If you’re planning to hit the waters around Boca Grande anytime soon, let me tell you, you’re in for some great fishing, especially between May and June. Locals know this stretch of the Gulf Coast is buzzing during the early summer—the fish are biting, the boats are launching at dawn, and everyone’s hoping to land the big one.
Spring through early summer are like starting gun for fishermen who’ve been counting down the days, marking their calendar, and dreaming about those first casts back on the water.
Right now is prime time for tarpon, but there’s plenty more in the water waiting for you. So let’s get right to what’s biting now—and where you can find them:
How’s the Inshore Fishing Right Now?
First up, let’s talk tarpon.
Boca Grande is known far and wide as the Tarpon Capital of the World. And come May and June, these silver giants are definitely the stars of the show.
From now through July, there’s a great migration to the Boca Grande Pass area, and the “Silver Kings” are here in the thousands. You can literally see these large silvery fish rolling on the surface.
So whether you’re an experienced tarpon hunter, or a newbie eager to land your first giant, this is the place and season to do it. Hooking one of these behemoths is an adrenaline rush like no other—imagine a fish that’s often over 100 pounds leaping out of the water!
Now with all the talk about the silver kings, you might be wondering what else is in the waters around Boca Grande right now. Well, snook are also on the move as the waters warm up. These crafty fighters lurk around mangroves and docks, and they’re a blast to catch. With their sharp turns and powerful runs, snook can really test your skills (and your gear).
Depending on conditions, you might want to focus on areas like the backcountry waters along the east side of Gasparilla Island. The mangrove-lined shores here create the perfect ambush points for snook, especially during the early morning or late evening.
Another potential hot spot is the railroad trestle that stretches across the northern part of the island. The structure provides plenty of cover and flowing water, which is just what snook crave. Floating a live pilchard or casting a soft plastic under the trestle can lead to some explosive action.
And let’s not forget about the docks. Over by Whidden’s Marina, there’s a collection of old, wooden docks that snook just can’t resist. These areas provide shade and protection, making them ideal for snook during the heat of the day. Drop a shrimp or a crab near these docks, and you’re pretty much ringing the dinner bell for these fish.
Don’t overlook redfish either. These bruisers are around all year, but there’s something special about spring and early summer. You’ll find them cruising the oyster bars and grassy flats, tailing in the shallows. Spotting a redfish tailing as it feeds is enough to get any fisherman’s heart racing.
For a good experience, you might want to head to the flats around Turtle Bay or the clear waters off Cayo Costa. These spots are known for their sea grass beds, which are like cafeterias for redfish. On a calm day, you can spot them from a distance, their tails waving above the water as they dig for crabs and shrimp.
During high tide, also check out the areas around the mouths of small creeks and inlets. These are prime spots where redfish like to feed and hide. The water movement around these parts brings in baitfish and stirs up the bottom, creating a perfect dining scenario for hungry reds.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Bull Bay area is a must-visit. It’s a bit more secluded, but during the right conditions it can be a goldmine for larger reds. Here, they often travel in small schools, pushing water and creating visible wakes that are a dead giveaway for their presence. Position yourself quietly, cast a gold spoon or a soft plastic crab near the wake, and prepare for a thrilling fight.
And if you’re up for some early morning action, spotted seatrout are a good bet. Hit the grassy flats at dawn, and you’re likely to find these speckled beauties. They’re not only fun to catch but also make a fine dinner.
These fish are particularly active during the cooler parts of the morning, and can be found in the expansive seagrass meadows of Charlotte Harbor and the Pine Island Sound. Using live bait like shrimp or small pinfish under a popping cork can be incredibly effective in these areas.
Another great spot is the area around Bull Bay and Gasparilla Sound. Here, the slightly deeper waters along the grassy edges are perfect for those who prefer to wade. Wading allows for a stealthier approach, which can be crucial in the clear, shallow waters where seatrout are easily spooked. Just remember to move slowly and watch where you step—stingrays are common, and a good shuffle is better than a high step.
Pompano, those scrappy little fighters, are around too, especially near the sandy bottoms close to inlets and passes. They love small jigs and sand fleas. Early morning or late afternoon are prime times to target them. They’re not only fun to catch but are some of the tastiest fish you’ll pull out of the water.
Flounder are still around from May to June, though they might be a bit more hit or miss compared to other species. You’ll often find them lying on sandy bottoms near structure, where they blend in and ambush passing prey.
They can be caught most of the year, but the fall is traditionally known as the best time to target flounder in Florida. However, don’t let that discourage you from trying in late spring and early summer, as there are still opportunities to snag one. You’ll want to check around the areas with a mix of sand and seagrass, or around bridge pilings.
And for those of you who appreciate a good fish fry—don’t forget about mangrove snapper. These little fighters hang out near docks and mangroves and catching them can be quite the hoot. Plus, they’re tasty as can be.
What’s Biting Nearshore Right Now?
If you’re heading out for some nearshore fishing around Boca Grande, you’re in for some real action. First off, king mackerel (or as the locals call them, kingfish). These guys are fast, fierce, and a heck of a lot of fun to catch. You’ll find them zipping around near reefs and wrecks, so try trolling with live bait like threadfin herring or blue runners.
A good spot? Check out the areas around the Boca Grande Pass where currents bring in plenty of baitfish.
Now, Boca Grande Pass is one of those unique spots in Southwest Florida that can be considered both inshore and nearshore. It’s right at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor a stone’s throw from the shore, so technically, it’s inshore. But since it opens right up into the Gulf of Mexico with some pretty deep waters, it’s got some of the characteristics and variety of species that you’d expect from a nearshore spot too.
Speaking of variety, you’ve also got Spanish mackerel in May and June. Smaller than kings but no less feisty, these speedy fish are a blast to target with shiny spoons or jigs.
Head towards the artificial reefs and nearshore structures where these fish school up big time. They love chasing small baitfish, so if you see birds diving, there’s a good chance Spanish mackerel are causing a ruckus below.
Now let’s talk about cobia. These bruisers start showing up and they’re looking for a fight. You’ll often find them cruising near the surface around larger marine life or near buoys. Spotting and casting to a free-swimming cobia is an adrenaline rush—just make sure your tackle is up to the challenge because these guys are tough.
And of course, there’s tarpon. They’re not just limited to inshore areas—they cruise the nearshore waters off Boca Grande too. During their migration, tarpon follow the coastline close enough that casting from a smaller boat can be super productive. Try using live crabs or mullet near the passes and along the beaches.
Permit are a bit of a show-off and can be a bit tricky to target, but boy, are they worth the effort. You can find them around the wrecks and reefs nearshore, especially on those sunnier days when the water’s crystal clear. They’re sucker for crabs, so if you’re aiming for permit, get yourself some crab imitations or the real deal, and get ready for a stubborn fight.
Don’t forget about the sharks—blacktip and spinner sharks are particularly active now. Target them with cut bait or large chunks of fish, and get ready for a serious tug-of-war.
And don’t forget about the jacks—they’re practically everywhere and always ready to put up a fight. Jack Crevalle are aggressive feeders, so if you see birds working the water or fish boiling the surface, toss in a shiny lure or a topwater plug and hold on.
Lastly, for those who like a tasty reward, younger grouper and snapper can be found lurking around the nearshore rocky bottoms and ledges. Drop some cut bait or live pinfish down there and wait for the telltale tug of a grouper or the sharp pull of a snapper.
Whether you’re out for the thrill or the fillet, Boca Grande’s inshore and nearshore waters offer some of the best fishing in Florida. Honestly, there’s no place quite like it when you’re looking to cast a line and battle with some of the most spirited fish the Gulf has to offer. From the explosive strikes of tarpon to the sneaky bites of snapper, Boca Grande is the place to be.
Charlotte Harbor & Boca Grande Fishing Trips
If you want to get the most out of the Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor waters, Native Salt Charters is your best bet.
Capt. Justin Cauffman has been at the helm since 2007, guiding anglers through the best spots for redfish, snook, trout, tarpon, and more. It’s not just his skill in locating fish that sets him apart, but his genuine enthusiasm for sharing these experiences. He’s all about making each trip memorable, whether it’s helping a newbie land their first snook or aiding an experienced pro in battling a massive tarpon.
Native Salt Charters knows the local waters like the back of their hand, ensuring you’re always fishing in the prime spots at the right times. Whether you’re starting out or hunting for a trophy catch, they offer tailored trips to match your fishing ambitions.
Ready to add your story to the legendary fishing tales of Boca Grande? Native Salt Charters is ready to take you there.
Book your Boca Grande tarpon fishing trip for some of the most exciting fishing you can imagine. (And don’t forget a good camera—you’ll want to remember these catches long after you’ve released them or cooked them up for dinner.) Click here to reserve your fishing charter.