Tarpon Fishing in Florida |
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Megalops atlanticus Whether you are coming early season, for schools of tarpon balled up offshore or late for daisy-chaining fish migrating up the beach—the tarpon fishing here is simply amazing! Lee County's, Boca Grande Pass just to our north, is coined "Tarpon Capital of the World" due to the huge number of fish migrating through every year. In April and early May bait fishing takes center stage, as fish begin to arrive offshore of Sanibel and Estero Islands kicking off the season. As well, tarpon that wintered up river now begin to push out into the bays, giving anglers even more opportunities. If you want to sight fish with fly or light tackle, there's endless possibilities both in the Gulf and backcountry and one of my specialties. Late May and June is the best time to see fish migrating up the coast from San Carlos Pass to Stump Pass, sometimes only a stones throw from the beach. Want to see one of the "10 Fishing Wonders of the World"? Ask me about afternoon and evening crab flow dates, but book early! Watch as thousands of crabs get washed into the gulf in one of the area passes, as the tarpon line up to dine. This can create some great fly fishing, too! Come on down and give it a try, you'll see why it's my passion and why clients come back year after year. Angler's Please Note: All tarpon will be released alive, though a $50 kill tag will be on board for a possible record catches. If you want to mount your trophy, ask the captain to gauge or measure the fish for a replica mount. We can also set you up with a reputable taxidermist that specializes in tarpon mounts. In 2008 the State of Florida changed the rules (see at MyFWC.com) dealing with how tarpon are handled once boat side. It is now illegal to take scales, mouth gaff and pull the fish out of the water for "hero pictures". There will be no exceptions. You can still get plenty of great shots with the fish, but you may want to bring along a video camera for some extra footage. Description: last ray of dorsal fin extended into long filament; one dorsal fin; back dark blue to green or greenish black, shading into bright silver on the sides; may be brownish gold in estuarien waters; huge scales; mouth large and points upward. Similar Fish: (as juveniles) ladyfish, Elops saurus. Where found: primarily INSHORE fish, although adult fish spawn OFFSHORE where the ribbon-like larval stage of the fish can be found. Size: most angler catches 75-100 pounds, with fish over 150 pounds not uncommon. Restrictions: All fish must be released unharmed. A $50 tarpon tag is required to possess or harvest. *Florida Record: 243 lbs. Remarks: slow grower; matures at 7 to 13 years of age; spawning occurs between May and September; female may lay more than 12 million eggs; can tolerate wide range of salinity; juveniles commonly found in fresh water; can breathe air at surface; feeds mainly on fish and large crustaceans. Fish Information from MYFWC.com |
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