Grande Tarpon Charters

Grande Tarpon is a shallow-water inshore charter operated by Captain Jason Wightman, fishing a wide stretch of Southwest Florida that includes Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Palmetto, Longboat Key, Sarasota, and Boca Grande. The operation is focused on classic Florida inshore fishing, with trips built around calm coastal waters, back bays, rivers, and nearshore Gulf structure. Captain Jason runs year-round trips and welcomes both experienced anglers and families, keeping the approach straightforward and centered on time on the water rather than rigid trip formats.

Most trips take place in protected bay systems and shallow coastal zones where fish relate to mangroves, shorelines, grass flats, and tidal movement. Bay and inshore trips commonly target snook, redfish, spotted trout, black drum, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and occasional sharks. These areas are also rich in wildlife, and it is common to see manatees and dolphins moving through the same waters being fished. Fishing styles are adjusted daily based on tides, water clarity, and seasonal patterns rather than following a fixed routine.

When conditions allow, trips may run into the Gulf of Mexico up to roughly nine miles offshore. These coastal Gulf trips focus on nearshore reefs, buoys, and open-water structure where anglers can target species such as grouper, tripletail, permit, cobia, kingfish, hogfish, bonita, Spanish mackerel, and sharks. This style of fishing bridges the gap between inshore and offshore, offering access to Gulf species without committing to long blue-water runs.

Tarpon fishing is a major seasonal focus for Grande Tarpon. Captain Jason sight fishes for tarpon and follows their movements throughout the season, working areas from the Skyway Bridge down to the waters off Anna Maria Island and Boca Grande. Trip lengths range from four to eight hours, allowing flexibility based on weather, fish behavior, and angler preference. All fishing gear and licenses are included, with anglers only needing to bring personal items like sun protection and snacks. What stands out about Grande Tarpon is its wide geographic coverage and consistent focus on shallow-water fishing, giving anglers access to some of Southwest Florida’s most productive inshore and near-coastal fisheries under a guide who fishes them regularly.