Tarpon History & Facts

  On March 12th, 1885, fishing history was made.  On that date, W.H. Wood of New York landed a 93lb Tarpon at the mouth of the Caloosahatchie River.  His fish is widely acknowledged as the first ever Tarpon landed on rod & reel.  This catch, made world news in the sporting industry.  As a result, anglers across the country, flocked to Florida to test their skills and stamina against the so called "Silver King" of the mangroves.   Many tried and failed.  Then in 1898, Mr. Edward Hofe, landed a 210lb Monster Tarpon in Southwest, Florida.  This proved to the angling community, that large Tarpon could indeed be caught on conventional fishing tackle.
 
  Tarpon Fishing quickly became an epidemic........Now 100 years later, fisherman from all over the world still travel to Florida to experience the extreme thrill of Tarpon Fishing!
 
  It's very easy to see why Tarpon Fishing is so addictive.  Their gigantic size, brute strength and acrobatic displays will make any angler shake at the knees.  It's not only their physical characteristics, it's also their numbers and aggressive feeding habits.  Tarpon are quite plentiful in Florida........Florida simply provides The Best Tarpon Fishing in the World!  See it once, and you'll be hooked for life.  Like many, you'll plan your entire years schedule around Florida's Tarpon Seasons.
 
  Our fish will strike a variety of baits, lures and flies.  Once hooked, it's pure adrenaline.  From 100 yard long drag screaming runs, to multiple 10 foot head thrashing jumps, Tarpon will test your will as well as the best tackle on the market.  But don't take our word for it, come and experience the big leagues for yourself!

You will find Tarpon from the Keys to Boca Grande Pass from April to the full moon in July.
Boca Grande Pass is world renowned for July Tarpon and hosts a professional Tarpon tournament each July.

The Tarpon are out there but I have not landed one this year. I hooked a few small one on light tackle which is still fun.

Great advice and history. I love a good back story. I'll post the pics of my future 200-lb friend when I catch him. Glad to know they'll eat just about anything. My kind of fish.

Excellent advice. blue crab, duly noted. I don't get to do this often, so I want to make sure I have the best shot from the start with no learning curve. Thanks!

Good luck this weekend Captain Jack. maybe the guys from Deadliest Catch are stealing your traps. sorry to hear about the troubles there, pretty lame.

Reports of good tarpon numbers in Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande. No need to go to the Keys!

The best Tarpon and Snook fishing in Costa Rica is found on the Caribbean side of the country. For Sailfish, Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Roosterfish, and Grouper and Snapper, the Pacific coast is the place to be, most particularly out of Los Suenos and Jaco Beach, which is the fishing capital of Costa Rica. Also Some of the best places for Tarpon fishing is in Tortuguero, Barra de Colorado and Barra de Parismina which are all nearby and on the carribean side.