Tarpon

The tarpon was one of the first saltwater species to be declared a game fish.

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A TARPON

The body is compressed and covered with very large scales. The lower jaw juts out and up. The teeth are small and fine, and the throat is covered by a bony plate. The dorsal fin consists of 12-16 soft rays (no spines) the last of which is greatly elongated. The back is greenish or bluish varying in darkness from silvery to almost black. The sides and belly are brilliant silver. Inland, brackish water tarpon frequently have a golden or brownish color because of tannic acid found in the water.

 

WHERE TO CATCH TARPON

Occurs in warm temperate tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal fish can be found both inshore and offshore. Because of its ability to gulp air directly into the air bladder by rolling at the surface, the tarpon is able to enter brackish and fresh waters that are stagnant and virtually depleted of oxygen. Such areas are relatively free of predators, thus offering a convenient refuse for the young. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

BACKFLOW                                             BAYS

BREAKERS                                             JETTIES AND BREAKWATERS

MANGROVES                                         PIERS, DOCKS AND PILINGS

SURF AND SHORE                                   BAITFISH PATCHES

BAYS AND ESTUARIES                            CHANNEL ENTRANCES

MAN-MADE STRUCTURES                       NIGHT FISHING

SALTWATER AND TIDES                           TIDAL FLATS

 

HOW TO CATCH TARPON

Fishing methods include still fishing with live mullet, pinfish, crabs, shrimp, etc. or casting or trolling with spoons, plugs, and other artificial lures. The best fishing occurs at night when the tarpon is feeding. They are hard to hook because of their hard, bony mouths. Once hooked they put up a stubborn and spectacular fight, often leaping up to 10 feet out of the water. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

JIGGING               FLY FISHIN       SURF CASTING    SPIN CASTING

DRIFT FISHING   BAIT CASTING   STILL FISHING

TARPON LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

CRABS        FLIES     PLUGS     SHRIMP    SPOONS

CUT BAIT     JIGS    SALTWATER LIVE BAIT

SOFT PLASTICS