Top-Rated Englewood Tarpon Fishing | Capt Dave

Half Day Seasonal Tarpon Fishing in Englewood

Picture this: you're standing on the bow of Captain Dave's boat, watching massive silver kings roll just 50 yards away in the crystal-clear waters off Englewood. From May through July, these legendary fish move into our nearshore waters to feed and spawn, creating some of the most exciting fishing opportunities on Florida's Gulf Coast. Captain Dave Spargur has been guiding anglers through these prime tarpon months for years, and his 6-hour private charters give you the best shot at hooking into one of these prehistoric giants. With room for up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work and fight these powerful fish without crowding each other.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early when tarpon fishing is at its peak - these fish are most active in the cooler morning hours and again as the sun starts to drop. Captain Dave knows exactly where to find them based on tides, bait movements, and water temperature. You'll spend your time sight casting to rolling fish and drift fishing in areas where tarpon are known to congregate. The beauty of Englewood's location is that you don't have to run far offshore to find world-class tarpon fishing. These waters offer the perfect depth and structure that tarpon love, plus the protection from rough seas that can make other areas unfishable. Dave provides all the heavy tackle you'll need, including circle hooks and the strong leaders required for these bruising fights. Don't worry if you've never targeted tarpon before - Dave will walk you through everything from proper hook sets to fighting techniques that'll help you land these bucket-list fish.

Sight Casting & Drift Techniques

Tarpon fishing is all about reading the water and being ready when opportunity strikes. You'll use two main approaches during your trip: sight casting to rolling fish and strategic drift fishing. When tarpon are rolling on the surface - coming up to gulp air - you'll make precise casts with live bait or heavy jigs ahead of their path. This requires patience and good timing, but the payoff is watching a 100-pound fish absolutely demolish your bait right in front of you. For drift fishing, Captain Dave positions the boat over known tarpon highways and lets you work baits at different depths as you drift with the current. He'll set you up with heavy spinning gear or conventional reels capable of handling these fish, along with 40-80 pound leaders that can withstand their razor-sharp gill plates. Live crabs, pilchards, and threadfin herring are go-to baits, though artificial lures can be deadly when tarpon are actively feeding. The key is staying alert - tarpon strikes can be subtle or violent, and you need to be ready for either.

What Anglers Are Saying

"An unforgettable day of fishing with Capt Dave Spargurs Charters and Captain Dave! Dave's knowledge of the local waters and his commitment to customer satisfaction ensured a memorable trip for everyone on board. Highly recommended!" - Grace. "Captain Dave of Capt Dave Spargurs Charters is simply phenomenal! His skill in finding fish and his commitment to providing a memorable experience make for an exceptional charter. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a great day of fishing!" - Yuo. "Captain Dave and Capt Dave Spargurs Charters delivered an exceptional fishing experience! Dave's passion for fishing and his dedication to providing a top-notch charter experience made for a fantastic day on the water. Highly recommend booking with them!" - King.

All About Florida's Silver Kings

Tarpon are truly one of nature's most impressive game fish, and there's good reason they're called the "silver king." These ancient fish can live over 80 years and grow to weights exceeding 200 pounds, though most of the fish you'll encounter in Englewood waters range from 80 to 150 pounds. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size - it's their fighting ability. When hooked, tarpon launch themselves completely out of the water in spectacular aerial displays, shaking their heads violently to throw the hook. They're known for their stamina too, often fighting for 30 minutes or more before coming to the boat. Tarpon migrate into Florida's Gulf waters from May through July to spawn, making this the prime season for targeting them. During these months, they school up in large numbers and feed aggressively on crabs, sardines, and other baitfish. The Englewood area is perfectly positioned along their migration route, with the right water temperatures and abundant food sources. What anglers love most about tarpon is that they're almost purely a sport fish - most are released after a quick photo, making this a sustainable fishery that'll be here for generations. The combination of their acrobatic fights, impressive size, and the skill required to land them makes tarpon fishing a true test of angling ability.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Dave's seasonal tarpon trips fill up fast, and for good reason. With only a three-month window and limited spots available, this is one of those experiences you don't want to put off. The 6-hour trip length gives you plenty of time to locate fish and work them properly, while the 3-angler limit ensures everyone gets quality fishing time without overcrowding. Dave's knowledge of Englewood's tarpon patterns and his commitment to putting clients on fish has earned him a reputation as one of the area's top-rated guides. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add tarpon to your species list or someone who wants to experience what many consider the ultimate inshore gamefish, this trip delivers. Remember that deposits are non-refundable due to the seasonal nature and high demand for these charters. Book early to secure your dates during peak tarpon season - May through July goes by quickly, and once it's over, you'll be waiting another year for your next shot at these magnificent fish.