How to Fish for Tarpon

How to Fish for Tarpon

Growing to lengths of more than eight feet and weighing more than 280 pounds, it is easy to see why the tarpon is one of the most sought after saltwater gamefish in the world. It’s habitat is close to the shoreline so fishermen of all types and skill levels can catch them.

If you have ever had the privilege of hooking up on a big tarpon then you know the exhilaration and thrill of testing yourself in battle against one of the most sought after gamefish in the world. This distinction is easy to see at first glance as the tarpon starts a series of spectacular acrobatic leaps in the air that will have your heart pounding, your rod bending and your drag screaming. You better hold on!

Since the tarpon’s habitat is so close to the shoreline, fishermen of all types and skill levels can catch them. They can be caught from jetties, passes, docks, bridges, beaches, piers and rivers. Tarpon can be caught while using many types of tackle, rods, baits, lures and rigs either while fishing from a boat, canoe, kayak or walking and wading from the shoreline as the tarpon work up and down the beaches.

Live bait fishermen’s bait of choice is the ‘dollar crab’. A small live blue crab about two inches across its carapace, hooked through one end of it’s shell or underneath through a swimmer leg. Other extremely effective live baits include pinfish, threadfin herrings and pilchards. On days when the tarpon is being finicky in it’s tablefare selection, try these for the best results, and oh, by the way, don’t forget about a live mullet. If you can get them, use them. Flyfishermen are not left out either. The stealth of casting the right fly can sometimes be the trick to hooking up.

But Just What is a Tarpon?

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Elopiformes
Family: Megalopidae
Genus: Megalops

This exceptionally fine creature is a prehistoric animal and the only fish with an air bladder. This allows it to absorb oxygen and live in waters with very low oxygen content. You can see them gulp air at the water surface. Tarpon are also called poons, tarpum, sabalo real, cuffum, silverfish or silver king and belong to the bony fish family Elopidae. The Latin designation is Megalops atlanticus.

While only microscopic at birth, tarpon have been documented at lengths of more than eight feet and weighing 280 pounds. Catches weighing more than 200 pounds, while uncommon, do occur. Many fish caught are well over 100 pounds. Their growth rate is slow, taking 8 to 10 years to reach maturity, and generally those over 100 pounds are female. Tarpon can live 55 to 60 years. They are greenish or bluish on top, and silver on the sides. The large mouth is turned upwards and the lower jaw contains an elongated bony plate. The last ray of the dorsal fin is much longer than the others, reaching nearly to the tail.

They are found primarily in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, but they are also found in open marine waters, around coral reefs, and in some freshwater lakes and rivers. Their normal migratory pattern ranges from Virginia to central Brazil in the western Atlantic, along the coast of Africa in the eastern Atlantic, and all through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Florida is widely regarded as having many of the best tarpon fishing locations in the world, especially the world-renowned Boca Grande Pass in Southwest Florida.

Fishing for the tarpon can at times be an excercise of patience and discipline. You may be surrounded by large schools of rolling tarpon containing hundreds of fish and they will not hit anything you throw at them. Other times, it is a feeding frenzy. So, go fishing for tarpon every chance you get, that next world record catch may be waiting just for you.

Deep Sea Fishing Florida – Fun, Sun & Expectations

Deep Sea Fishing Florida – Fun, Sun & Expectations

Deep sea fishing in Florida is a great way to spend time with friends, family, as a couple or to savor by yourself. There are a few things to familiarize yourself with, such as the regions.

Some of these regions are South East, South West, West Central and the Florida Keys. Choosing a region is strictly a personal preference, because no matter which region you pick the end result is still fun, sun and fishing. These regions have great fishing and expert charters to assist you in having the adventure of a lifetime.

The charters in these regions all have similar price ranges, amenities, and time frames. Most charter price’s range from 0.00-0.00 for 1/2 day (4hours), 0.00-0.00 for full day (8hours) and speciality charters can range from 00.00-00.00 depending on length and type of fish desired. Most charter’s allow 6-7 people and will be reserved for your private party, while party boats allow up to 50 and require purchased tickets. Keep in mind that party boats will have just as many joy riders are there are people fishing.

Charter boats supply bait, tackle & equipment, licenses and an experienced crew. Suggested items to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, lunch (some party boats may provide), snacks, drinks and a desire to have a great time. A general rule for tipping the 1st mate on chartered boats is 15%-20%.If you have a tendency to get motion sick you should take an over the counter medication before boarding because once you feel queasy it is to late.

The trip will produce several fish that are both exciting to catch and beautiful to look at. Some of the fish you can expect to see are tuna, cobia, grouper, marlin, sailfish, snapper and one of the most exciting the tarpon which is know for its impressive 10ft leaps. Going deep sea fishing is an experience that you will never forget, weather you charter a private boat or choose to try the party boat first, it will be a thrill.

These are a just a few of the fish you may encounter and a general list of area’s available to try. As you look around at the different regions, and charter companies keep in mind there are several that have package deals where your accommodations and fishing trip are combined. These packages tend to give a 10%-15% discount.

It is a fun time to have by friends, family, couples or even be greedy and enjoy alone.

Fishing in St. Maarten by Rudy’s Deep Sea Fishing: website www.rudysdeepseafishing.com Book on-line Today! Easy access and flexible schedules for Cruise Ship Passengers, too!
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kauai deep sea fishing

Some hot ahi fishing on the Island of Kauai.
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Mid Atlantic Saltwater Fish – Trophy Catches

Mid Atlantic Saltwater Fish – Trophy Catches

Mid Atlantic saltwater fishing is characterized by some of the nation’s most sought after species of fish. These include hard fighting fish such as red drum, black drum, striped bass, bluefish, cobia, speckled trout and others.

Black drum are heavy bodied fish with barbels or whiskers under the chin. Adults are typically 30-15 pounds although trophy fish can exceed 100 pounds. Black drum are members of the croaker family, most of which have the ability to produce croaking or drumming sounds.

Anglers fish for black drum using surf clams, hard clams, peeler crabs and other baits. Tackle is simple but stout, with most anglers using 20-30 lb line, sinkers from 3-8 oz and a single hook rig. Many anglers use circle hooks which work well with these fish. Top baits include surf clams, quahogs and peeler crabs.

Red drum are another large member of the croaker family, sometimes exceeding 50 lbs. Also known as channel bass, redfish and spot tail bass, these fish are easily recognized by their reddish-copper color and black spot or spots on the tail. In 2007, the species was designated as a protected game fish. The red drum is also the state fish of North Carolina.

Depending on the location, anglers use a variety of techniques to catch red drum. Throughout most of the Mid Atlantic region, these beautiful fish are caught while surf fishing. Anglers fish with cut spot, whole mullet, crabs or other baits, using fish finder rigs and medium tackle. A large number of anglers choose to release large red drum, taking only a photo to remember the experience by.

Spotted sea trout, also known as speckled trout are common throughout North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. The fish are known for their beautiful pattern of black spots on an olive-green or gray back, silver-blue sides and a white belly. Spotted sea trout range from 12 -32 inches in length and weigh up to 10 pounds.

Speckled trout are caught using a variety of methods including fishing with live bait, cut bait and casting artificial lures or fly fishing. Shallow water fishing for speckled trout using artificial lures is popular in much of the region. Anglers cast small jigs, soft plastics and other lures around the edges of grass beds, stumps, points, rips and other likely areas. Fly fishermen also target these areas, fishing a variety of flies that mimic bay local baits such as bay anchovies, mullet, spot, shrimp or blue crabs.

In some areas, speckled trout can be caught by anchoring and bottom fishing with live or baits. Fish are sometimes caught in deep water along a channel edge, but most bait fishing for specks occurs around grass beds in shallow water. In areas such as the Chesapeake Bay, peeler and soft crab baits are popular while North Carolina anglers are more likely to fish with live shrimp or spot.

Striped bass are highly sought after by Mid Atlantic anglers. Also known as rockfish or stripers, these heavy bodied fish follow a predictable life cycle. The major nursery for Atlantic striped bass stocks is the Chesapeake Bay. Young fish feed and grow in shallow estuaries until they are large enough to leave the bay. Some adults remain in the bay but the majority spend their adult lives migrating seasonally along the coast from New England to the Carolinas.

During the fall and winter, the Mid Atlantic coast and Chesapeake Bay has outstanding fishing, with trophy striped bass being caught. These fish congregate in the Chesapeake and along of the Atlantic Coast to feed on migrating baitfish. Fishing can be spectacular and often is very productive, even in foul winter weather.

Light tackle jigging is an easy technique for catching striped bass. Tackle is simple for this type of fishing, with a variety of outfits from 8-30 lb used depending on the situation. Popular jigs include bucktails, metal jigs, soft plastics and other lures.

Wire line trolling works in many locations where striped bass can be found. Working with wire line is a bit difficult to get used to but the results are very consistent. Rods are spooled with #30 monel or other types of wire. Terminal tackle includes a 3 way swivel. A 24 or 28 oz. sinker is added on 3-4′ section of #30 mono. The third part of the swivel gets a 20-30′ leader with either a single lure or a pair of jigs.

Live baiting is another productive technique for catching striped bass. Baits include clams, crabs, eels, small fish, shrimp, and other baits. These vary with season and location. Fishermen choose live baits depending on availability and personal preference. Some anglers obtain live baits from local tackle shops while others catch their own.

Bluefish are an exciting Mid Atlantic gamefish. They are found from Maine to Florida. The fish are voracious feeders and are known for their sharp teeth and ability to demolish even the strongest tackle. Bluefish have been known to gather in schools that cover an area of ocean equivalent to 10,000 football fields.

Along the USA east coast, bluefish can be found along shorelines, inlets, jetties, beaches and areas where rips form such as sharp bends or channel edges. Many of these locations are ideal for shorebound fishermen. Fishing opportunities also exist for boaters, including areas where bluefish congregate in large numbers. Bluefish often work bait to the surface and their location given away by birds or when their backs or tails appear above the surface. Other anglers chum with ground menhaden or mackerel in order to bring bluefish within casting range.

Blue Catfish are the largest American catfish. They can grow to over 55 inches long and can weigh over than 100 pounds, living up to 25 years. Adult blue catfish have stout bodies with prominently humped back in front of the dorsal fin. They have deeply forked tails similar to channel catfish, but lack spots and have a large straight edged anal fin.

The Mid Atlantic has some of the best fishing for blue catfish in the country. Popular areas for catching blue catfish include the James, Rappahannock, Chickahominy, Mattoponi and Shendandoah rivers. In tidal areas such as the James River, blue catfish have adapted to saltwater tidal flows and actively move into position to feed as the tide brings baitfish into range.

Blue cat anglers fish baits such as shad around structure where big catfish lurk. Fishing for blue catfish has quickly become a trophy catch and release fishery in tidal sections of rivers and the anglers who fish for them often share skills and tips.

Cobia are among the largest and most exciting gamefish of the Mid Atlantic region. They are striking fish, with sleek, brightly striped bodies. The fish are brown above, with a very visible black stripe along the lateral line, and white below. They have a wide blunt head, large mouth and deeply forked tail. Averaging 15 to 30 pounds, they can reach more than 100 pounds and nearly 6 feet in length.

Cobia fishermen use a variety of outfits, depending on the type of fishing. Some anglers may choose light outfits, while others employ stronger gear as these fish can reach weights of 100 lbs. For sight casting baits or lures, most anglers use a spinning or baitcasting outfit in the 20-30 lb range. Other situations such as chumming require similar or slightly heavier conventional reels. Because of the cobia’s size and searing runs, a smooth drag and fresh, durable line is essential.

Live baits for cobia include spot, menhaden, mullet, minnows, perch, eels, shrimp, crabs, clams and other baits. These vary with season and location. Fishermen choose live baits depending on availability and personal preference. Some anglers will find live baits in local tackle shops while others need to catch their own.

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Deep Sea Fishing In Texas – Tips To Locate The Best Fishing Hotspots

Deep Sea Fishing In Texas – Tips To Locate The Best Fishing Hotspots

For Deep Sea Fishing, you should try the prime location in Texas, that give their tourists and visitors a glimpse into the life style of the Gulf of Mexico. Hire out an offshore charter to enter the open waters that leave from many of the coastal ports out there all year round. Get the experience that anglers get for the best in Deep Sea Fishing. You will find a variety of species in Texas that can be caught in the depths of the waters, large in numbers at the Gulf of Mexico.

You can begin your journey from lots of different locations in Texas. Why not start off in Freeport, or from the port in Galveston. You can also get excursions from Corpus Christi, the Port Aransas, or why not from down South Padre Island. You can choose from many charter services, for your trip with experienced Texas anglers with many boats that can take small parties of about five or six people, where the service is dedicated to accommodate your group for an experience to remember. For a larger party there are boats that have room for a dozen or more people, so you can meet new people, make new friends and share the same experience together.

Texas is the place to find out the best fish that you can catch in Deep Sea Fishing. You will find the most species here in all the locations of the United States, and get a real sample of what can be caught. Look out for species such as amberjack, billfish, grouper, kind, ling, sharks, snapper, tuna and so much more, you will be astounded. If you’re lucky, you may chance upon one of the rare species of Barracuda in these prime waters that the Gulf of Mexico has to offer.

Texas offers charters with offshore excursions to suit all levels of experience in Deep Sea Fishing. Take a short journey about two miles offshore for two hours of fishing for smaller fry like redfish in the shallower depths of the water; or take a half-day trip venturing ten or fifteen miles out for some larger fish; or the choice to go out a full-day excursion about thirty miles out or more, so you can catch a monster of a fish, for a real test of fishing.

Texas is a wonderful place to experience the best of what Deep Sea Fishing has to offer. Get a real taste experience for your level of fishing, from the novice to the experienced, from a wide variety of locations to start your holiday. Find the right excursion for you for an adventure that you really desire, there is something for everyone.

Cozumel Offshore provides full, three quarter, and half day deep sea charter fishing trips from Cozumel, Mexico. American owned, operated and USA insured, our experienced English speaking crew will make your fishing adventure memorable! On our 35′ Viking, “FAMOSO”, you will enjoy Air Conditioned comfort, full restroom with shower, Stereo Radio w/CD, Room for 6 on the enclosed Fly bridge, and Plenty of areas to relax in-between strikes on one of the biggest charter boats in the marina. We provide all the necessary fishing gear, lures, bait, licenses and refreshments (Beer, Water, Soda & Snacks, Lunch on Full day trips). www.cozumeloffshore.com
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Near 8ft Giant Goliath Grouper Breaks Rod! Big Game Fishing Versus

HD version of Giant 600 pound Goliath Bass and Going To Work show. chewonthis.tv Catch Chew On This on Versus 2010. In May 2010 Chew On This was the first and only fishing show to reach 20000000 YouTube viewers. Thank you all!
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Big catches during big game fishing trip in Malindi Kenya
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Deep Sea Fishing Charters – Economical Group Fishing Excursions

Deep Sea Fishing Charters – Economical Group Fishing Excursions

If you are one for deep sea fishing, the best way you can make the most of the sport is to charter a boat for a deep sea fishing trip. Deep sea fishing charters are great fun when you go in a group. There are many advantages for group charters and the economics is just one of them. When on a deep sea charter with a lot of fellow anglers you will find that you will have a lot more fun, and even catch more fish.

Many deep sea fishing charter companies allow you to choose between renting a boat and making it out to sea by yourself or you may charter a bat and go on a guided tour for a couple of days out at sea. Chartered tours for deep sea fishing vary in length and the kind of events they sail into. Deep sea fishing charters are contracted by different people for many reasons, though mostly for fishing, some people like to take them out for whale watching too. Many people just go out to sea for some good diving and swimming. If you have the luck of the devil, as I have had on a couple of occasions, you will be able to do all these on one trip.

Many people cannot wait to get out to sea in their deep sea charter. There are many charter boats designed for specific fishing, so if you are angling to catch a shark make sure you have the right boat, and probably the right guide, preferably one who can dive in and pull you out of the drink in time. Yea, there are precautions you should take for your deep sea fishing trip. Deep sea charter fishing is nothing like fishing at the lake of river. Here the fish are invariably bigger than you and can pull you into their domain if you are not cautious enough. So get the macho image off and get your seat belt on while you hold the hook and sinker r in the sea. Many accidents have happened, with anglers joining the Piscean species in the sea because they throw caution to the wind.

If you are out on a deep sea charter from a reputed company, you will no doubt have access to the best advice at sea. Many deep sea charter boat companies subscribe to news feeds that keep them up to date on where the best game is and how fast to get there. So while you are at a location at sea and having little or no luck, a news flash on the radio will inform the captain where to go and what kind of fish to expect.

If you are hunting shark you will best get out to sea at night. Because of the calmness of the sea at night many anglers have much better luck than when they fish in the daytime. However, many anglers cannot stand the eeriness of the sea at night and prefer to try their luck when the sun comes out.

The prices will vary of course. So, try to do a bit of research and get the best deep sea fishing charter for your trip. If you join a group, it will work out more economical and fun.

FIRST OCEAN FISH EVER CAUGHT!!
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Fiji Islands Saltwater Fishing Report – September 2008

Fiji Islands Saltwater Fishing Report – September 2008

Charter Operator – Matava Resort Gamefishing Average Water Temp – 26.0 AverageWeather – Yes, decidedly average. Often 20kts and rough, Occasional excellent days Water Clarity – Variable inshore, good offshore

The fickle winter weather conditions continued to frustrate with weeks of trade wind chop separated by perfect weather days and big fish numbers. Wahoo and sails have dominated with plenty of winter Yellowfin for added variety.

Warmer water currents moved through in August to quiet the wahoo bite a little but with it came huge numbers of mahi mahi for excellent light tackle action. Most are small around 20lbs but some good bulls mixed in to 50lbs.

All in all, the winter wahoo season didn’t live up to early expectations, mostly because of unusually poor weather. The GTs however love nothing more than crashing barrier reefs breakers and the popper casting has been and continues to be absolutely outstanding.

Still seeing a few nice black Marlin along the reef edge for the heavy tackle fans who don’t mind spending all day watching their carefully rigged baits being smashed by the razor gang. Its usually worth the effort when a big black gobbles a bait and puts on the normal spectacular airbourne display.

October will see game boats start to move offshore and dust off the heavy tackle with blue Marlin and Yellowfin the main targets. Expect the usual by-catch of mahi mahi, wahoo and the occasional spearfish making a valiant attempt at eating an 18″ marlin lure.

Our biggest catch? A black Marlin at 320lbs she smashed the existing M-130 Fiji National Record and Peter decided to weigh the fish. The first ever documented Kadavu Great Astrolabe Reef black that I know of tipped the scales just shy of 320lbs. Hardly a grander but what a start !It is our intention to take every opportunity to continue fishing for Kadavu island’s black marlin and to tag and release enough to paint a clear picture of their habits and seasons.

Given the sightings by divers and our own experiences of huge Black marlin here, our aim is to find Fiji’s first Grander. Sometimes its fun being a charterboat skipper…..

Deep Sea Fishing How To: Ballyhoo Prep

This saltwater fishing informational tip shows how to properly prep frozen ballyhoo. This makes a world of difference in making frozen bait look more natural and alive when your deep sea fishing. Check out OffshoreAcademy.com for more fishing information and it’s all free.

Florida Deep Sea Fishing – Few Fishing Places Can Rival Florida Fishing On The Ocean

Florida Deep Sea Fishing – Few Fishing Places Can Rival Florida Fishing On The Ocean

Few places carry the mystique of Florida deep sea fishing among the fishing community, and for an important reason. Just about every fisherman wants to try out deep sea fishing, because of the adventure and incredible fishing opportunities that it offers. If this is you, then few places rival the coast of Florida.

Also, this is something you can do with the entire family, even if they aren’t into fishing, because being out on the water is an enjoyable experience for just about anybody, as it can be a very relaxing way to spend the today.

In addition, this is a top place you can introduce them and get them hooked on the sport of fishing for the rest of their life, because fishing is one of the few sports that anybody can do, at any age.

Even if the rest of the family isn’t into fishing and has no interest in it, when you choose the right location (and how can you go wrong with Florida) they will still have plenty of activities to do while you are out fishing, so this isn’t an issue.

So where are the top Florida deep sea fishing locations? First off, marathon fishing is right off the Florida keys, and is one of the best places you can start. This place offers just about any kind of fish you can imagine, whether it be barracuda, tarpon, billfish, snappers, a lot of variety of tuna, etc.

Really, the sky is the limit as far as what you can catch here. With that said, however, you should have an idea of what you are targeting before you go, so that you know hat kind of fishing tackle to buy.

Here is a different location you might consider: the Florida Tarpon. Again, this is virtually no limit to the kinds of fish you can catch here, so choose wisely.

The bottom line is, I could give an exhaustive list of places to go, but you really can’t go wrong with Florida deep sea fishing, because virtually anyplace you go off the coast of Florida will provide ample fishing opportunities.

Stuck on what kid of fish to go after? When in doubt, I’d recommend the Tarpon, if for no other reason that these are the most popular fish off the coast of Florida, and you are almost guaranteed to find many of these.

If you focus on a lesser populated breed, it is more of a crap shoot whether you will find any, but you can be guaranteed to find Florida tarpon. Also, the time of the year plays a role in what kind of fish will be there and what won’t, so keep this in mind as well when planning your trip. If in doubt, call a local fishing shop and ask them for the best time to go and target the kind of fish you are looking for.

If you are an avid fisherman, then Florida deep sea fishing is something that you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. It ranks right up there with Alaska fishing as must do before you die.

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