This 70lb tarpon is typical of tarpon that run the beaches from Marco to

Boca Grande, Florida. Beach fishing is best from the middle of May to mid June.

Afternoon tarpon fishing in the Gulf of Mexico

       Hi!  I'm Capt. Scott Hughes.  I am a 3rd generation native Floridian.  I was born in Ft. Myers, Florida and operate my business out of the Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda area and I also fish Marco Island during certain times of the year.  I hold a B.S. of Health and Science from Troy State University.  Many of my customers are very experienced fishermen and book me to catch trophy sized fish. However, I have vast experience with novice anglers and children and will take time to teach them the techniques that make fishing more successful and exciting. The tips you will learn will enable you to have more fishing success for years to come. My favorite type of fishing is for large tarpon but much of the year is devoted to other light tackle fish species. We have great fishing for snook, king mackerel, spanish mackerel, shark, jack crevelle,  redfish, trout, cobia and and other species all year.

        We will primarily fish with live bait but can normally catch fish just as well with artificial lures if bait is not available or when my customers  prefer to use lures in instead of bait fishing. Live sardines and herring are the most common natural baits, but live mullet, crabs and ladyfish are sometimes used. During the winter, shrimp are the natural forage for our inshore fish and are commonly used to tip jigs for pompano, snapper, redfish, and trout. I'm also well versed in saltwater flyfishing. 10-12 weight rods are needed for tarpon fishing and 8-9 weight gear is best for flats fishing.  I grew up on Lake Okeechobee and I also run some guided bass fishing trips on the lake and airboat trips into the Everglades for some of the best bass fishing in the country when the conditions are right.  I supply all the bait, tackle ( including flyrods and flies), and licenses for up to 4 anglers.  I work very hard on a daily basis to make each fishing trip fun and exciting.

        Here in Southwest Florida you can enjoy some of the finest light tackle fishing and duck hunting Florida has to offer. And what makes it great is that something is pretty good all year round.  You will be amazed at the natural beauty of the area and learn about the rich history of Southwest Florida.  The ecosystem of the saltwater environment is complex and fascinating.   It is not uncommon to see endangered and threatened species like, manatees, sea turtles, storks, and bald eagles, as well as, common species like bottle nosed dolphin, ospreys and roseate spoonbills.

To Book a Trip call :  (941)575-2389