Charlotte County, which includes Manasota Key, is the “Tarpon Capital of the World” and features several annual tournaments.
With season begining in April, Punta Gorda, a town that shares the same waters, hosts two fishing tournaments. The first is a Kid’s Cup Redfish Tournament at Fishermen’s Village . This catch and release event is part of a Redfish Tracking Project affiliated with Mote Marine Lab.
In MAY, Boca Grande hosts a Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament (tel. 941-964-0568) and the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament with several more through mid-June. Go HERE for tournament dates and information.
At Port Charlotte Beach, the Charlotte Harbor Kayak & Wildlife Festival, takes place for two days, with kayak tours, demonstrations, wildlife seminars, and a kayak fishing tournament.
Meanwhile, if you’re just looking to drop a line, the waters are filled with Cobia, mackerel, redfish, whiting and blues. Charter and rentals at Englewood Beach and Port Charlotte are recommended as they’re less expensive than neighboring Boca Grande.
Fishing Weather Forecast
Fishing Charters
Grande Adventures – 6002 N. Beach Road, Englewood – (941) 421-9554
Captain Jack’s Charters – 1450 Beach Road, Englewood – (941) 475-4511
Rock Bottom Fishing Charters – 1825 Gulf Blvd., Englewood – (941) 474-8577
Captain Van Hubbard – 260 Maryland Ave., Englewood – (941) 468-4017
DockOar Fishing Charters – 260 Maryland Ave., Englewood – (941) 610-7420
Fishing Calendar
| SPECIES | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
| BLUE FISH | ||||||||||||
| BONITA | ||||||||||||
| COBIA | ||||||||||||
| GROUPER | ||||||||||||
| KINGFISH | ||||||||||||
| REDFISH | ||||||||||||
| SNAPPER | ||||||||||||
| SNOOK | ||||||||||||
| SPANISH MACKEREL | ||||||||||||
| SPECKLED TROUT | ||||||||||||
| TARPON | ||||||||||||
| TRIPLETAIL |
