Every spring, one of the largest tarpon migrations on earth rolls right past Anna Maria Island — and for a few electric months, anglers from around the world come to our beaches to hook the silver king. A 100-plus-pound tarpon screaming line off the reel and launching clear of the water is the fight of a lifetime, and it's happening within sight of Holmes Beach. AMI Charters runs dedicated tarpon trips through the heart of the season with captains who chase these fish every day they're here. 

The Silver King Migration

The tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) migrates over 1,000 miles each year, and that journey brings huge numbers of fish along Florida's Gulf Coast and straight past Anna Maria Island. These are big, ancient, hard-fighting fish — commonly 80 to 150+ pounds — famous for blistering runs and acrobatic, gill-rattling jumps. Hooking one is a bucket-list moment; landing one is a story you'll tell for years.

When Is Tarpon Season on Anna Maria Island?

Our tarpon season runs May through July, with June typically the peak. The fish stage off the beaches and stack up in the passes as they move along the coast, and the bite follows the tides. Trips fill quickly during these months — if you want a shot at the silver king, reserve early.

Where We Fish for Tarpon

We target tarpon right where they travel: along the Gulf beaches of Anna Maria Island, in the passes, off Bean Point at the island's north tip, and around the mouth of Tampa Bay. Our captains know which tide, which stretch of beach, and which pass is firing on a given day — that local knowledge is the difference between watching tarpon roll and actually getting the bite.

What to Expect on a Tarpon Trip

Tarpon fishing is largely sight-fishing: we look for rolling, daisy-chaining, and pushing fish, then put a bait or fly in front of them and wait for the eat. When a tarpon commits, hold on — the first run and the jumps are unforgettable. Tarpon are a catch-and-release fishery in Florida, so we keep the fish in the water, get a quick photo at the boat, and release them strong to fight another day. Morning and evening tides are usually prime.

Tarpon Trip Details

• Duration: 6 hours

• Price: $1,200 per trip — up to 6 guests, private charter (never shared)

• Season: May–July (June peak)

• Included: USCG-licensed captain, all rods, tackle, bait, and licensing

• Bring: sun protection, water and snacks, a camera, and your sense of adventure

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Why Fish Tarpon with AMI Charters

We're a locally owned Anna Maria Island charter company with a 5-star reputation across hundreds of Google and TripAdvisor reviews. Our captains are USCG-licensed, full-time locals who fish these waters year-round and live for tarpon season. Whether it's your first time targeting the silver king or you're a seasoned angler chasing a personal best, we'll put you in the best position for the bite.

Book Your Anna Maria Island Tarpon Charter

Tarpon season is short and the calendar fills fast. Reserve your May–July trip now and get ready for the fight of a lifetime.  

 

 

or call 941-348-2035.