Tarpon
name: Tarpon
other names: Silver Kings
A herring like fish with large silvery plate scales. The last ray of dorsal fin is extended into long filament; They have a dark blue to green or greenish black back, shading into bright silver on the sides; may be brownish gold in estuarine waters. They also have a large mouth that points upward. The Tarpon is a large, hard fighting fish and is judged by many to be the worlds most exciting game fish. Once it feels the hook being set it begins the spectacular display of frequent, twisting, acrobatic leaps into the air to free itself from the hook.
Inhabit coastal waters, bays, estuaries, mangrove-lined lagoons, and rivers. Often found in river mouths and bays, entering fresh water. Large schools may frequent particular spots for years.
Tarpon usually feeds mainly on fish and large crustaceans.
Most Tarpon landed are between 25 to 80 pounds on average but can range from a few inches in length to about 300 pounds. The world all tackle record is 283 pounds 4ounces. They are slow growers; matures at 7 to 13 years of age, spawning occurs between May and September. The females may lay more than 12 million eggs.
Tarpon come in all sizes and can be caught with all kinds of fishing equipment and using various methods. These fish can be caught with artificial's and natural bait by casting, drifting, trolling and still fishing. Those big fish anglers will need some sturdy medium to heavy rods with 30 to 50 pound saltwater reels and lines. For average and smaller tarpon just about all medium bait casting, spinning and fly fishing tackle can be used effectively. Bait casting and spinning gear should be equipped with 15 pound line and heavier leader material based in the size of Tarpon you are pursuing. Fly fishing tackle should consist of a 10 –13 weight rod a high quality reel with a capacity to handle 300 yards of 30lb backing. Natural baits used in the pursuit of Tarpon can include live shrimp, live crabs and live bait fish such as Pinfish, Mullet, Pilchards and Squirrelfish.
