Tarpon: Chasing the Silver King Pt. 1

Tarpon otherwise known as the Silver King is a beautiful creature that many anglers chase with excitement as well as disappointment.

What makes this fish so exciting? Well for one they are big. The Florida and world records are 243 lbs. and 286 lbs. respectively. They are also very acrobatic and I think that is the main driver as to why anglers will drive themselves mad trying to land one of these beautiful fish.  Tarpon range over much of the western Atlantic ocean from Brazil all the way up to Virginia, as well as throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Tarpon also roam along the eastern Atlantic up and down Africa's west coast.

But nothing beats the amount of tarpon that inhabit the Southwest Coast of Florida.  Boca Grande Pass has long been known as the Mecca for Tarpon fishing.  The migration that takes place in the spring is unlike any you will ever experience anywhere in the world.

During the peak of the season as many as 40,000 tarpon will move in and out of the pass each day. So why do they congregate in such numbers here you may ask? It is simple really it is rich in habitat, has great protection, and there is plenty of food. Boca Grande Pass is the deepest natural pass in Florida with depths of up to 80 feet.  There are also shallow backwaters close by so it is the perfect environment for migrating and resident tarpon.

Since it is the only outlet to the Gulf of Mexico for Charlotte Harbor and the two major rivers that feed it, there is plenty of food that is being flushed out and straight into the mouths of these hungry tarpon. You always hear the saying match the hatch when fishing these giants. Well the amount of crabs that flow the the passes on the west coast of Florida in the spring and early summer is like setting out a buffet table at a family reunion. Everyone eats till they can't eat anymore.

Remember tarpon are predators they will eat a variety of baits and lures. I once had a Captain friend of mine tell me that a tarpon will eat anything if it is presented in the right way.  After years of chasing and fishing for these beautiful fish I firmly believe that. They can sometimes drive you mad because they can be very finicky sometimes. 

We are very fortunate in this part of Florida because we get to chase these things year round! We will continue this discussion in our continuing posts and if you are ever wanting to get out and chase this bucket list fish and feel the adrenaline pumping then give us a call and book your next adventure!