Species gear view
Tarpon
Freeline live crabs or large baits on the outgoing tide and bow to the fish on every jump.
Habitats
Sunshine Skyway, passes, beaches, bridge channels
Best bait
Crabs, threadfin, pinfish, large live bait
Season
Late spring through summer
Tide and time
Outgoing through passes and bridge channels · Sunrise, sunset, and at night around bridge lights
Core Setup
Foundational fishing setup plus the required components for CastPlan's primary rig.
Recommended rig
Freeline Live Bait Rig
Predators chasing bait
Open Rig Guide20-25 lb fluorocarbon leader · Inshore braided main line · Inshore circle hooks · Live bait matched to target
Other compatible options
Compatible option
Premade Sabiki rig
A bait-catching tool, not a separate target species system.
Open detail
Compatible option
Live-bait hooks
Hooks sized to the bait so it can keep swimming naturally.
Open detail
Compatible option
Saltwater topwater plug
A floating surface lure for calm, low-light feeding windows.
Open detail