Information on Tarpon
"the Silver King"
Fishing in the Florida Keys is NOT a once in a lifetime experience. The thrill of fighting a large fish and the excitement once the battle is over makes people come back for more. If you like tarpon fishing, let me help you find and land the big one!
There is no better thrill than landing a huge 80-160 pound tarpon!
There are two species of Megalops from Greek translated to “large-eyed”, one native to the Atlantic, and the other to the Indo-Pacific oceans. They can live in salt water, brackish water, and even in fresh water and do so at different periods of their life. They grow 5–8 ft. long and weigh 80-280 lbs (some say 350 but one that size has not been caught yet) females are larger and are estimated to live up to 80 years. Silver King or nick named “poon” are only some of the names anglers’ and guides have called this elusive and powerful sport fish.
It's a blast!
Opportunistic and carnivorous
Adults are strictly carnivorous and feed on pinfish, mullet, crabs, shrimp, and worms; they swallow their food whole and normally hunt at night, however tarpon are opportunistic when presented with an opportunity to feed during the day they will sometimes eat. In Islamorada the favorite food is the palolo worm, which hatches every year in the water of the southern Keys on low falling tides on a new moon. You will see many flies imitating this funny little worm.
They jump in protest to being hooked …do not forget to “bow to the king”
That brings us to a discussion on “feeding” one of these fish a fly…if you want to catch one on a fly practice your casting. You will have opportunities up to 10 feet or less from the boat. Accuracy of where you place the fly will mean the difference between it inhaling your fly and a “jump” (fly in mouth-fish in the air) or them ignoring you completely. I believe you have a 10 inch window on either side of there nose. On rare occasions they will swim over 3-7 feet to eat your fly but only if you are incredibly lucky or all the gods love you, so practice. Put it in front of them and be sure it is moving away from them. If you were a little shrimp you would be scared too. These fish have huge eyes and see very well and guides are using smaller and smaller flies. It is amazing you can catch a 100-pound monster with a fly about an inch and a quarter long with a hook no bigger that the finger nail on your pinky.
Their mouth is so hard (think of formica countertops) we have to be diligent about the sharpness of our hooks. If you drag the bottom or bump the boat or push pole be sure to check. When the line comes tight - strip set the hook (for you trout fishermen this does not mean raising your rod) and nail it home 2-3 times. You will learn quickly how to do this, and I mean quickly, before the it explodes out of the water an throws the hook- still exciting jump a tarpon but not as much fun as having your photo taken with a 100 pounder in your lap.
We catch Baby Tarpon in Florida Everglades
Sustainable Fishing
We generally fly fish with 11-12 wt rods and 300 yards of backing however 10wt or less can be used. We try not to stress the fish too much and you will learn many techniques to bring the tarpon to the boat in as little as 15 minutes. Think how damaging fighting a big fish for 4 hours could do to you and the fish. The idea is to enjoy the fight and spectacular jumps and of course the release the fish unharmed. We are dedicated to protecting these fish known as the “Silver King” so that your children and your children’s children can enjoy this sport.
Reproduction
Not enough is known about this species. It is believed they breed offshore in very deep isolated areas. Females can lay up to 12 million eggs at once. They reach sexual maturity once they are about 6-7 seven years old and about 50 inches long. Spawning usually occurs in late spring to early summer and as you may know a great time to see a lot of tarpon. When Spawning or migrating to spawn they have other things on their mind and on some days will ignore any fly or bait you through at them. The exciting part is that these fish (big fish) are found year round in Islamorada. We invite you to join us soon!
The next photo could be of you!
Made you smile
Incredible colors in the bright sun
And always remember to Bow to the King!
