Tarpon
Beginning in April, tarpon begin their migration up the coast out of the keys and work their way towards Boca Grande Pass. At that time, I’ll start looking for some early arrivals in Pine Island Sound in hopes of finding them laid up in the sand holes off Demere Key on the eastern side of the sound. This is a good bet if the water temperature hits 75 degrees. In May, I head toward the beach and like staking out off Murdock Point just off Cayo Costa on the southern edge of Boca Grande Pass. Here, throughout the day, it’s not unusual to get shots at strings of fish moving north. This migration should go on through June.
More importantly, the upper harbor at its confluence with the Peace River outside Punta Gorda is proving to be a great fishery for small tarpon. From April to November fish from five to thirty pounds can be seen rolling from the U.S. 41 Bridge to the perimeter canals of Punta Gorda and west past Colony Point towards Ponce Park. To the west, Larger fish from 50 to 80 pounds can be found in the harbors’ deeper holes.
Top of the harbor mix
In late summer and fall, Black drum and small tarpon continue to hold in the brackish water at the mouth of the Peace River where it meets Charlotte Harbor. Now, as with the last six weeks, it’s best to get out before first light. In particular, the tarpon drop down...
May 2021
This has always been one of my favorite months as opportunities really open up. Moreover, the wind lies down somewhat allowing the range necessary to take advantage of an expanded fishery. It’s time to make my way out of the backcountry towards the harbor, beach and...
Tide changes and points
As you are cruising the bays and sounds of Charlotte Harbor, have you ever wondered why it always seems there are boats anchored just off the corners or points of many mangrove island shorelines? In most cases, this is due to the fact that these island points can be...