Photo by Brett Martina
By Capt. Randy Cnota
As you read this, large schools of tarpon are making their way to the pristine waters of Franklin County, Fla. They’re hungry, and once here, they’ll be taking full advantage of the pogies, mullet and crabs that these waters are so rich with.
For anyone considering a place for the adventure of a lifetime, look no further. This is a place where the entire family can get a wide variety of fishing experiences: from the technical tarpon on the fly, to the simple trout on a live shrimp and everything in between!
Capt. Tommy Robinson of Robinson Brothers Guide Service in Apalachicola, Fla., has been guiding for more than 38 years. He and his brother, Chris, are experts at taking anglers to fish of all types… especially tarpon. While they understand all the intricacies of how wind, tides and bait movement will determine the best plan for tarpon success, they can also guide you to drag-stripping jack crevalle, topwater red drum, sight-fishing for cobia and tripletail and so many other fishing adventures available along the Forgotten Coast.
Tarpon are a technical fish; details matter for success and the window of opportunity can, at times, be small. The water conditions must be right, winds will dictate launch locations, and baitfish movements are always a player. They can be a challenge, but the rewards are big! To see and feel the raw, wild power of these giants is like nothing else.
Options for getting them to bite include artificial lures on fly and spinning equipment or using live bait like pogies and crabs. Details for success are too long to list here, but the fact that these fish are here to eat means your chances of hooking one are great.
If you haul your own boat down to the area, there are plenty of launch sites that put you right in the action. Access to places like Gulf of Mexico, St. George and Dog Islands, Apalachicola Bay and St. George Sound are quick and easy.
First-timers to the area are encouraged to hire a seasoned guide, but this area offers so many options that almost anyone can load a livewell with shrimp or pogies and catch something. Whether it’s trout and reds in the bays or kings and amberjack in the Gulf, there’s something for everyone; tarpon being here just makes this destination as good as it gets.
Contact Capt. Tommy Robinson at (850) 653-8896. For a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and more visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com