Tarpon Mania at the Inlet

Published June 11th, 2026 by Pole Dancer Fishin' Charters

If you’ve been anywhere near the inlet lately, you’ve probably witnessed one of the most exciting sights our fishery has to offer. Massive schools of tarpon have stacked up around the inlet, creating action that resembles a full-blown fall mullet run.

From first light until well after sunset, silver kings have been rolling, crashing bait, and putting on an incredible aerial display. Anglers have been treated to explosive strikes and drag-screaming runs as tarpon ranging from 40 pounds to well over 100 pounds patrol the channel edges, sandbars, and bait-rich current lines.

What makes this bite so special is the sheer volume of fish. Large pods of tarpon have been moving through the area daily, often pushing bait to the surface and creating chaos wherever they go. At times, the water seems alive with rolling fish, and it’s not uncommon to see multiple hookups happening at once.

Live mullet, pogies, and large pinfish have been the go-to offerings, but anglers throwing swimbaits, topwater plugs, and soft plastics have also found success when fish are actively feeding near the surface. The key has been staying mobile, watching for rolling fish, and positioning ahead of moving schools.

The inlet has become the place to be for anyone looking to battle one of the strongest gamefish in the ocean. The current, bait concentration, and favorable water conditions have combined to create a tarpon fishery that rivals some of the best action we typically see during the peak of the fall migration.

As always, proper handling is critical. These fish are incredible fighters and deserve careful release practices to ensure they remain healthy for future anglers to enjoy.

With bait continuing to pour through the inlet and tarpon showing no signs of leaving, now is the time to get out there. Whether you’re targeting your first silver king or chasing a personal best, the current bite is providing opportunities that don’t come around every day.

The bottom line: if you love tarpon fishing, clear your schedule. The inlet is absolutely on fire, and the action looks more like a classic fall mullet run than the beginning of summer.

Pole Dancer Fishin’ ChartersCapt. Jeff Patterson https://www.smallboatbigfish.com/

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