Boca Grande - Charlotte Harbor, Florida - Tarpon, Snook and Redfish light tackle and fly fishing Charters with fishing guide Capt. Mark Bennett

Boca Grande - Charlotte Harbor, Florida - Tarpon, Snook and Redfish - beach and backcountry tarpon guide - Light tackle and fly fishing charters with fishing guide Capt. Mark Bennett

Tarpon Fishing

From April thru October thousands of giant tarpon move through the Boca Grande/Charlotte Harbor area. Although most people know Boca Grande for the pass and the 150+ boats in it.

I DO NOT FISH THE PASS!!!

Instead I choose to hunt the tarpon other places. The beaches, flats, bays and backcountry offer an unmatched light tackle experience. Far away from the mass chaos of Boca Grande Pass.

The Charlotte Harbor estuary holds the largest population of adult tarpon anywhere in the state.

Tarpon fishing is my passion. Although my fascination for these fish started in my childhood, I have been guiding since 1992. My entire life I have always taken the road less traveled. Never being satisfied without knowing what adventure is right around the next corner. Always willing to go the extra mile (or ten miles) to achieve success. This type of thinking and a lot of hard work, I feel, led me to be successful in many of my outdoor pursuits.

Including the relentless pursuit of these giant fish.

Tarpon in our area average 80 to 140 pounds with fish as big as 180 to over 200 pounds are not uncommon.

Big game fishing at it's finest. Explosive strikes, powerful runs and acrobatic jumps makes the tarpon the ultimate light tackle saltwater challenge. The "Silver King" is truly a fish that lives up to it's reputation.

Out of respect for my quarry, I never kill a tarpon for any reason. I go to great lengths to ensure a safe release on every fish. A quick measurement is all that is needed for a trophy mount.

Every tarpon photo on my website was taken on my boat in just the last few seasons. The only hard part is choosing from the hundreds of great photos my wife Jenni takes every season.

Over the last twelve years, Jenni's unique ability, timing and eye for perfection through the lens has burned onto film what I feel words alone can not express.

Just Added over 200 new images from '09

During the '09 season I started collecting tarpon DNA samples for the Florida Wildlife Research Institute. Not only was I the top sampler in '09, but I broke all of the records for numbers of tarpon DNA samples taken by a guide in a single year.

For more info on the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Program:

If you are considering coming to the Boca Grande area or anywhere in the world for that matter, in search of tarpon. Don't hesitate to call or email for my free DVD " Tarpon Fishing in Boca Grande". I feel it showcases my passion of tarpon fishing in the best way possible.

Rather than bragging on past successes, I would like to show you first hand what tarpon fishing, to me, is all about.

For Information and reservations:

Capt. Mark Bennett

(941) 474-8900