action without the long run	Anglers ready for a serious fight	First-timers to seasoned fly anglers
Details	Trip details →	Trip details →	You're viewing this trip	Trip details →

Inshore Fishing

^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr · 6 hr · full day

Where you fish

Protected flats, mangroves & backcountry

Season

Year-round

Top targets

Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout +7 more

Best for

Families & anglers of every level

Trip details →
Nearshore Fishing

^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr · 6 hr · full day

Where you fish

Gulf reefs, up to 9 miles out

Season

Year-round

Top targets

King Mackerel, Cobia, Permit +7 more

Best for

Offshore action without the long run

Trip details →
This trip
Tarpon Fishing

^$ 1000 – ^$ 1400 4 hr · 6 hr · full day

Where you fish

Beaches & passes on the migration route

Season

May – July

Top targets

Tarpon

Best for

Anglers ready for a serious fight

You're viewing this trip
Fly Fishing

^$ 700 – ^$ 1400 4 hr · 6 hr · full day

Where you fish

Sight-casting the shallow flats

Season

Year-round

Top targets

Redfish, Snook, Tarpon +2 more

Best for

First-timers to seasoned fly anglers

Trip details →

Every trip includes up to 4 anglers ($50 per extra person, up to 6) — rods, reels, tackle, bait, and your Florida fishing license are all covered.

Tarpon Fishing on Anna Maria Island: The Ultimate Adventure

If you're still not convinced. Read our Full Story

For an unforgettable fishing experience on Anna Maria Island, tarpon fishing should be at the top of your list. As the premier game fish in the region, tarpon provide an exhilarating challenge, especially during their annual migration in May and June. During these months, hundreds of tarpon travel from the Keys and the Caribbean to the warm waters around Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach for the summer.

Tarpon fishing is more than just a sport; it's an adventure. These powerful fish, often exceeding 100 pounds, offer one of the most exciting challenges for anglers. Known for their dramatic leaps and fierce battles, hooking a tarpon is a unique experience that can test your skills and endurance. The fights can last over an hour, and with heavy spinning tackle in hand, the action becomes even more engaging.

The prime time for targeting tarpon on Anna Maria Island is around the new and full moons of May and June. These moon phases stimulate tarpon spawning, creating a narrow window of opportunity for exceptional fishing. The days surrounding these moon phases are particularly productive, offering some of the most thrilling sight fishing experiences you'll ever have.

Our top bait choices are threadfin herring and pass crabs, which are naturally abundant in the area and highly effective for attracting tarpon. By keeping the number of rods in the water to just two or three, we ensure that everyone has a chance to engage in the fight, making the experience more personal and intense.

Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the sport, tarpon fishing on Anna Maria Island offers an experience you won't want to miss. The crystal-clear waters, the thrill of the chase, and the sheer power of these magnificent fish combine to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you've been considering tarpon fishing, now is the time to join us for the adventure of a lifetime on Anna Maria Island.

Ready to take on the challenge? Book your tarpon fishing trip with us and discover the best fishing that Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach have to offer. We promise an adventure that's worth every moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for tarpon fishing on Anna Maria Island?

Tarpon fishing on Anna Maria Island peaks from May through July, when schools of Silver Kings migrate along the beaches and stack up in the passes of Tampa Bay. We book these trophy trips early because the prime tarpon window is short.

Do I need experience to catch a tarpon?

No — Captain David coaches first-timers and seasoned anglers alike through every part of the fight. Hooking a 100-plus-pound tarpon off the Bradenton and Anna Maria Island beaches is a bucket-list battle, and we put you in the best position to land one.

How much is a tarpon fishing charter?

Tarpon charters start at $1,000 and run longer to make the most of the bite around the tides. All heavy tackle, bait, and Florida fishing licenses are included, and these seasonal big-game trips fill quickly from May through July.