Tarpon

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Tarpon, known for their impressive size and acrobatic fights, can be found in various bodies of water along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the South/Gulf region. They are highly sought after by anglers due to their challenging nature and the thrill they provide during the fight. The following bodies of water are popular for targeting tarpon:
Texas: Gulf of Mexico, Port Isabel, South Padre Island, Galveston Bay.
Louisiana: Gulf of Mexico, Calcasieu Lake.
Alabama: Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Tarpon are primarily coastal and estuarine fish, inhabiting a variety of habitats. They are commonly found in and around coastal waters, bays, rivers, and passes. Tarpon prefer areas with structure and cover, such as mangroves, docks, bridges, and grass flats. They are known to move between saltwater and freshwater environments, especially during their spawning season.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, tarpon migrate along the coast, heading towards their summer feeding and spawning grounds. Look for them in nearshore waters, estuaries, and channels. Live bait, such as crabs or mullet, as well as artificial lures like swimbaits or topwater plugs, can be effective in enticing strikes.

SUMMER

In the summer, tarpon are commonly found in shallow flats, harbors, and passes. Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times to target them. Sight fishing is popular during this season, as tarpon can be spotted rolling or feeding near the surface. Live bait, such as pinfish or threadfin herring, as well as lures that mimic the movement of baitfish, can be successful in enticing strikes.

FALL

As fall arrives, tarpon begin their migration back towards warmer waters. They can be found in similar areas as in the spring, including nearshore waters, estuaries, and channels. Look for them in deeper holes or channels where they congregate before their journey. Live bait presentations, such as crabs or sardines, as well as large streamer flies or soft plastic lures, can be effective in targeting fall tarpon.

Tarpon are opportunistic predators and will strike a variety of baits and lures. Common bait options for tarpon fishing include live baitfish such as mullet, pilchards, or crabs. When using live bait, it's important to present it in a natural and lively manner.

Bait Fishing

How: Tarpon often respond well to live bait presentations. Use a variety of live baitfish such as mullet, pilchards, crabs, or shrimp. Rig the live bait on appropriate hooks and present it near structures or in areas of active Tarpon feeding.
Gear: Rods: Medium-heavy to heavy spinning or baitcasting rods. Reels: Size 4000-6000 spinning reels or low-profile baitcasting reels. Line: 20-40lb test braided line with a fluorocarbon leader. Hooks: Circle hooks (4/0 - 7/0) or J-hooks (2/0 - 4/0) for securing the live bait.

Artificial Lures

How: Tarpon can also be enticed by various artificial lures that imitate baitfish. Use topwater plugs, soft plastic jerkbaits, swimbaits, or spoons to mimic the prey of Tarpon. Vary your retrieve speed and technique until you find what works best.
Gear: Rods: Medium-heavy to heavy spinning or baitcasting rods. Reels: Size 4000-6000 spinning reels or low-profile baitcasting reels. Line: 20-40lb test braided line with a fluorocarbon leader. Lures: Topwater plugs, soft plastic jerkbaits, swimbaits, or spoons.

Fly Fishing

How: Tarpon can be a thrilling target for fly anglers. Use large flies tied to imitate baitfish or crustaceans. Present the fly near structures or in areas where Tarpon are known to feed. Vary your retrieve speed and technique until you find what works best.
Gear: Rods: 9-12wt fly rods with a fast action. Reels: Large arbor reels with strong drag systems. Line: Weight-forward floating or sinking lines depending on the water depth. Leaders: 9-12ft 20-30lb fluorocarbon leaders with bite tippets ranging from 30-60lb. Flies: Large streamers, baitfish patterns, or crab/shrimp imitations.

Surf Fishing

How: Tarpon can sometimes be targeted from the shore, especially during their migration periods. Look for areas with deeper troughs, sandbars, or nearshore structures. Cast out with live bait, lures, or flies and allow them to drift with the current. Vary your retrieve speed and technique until you find what works best.
Gear: Rods: Medium-heavy to heavy surf rods. Reels: Size 5000-8000 spinning reels. Line: 30-50lb test braided line with a fluorocarbon leader. Hooks: Circle hooks (4/0 - 7/0) or J-hooks (2/0 - 4/0) for securing the bait. Lures: Topwater plugs, swimbaits, or large streamers.

Boat Fishing

How: Tarpon can be targeted from a boat in various locations, including channels, flats, bridges, and coastal areas. Use live bait, lures, or flies and present them near structures or in areas where Tarpon are known to gather.
Gear: Rods: Medium-heavy to heavy spinning or baitcasting rods. Reels: Size 4000-6000 spinning reels or low-profile baitcasting reels. Line: 20-40lb test braided line with a fluorocarbon leader. Hooks: Circle hooks (4/0 - 7/0) or J-hooks (2/0 - 4/0) for securing the bait. Lures: Topwater plugs, soft plastic jerkbaits.