What's Biting FLBig Bend and Nature Coast
Tarpon in Big Bend and Nature Coast
Live crabs and threadfins in the passes and along beaches during the spring migration, fly and artificials on the flats and at bridges.
Next seven days
| Day | Bite | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 30 | 4 | Strong tide swing 4.8 ft |
| Sat, Oct 31 | 4 | Strong tide swing 4.2 ft |
| Sun, Nov 1 | 2 | Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 3.6 ft |
| Mon, Nov 2 | 2 | Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 2.8 ft |
| Tue, Nov 3 | 2 | Strong tide swing 2.3 ft |
| Wed, Nov 4 | 2 | Strong tide swing 2.1 ft |
| Thu, Nov 5 | 2 | Strong tide swing 2.7 ft |
Seasonal pattern
Jan
Feb
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Oct
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Dec
Editorial baseline for Florida. Green months are prime, yellow fair, red slow. Preferred water temperature 74–88°F.
Regulations that apply here
Applies to: State and Federal Waters of the Gulf and Atlantic · Licenses: One tarpon tag per person per year may be purchased when in pursuit of a Florida state or world record
| Species / zone | Season | Size | Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarpon Statewide | open now Open year-round | None. Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag. Keep tarpon, especially the gills, in as much water as is safely possible. | Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery. One tarpon tag per person per year may be purchased when in pursuit of a Florida state or world record. Vessel, transport and shipment limited to one fish. | Hook and line only. Snagging, snatch hooking, spearing and the use of a multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery Vessel, transport and shipment limited to one fish |
| Tarpon Boca Grande Pass boundaryBoundaries: Charlotte Harbor Channel LB6 (26 degrees, 42.299 minutes north; 82 degrees, 16.551 minutes west); Concrete Pier (26 degrees, 43.165 minutes north; 82 degrees, 15.778 minutes west); Phosphate Dock (26 degrees, 43.216 minutes north; 82 degrees, 15.517 minutes west); Intracoastal Waterway (26 degrees, 43.216 minutes north; 82 degrees, 14.703 minutes west); Flashing Green #75 (26 degrees, 42.299 minutes north; 82 degrees, 14.580 minutes west); QR Test Buoy (26 degrees, 42.002 minutes north; 82 degrees, 15.448 minutes west) | open now Open year-round | None. Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag. Keep tarpon, especially the gills, in as much water as is safely possible. | Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery. One tarpon tag per person per year may be purchased when in pursuit of a Florida state or world record. Vessel, transport and shipment limited to one fish. | Fishing with gear that has a weight attached to a hook, artificial fly or lure in such a way that the weight hangs lower than the hook when the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod is prohibited when fishing for any species year-round within Boca Grande Pass. If this gear is on board a fishing vessel while inside the boundaries of the Pass, it cannot be attached to any rod, line or leader and must be stowed. Natural bait is not considered to be a weight. If the jig fishes in an illegal manner it is prohibited. Any jig that allows the attached weight to slip down the shank so that it hangs lower than the hook while the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod is prohibited, and must be stowed so it is not readily accessible. During the months of April, May and June, no more than three fishing lines may be deployed from a vessel at any one time AND no person shall use, fish with, or place in the water any breakaway gear. During April, May and June: no more than three fishing lines may be deployed from a vessel at any one time During April, May and June: no person shall use, fish with, or place in the water any breakaway gear Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery Vessel, transport and shipment limited to one fish |
- Tarpon is an iconic saltwater fish. When handled properly, these silver kings are more likely to survive release and evade predators.
- Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water by rule, unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag purchased before fishing begins.
- Tarpon smaller than 40 inches should only be handled with wet hands and be supported horizontally under the belly, if removed from the water.
- Keep the gills of tarpon in the water to minimize air exposure.
- Avoid dragging tarpon over the gunnel of a boat or over rocks or railings.
- It is recommended to avoid fishing for tarpon from bridges or piers.
Source: FWC, extracted 2026-10-29.