I t’s tarpon time!!! Get your arms ready and your back in shape, because you’re going to have to do some serious pulling to land one of these giant silver fish. Look for schools of tarpon working the near-shore waters in the 10 to 50-foot depths most days. Get in front of the school and drift or slow troll live baits like pogies, mullet, or greenies on a 7/0-9/0 VMC 7385 circle hook in front of them. Attach about 3 feet of 60 to 80-pound test Sufix Fluorocarbon leader to the hook and then tie another piece of 30 to 40-pound test about 5 feet ling between the heavy shock leader and your main line. For main line I prefer 20-25 pound test Sufix monofilament line verses braided lines because of the additional stretch and shock absorption the mono provides. Either will work, so use what you prefer. Just be prepared to “bow” to the fish when it jumps or surges. This will keep the hook from dislodging as easily or allowing the fish to break the line if it lands on it after a jump. Other species you’re likely to encounter while trying for a Silver King are Crevalle Jack, Little Tunny (bonito), King Mackerel, and a variety of sharks this month. Along the beaches Pompano, Flounder, Black Drum and Whiting are possible for anglers using live or frozen sand fleas and shrimp, or small pieces of squid on two or three drop surf rigs. Work the incoming tide for the best bite along Cocoa Beach on most days.