Have you planned for tarpon fishing this summer? Are you hesitating because of the lack of knowledge and expertise? If so, you don’t need to worry anymore, as this article will cover everything you need.
Catching a tarpon fish is an uphill task. It would be best if you had skills, patience, time, and the right accessories. Otherwise, you’ll only end up with nothing.
The “nothing” is the biggest fear of anglers. But you don’t have to worry about it. Even though it is difficult, you can still catch tarpon fish by following the guide we’ll share with you below.
Tarpon Fishing: Overview
Tarpon, also known as silver king, is a famous fish in Florida. Each tarpon is different in terms of weight and size, the minimum length of tarpon is 4 to 8 ft, and the weight is 60 to 280 lb.
You can’t easily catch a tarpon; they can jump thoroughly out of water. Moreover, tarpons are good at fighting.
The weight and size of the tarpon also make the fishing process more difficult. After all, not all people can handle 8 ft long and over 60 pounds or even more heavy tarpon, especially without skills and proper equipment.
To make a strategy, you need knowledge. You can’t go fishing without knowing about what lures tarpon likes? Which rod is suitable for tarpon fishing? Which month is considered good to catch tarpon? And even if you catch, then do you know how to tackle them?
If you also have similar questions in your mind, then be with us and find out everything you need to know about tarpon fish.
How to Start Tarpon Fishing
Here comes the most crucial question, how to start tarpon fishing? Well, there’s nothing in this world that you can’t get. The only thing you need is planning. Buying an expensive rod, lure, and other items is not an assurance for a successful fishing trip.
As they say, “Preparation is the key to success.”
That’s why below, we will share a tarpon fishing guide with you. Also, we’ll tell you about how you can prepare yourself?
Prepare Yourself
Fishing is a sport in which you can’t play well for the first time, and there’s nothing wrong with it. No one is born as an expert; we learn a skill and then, after a while, become an expert.
As the saying goes, “Practice makes everything perfect.” The quote about practice is also relevant for fishing. You can’t catch fish, especially tarpon, if you’re not good at casting.
For that reason, start the casting practice one or two weeks before your fishing trip. Go to the parking area and do practice for at least 30 to 45 minutes daily.
Do Research
The second thing that is important for you is research. An angler needs multiple items for fishing and purchasing fishing accessories without research is not worth a plugged nickel.
Whether you’re purchasing a rod, lure, bait, guide, or any other thing, make sure that these things will work properly while fishing because there is no assurance that the rod you used last time to catch panfish will also work fine with tarpon fish.
Book A Guide
Not everyone can tackle tarpon fish; sometimes, experts also face many challenges. Remember, you need immense patience because tarpon will test you to the ultimate level.
If you’re a beginner, the trip will be more difficult since there is no room for mistakes. That’s why taking a guide on a fishing trip is an excellent option, particularly for beginners.
Equipment and Tackle
As now you know the preparation process, it’s time to take care of other things. You must be serious about choosing the types of lures, baits, fishing lines, and rods and reels?
Natural Lures & Baits
Live or dead bait as a lure is a great way to attract the attention of tarpon. Some famous tarpon fishing baits are pinfish, ladyfish, finger mullet, pilchards, and shrimps.
While targeting small tarpons, use small fishes or lures (ladyfish, pinfish, finger mullet, etc.). And choose a big lure while targeting the big tarpons. Choose the hook size 2/0 – 4/0 while using shrimp. Also, cut the shrimp into smaller parts, then use it as a lure.
Artificial Baits
Artificial bait is the second-best option to catch tarpon; it comes in different colors and sizes. You can find hundreds of various artificial lures online or in the local market. Crappie jigs and Rapala magnum are perfect artificial baits for catching tarpon.
Fishing Lines
If you ask some anglers about the best fishing line, you’ll probably get many answers because there is no best fishing line. Some anglers use braided lines, and some use mono, so it depends upon what suits them.
However, a 50-pound braided line is often recommended by many anglers. You can also go with a 60-pound braided line which is more powerful than a 50-pound braided line.
Rods and Reel
Rod and reel play an essential role while catching a tarpon. After all, a strong rod is the only way to catch a tarpon.
If a rod is not strong, then you can’t tackle the tarpon that’s ready to unhook itself. That’s why a heavy action rod and spinning reel in the size of 6000 to 7000 are a good option for tarpon.
Safety Concerns
Safety always comes first; though fishing is not dangerous, still always follow the guidelines for the sake of your safety.
- Don’t go fishing without wearing a life jacket.
- Carry a first aid kit in your boat.
- Keep insect repellent.
- Don’t use any drugs or alcohol before fishing.
- Wear clothes according to the weather.
- Use sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun.
- Carry enough water, healthy drinks for yourself.
- Share your fishing plan with your partner, friend, or family member.
- If you’re a novice, then don’t go alone.
The Right Location for Tarpon Fishing in 2021
Choosing the right location for your fishing journey is an important part. Without it, you can’t catch tarpon. That’s why we’ve done some research for you and found some awesome places that are famous for catching tarpon.
- Simons Island in Georgia
- Guinea-Bissau in Africa
- Marathon Island in Florida
- Boca Grande in Florida
- St. Augustine in Florida
- Tampa Bay in Florida
- Isla Holbox in Mexico
- Sierra Leone in Africa
- Trinidad in the Caribbean
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is tarpon hard to catch?
Yes, catching a tarpon is difficult. Tarpon is not a tiny fish, the minimum tarpon size is 4 to 8 ft, plus they are not unsubstantial in weight. Instead, they are pretty heavy.
Moreover, not all anglers can handle tarpon after the catch; they are slippery, often jump out of the water and even release themselves from the hook. However, you can still catch them after several tries.
Is it illegal to fish tarpon?
Remember that every country and state has different rules. So, read the laws of the fishing place you want to go to thoroughly before catching tarpon.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversion department, the tarpon is only a catch-and-release fish. It means you can catch, capture a pic and then release them. Also, it is illegal to grab a picture with a big tarpon (more than 40 inches long).
Where are the best tarpon fishing spots?
These are some of the famous spots that are specifically known for tarpon.
- Simons Island in Georgia
- Marathon Island in Florida
- Boca Grande in Florida
- Ten thousand Islands in Florida
- Tampa Bay in Florida
Is tarpon fishing dangerous?
It depends on the situation; yes, there are some cases where tarpon injured fishers. It happens when an angler tries to release a tarpon. Though it doesn’t happen frequently, it is still better to follow safety guidelines and tarpon fishing tips while catching tarpon.
Do tarpon bites hurt?
Yes, a tarpon can bite you, and you’ll also feel pain. It often occurs when you catch them, and they pick a fight. After all, they are animals, and like humans, they also retaliate whenever they feel danger.
The good thing is tarpon don’t have big teeth; instead, they have tiny teeth. That’s why tarpon bite is not as dangerous as you think.
Bottom Line
Catching a tarpon always comes on the bucket list of anglers. After all, it is a great fishing experience. Almost all anglers love to catch tarpon, though they are big in size and heavy, and it isn’t easy to catch them. But the thrill and the fantastic experience you’ll get, worth your effort.Hopefully, you might have found answers to all the questions regarding Tarpon fishing. You can still ask your question in the comment section below if you face any difficulty or have any questions in your mind. We would be happy to solve your problem.
