I am leaving for a week in boca grand in Fla Saturday - i want to go tarpon fishing anyone every done it before - can i bring a rod and surf cast off of the beach or do i have to charter a boat. Good fighting or just another striper fishts than gives up. I thought this trip would get me going for the fishing season in MA approaching us soon.

I haven't fished that area, but I have fished Florida some and for tarpon a couple times. I think your best bet would probably be to contact a guide and do a trip out. He may also be able to give you some info on any shore fishing that might be available.

It may be a bit late to find a guide though... I don't know how busy they are at this time of year. I know the main tarpon run is may-june, but there should be fish around now.

There are also about 7-8 other species of fish that might be available right now.

As for the fight, tarpon are big fish. They are jumpers and good fighters, though I never noticed stripers to be poor fighters.

GO......to.....the.....bridges......at.......night ..........................

Fish both inlets on the island. The northern one is shallow and the southern one is deep. The one on the south side is famous for tarpon and is called Boca Pass. The snook should be on the beaches and in both inlets--jigs and plugs on the night tides. I went down there last year in March and the tarpon run hadn't begun yet. I fished for snook. Bring as many rods as you can, both light and heavy, spinning and conventional. The two tackle stores on the island are mostly fly; the one north of Boca has everything else. Cool spots in the backcountry as well. Good luck to you.

tarpon are very fun on med tackle i got a 40lb like 5ft one 2 years ago. vent out with a guide on the flats very fun!!!

THANKS GOOSE FISH- i FOUND A GUIDE THAT IS GOING TO BRING ME OUT ON TUES AND WEDENESDAY- ASK HIM FOR SOME POINTER OFF THE BEACH AND BRIDGES OTHER TIMES.