By Captain Tom Van Horn.
As summer rolls in with the tide, warmer surf temperatures (72 to 82 F) welcome the return of the silver kings to the near-shore waters of the east central coast of Florida. Yes, the mighty Megalops atlanticus (Atlantic tarpon) is a noble species, regarded by many anglers as the ultimate game fish. Along with the warmer waters arrives an influx of baitfish (Atlantic menhaden and silver mullet) with the tarpon, large jack crevalle, kingfish and sharks in chase.
Unlike the conditions experienced in the clear tropical waters off the Florida Keys and Florida’s west coast, the larger surf and dirty water off Florida’s east coast beaches makes sight casting to cruising tarpon a challenge. Instead of finding fish stacked up in the inlet passes or daisy chaining alone the beach, we typically find our larger tarpon shadowing bait pods along the beach. On a typical day we launch from Port Canaveral, Sebastian Inlet, or Ponce Inlet and cruse the beach looking for concentrated bait pods. The easiest method is to look for pelicans dive, or bait (pogies) flipping on the surface. Once bait pods are located, watch for rolling and feeding tarpon. I find it easier to jump tarpon using the same bait they are feeding on, so my first task is to cast net live bait. Although live bait fishing isn’t as glamorous as artificial and fly fishing, tackling a 100 pound plus fish on a spinning rod will accomplish the task easier and get your heart pumping sooner.
Our typical beach tarpon along the Space Coast ranges in size from 60 to 200 pounds, so it’s extremely important to have tackle suitable for handling these powerhouses before accepting this challenge. Although it is important to muscle these fish in as fast as you can, super heavy tackle isn’t necessary. For the rod, I like an 8′ medium heavy rod with plenty of backbone and a lighter tip in cases where you may want to throw lures. Designed specifically for inshore saltwater angling, the St. Croix Avid (AIS80MHF) exhibits all of these qualities. Built with premium high-modulus SCIII graphite, it has both the speed and backbone required to handle large fish. It’s equipped with AlpsTM zirconium guides with 316 stainless-steel frames for outstanding protection from saltwater corrosion and a very smooth line transition through the guides which reduces friction and wear on the line.
Once hooked, these very formidable fish are capable of aerobatic displays and powerful runs, so it’s equally important to have a reel with a smooth drag and a line capacity suitable for the occasion. Quality reels like the Diawa Saltiga SA-Z5000, Penn 7500, or the Shimano Spheros 800, are designed with both the line capacity and power to handle even the largest tarpon. As for line, I prefer braided line in a high-vis color so I can see the fish moving through the water and a at least 300 yards of 20 to 30 pound test line tipped with at least 8 feet of 60 to 80 pound test fluorocarbon or monofilament leader. Some lines I would suggest are: Courtland Master Braid, Sufix 832 Gore, or Power Pro.
Lastly, you want to finish off the rig with a quality hook. Again, you’re are only fishing with light drag and line so I typically fish with a Daiichi 5/0 to 7/0 Circle Chunk Light Bleeding Bait Hook. These hooks are very sharp, light weight circle hooks which give your live bait the ability to swim with a natural appearance.
Now you have all of the components necessary, here’s what you do. Once you’ve acquired live bait and have your rig assembled, and you have located rolling or feeding tarpon. Simply slow troll several live pogies through the area about 25 to 50 yards behind your boat, and hold on. Remember, once hooked you need to keep constant pressure on the fish because if you are resting, so is the fish. Also, it is illegal to have possession of a tarpon without a tarpon tag, so the fish must stay in the water at all times.
Good luck and I’ll see you on the water, Captain Tom Van Horn.
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