Planning a current Boca Grande tarpon fishing trip?
This page covers the 2013 Hill Tide dates. For current seasons, Hill Tide timing, and charter availability, visit our Boca Grande tarpon fishing page.
The 2013 Boca Grande tarpon season was approaching at the time of this report, and interest around the Hill Tides was already high. These tidal windows have long been some of the most consistent periods for seeing large numbers of tarpon move through Boca Grande Pass and surrounding waters.
Please Note: The “Hill Tides” are NOT the only time to catch Tarpon! They are simply very consistent times based on the tides. The Tarpon fishing is just as good the rest of the season but it involves a bit more searching as the fish are not all in the passes to feed on the afternoon tides.
2013 Boca Grande Tarpon Hill Tide Dates
May 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13
May 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27
June 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10
June 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25
July 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9
Most “Hill Tide” trips start in the afternoon from 2pm – 8pm. These times coincide with the strongest part of the out going tide. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the “Hill Tide” here is a brief description.
These Hill Tide windows show why Boca Grande has earned its reputation as one of the world’s premier tarpon fisheries. For current trip timing, seasons, and options, see our Boca Grande tarpon fishing charters page.
👉 Boca Grande tarpon fishing charters
What Is a Hill Tide in Boca Grande?
The Boca Grande area is considered by many to be “Ground Zero” for the Tarpon spawn in early summer. Every year we see a crab flow around the full and new moons of May, June and July that drives the Tarpon INSANE! Most years during the spring tides of the full and new moon, hundreds of thousands of “pass crabs” are washed out from Charlotte Harbor en-route to spawn. During this natural phenomenon, the tarpon cruise well inside the pass to an area called “The Hill.” During a good hill tide, countless Tarpon are whipped into a feeding frenzy as vulnerable crabs are plentiful and make for easy prey. Picture a school of Bass or Bluefish terrorizing a school of baitfish on the surface of the water. Now picture the same thing, except make these fish between 60 and 200+lbs! They rarely turn down a properly presented live crab as bait and double or even triple hookups are not uncommon during these feeding frenzies. Hill tides are fairly easy to predict based on a combination of full/new moons and strong outgoing tides that take place late in the day. Some of the most memorable Boca Grande tarpon fishing experiences in recent years have taken place during these Hill Tide periods.
Looking for current Boca Grande tarpon fishing information and pricing?
Our Boca Grande tarpon fishing charters page is always kept up to date with seasons, Hill Tide timing, and availability.
👉 Boca Grande tarpon fishing charters
