It’s always great to be able to share a well-kept insider secret. If you’re a traveler who loves fishing, or a local that would kill to find the best fishing in the area, they are spilling the secret – the best spot for sportfishing in Southwest Florida is Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach in the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast!
Located halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers, this off-the-beaten path destination continuously attracts fishermen and fisherwomen looking to reel in their next big catch.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is in a prime location for sportfishing, situated right between two bodies of water – the Gulf of Mexico and Charlotte Harbor, home to Florida’s second-largest marine estuary. Recognized as the Tarpon Capital of the World, the waters of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach are teeming year-round with hundreds of fish species (in addition to tarpon), including snook, redfish, cobia and grouper.
While there are countless opportunities to go fishing in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, peak season for tarpon fishing begins in May and runs through mid-summer. A variety of tournaments occur targeting different species including:
Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament
Held this year on Saturday, June 1, the Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament provides a fun and competitive event for participating anglers 15 years of age or younger. The tournament encourages goodwill, sportsmanship, conservation and education while recognizing the Boca Grande community and its tarpon fishing history and traditions. All proceeds generated from the tournament are poured back into the community and are donated to local charities.
The World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament
The 37th Annual World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, June 6 – 7, draws anglers in from all over the world to team up with expert captains and compete for the chance to bring home the Grand Cash Prize. This year the tournament is partnering with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and Captains for Clean Water for the benefit of the Boca Grande Fishery.
CCA Star Tournament
The 5th Annual CCA Florida Statewide Tournament Anglers Rodeo (STAR) is a 101-day Catch & Photo fishing tournament running from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Designed to educate the public on the importance of conserving Florida’s marine resources, the STAR Tournament typically attracts over 7,500 excited anglers hoping for a chance to win one of the many fabulous prizes.
Photography by PureFlorida.comhttps://PureFlorida.com
