Get ready to put your skills to the test on Apalachicola's rich inshore waters. This 4-hour trip with Tripletail Charters is tailor-made for experienced anglers looking to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. We're talking serious fishing here - no newbie stuff. You'll be chasing trophy Tarpon at dawn and sight-fishing for elusive Tripletail when the sun's up. Our seasoned guides know every nook and cranny of these waters, and they're itching to put you on the fish.
We kick things off early, meeting at the dock before sunrise. The morning light is prime time for Tarpon, so we'll waste no time getting after them. You'll be armed with top-notch gear and swim baits designed to entice those silver kings. As the day heats up, we'll switch gears and start hunting for Tripletail. This isn't your average cast-and-wait fishing - we're talking stealthy approaches and precision casts to structure. Our captains have honed their eyes to spot these crafty fish, but you'll need to be on your A-game to seal the deal. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's the perfect setup for a group of fishing buddies looking to one-up each other.
For our Tarpon hunt, we'll be using heavy spinning gear loaded with braided line. Expect to throw big swim baits and topwater lures - the kind of stuff that makes those 100-pound-plus fish go nuts. When we switch to Tripletail, it's all about finesse. Light tackle, often with live shrimp or small artificials, is the name of the game. You'll need to make accurate casts, sometimes in tight quarters around structure. Our guides will be right there with you, offering tips on presentation and retrieves. Just a heads up - when a big Tarpon decides to go airborne or a Tripletail makes a run for the nearest piling, you better hold on tight!
Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," these prehistoric powerhouses are the stuff of angling legend. In Apalachicola, we typically see fish ranging from 60 to over 150 pounds. They're famous for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that'll test both your gear and your stamina. Tarpon fishing here peaks from late spring through summer, but we can find some resident fish year-round. Landing one of these beasts is a true badge of honor for any angler.
Tripletail: Don't let their odd appearance fool you - these ambush predators are crafty and hard-fighting. They get their name from their unique, rounded fins that make them look like they have three tails. In our waters, you can expect to tangle with Tripletail in the 5 to 15-pound range, with some real monsters pushing 20 pounds or more. They love to hang around floating debris and structure, often floating on their sides to mimic leaves. Spotting and successfully hooking a Tripletail is one of the most satisfying challenges in inshore fishing.
Look, there's a reason our regulars block off their calendars for this trip year after year. It's not just about the fish - though trust me, the action can be off the charts. It's about the whole package. You're out here in some of Florida's most pristine waters, surrounded by wildlife, with a real shot at hooking into the fish of a lifetime. Our guides aren't just skilled - they're passionate about what they do. They'll push you to be a better angler, sharing tricks of the trade that you can't learn from any fishing show. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the rush of a Tarpon clearing the water or the satisfaction of outsmarting a crafty Tripletail.
If you're the kind of angler who's always looking to up your game, this is your chance. We're talking world-class fishing for two of Florida's most prized inshore species, all packed into a half-day of non-stop action. Remember, we only take up to 4 anglers per trip, so spots fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. Don't miss out on your shot at Apalachicola's finest fishing. Grab your fishing buddies, secure your spot with a deposit, and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Just be warned: once you've experienced fishing at this level, it's hard to go back to anything else. See you on the boat!
Tarpon are the silver kings of Apalachicola's waters. These prehistoric giants can hit 8 feet and 280 pounds, but 4-footers around 100 pounds are more common. You'll find them in shallow coastal areas, estuaries, and even up some rivers. They're migratory, showing up here in late spring through summer. Anglers chase 'em for their spectacular aerial displays - they can leap 10 feet high and run at 35 mph. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well, but fly fishing the flats is a real rush. Use a 10-weight rod and be ready for a fight. When you hook one, keep your rod tip up and let them tire themselves out jumping. Remember, these fish are catch-and-release only - they're not good eating and can live 50+ years. For the best shot, hit the water at dawn and look for rolling fish. It's a bucket list experience you won't forget.
Tripletail are unique fish that'll keep you on your toes. They average 18 inches and 2-13 pounds, but can reach 3 feet and 40 pounds. You'll find them near the surface around floating debris or structure. These opportunistic feeders love shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Summer's prime time, especially July and August when they're spawning. Anglers dig 'em for their acrobatics and tasty meat - firm and similar to snapper. Sight fishing's the way to go. Approach quietly and cast past them, working your bait back. They spook easy, so stealth is key. For gear, go with a 7-9 foot 8wt rod and 20-pound test line. Float lines work best since they're near the surface. If you spot one playing dead to mimic floating debris, you've found your target. Just remember those gill plates are razor-sharp when handling them.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150