May-be Tarpon Season

By: Capt. Matt Fueyo

It’s finally here…they are finally here! Who are they? They are the Silver Kings that roam the beaches in migration to the next feeding and breeding zones. Megalops Atlanticus aka Tarpon aka Silver King aka Widow Maker. I added that last one because I’ve seen 100-pound fish break grown men’s and women’s souls. These giant prehistoric crustacean eating fish school up in schools of the hundreds and cruise the beaches in search of an easy meal. Most captains will throw crabs, mullet, threadfin, pin fish and even blue runners at the tarpon. When one strikes your line, it’s a feeling like no other. You’ll know the fight is about to be on and the show will begin in 3…2…1… Then, you come tight on your fish and next thing you know, a silver beast appears out of the water. Violently shaking its head trying to throw your hook, these fish put on a show. This moment is critical and we emphasize this to our guests. When the fish breaches the water, the amount of force generated by each head shake is incomparable to anything else. We call this moment “bowing to the King.” A moment where the angler must point his/her rod tip at the fish, putting slack in the line. I know what you might be thinking…slack in the line? Yes! This would be the only time when it is acceptable! If you manage to do everything right, then you may be one of the lucky ones who gets to land a tarpon. We encourage everybody in search of the elusive silver king to be respectful of others that may be “set up” on a school of fish. Keeping a minimum of 100 yards in order to allow other anglers the opportunity to have success. Take advantage of the beginning of summer. It’s a golden opportunity to get yourself hooked into a silver king!

Reel Tight FC | reeltightfishingcharters.com | 941-444-9749