Fishing plays a significant role in the cultural history of Gasparilla Island State Park. The Calusa tribe likely engaged in fishing activities in the area’s waters.

During the 1700s, Spanish fishermen arrived and set up camps along the shoreline to facilitate the shipping of fish to Cuba.

In the 1800s, the abundant sea life in Charlotte Harbor attracted American settlers to the region.

By the 1900s, Gasparilla Island became a seasonal destination for numerous renowned sport anglers who targeted tarpon in Boca Grande Pass, earning it the title of Tarpon Capital of the World. The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, constructed in 1890, stands as the oldest structure on the island and one of the oldest in Lee County. Originally operated by the U.S. Coast Guard until 1966, the lighthouse underwent a significant renovation in 1986 after being abandoned for two decades. It was re-dedicated and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The state took ownership of the property, eventually opening it to the public as Gasparilla Island State Park in 1983.