Tarpon Fishing in St. Petersburg
Florida
Tarpon is one of the species anglers target most around St. Petersburg, Florida. MyFishingBuds matches you with local anglers who chase Tarpon on Lower Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay so you can share a boat, split costs, and learn the water faster.
63 anglers on MyFishingBuds are targeting Tarpon.
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Tarpon at a glance
- Scientific name
- Megalops atlanticus
- IGFA record
- 286.56 lbs
- Max length
- 96 in
- Preferred water temp
- 74–90°F
About Tarpon
The silver king — one of the greatest game fish on Earth, known for spectacular aerial leaps
→ Full Tarpon guide: habits, gear & how to catch themWhen to fish St. Petersburg
Year-round fishery. Fall (October-December) is the inshore peak — redfish school up, trout fishing on the flats is at its best, and snook are still active before the first fronts. Tarpon run the beaches and the bay mouth May-July. Spanish and king mackerel show spring and fall; grouper and snapper fish the nearshore reefs and the Skyway rubble. Winter brings big trout and sheepshead around the bridges and docks, plus pompano on the beaches. Summer afternoons mean storms — fish dawn and dusk.
→ Today's best fishing times in St. Petersburg (sunrise, sunset & moon)Where to fish for Tarpon in St. Petersburg
- 📍 Lower Tampa Bay
- 📍 Boca Ciega Bay
- 📍 Fort De Soto
- 📍 Skyway Fishing Piers
- 📍 Gulf beaches
🪪 Florida fishing license
Anglers targeting Tarpon in St. Petersburg need a valid Florida fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
Florida fishing license cost 2026 →Tarpon in St. Petersburg: FAQ
Do I need a fishing license to catch Tarpon in St. Petersburg?▾
Yes. Anglers fishing in St. Petersburg need a valid Florida fishing license (with the right freshwater or saltwater privileges for where you fish). Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our Florida guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
When is the best time to fish for Tarpon near St. Petersburg?▾
Year-round fishery. Fall (October-December) is the inshore peak — redfish school up, trout fishing on the flats is at its best, and snook are still active before the first fronts. Tarpon run the beaches and the bay mouth May-July. Spanish and king mackerel show spring and fall; grouper and snapper fish the nearshore reefs and the Skyway rubble. Winter brings big trout and sheepshead around the bridges and docks, plus pompano on the beaches. Summer afternoons mean storms — fish dawn and dusk.
How do I find a Tarpon fishing buddy in St. Petersburg?▾
Create a free MyFishingBuds profile, set Tarpon as a target species, and pick St. Petersburg as your area. You'll be matched with nearby anglers who target the same species and fish a similar style, so you can plan a trip, share a boat, and split the costs.
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Other species to target in St. Petersburg
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