Fish guide
Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus. Also called Silver king.
Showing the fish for Nature Coast and Big Bend, FL.
Season in Big Bend
Peak months: May, Jun.
Homosassa tarpon still arrive in May and June but in far smaller numbers than in the 1970s (Anna Maria Island Sun). FWC: found throughout Florida's coastal waters in summer. (Our inference)
Season by region
| Myrtle Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Charleston | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Georgia | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Northeast Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Space Coast | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southeast Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Florida Keys | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southwest Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Tampa Bay | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Big Bend | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Panhandle | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Alabama | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Mississippi | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Louisiana | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Upper Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Middle Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Lower Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
Homosassa's shallow flats in May and June, a historic fly fishery with far fewer fish today (Anna Maria Island Sun).
Inlets, jetties and just past the breakers where menhaden and mullet schools are.
What to look for
Rolling fish at the surface, menhaden schools being pushed.
Bait
Live menhaden (pogies), Large live mullet. 8/0 non-offset, non-stainless circle hook (required in SC for natural bait at 4/0 and up) on 100 lb fluorocarbon leader, fished near bait schools.
Leader
80 to 100 lb fluorocarbon, 3 to 5 ft.
Common mistakes
- Fishing without bait schools around
- Pulling a big tarpon out of the water for a photo
Landing
Do not lift or beach a large tarpon. Keep it in the water, gills submerged; cut the line near the hook if it is gut-hooked.
Handling
- Very strong; jumps and thrashes
- Rough mouth
Keep big fish in the water (Florida requires it for fish over 40 in); support smaller fish horizontally under the belly with wet hands.
Keep or release
Catch-and-release only in Florida, except a single tagged fish pursued for a record; large tarpon must stay in the water (FWC tarpon FAQ).
Typical: 40 to 60 in, 40 to 60 lb. Large: Over 100 lb. SC record 154 lb 10 oz (1987).
Limits
FishOS has not checked the FL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you keep a fish.
Sources
- Anna Maria Island Sun, Rusty Chinnis, June 12, 2018: the evolution of Homosassa tarpon fishing (Angler knowledge)
- Florida FWC species profile: tarpon (Official source)
- Visit Natural North Florida, Capt. Tommy Thompson, Oct 23, 2015: Spanish mackerel at Cedar Key's Seahorse Reef and The Hook (Angler knowledge)
- SCDNR species profile: tarpon (Official source)
- Carolina Sportsman: tarpon have arrived along the SC coastline (Angler knowledge)
- Carolina Sportsman: 100-pound tarpon landed from Apache Pier, Myrtle Beach (2019) (Angler knowledge)
- SCDNR saltwater game fish records (Official source)
Is tarpon worth it today?
The planner rates it for your exact time with the live tide, weather and water temperature.
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