All across the state this weekend there have been reports of tarpon being caught in the passes and inlets. They have ranged from small 20 pound fish up to monster 200+ pound fish.
A high percentage of these fish have been caught at night and on live or cut bait. Some have had luck with large scented soft plastic lures and very large noisy top water lures as well.
Quick Shore Fishing for Tarpon Tips:
- Use stout gear – Tarpon can weigh well over 200 pounds so your gear has to be able to handle that size fish with out the ability to chase them out to sea.
- Use high quality bait – Tarpon love to feed on Mullet, Lady Fish and Blue Crabs. Live bait free lined works well as does large fresh cut chunks.
- When the tarpon jumps bow to it! The only time you do not want your rod tip high is when the fish is jumping, lower it to keep the pressure on the fish and help stop the hook from coming lose.
- RELEASE THE FISH – Unless you have a Tarpon tag it is illegal to keep a tarpon. They are not edible anyway, so just take some good photos and measurements if you want a trophy!
- Dont be afraid to fish areas that normally dont hold any other fish. Tarpon can breath air by “rolling” and gulping air, so the are frequently found in areas of lower quality water.