April 2026 Boca Grande Tarpon Fishing Report

April has kicked off the start of tarpon season in Southwest Florida, and the annual migration is already showing up strong around Boca Grande and throughout Charlotte Harbor.

Anglers fishing with ReelFishing Charters are starting to see solid numbers of tarpon moving into the area, and the fishing should only continue to improve as we move deeper into the month.

If you’re planning a tarpon trip this season, check out our boca grande tarpon fishing trips, which focus specifically on targeting these migrating fish during peak season.

Tarpon have officially begun their annual migration into Southwest Florida, and we are already seeing a strong push of fish across multiple areas.

There are currently fish being caught in:

• Boca Grande Pass
• Gasparilla Sound
• Pine Island Sound
• Upper Charlotte Harbor near Punta Gorda

We are also starting to see some tarpon moving along the beaches, with most of that early activity happening to the south near Sanibel Island.

As we move through April, more and more fish will continue to show up, with peak numbers typically building into May and June.

Bait selection is depending on where you are fishing:

In Boca Grande Pass

• Live shrimp
• Crabs

In the Harbor & Sounds

• Pinfish
• Threadfin herring

If you prefer throwing artificials, the Berkley Cull Shad in Chrome Flash and Mullet colors has been working well on early season fish.

April is all about the build-up to peak tarpon season.

• Increasing numbers of migrating tarpon
• Fish staging in the harbor and passes
• Early beach migration starting

This is one of the best times to get in on the action before peak season crowds arrive.

While tarpon fishing is taking center stage, the inshore bite is still producing well throughout Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, and Pine Island Sound.

Snook, redfish, and trout are still being caught, especially on days when tarpon conditions aren’t ideal.

However, moving forward into late April and beyond, most trips will begin to focus primarily on tarpon fishing.

Tarpon season is one of the busiest times of the year, and prime dates fill quickly.

If you’re looking to experience the legendary tarpon migration, now is the time to book your trip:

🎣 boca Grande fishing charters

🎣 Punta gorda fishing charters

Our trips fish Boca Grande Pass, Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, and surrounding waters, targeting tarpon along with seasonal opportunities for snook, redfish, and more.

When does tarpon season start in Boca Grande?

Tarpon season typically begins in April, with fish arriving in Southwest Florida and building into peak numbers in May and June.

Where are tarpon being caught right now?

Tarpon are being caught in Boca Grande Pass, Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, Pine Island Sound, and along nearby beaches.

What is the best bait for tarpon in April?

Live shrimp and crabs work best in Boca Grande Pass, while pinfish and threadfin herring are effective in the harbor and surrounding sounds.