Boca Grande Pass tarpon spawn aggregation in May–June is the most famous tarpon event in the world.
Pre-spawn tarpon form daisy-chaining and rolling schools in passes, beach corners, and deep flats as water temperatures climb into upper 70s.
Daisy-chaining tarpon are visually iconic — sight-cast crab patterns and live mullet to schools. May–June pass and beach fishing peaks.
Active spawning behavior. Broadcast spawners offshore. Adults form pre-spawn aggregations inshore where they are accessible to anglers.
Florida and most Atlantic states require a tarpon tag ($50+) to harvest a tarpon — typically used only for IGFA record certification. Effectively catch-and-release across the US range. Adult tarpon ma
Florida and most Atlantic states require a tarpon tag ($50+) to harvest a tarpon — typically used only for IGFA record certification. Effectively catch-and-release across the US range. Adult tarpon may live 50+ years.
Post-spawn tarpon disperse from spawning aggregations; resident fish continue feeding on pass mullet runs through summer.
Mid-summer tarpon fishing in passes and backcountry continues productive after spawn peak.
Fish disperse to summer habitat and feeding patterns. Spawn cycle complete until following year.
Standard summer fishing tactics apply.
