Tarpon are large fish of the genus Megalops, found on the western Atlantic coast from Virginia to Brazil, throughout the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean. This species is found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats, usually ascending rivers to access freshwater marshes.

Tarpon grow to about 4–8 ft long and weigh between 60 and 280 lbs. They have dorsal and anal soft rays and have bluish or greenish backs.They also jump up out of the water about four times when hooked, making them very challenging to catch.

Now here’s a good story... These three guys were locals to the Ft Myers area and had been out on a bunch of charters before, so they knew what they were doing. After going offshore the last few times, they were up for an inshore adventure to try and catch some species that they hadn’t bagged before.

We poked in and out of all the spots we knew
to look for those hidden gems. One of the guys, Brett, hooked a Tarpon and finally won out in after a valiant fight by the fish. But when they all got out to take the picture above, some one’s grip got loose and the fish almost got away! Order was restored and we all laughed the whole way back to shore.

Fish Facts

A Tarpon
Story

We here at Pine Island Fishing Charters has the know-how and know where to land one of the kings of the SWFL fishing grounds - the Tarpon! If you haven’t fished for tarpon before, give us a call and we’ll be happy to show you how to land one of these beauties and you’ll have a great time doing it too!

Pine Island Fishing Charters, 6001 Maria Dr, St James City, FL 33956
(239) 471-4693

(239) 471-4693

Copyright ©2022 Pine Island Fishing Charters
All rights reserved.