The spring fishing season around Boca Grande, Florida is hitting its stride with exceptional multi-species action throughout the region's diverse fishing grounds. Local guides are reporting outstanding success across both inshore and nearshore environments, setting the stage for what promises to be another phenomenal year in this world-renowned fishery.

The shallow water flats surrounding Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor have come alive with remarkable fishing opportunities in recent weeks. Water temperatures have stabilized in the ideal 72-78°F range, triggering aggressive feeding behavior across multiple target species. Anglers are consistently connecting with impressive numbers of pompano, particularly along sandy potholes and channel edges during moving tides.

Snook fishing around Boca Grande has been particularly productive, with these prized gamefish staging along mangrove shorelines and oyster bars in preparation for their upcoming spawn. Live pilchards, whitebait, and well-presented artificial lures like suspending jerkbaits and soft plastic paddletails have all been triggering explosive strikes. The average size of snook has been remarkable this spring, with numerous slot-sized fish and several oversized specimens testing anglers' skills and equipment.

Redfish action continues to impress throughout the Charlotte Harbor backcountry and surrounding Boca Grande flats. Schools of copper-colored redfish have been patrolling shallow water areas, particularly around oyster bars and mangrove points during higher tide phases. Cut bait presentations and weedless-rigged soft plastics have been particularly effective for targeting these hard-fighting gamefish.

Speckled trout numbers have been exceptional across the grass flats, providing consistent action and making for perfect light-tackle opportunities. Many guides are reporting limits of keeper-sized trout with some genuine "gator" specimens exceeding 20 inches mixed in. These larger trout have been found in slightly deeper potholes adjacent to shallow grass, particularly during early morning hours.

Just a short run from Boca Grande Pass, the Gulf of Mexico waters have been delivering outstanding action for sheepshead and Spanish mackerel. Nearshore structure including artificial reefs and natural limestone outcroppings are holding impressive concentrations of sheepshead, many in the 3-5 pound class with some trophy specimens approaching 8 pounds being landed regularly.

Spanish mackerel have arrived in force, creating fantastic opportunities for fast-paced action. These speedsters are ambushing bait schools in the cleaner Gulf waters, providing non-stop action when located. Small silver spoons, flashy jigs, and fast-retrieved artificial lures have been particularly effective for targeting these toothy predators.

As April transitions into May, the fishing community's attention will increasingly turn toward the legendary tarpon migration that has made Boca Grande internationally famous. Early scouts have already reported seeing the first wave of migrating tarpon moving along the beaches of Manasota Key and approaching the outer waters of Boca Grande.

For anglers who have never experienced the thrill of battling the "Silver King," the upcoming four months represent prime time to check this bucket-list experience off your list. These magnificent gamefish, often weighing between 80-150+ pounds, arrive by the thousands along our coastline, creating what many consider the world's greatest tarpon fishery.

The prehistoric-looking silver giants are known for their spectacular aerial displays and blistering runs that will challenge even the most experienced anglers. Successfully landing a tarpon requires skill, patience, and often a bit of luck – creating the perfect recipe for an unforgettable fishing adventure.

While the calendar is filling quickly, Salty Jaw Charters still has select prime tarpon dates available for the 2025 season. Captain Jesse's extensive experience in these waters and specialized techniques have earned a reputation for consistently putting clients on quality fish throughout the season.

Beyond the incredible tarpon opportunities, the mixed-bag action for snook, redfish, trout, pompano, mackerel, and sheepshead means there's never a bad time to experience the fishing paradise that is Boca Grande. Full-day, half-day, and specialized tarpon charters can be customized to match your specific fishing goals and experience level.

To secure your spot during this prime fishing window, contact Salty Jaw Charters today! Given the outstanding fishing forecasted for the coming months and limited availability, early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Experience the world-class fishing that has made Boca Grande a premier destination for anglers worldwide – where every cast holds the promise of creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Some clients this past week got to experience a great redfish bite during a late February cold front. We caught lots of reds between 18-28inches with some smaller snook and see trout mixed in. Live shrimp was the bait of choice and we even got surprised with a small permit on one of the trips. March is right around the corner and comes with it warmer temperatures. We will soon be switching over to live minnows for fishing and the daily catch rate will skyrocket.

Salty Jaw Charters still has some great Tarpon days available over the next 5 months. So if you visiting Boca Grande, Manasota Key, Venice or Englewood give us a shout to come battle the mighty silver king in Southwest Florida.

Ultimate Guide to Tarpon Fishing Charters in Boca Grande, Florida with Captain Jesse Beye

Few fishing experiences rival the heart-pounding thrill of battling the "Silver King" in the tarpon fishing capital of the world. Boca Grande, Florida stands as the premier destination for anglers seeking to test their skills against one of sportfishing's most revered adversaries, and Captain Jesse Beye has established himself as one of the area's most respected guides for those pursuing this bucket-list adventure.

Boca Grande Pass, the deep-water channel between Gasparilla Island and Cayo Costa, creates the perfect environment for the annual tarpon migration. Each year from April through July, massive schools of tarpon gather in these productive waters, creating unparalleled fishing opportunities. Captain Jesse's intimate knowledge of these waters, combined with decades of experience targeting these magnificent fish, provides clients with their best chance at connecting with trophy-class tarpon.

What separates a successful tarpon expedition from a frustrating day on the water often comes down to the guide's experience. Captain Jesse has refined his techniques through countless seasons on Boca Grande's waters, understanding the subtle patterns of tidal movement, bait presentations, and tarpon behavior that frequently determine success. His custom-rigged boat offers the perfect platform for chasing these silver giants, with spacious casting decks and top-of-the-line tackle specifically chosen for the demanding challenges tarpon present.

The traditional Boca Grande tarpon season begins in late April as the first migratory fish arrive, building through May and peaking in June when the pass often teems with rolling tarpon. During this prime period, Captain Jesse employs various strategies depending on conditions, from live bait presentations during optimal tide phases to sight-casting opportunities along beach shorelines. This diversity of approaches maximizes opportunities regardless of weather conditions or tarpon behavior on any given day.

Beyond technical expertise, Captain Jesse brings a patient teaching approach that benefits both novice and experienced anglers. Tarpon fishing demands specific techniques that differ from other sportfishing - from the distinctive "bow to the king" motion needed when a tarpon jumps to the measured pressure required during extended battles. First-time tarpon anglers receive careful instruction that significantly increases their chances of successfully landing these notoriously difficult fighters.

While the legendary "hill tide" days of June garner the most attention, Captain Jesse guides productive tarpon trips throughout the extended season. Early season opportunities in April and May often provide less crowded conditions with excellent chances at large fish. Similarly, late-season trips in July and August offer shots at resident tarpon that remain in the area after the migration peaks, frequently providing more relaxed fishing scenarios away from the crowds.

Preparation plays a crucial role in tarpon fishing success. Captain Jesse recommends clients prepare physically for the demanding nature of these battles, which can last over an hour with larger specimens. He provides all necessary professional-grade equipment, ensuring clients have the appropriate tackle for these powerful adversaries. Morning trips typically begin before sunrise to secure prime positioning before the day's heat builds, while evening trips often target feeding fish during the final hours of daylight.

Boca Grande's reputation extends beyond just fishing opportunities. The charming island community offers excellent accommodations, dining options, and activities for non-fishing companions. Captain Jesse frequently helps clients with logistics, recommending lodging options that provide convenient access to morning departures and restaurants perfect for celebrating successful days on the water with fresh-caught local seafood.

Conservation practices remain central to Captain Jesse's guiding philosophy. All tarpon are carefully released after capture, with particular attention paid to proper fish handling techniques that maximize survival rates. This commitment to sustainability helps ensure Boca Grande's tarpon fishery remains productive for future generations of anglers seeking their own silver king adventures.

For those planning their Boca Grande tarpon fishing adventure, booking well in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for prime dates during May and June when Captain Jesse's calendar fills quickly. Half-day and full-day charters are available, with full-day options providing maximum flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and tarpon movements throughout the day.

Whether pursuing your first tarpon or adding to a lifetime of silver king memories, a day on Boca Grande's waters with Captain Jesse Beye offers the perfect combination of expert guidance, world-class fishing opportunity, and unforgettable experiences. The mighty tarpon and beautiful waters of southwest Florida await your next fishing adventure.

Had a great day sight casting some nice fish around Boca grande with Scott Hocking,one of my weekly assassins. It was a sun filled day that was most enjoyable poling the beautiful back waters of Charlotte Harbor aboard my little skiff. We caught lots of good size trout along with a few redfish,the snook seemed to evade us most the day.

The 10 forecast looks incredible and will produce some awesome fishing in the coming weeks. With spring and Tarpon season right around the corner the calendar is starting to fill up for season so don’t hesitate to get a your trip booked. 

It felt good to get back out on the water after an abnormally cold week. I took out my little skiff with good client and friend Rick Avello  from the Philadelphia area and the fishing was pretty decent. It was the first decently warm day after a week of very cold temperatures and the fish were excited to see our soft plastic lures. We caught a total of 7 redfish and caught more then 30 trout with a few around the 20inch mark.

With spring right around the corner the snook fishing will start to heat up along with our water temperatures. Salty Jaw Charters is starting to fill up its Tarpon season so if you’re visiting the Boca grande Englewood area reserve your dates today.

Tarpon season starts around mid April and runs all through the summer with May and June being the peak two months. 

Winter low tides in the little skiff has been a blast these past few weeks. One of My regulars Scott Hocking from Wyoming had a great first day to start his winter stay. With a bluebird sky and a temperature in the mid 70s we put the snack down on them. We landed several trout, snook and redfish in beautiful Gasperilla sound just off of boca Grande. We fished primarily with soft plastic lures and the fish just couldn’t help them selves. Tarpon season will be here fast so book those plane tickets and a few charters to get in on the action

What a way to close out 2024! Salty Jaw Charters delivered exceptional fishing experiences throughout the holiday season, with clients landing impressive catches across diverse fishing grounds. From the protected waters of Charlotte Harbor to the open Gulf of Mexico, our anglers experienced the incredible variety that makes Boca Grande a premier fishing destination.

CURRENT FISHING CONDITIONS

Backcountry Report: The protected waters continue to produce consistent action with:

• Spotted seatrout showing up in excellent numbers
• Redfish patrolling mangrove shorelines
• Occasional snook providing exciting catches
• Bonus pompano making surprise appearances
• Best action during moving tides and around oyster bars

Nearshore Gulf Action: The Gulf waters are providing outstanding opportunities with:

• Quality mangrove snapper around structure
• Sheepshead gathering in growing numbers
• Gag grouper testing anglers' skills
• Hogfish providing delicious table fare
• Productive fishing on both natural and artificial reefs

TACKLE & TECHNIQUE TIPS
For backcountry success, we're finding live shrimp and artificial soft plastics highly effective when worked around deeper potholes and channel edges. In the Gulf, fresh cut bait and shrimp are producing quality catches around structure and reefs.

LOOKING AHEAD: 2025 BOCA GRANDE TARPON SEASON
The legendary Boca Grande tarpon season is approaching quickly! Known worldwide as the "Tarpon Fishing Capital," our waters host the largest concentration of tarpon anywhere during peak season.
Prime Booking Windows:

• April: Early season opportunities
• May: Peak migration begins
• June: Prime-time action
• July: Extended season opportunities

The mighty "Silver King" awaits, offering the chance to battle one of sportfishing's most spectacular gamefish. These magnificent creatures, often exceeding 100 pounds, provide unforgettable memories and the fight of a lifetime.

BOOKING INFORMATION
Don't miss your chance to experience world-class tarpon fishing! Prime dates are filling quickly for the 2025 season. Contact Salty Jaw Charters to reserve your spot and check this bucket-list experience off your list.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or planning your first tarpon adventure, we provide all the expertise and equipment needed for a successful day on the water. From tackle selection to fighting techniques, we'll ensure you're prepared for the battle of a lifetime.

Southwest Florida's legendary fishing grounds around Boca Grande are delivering exceptional action as we enjoy a stretch of perfect weather conditions. Local anglers and visitors alike are finding diverse opportunities both inshore and nearshore, with multiple species providing consistent action.
One of the most exciting developments is the arrival of sheepshead, as these highly sought-after fish begin their seasonal migration to our waters. Known for their exceptional table fare and challenging fishing tactics, sheepshead are providing anglers with both entertaining battles and delicious rewards. These striped battlers are typically found around structure, bridge pilings, and dock areas, responding well to live shrimp and fiddler crab baits.

The nearshore fishing scene continues to impress, with healthy populations of both lane and mangrove snapper being caught around natural and artificial reefs. Gag grouper are also making their presence known, giving anglers the opportunity to tangle with these hard-fighting bottom dwellers. These species are responding well to live bait presentations and are providing excellent action for both experienced anglers and families looking for a memorable day on the water.

In the rich backcountry waters, spotted seatrout numbers remain strong, offering consistent action for both artificial and live bait anglers. Adding to the inshore diversity, pompano are making occasional appearances, while redfish are mixing into the catch, creating exciting opportunities for anglers targeting these glamour species. The key to success has been focusing on moving water around oyster bars and grass flats.

For those planning a fishing trip to Boca Grande, current conditions suggest this is an optimal time to experience the diverse fishing opportunities our waters have to offer. Whether you're targeting tasty sheepshead, working the nearshore reefs for snapper and grouper, or exploring the backwaters for trout and redfish, the fishing action remains strong across all zones.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the evolving fishing patterns in our area.

Another incredible day on the water with longtime client and friend Russ Bayner, targeting triple tail along the pristine beaches of Boca Grande and Manasota Key. While the sight casting opportunities were selective, our persistence paid off with several quality catches that made the day memorable.

One of the highlights was exploring the newly formed pass that Hurricane Milton carved through the southern tip of Manasota Key – a dramatic reminder of nature's raw power reshaping our coastline. For anglers planning their Southwest Florida fishing adventures, I'm happy to report that Boca Grande is back to full operations, offering all its world-class fishing opportunities.

For those interested in the Manasota Key area, the restaurant scene and beach access are expected to make a strong comeback by mid-to-late January, just in time for peak season. The recovery efforts have been impressive, and the fishing remains outstanding.

Looking ahead, I'm already securing dates for the highly anticipated 2025 Tarpon season. If you've dreamed of battling the legendary "Silver King" in the Tarpon Capital of the World, now's the perfect time to lock in your spot with Salty Jaw Charters. Don't miss your chance at the fishing experience of a lifetime!

Capt. Jesse Beye

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What a week it’s been for Salty Jaw Charters around Boca grande and Manasota key. Lots of snook and redfish have been making smiles and pulling drag back in the mangrove islands. Offshore of Boca grande the Snapper and Spanish mackerel bite has been red hot in the Gulf of Mexico.

As we head into the heart of winter we can expect large numbers of sheepshead stacking up in the bay along with various other species. So give Salty Jaw Charters a call today to book your adventure for your stay on Boca Grande or Manasota Key.