Tarpon fishing the passes anyone?

As the Tarpon are on their annual move along the coast, anglers of saltwater fishing are gearing up for the chance to hook a "Silver King". Good quality saltwater fishing tackle is a must, as these fish are large and in charge of the waters they roam. Anything from medium to heavy fishing rods are used by most fishermen to fight Tarpon, but the ones who get the fish to the boat are using the best gear they can afford to achieve this.

For well over a century people have been meeting up with these fish that can grow to over 200 pounds for a test of their fishing abilities. Many people have strategically traveled to the right place, at the right time of year, to get their shot at one of these fish on a line, jumping and trying to shake the hook.

Where to fish

At this time of year the Tarpon are cruising up and down the coastlines to do their prehistoric mating ritual while scooping up as much food as they can, to prepare their bodies for the rigors of spawning. This is the perfect time for anglers to get a close up of a "Silver King" as Tarpon are know by.

The best way I have found when fishing the passes or the coastline is to set up over a defined ledge. This ledge could be just a 2' to 3' drop or one of several feet. The Tarpon seem to follow this ledge; this method assures you that you won't be spooking them with the sound of your motor.

Tarpon tackle

Most veteran Tarpon fishermen like to use light tackle or fly rods to fight Tarpon with. Whether it is a level wind revolving spool reel or a spinning reel, it should have at least 250 to 350 yards of 20# test line, as these monsters like to run out a lot of line during the fight. Be sure that the reel has an excellent drag also; it will be put to the test.

If you have never experienced a hooked Tarpon before, I suggest at least a good heavy rod with a spinning reel spooled with no less than 50# test. With this set up you can learn the proper methods of fighting the Tarpon with a more forgiving fishing line.

A good 4' to 6' length of 100# test fluorocarbon leader material is a must, some prefer 200# test for a leader. This should be tied to a good quality swivel and attached to your main line.

Bait choices

There are many good live baits that Tarpon just love. Peeler crabs, pinfish, blue runners, and large shrimp, just to name a few. A lot of Tarpon fishermen prefer artificial plugs or jigs to entice them to bite. If you really want to increase your bites and hook ups, go with the Gulp Alive Peeler Crabs. Berkley's team of scientist have out done themselves again by coming up with a bait that is more often preferred by fish over live bait. The "magic juice", as I call it, not only attracts them to the lure, but it also makes them lock onto it and they don't want to let go, thus increasing your chances to set your very sharp hook into the bony mouth of a Tarpon.

For you hardcore fly rod fishermen, who must fight a Tarpon on a fly rod, try setting your bucket of Gulp Alive Peeler Crabs on the deck of your boat with the lid off. Just before every cast, dip your fly into the "magic juice" that the peeler crabs are basting in. You will be very satisfied with the results, I assure you!

Technique

You will want to hook the Gulp Alive Peeler crab on his side just as you do a live crab with a 6/0 to 10/0 hook that is very sharp. Then just freeline him out in front of the school of hungry Tarpon. Some people like to watch for the schools coming to the surface to gulp air in an act called "rolling". They then position the boat a few hundred yards in front of the moving school to cast their baits and wait.

Learn to "bow" to the jumping fish; this is the act of leaning forward, towards the jumping Tarpon. This lets the tip of the rod down and allows the fishing line time to get out of the water with the fish without breaking it.

With a little practice and the best quality fishing gear you can buy, you will be joining the club of thousands of satisfied Tarpon fishermen that have been going after these hard fighting fish for over 100 years. So remember to grab a friend, get out and go fishing when you can, cause it is Gooooood Fer Ya!

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