Tarpon are found primarily inshore although adult fish spawn offshore.  Most catches by anglers are in the region of 40 to 50lbs.  The fish is found throughout Florida in the warm months.  Major fishing effort for large Tarpons are found by live baiting in the passes, inlets, channels and river mouths.
The Florida record is a massive 243lbs which is also the World record.

Wish I had caught that one ! Now how about this one.

Tarpon are famous for the spectacle of their aerobatic jumps which they do with regularity.  The smaller fish are more active than their larger brethren especially in shallow water where they dance with even more fury.

The Tarpon is caught by casting, drifting, still fishing and trolling.  For large fish tackle of the 30lb variety is necessary.  Heavy monofilament leaders are required.  The bait for drift fishing is small fish and crabs.  All Tarpon will take dead baits.  They may also be caught using jigs, plugs and perks.  Fly fisherman use feather streamers and the similar bucktail streamer.

Absolutely none. So please remove just a scale from your quarry and return for someone else's pleasure. Actually saying that, scientists now recommend that you do not remove a scale as it leads to infection and possible death of the fish.

Our picture left shows Larry Mastry of Tampa with his 194lb Tarpon which won the 66th Suncoast Tarpon tournament being held here in Tampa during 2001. Great fish !