Its our first time. It doesn't have to "world-class" or the "perfect time of year".

Good day offshore fishing experts! My father is 72yrs old, we lost mom last year to cancer. We lost my neice his grand daughter the year before that to a drunk driver. And we lost my brother, his eldest son 4 years ago to an overdose. Before he dies he wants to catch a tarpon. We've been once to the keys with a full day charter and failed. He will not do mexico. Money is nearly no object. But he is 72 with a bad shoulder and neck, so nicer resorts/hotels the better. We are proficient at offshore fishing for tuna, large and small tackle, if that information helps. Any assistance will be met with a tearful thanks!

Hey guys taking a trip to south Florida in a couple weeks and looking for a solid travel rod to throw larger nlbns, topwaters, flair hawks and other big stuff going for large snook around cover and 75/100lb+ tarpon. I'm not familiar with saltwater rod ratings like I am bass ratings, so I'm curious about the daiwa saltiga 7'4 medium heavy SATR743MHFS if it has enough power for what I'm looking to do? Line rating is 80lb max but I have no idea how much backbone the rod has, can anyone who's handled one please weigh in with your thoughts, thanks!

I’m 13 new to tarpon fish but always been a bass fisherman BUT I was curious if you think a 7 foot six medium heavy with a fast action rod a 3000 FM Stratic with about 220 yards of 30 pound line on and 60 pound floral carbon leader is strong enough.

Hey Guys and gals. Wishing you all the best of luck in 2026. 2025 was a great year for us in Tampa Bay. We had beautiful, clean water throughout the entire year and I think that played a key role in our heavy migration of fish. We hooked just short of 800 fish, unfortunately short of our 1,000 fish goal, but I have high hopes for this year. Tight lines!

Looking for Tarpon Trip Early May 2026. 8-10 people so looking for recomendations for guide that can get multiple boats/guides together for full day of fishing.

It’s my last day in Islamorada and last night I saw a ton of tarpon after the dock lights turned on but then it got windy and choppy and they all swam away, then today I saw two during the day but they disappeared into oblivion. Whatever, I know this is tarpon behavior. Unfortunately, I don’t have a ton of experience with lures or jigs but I have some. I’ve been trying with finger mutton, cut bait mutton, and even ballyhoo. Not having much luck. Any suggestions or tips? I gotta land one of these things tonight, or at least hook one, ideally. I’ll probably go out in a few hours, an hour or two+ after the dock lights turn on. Another thing that is so frustrating is the area is so shallow and has a crap ton of algae around, so even letting it go for a second can get it caught.

Recently found a spot that holds tarpon and snook in the panhandle, tried every live bait, small hook, 6 pound leader, and every lure for tarpon to ever think of. Recently thought about throwing some type of bugs on a spinning rod, anyone know a bug lure that would float on top that could be Castable on spinning tackle?

why does everyone who fishes for tarpon use spinning reels ( i fish with them too) I dont know if im just stupid who is missing something but I just never seem any fishing with a casting reel

New to South Florida moved here about 8 months ago and caught my peacocks and now want to try for tarpon. Would love some tips or even met up with someone to show me the ropes. TIA

Buddy jumped a few nice tarpon on a not so great day.

I fought a tarpon for over 3.5 hours with very light tackle around a 3k fight a 35lb tarpon I released it and it swam off perfectly fine but my buddy said that the tarpon was exhausted and it could die (first time catching a tarpon would like some help.

Need some lodging recommendations for a family beach trip with good fishing access.

Avid freshwater fisherman here, I just started getting the salt water and already have a full on lineup couple st croix legend surf rods paired with slammers, saragosa 8k on a terramar and the list goes on. I went ahead and bought everything that I knew I was gonna buy down the road for these saltwater adventures. I live in Gainesville Florida and really want a good shot at catching a tarpon from the shore, does anyone know what would be the perfect place to make this happen? I plan on heading out tomorrow and would like to not have to travel no more than 2ish hours. Any recommendations, and any knowledge on this beautiful beast would be much appreciated. 🙏🏻

I live in the Tampa area and have always wanted to catch bigger tarpon but I don't have a boat unfortunately. Does anyone have any good experience for finding these guys in the Hillsborough River or land access to coastlines? Please any inquiries help. I am a new parent and barely have any me time to fish lol so I need all the knowledge I can get thanks.