Mark,
Forgot to tell you that probably the best tarpon guide in the area is David Mangum, who owns shallowwater expeditions. He has several guides that are very good . http://www.shallowwaterexpeditions.com/guides.html
Plenty of tarpon in the gulf now - we just got one last Sunday that was over 130 lbs. David specializes going after tarpon this time of year. Good Luck!
Regards,
Bill