Description

Megalops atlanticus, or simply the tarpon, is found on both sides of the Atlantic and parts of the Pacific, having recently extended their range through the Panama Canal. Truly one of a kind, the tarpon has large iridescent chrome scales like a medieval suit of armor, breathes air with signature gulps, readily strikes lures and flies, and engages in amazing fights when hooked with high-flying acrobatics and dazzling tail walks. Also known as silver kings, tarpon were one of the first species designated a “game fish” and are best known for their incredible leaps above the waters surface that can surpass 10 feet. Tarpon are usually sight-fished in shallow water with live mullet, crabs, shrimp, pinfish and flies. They feed at night, which makes dusk and dawn a good time to chase them. In many tropical marinas tarpon hangout in great numbers around the docks, feeding off scraps fisherman toss into the water. Don't let the docility of these tame tarpon fool you. Finding them and triggering a strike in the open flats is a challenge requiring patience, time, and skill. There’s a reason many fisherman get their first big tarpon mounted for the wall.