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Tarpon can be eight feet long and weigh up to 280 pounds, but they come in a wide variety of sizes to fish for. They range from Virginia to Central Brazil along the Atlantic coast, all through the Gulf of Mexico, along the Coast of Africa, and the Caribbean Sea. They have even been found in some fresh water. Tarpon are primarily found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, but can be found in deep open ocean waters also. They are the premier gamefish of Florida.

Shrimp, mullet, pinfish, and crab, especially crab, all make excellent bait if you wish to use live bait or frozen bait. You can also use flies, lures and grubs for tarpon fishing.

When tarpon fishing the flats you will be fishing in water about 3-5 feet deep. Fish in a small skiff. You will need to spot the fish so it is important that you wear a pair of polarized sunglasses. When spotting tarpon watch for “nervous” water, black backs on the fish, rolling of the tarpon, slight surface disturbances.

After you spot the tarpon you must sneak up on them with the boat, let your boat drift towards them with the motor turned off. Now if you are fly fishing for tarpon, you are going to want to place your fly as close to the tarpon as possible. Let it sink to the depth of the fish, then start retrieving the fly. If the tarpon is hungry it will take your fly. Wait till the fish turns before setting the hook. This allows the hook to slide into the soft corner of the tarpon’s mouth. Then the fight is on! Tarpon will do aerial acrobatics once they are hooked so be aware. Flies come in a variety of sizes and shapes. It is recommended by outdooradventuresguide.com that you carry several different kinds. Tarpon are fickle and may suddenly stop biting on one particular fly.

Spinning/casting fisherman have an advantage over the fly fisherman. They can cover more area in the water. Light action spin/casting makes for some great fun when a tarpon is hooked. Lures, and live bait can be used when spin/casting.