Boca Grande Florida Tarpon Fishing Guide Charters

Fish the calm unspoiled waters of South Florida near Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor and the Florida Everglades famous for the best tarpon fishing in the world.

Captain Mark Bennett, a full time Florida fishing charter guide since 1992, has a lifetime of experience fishing for tarpon along the west coast of Florida.

Boca Grande Florida Tarpon Fishing Guide Charters

Florida tarpon fishing with Captain Mark Bennett

About The Captain

When choosing a Florida tarpon fishing guide there is no substitute for experience.

For over 30 years I have made a full time living as a fishing guide. Specializing in light tackle fishing for tarpon far away from the crowds on the west coast of Florida. Although I am probably best known for my tarpon fishing charters around the Boca Grande/Charlotte Harbor area where I live, I also fish for tarpon in the vast backcountry of the Florida Everglades, upper Keys and Florida Bay in the fall months of September and October. By following the migration I can effectively fish for tarpon 9 months a year. Fishing the peak of the season in each of the locations I fish.

I take the path less traveled.

Days and weeks ahead of the rest.

I DO NOT FISH IN BOCA GRANDE PASS!!!

May and June

I fish the beaches near Boca Grande.

July and August

I fish the rivers and backcountry of Charlotte Harbor.

September and October

I fish the vast wilderness of the Florida Everglades

This is what I do.

100% No B.S.

What My Clients Say

“Fourteen years ago I was fortunate to have had Capt. Mark Bennett recommended to me as a tarpon guide and I have had no reason to search further. Capt. Bennett has consistently put me on fish and has created productive days often at times when it was obvious that other local guides were struggling.”

– Jeff Milley St. Pete Beach, Florida

“I truly believe that Mark is part Tarpon, he knows how to read the movements of the pods and puts you right on top of the fish without spooking them, unlike most guides I previously fished with in the past…he always finds the fish and the best part is that he refuses to join the cluster of boats in Boca Grande Pass.”

Todd Hudson Laporte, Indiana

“Mark we know fishing, not tarpon fishing, but we know fishing. We have fished our whole lives. I fished with a lot of guides all over. They all tell me how good they are. How they did this or they did that. You didn’t do that. You showed me how good you are.”

Bo Cheramie Cutoff, LA

“Captain Mark is bar-none the most dedicated and avid tarpon fisherman that I’ve ever been associated with.”

Jason Cannon, managing editor, Sport Fishing Magazine

“Capt. Mark gave us the tarpon fishing experience of a lifetime.”

Adam H. Putnam U.S. Congressman

Florida tarpon fishing near Boca Grande with Captain Mark Bennett

FAQ

Where are you located?

I live in the Boca Grande/Charlotte Harbor area about one hour south of St. Petersburg/Tampa. Two hours southwest of Orlando and one hour north of Ft. Myers. March-August we usually depart out of Eldred’s Marina at the base of the Boca Grande Causeway. In the fall I also fish the Everglades and Florida Bay extensively.

Are you the guy in the gray boat?

Yes.

Why do mullet jump?

Mullet jump because they are happy.

Why don't you fish for tarpon in Boca Grande pass?

Crowds, crowds and crowds. During the daytime hours the pass has 150+ boats crowded together all racing around trying to fish one spot. Fighting between boats is common. Plus the tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass is highly overrated at best.

More FAQ's

Plan Your Perfect Trip With Me

For a breakdown of how the tarpon season progresses throughout the year and the very different areas we fish. Check out my tarpon season breakdown.

Click Here

Fishing Report

Tarpon fishing report 11-07-2021

Tarpon Fishing Report, Tarpon on fly

The Everglades was a Blast!!!The last two months was awesome. There were lots of tarpon around Florida Bay and all over the Everglades backcountry. Most fish were caught on spin but many were caught on fly as well. With the consistent weather we had many days with...

Tarpon Fishing Report 08-30-2021

Tarpon Fishing Report, Tarpon on fly

The fall migration is upon us.It is finally time for my annual migration to the Upper Keys to fish for tarpon in the Florida Everglades. I will be down there for the next couple months chasing these fish all over the backcountry. It is absolutely my favorite time of...

Florida Tarpon Fishing Report 08-01-2021

Tarpon Fishing Report

July didn't disappoint...July was a crazy month. It seemed like the wind was from a different direction every day. One day we were fishing Charlotte Harbor along a mangrove shoreline, the next we were on the beach and the next we were way up one of our rivers. Most...

My Boats

1971 24′ Proline

I am very proud of this boat. I built it with my own hands. One of the largest flats boats in our area. This boat can accommodate up to 4 anglers. With a full crew she draws less than 12″ of water.

I use this boat for most of my tarpon fishing in the Boca Grande area.