Check Mark

As in, mark this off the bucket list. I’ve spent a lot of time fishing here in Florida but never targeted these. They’re around but I never really got to it. Last weekend I was surrounded by them rising and rolling alongside my boat in some deeper water. I got my gear together this week and set out before sunrise to copy last weeks timing. And as usual, it didn’t matter cuz they weren’t where I left em. So I began the grind of trying to find them or some of the other fish I like to target over here in the salt. I got popped twice on topwater but nothing got buttoned up. I switched back to jigs of different styles and colors and still didn’t find much but a bump now and then. An hour or so later I did get hit and turn what I think was a nice seatrout but his flash was all I got to see of him. So I kept on and about 9:30 I saw some rolling here and there but they were either too far off or uninterested. I looked south and here came a small pod of them, kind of rolling now and then as they came my way. Finally in reach I fired off a cast at them and landed just behind them. Perfect. Turned the reel a few times and got a large smack and I set the hook. Just like the trout, the smack and the flash was all I got. Disappointed I fussed some and retrieved the jig, checked it and looked far them again. Lucky, they hadn’t gone far. I fired off another cast, turned the reel 3 times and got the reward I was looking for. I set the hook and the jig found purchase that stopped the rod, and he hit the air thrashing back and forth. Took a minute or two to get the go pro turned on , I had forgotten to do that, and get a few jumps out of him and get him within reach of the net.
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My first Tarpon and they’re everything you think they are, lots of fun. The jig slid out almost without effort. If I’d given any slack he’d have been gone. A quick measure and back he went to play another day. I sat there and enjoyed the moment and thought that I’d better get to lookin for the next one. They were still around but most weren’t interested. I saw one roll at the outside of my reach but maybe with the wind to help I could get there. Landed close enough and I began the retrieve but he didn’t seem to want it. Finishing the wind back to the boat I began looking for another one to cast to. About four feet from the boat he had followed it up and he smashed it and tried to steal my rod. Drag screaming, off he went. Jumping a bunch of times and running off at will, I couldn’t get him close to the boat. I began to reach for the net, he went up in the air for another jump and came unbuttoned. This fight had gone on for almost two minutes. I’d gotten the best of him and would’ve released him anyway so all for the good. Now I was officially a happy boy. Prayers for these fish answered I went looking for what was next. I found this Seatrout a while later and he was just about 16”.
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The population of most of the fish in this area are just coming back after some fish kills and brown and red tides and other negative things that I don’t keep any of any variety, so he got a pass too. Shortly after that I’d had enough and needed to go so I headed in. Not a lot of fish but a very good day for me. Hope y’all get out and find the ones you’re after like I did today. Til next time….Skeet

They gotta put up one heck of a fight. Great job. But Timbo, ain't it getting prime crappie time, and you still hitting the salt, releasing tarpon. Shouldn't you be releasing crappie to the grease!

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Thems tomorrow when I wash off the salt and look for some Crappies for the upcoming Gator and fish fry at my daughters house. I’ve got it boss, plan your work and work your plan!

Congrats on the tarpon. Might fine catch and I imagine a good fight too. Thanks for sharing with us

Congrats on the Tarpon. Fried gator and fish. Yum.

WTG Tim.

when i visited a place years ago , not in the us , it was said to me at the time that us americano people were ding dong to put tarpon back in the water because they taste really good , just saying
that was the size they liked to eat btw .....:Rofl
KABOOM is the word and congrats , bet that was fun ....:highfive

Great post! We had them here when I was a kid. Trolled Pet Spoons for them. I was a big thing. Grand Isle still has the big Tarpon Rodeo. Sometimes fishing large live white shrimp for Speckled Trout you hook a short that will give quite a aerial show. Like the Stripers Tarpon just aren't around much anymore. Seems as the Louisiana Marsh washes away so does the Saltwater fishing change.

Congratulations on the Tarpon.
I try to make one trip a year to fish inshore trout and reds . I’ve always wanted to target the sea trout using my crappie jigs and jig pole.
But I usually stick with my heavier gear to deal with red fish that like to join the party.
Tarpon is on my bucket list.


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Congrats on the Tarpon