Boca Grande Pass, located at the Southern tip of Gasparilla Island, has for decades been know to many, as the Tarpon Capital of the World. Boca Grande Pass, During peak Tarpon Season, house the largest concentration of Tarpon in one area, than any other place in the World. Warm waters and Spring Tides bring an abundance of crabs, shrimp and other various bait fishes to Boca Grande Pass, creating the perfect buffet for Tarpon.

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Anglers come from all over the World, to Boca Grande, to try their luck at taming one of the almighty Silver Kings and experience on the of the Islands oldest Traditions. 

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At the turn of the century, with the introduction of the railroad, wealthy American and British sportsman began frequenting the town of Boca Grande and quickly discovered the spectacular Tarpon Fishing of the Charlotte Harbor area.

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It would be the discovery, along with Phosphate off the banks of the Peace River that would put Boca Grande on the map forever. 

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Many of the early fishing community on Boca Grande were comprised of Spanish and Cuban Families, who mainly commercial fished for a living. Many of the local fishermen were also part-time fishing guides, but as the sport fishing popularity grew in Charlotte Harbor, many turned guiding into their main source of income. Several of these fishing families are still here on Boca Grande, as fourth and fifth generation fishing guides, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors and preserving the century old traditions of the Boca Grande community. 

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The Traditional Tarpon Fisherman is part of the traditions of Boca Grande and is dedicated to the preservation of the islands most precious natural resource, the Tarpon Fishery. Many can be seen on a daily basis, during Tarpon Season, drifting thru Boca Grande Pass, in such boats as the 24' Morgan, like the Blaze, with generally two persons fishing at any given time from the stern of the boat.

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For those that love to test their chance at fate, there are several Traditional All Release Tarpon Tournaments, based on Traditional Pass Tarpon Fishing methods, from May - June, which include: Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce - Ladies Day Tournament, World's Richest Tarpon Tournament, Howl at the Moon, Ladies Night out Howl at the Moon, Gasparilla Island Kids Classic and the Red Gill.

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Tarpon Fishing Guides come and go, as quickly as the tides, but the Traditional Tarpon Fishing Guides of Boca Grande, remain, along with the age old techniques. Boca Grande Florida is a community based on traditions. its preservation has allowed many to take a walk back in time, to the times of old, as if time stood still.

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Tarpon Season in Boca Grande, is like nothing you have experienced, everyone comes together and supports each other.. like one big family. From the friendly bantering between Captains before tournaments, to the Camaraderie among the community... Tarpon Season in Boca Grande is something special. 

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So I invite you to take a walk back in time, to the quaint little town of Boca Grande, enjoy a beautiful sunset with the Boca Grande Lighthouse in the backdrop, and catch a Tarpon!

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