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Prime Time for Tarpon Migration
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Tarpon fishing in Northeast Florida could be a very rewarding experience, as it is a prime time for Tarpon migration in the area. In this month’s report, we’ll talk about a tackle specific guide for a first time tarpon fisherman, including techniques for using live and artificial baits. Now of course, every situation is different which may offer different sized fish, but if you’re targeting larger poon, pay attention.
Lets start with the rod and reel. Depending if you’re on a boat or from shore, the length of your rod may vary, but on average, an 8ft medium heavy to heavy rod is ideal. A long cast is often required to get to the target and it’s always a good idea to cast past the bait pod and work your bait around the perimeter. Pairing your rod up with a reliable reel that could handle the stress a tarpon battle is necessary. The following combos are very popular at Amelia Island Bait and Tackle for our tarpon fishermen: Shimano Saragosa and Teramar combo. Penn Slammer reel paired with a Carnage Rod and the Daiwa Saltist MQ on a Proteus. Each of these combos will get the job done and you’ll get style points at the same time. On average anglers fish with 65lb braid with a minimum of 200 yards on your spool to handle those big runs. Due to the abrasiveness of a tarpons mouth, using 60-100lb fluorocarbon leader is ideal to minimize break-offs. If fishing live or cut bait, use a 6/0-8/0 strong circle hook, like a Seaworx or Owner hook. Matching the hatch is good starting point. If they’re circling pods of pogies, fish a live pogie. When the mullet run begins, switch it up and throw on a plump mullet. Blue crab are also a great choice. Flat-lining, fishing under a float or using a fish-finder rig are all great presentations for live or cut baits.
Locating tarpon is fairly straight forward, find the bait and the tarpon will be right behind. On the incoming tide, tarpon are generally found on the beach side from the south jetty. Last of the outgoing tide around the bridge on the south end of the island bait could be generally found. Look for birds along the beach to locate pods of pogies. If in a boat, lock down stream and allow your live bait to swim with the current to the pod of bait. Keep your bail open to feed line out as it swims away from the boat, if you bait gets picked upo, have patience and allow the tarpon to fully take the bait. These silver kings have very hard mouths, a premature hook set may result in a missed hook set or pulled hook. When the tarpon has fully consumed the bait, flip your bail over and slowly reel down to the water to apply gentle. When pressure is felt, lift the rod tip to sink the hook it and start the show. Once hooked, the fish will most likely go on a powerful initial run. During this run, point the rod tip towards the water again reducing the tension on the tackle. As the run slows, start to retrieve line as it will be a good game of give and take. Tarponare a very acrobatically fish and will put on a great show for everyone on the boat or on the beach. When they come up to jump, “bow” pointing the rod tip back at the water reducing the risk of breaking off. When the fish has worn down and the fight comes to a close, keep the fish in the water and secure the fish by grabbing the mouth of the fish using a pair of gloves. Get the hook out of the mouth and revitalize the fish before sending it on their way.
Remember that tarpon are a prized and protected species and its essential to practice ethical fishing and conservation. Please always follow local fishing regulations to handle these fish with responsibility to ensure the health of the population. More questions? Not a problem, come into the shop and we’ll take care.
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