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You are probably going to Boca Grande to experience the thrill and fight of the mighty silver king. The power and acrobatic beauty of the tarpon is awesome and must be experienced first hand. Realizing the most enjoyment from your fishing trip usually requires the services of a qualified guide. He can give you all or more than you ever expected, resulting in a Boca Grande fishing relationship that can last for many years.

Early decisions

Prior to calling a guide you should make some decisions about your charter. Do you wish your trip to be during the day or night? In most cases Boca Grande guides concentrate on one type or the other, although some do both.

Is a boat with personal relief facilities necessary? Are you interested in just one trip or several? For the real tarpon fishing enthusiast, various trips during a several day period work well and generally ensure success.

Mount or release?

Are you interested in a mount if you catch the "right" fish? If so, there is a tarpon tag fee of $51 and your catch must be tagged immediately at the time of capture. Tags are kept by each captain and are available to customers as necessary.

In addition to the fee for the tag, you can expect a charge of $450 to $600, depending upon the size of your tarpon. Mounts are beautiful and impressive and will give you years of memories of that special trip to Boca Grande Pass.

An alternative to killing a tarpon for mounting is to have a fiberglass replica mount made. In fact, very, very few anglers keep tarpon for mounting these days. Your captain can look at the tarpon prior to release and come very close to estimating weight and length. These measurements can be given to the taxidermist along with a description of girth size, which will result in a mount for your home or office without killing the catch or spending the $51 for a tarpon tag.

Charter costs

Do you want a small or a big boat? Charter rates generally vary according to the captain and the size of his vessel. Larger boats are usually more expensive to operate but do offer comfort and personal facilities. Do not confuse the size of the boat with the fishing ability of a captain.

Smaller boats offer better maneuverability and quieter operation while larger boats offer comfort and room.

Average costs of charters are $275 to $350 for half-day trips and $450 to $600 for full-day trips. The rate is for a boat with the captain, tackle and bait. Generally there is no other charge other than whatever gratuity you feel is appropriate. There is no need for individual fishing licenses as you are covered by your captain's Florida saltwater charter license.

Half-day trips consist of a morning, afternoon or evening trip. Full-day trips can be a combination of any two of these, or can be fished straight through. Individual captains will have various preferences, many times relative to the conditions of weather and tide, or regarding the feeding patterns during the past several days.

A break for breakfast, lunch or supper is common during full-day trips, depending upon when you start the charter. Meals are generally back in Boca Grande, but some guides prefer to run to Cabbage Key, an island south of the pass, for customers to have their break for food. This "intermission" during the charter can be timed with a turn of the tide and offers guests the opportunity for relaxation.

Under normal circumstances guides do not supply food or drink. You may choose to invite your captain to join you for eating or just to meet him back at the boat at a given time. Your choice of drinks and snacks should be brought with you. Generally your captain will have a cooler with ice available for your beverages.

Finding a guide

The names and phone numbers of area fishing guides can be found in the local Boca Grande newspapers and tarpon fishing special editions, as well as in the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association pamphlet, Tarpon Fishing and Boat Operation at Boca Grande.

This pamphlet gives newcomers and previous visitors alike an inside view of tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass and it contains information about all 74 members of the association. It can be found on the island at various marinas and businesses and also at the Chamber of Commerce.

The information in this pamphlet is good to read prior to your fishing trip, as it will enlighten you regarding the procedures your captain will use during the charter.

Listen to your captain

Once on a boat your guide will at some point give you advice and instructions regarding the procedures he prefers while fishing. Listen to him and give him the respect of being an expert who wants you to have a great but safe time aboard his vessel!

He will have a set pattern he wants you to follow when a tarpon strikes. Listen carefully, as a mistake at this point will usually mean losing the fish. Brute strength is not as important as being relaxed and following instructions. Some of the very best clients are ladies who have no previous big game fishing experience.

Ask your captain before smoking. Also, ask his permission before climbing his tower or going up on the bow of the boat. Remember, safety is important and foremost when on the water!

What to bring

Be sure to wear rubber soled shoes ... this is a must! Your camera is obviously very important, along with sunglasses and suntan lotion. Also, bring a long sleeved shirt and a pair of slacks that you can change into if you get too much sun.

A hat is very important. Make sure it has a visor to protect your face. Something from your drug store to combat sea-sickness is important if you are susceptible. If your trip is at night, bring along a light jacket or windbreaker. Always bring a towel for each person in the party. Most of all, enjoy your fishing trip!

Capt. Jon Zorian is an area fishing guide and charter captain and can be reached at (941) 964-2038 or (813) 681-8908.