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Saltwater & Coast

Charlotte Harbor Fishing Guide

Florida

A huge estuary including Boca Grande Pass, the epicenter of Florida tarpon fishing.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Charlotte Harbor for redfish, snook and tarpon. The best months overall are Apr to Jul, Sep to Oct. In October, redfish and snook are in season, and Clouser Minnow, EP Baitfish and Spoon Fly are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Boca Grande Outfitters in Boca Grande, under 1 mi away. Tampa Bay is 72 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Apr to Jul, Sep to Oct

In October

Redfish, Snook

Methods

Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

What You'll Catch

Charlotte Harbor Species

Redfish

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Mar to May, Sep to Nov

Snook

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Apr to Oct

Tarpon

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Apr to Jul

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

11 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Clouser Minnow #1/0-8

    Fly

    Streamer · Redfish

    Shop This Fly

  • EP Baitfish #2/0-2

    Fly

    Streamer · Redfish

    Shop This Fly

  • Spoon Fly #1/0-2

    Fly

    Flats Fly · Redfish

    Shop This Fly

  • Walking Topwater 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Topwater · Snook, Redfish

    Shop This Lure

  • Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Snook, Redfish

    Shop This Lure

  • Weedless Gold Spoon 1/4 to 1/2 oz

    Lure

    Spoon · Redfish

    Shop This Lure

  • Popping Cork Rig 18 to 30 in leader

    Lure

    Rig · Redfish

    Shop This Lure

  • Live Shrimp 2 to 4 in

    Bait

    Live Bait · Snook, Redfish

  • Sand Fleas Small

    Bait

    Live Bait · Redfish · Surf.

  • Cut Mullet Chunk or strip

    Bait

    Natural Bait · Redfish · Surf and passes.

  • Live Pinfish and Mullet 3 to 6 in

    Bait

    Live Bait · Snook

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Redfish

Fly 9 ft 8 wt rod, floating redfish line, 16 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Snook

Fly 9 ft 8 or 9 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, 30 to 40 lb bite leader.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 reel, 20 lb braid with a 30 to 40 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Tarpon

Fly 9 ft 11 or 12 wt rod, floating or intermediate tarpon line, 60 to 80 lb shock tippet.

Spin / Cast 7.5 ft heavy spinning rod, 6000 to 8000 reel, 50 lb braid with an 80 lb leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Charlotte Harbor

Fly Lines

RIO Redfish Fly Line

A heavy front taper for quick shots at tailing fish in warm, humid conditions.

Check Price

Leaders & Tippet

Seaguar Tarpon Leader Material

Heavy fluorocarbon shock leader that survives tarpon jaws and gill plates.

Check Price

Fly Lines

RIO Tarpon Fly Line

A tropical line that stays stiff in heat for long casts to rolling tarpon.

Check Price

Terminal Tackle

Gamakatsu Circle Hooks

Circle hooks set themselves in the corner of the mouth and make release easy.

Check Price

Sunglasses

Costa Polarized Fishing Sunglasses

Polarized lenses cut glare so you can see fish, structure, and flats.

Check Price

Reels

Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.

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Rods

Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod

A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.

Check Price

Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Within 45 Miles

Shops Near Charlotte Harbor

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Saltwater & Coast · Florida · 72 mi

Tampa Bay

The biggest bay system in the state. Speckled trout, redfish, and jack crevalle.

Speckled trout · Redfish · Jack crevalle