When it comes to fishing in Tarpon Springs,
the town has a lot more in store than what its name suggests.
In fact, it's situated in one of the most biodiverse regions of the Gulf.
Which is why today
we're heading to Pinellas County, Florida, to check out the hype for ourselves.
We'll go over the top catches in the area.
Where to go?
Best times to head out and everything else
you need to know before you plan your trip.
But before you do, be sure to like and subscribe to watch more videos
about the hottest fishing spots around the globe.
Since we're talking about fishing in Tarpon Springs
we'll kick the list off with none other than the city's namesake itself.
Tarpon or “Silver King,” as they’re commonly referred to, are notorious
for their aggressive nature when trying to break your line.
They're one of the most sought after and quite frankly, brag worthy fish
in Florida.
Summer is peak season for them,
so be sure to plan your trip ahead of time to avoid the crowds.
A close second after Silver King is snuck, in similar to their royal counterpart.
They peak in the summertime as well.
They usually hang out in the backcountry waters and mangroves,
but can also be caught along beach fronts and shallow pilings.
Just keep in mind that both tarpon and snook
are subject to strict regulations throughout Florida's waters
and are usually catch and release only unless you have a special permit.
Another staple catch throughout the area's inshore waters is redfish.
They're available throughout most of the year,
but the best time to pursue them are the spring and fall seasons.
Travel just a few miles off the coast and you'll experience
a completely different side to fishing in Tarpon Springs.
Numerous reefs along the shore provide opportunities to catch
an even wider range of fish than you would close to land.
The reefs here are home to delicious red snapper,
which you can target in the summer once their season opens.
They also hold lots of grouper, triple tail triggerfish, cobia,
king mackerel, amberjack and many others available throughout most of the year.
However, if you'd rather stay inland, there are several freshwater lakes,
rivers and ponds in close proximity
to Tarpon Springs that provide excellent bass fishing opportunities.
Specifically, the largemouth bass bite is solid all year round,
but the best months are typically late February through May.
In other words,
no matter when you plan your trip, there's always something biting.
Next, let's take a look at some of the different areas you can hook these fish.
The main fishing
locations in Tarpon Springs are pretty straightforward.
Head east for some incredible freshwater action thanks to Lake Tarpon
and a network of smaller creeks and rivers that surround it.
Or head west, where pristine flats meet the open waters of the Gulf and experience
some of the best saltwater opportunities that Florida has to offer.
We'll begin with the Saint Joseph Sound, the bread and butter of the local
fishing scene.
Its grass flats and mangrove lined shores provide the ideal
habitat for species like redfish, snook and trout.
From here you can venture out and explore a connecting waters such as the include
River and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway,
as well as other productive bays that are dotted along the coast.
If you're on the north end of the sound, rent a kayak from Fred Howard Park,
or if you're heading out from the south, Pop
Stanza Park is another great launching point.
If you've got a larger boat than three miles off the coast,
you can fish the and key reef, a popular spot
to go after various types of grouper and snapper and amberjack.
In fact, Pinellas County maintains a series of artificial reefs
located along the Gulf that are definitely worth checking out.
Now, if you really want to experience what deep sea fishing in Tarpon
Springs is all about, then we recommend hopping on a charter and checking out
the middle grounds located some 80 miles into the Gulf.
This is where you'll find even bigger versions
of some of the fish we mentioned earlier,
including red snapper, amberjack, grouper and many more.
Now that you know
where to go, what to catch in, went to plan your trip.
Let's take a look at the various ways in which you can explore Tarpon
Springs waters.
First off, have you got your own gear and fishing license.
You can take your pick
from parks, castaways and beaches and fish from solid ground.
A great way to explore the flats and backcountry waters is on a kayak.
You'll be able to approach less accessible spots while stealthily
targeting many of the inshore species we mentioned already.
You'll find the local parks and docks
to be kayak friendly with several rental and guide services available as well.
And of course, the most hassle free
way to go fishing in Tarpon Springs would be hopping on a fully equipped,
licensed charter. For group trips with family and friends.
Nothing beats a spacious boat where you can relax,
crack open a few drinks and fill your cooler with fish.
Your captain will take care of your licenses for you.
Make sure the bait is fresh and take you to the best areas to put you on fish.
Same goes for any deep sea
anglers looking to go after red snapper, tuna or billfish.
There are plenty of charter captains in the area
who specialize in these types of excursions.
Just visit fishingbooker.com or download the app
to see some of the charter deals in the area and book your trip.
Before you do, though, it's important to familiarize yourself
with some of the local rules and regulations.
If you decide to go fishing on your own, whether on foot or on a boat or kayak,
you need to get a fishing license.
On the other hand, if you booked a saltwater charter,
you don't have to worry about that
because the captain's license covers everyone on board.
Also, keep in mind that there are some species with strictly regulated
seasons like red snapper that are usually only available in June.
However, dates may vary year to year,
so it's always a good idea to check before you set out.
You also have other species
such as tarpon and snook that are catch and release only.
For more information on Florida fishing licenses, you can check out our full blog
article or head to my FWC.com
for the most up to date fishing regulations.
And when you're ready to check out Tarpon
Springs for yourself, download the Fishingbooker app or visit us online.
You'll be able to browse and compare fishing charters, read customer
reviews and book your trip in just a few taps.
So what are you waiting for?
Head over to the App Store or go to Fishingbooker.com
to experience fishing in Tarpon Springs today.