Fishing Around Useppa Island

The waterways surrounding Useppa and her neighboring islands are open and spacious… and widely considered the birthplace of tarpon fishing. In 1885, Forest and Stream magazine reported the first rod-and-reel tarpon catch: a 93 pounder in Sanibel’s Tarpon Bay. Southwest Florida’s reputation as an unmatched fishing destination has grown in legend ever since.

At the turn of the 20th century, the promise of the ultimate big catch lured names like Edison, Ford, Roosevelt and Morgan – dubbing nearby Boca Grande “Tarpon Capital of the World.” That lofty title is earned with more than 5,000 tarpon landed during a typical 80-day Florida season… more than any other location in the world.

Naturally, fishing remains synonymous with Useppa Island. Whether casual anglers or those serious about the sport, early summer months bring the allure of the Silver King or even Florida’s “Grand Slam” of tarpon, snook and redfish all in one day.

Options are endless for every ability and passion – whether walking the beach to sight fish, or working a flats boat up the inland waterway flats and mangroves. Goliath grouper, snapper, trout, and more await to make your own angling history.