Tarpon Fishing

Tarpon

The Atlantic tarpon is a much sought after species among marine sport fishers. It is not only a really large fish; it is also a feisty creature that is renowned for putting up a good fight when hooked. It is a powerful fish famous for making magnificent leaps into the air.

Tarpon fishing range

Tarpon fishing is easily accessible from many different parts of the world, since it likes to stay near shore and venture into freshwater rivers. It has been found as far north as Nova Scotia and France and as far south as Argentina, but its range is usually limited to warmer waters.

In the Western Atlantic, the typically Tarpon fishing range begins in North Carolina in the United States and proceeds down to Bahia in Brazil. The species is present throughout the Gulf of Mexico and in the Caribbean Sea. The creation of the Panama Canal has also caused it to spread westwards into the Eastern Central Pacific and you can participate in Tarpon fishing around the Cobia Island in Panama. In the Eastern Atlantic, Tarpon fishing is possible from Senegal to Angola, but as mentioned above occasional specimens sometimes turn up outside this range, e.g. along the coasts of Portugal and France.

Tarpon fishing regulations

It is naturally of imperative importance that you check local regulations before you engage in Tarpon fishing. The Atlantic tarpon is not included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but tarpon fishing is still regulated in many parts of the world. In the United States, the states of Florida and Alabama will for instance require you to obtain a special permit if you want to kill and keep the fish during Tarpon fishing. In these two states catch-and-release Tarpon fishing is therefore common.

Tarpon fishing method

Several different methods are currently used for Tarpon fishing, including flats fishing using fly rod. This method is highly popular, but also requires quite a lot of skill. A standard tarpon fishing fly rod will usually be equipped with 10-12 weight rods and reels and a 6-10 kg class leader tippet. High-quality line is naturally also important. An Atlantic Tarpon fish can weigh up to 250 kilograms, so a light tackle fishing technique is required unless you want the leader to break.

Tarpon fishing often takes place in shallow waters, often no deeper than 2 or 3 metres, since Tarpon schools are known to appreciate shallow inshore areas. When you spot a Tarpon school, you can use the boat to intercept the approaching fish. You have to act fast, and combine speed with precision during this type of Tarpon fishing. False cast out a sufficient amount of flyline, make the actual cast, retrieve the fly and hope for a Tarpon to bite. Setting the hook can be tricky, since the Tarpon is equipped with a very hard mouth. It is very common for Tarpons to jump up and throw the hook. If you manage to secure the hook, you can look forward to a highly exiting struggle between you and the powerful Tarpon. Tarpon fishing requires patients and endurance, and you can expect high jumps as well as obstinate bulldogging and long runs

tarphons
two tarpon fish

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