Tarpon fishing the 10,000 Islands

Tarpon fishing in the 10,000 islands starts earlier than most other areas of Southwest Florida. Large tarpon start to show up as early as mid to late February and are in full swing by mid March. By late April the majority of the tarpon migration has moved well past the 10,000 Islands and most of the large breeder tarpon are from Sanibel Island to Charlotte Harbor.

Backcountry tarpon fishing

The fist tarpon to show up in the 10,000 islands are usually found "laid up" in calm bays and lagoons from Marco Island to Cape Sabal. I believe that these tarpon use the lagoons to rest and and stay warm while they are waiting for the rest of the tarpon migration to show up.

Tarpon fishing the outside of the 10,000 Islands

On warmer spring days, tarpon can be found along the outside of the 10,000 Islands. The waters outside of the major rivers hold large numbers of tarpon ranging from 70-200 pounds. I believe that they use these areas to feed on crabs and baitfish while the migrate north to areas like Boca Grande and Tampa Bay.  Tarpon along the outside of the 10,000 Islands are known to 'free jump" and can be seen from miles away on calm clear days. It is rare to see a pod or daisy chain this early in the 10,000 Islands.

 

Tarpon "Hot Spots" in the 10,000 Islands

• Whitewater Bay.
• Ponce De Leon Bay.
• West Pass.
• The Mud Hole
• Gullivan Bay
• Cape Romano Shoals.