How To Catch Tarpon

Tarpon is an inshore fish that will put up a spirited fight when hooked. They are migratory and move from the Caribbean to the southern United States in spring and then back further south in the latter part of the year. Do you want to learn how to catch tarpon? In this article, we will discuss the movements, behaviors, and fishing techniques to catch tarpon.

1. Fly Fishing

Fly fishing for tarpon is considered by many anglers to be the ultimate challenge. Anglers use specialized fly rods, reels, and lines to cast large, bulky flies that imitate the tarpon’s natural prey. Flies may include patterns such as Tarpon Toads, Cockroaches, or Bunny Flies tied with materials like rabbit fur, feathers, and synthetic materials.

Fly anglers often sight fish for tarpon in shallow water, searching for rolling or cruising fish. Casting accuracy and presentation are crucial when fly fishing for tarpon, as these fish can be notoriously selective and easily spooked.

Once hooked, tarpons are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, testing the angler’s skill and tackle to the limit. Fly fishing for tarpon requires patience, skill, and perseverance but offers the reward of landing one of the ocean’s most iconic game fish on the fly.

2. Trolling

Trolling is another effective method for targeting tarpon, particularly in open water or along channels and passes. Anglers use specialized trolling rigs equipped with large plugs or diving lures designed to dive deep and imitate the movement of baitfish.

Trolling allows anglers to cover a lot of water and present their lures at various depths, increasing the chances of encountering tarpon. Boat speed, lure selection, and depth control are critical factors when trolling for tarpon, and anglers may need to adjust their tactics based on water conditions and the behavior of the fish.

Trolling can be particularly productive when tarpons are on the move or feeding in deeper water, offering anglers the opportunity to hook into these powerful fish while covering a wide area.

3. Artificial Lures

Anglers can also target tarpon using artificial lures, such as plugs, jigs, spoons, and soft plastic baits. These lures can mimic the movement and appearance of the tarpon’s natural prey, such as mullets or pilchards. Anglers may cast these lures along the edges of flats, near mangroves, or around structures where tarpon is known to feed.

Retrieval techniques can vary, with some anglers opting for a steady retrieve, while others may employ a twitching or jerking action to entice strikes. Artificial lures offer anglers the advantage of covering a lot of water quickly and can be particularly effective when tarpons are actively feeding or when sight fishing in clear water.

4. Live Bait Fishing

Live bait fishing is one of the most popular and effective methods for targeting tarpon. Anglers typically use live baitfish such as mullet, pilchards, or pinfish rigged on a large hook and weighted to keep them at the desired depth. These baits are often fished near bridges, channels, or other structures where tarpon congregate.

Anglers may anchor their boats or drift with the current while presenting the live bait to tarpon. When a tarpon strikes, anglers must quickly set the hook and then brace themselves for the fish’s powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. Live bait fishing allows anglers to cover a wide area and present a natural-looking bait to tarpon, increasing the chances of enticing a strike.

How To Catch Tarpon From Shore

Tarpon is found on the beach searching for prey. When you fish for tarpon on the shore, look for them a few feet from the shore when the tide is high. Look for structures like deep holes, troughs, and pockets for tarpons. They will be around the mouths of those structures looking for baitfish. Cast out your line and when a fish is on, reel it in fast to maintain control of the fish.

How To Catch Tarpon In Canals

When fishing for tarpon in canals, cast close to the fish after it rolls. Let the jig sink to about one-third of the way down, then begin the retrieve. After hitting your target depth, quickly snap the rod tip two times. This will make the lure quickly dart upwards.

Then let the jig sink with a slack line. Sight-casting at rolling fish with a vertical jigging presentation works very well. A light tackle like a 7-foot medium 12 to 17-pound rod with a 3000 to 5000-size reel with a 20-pound braid and 40-pound fluorocarbon line will work.

How To Catch Tarpon At Night

Tarpons can often be found in the inlets at night. They are less wary during the night and you can easily catch a trophy tarpon during the night. Tarpon waits for crabs, shrimp, and other baits to be washed off of the flats and sand bars with the outgoing tide.

You can use ladyfish, mullet, crabs, and large silver spoons to catch tarpons as they focus on these baits with the tide. For large tarpons, about 100 pounds or larger, an 8500 series reel and a 7 1/2 foot medium/heavy fast action rod with an 80-pound braid and a 100-pound leader will work.

How To Catch Tarpon In Tampa Bay

When fishing for tarpon off of Tanba Bay, anglers usually set up about 100 yards off the sand and watch out for tarpon that comes rolling on the surface. When spotted, anglers will move the boat within casting distance, thanks to a quiet trolling motor. Always throw the bait ahead of the Tarpon and slowly retrieve it toward the boat.

Don’t slow down if a Tarpon shows interest. And be prepared for the fight that will ensue. If the school passes by you, don’t cast on top of them out of desperation while they are moving away as this action will only spook them.

You can catch tarpon using live bait and lures. Live crabs, pinfish, mullet, ladyfish, and greenbacks are used when fishing for tarpon in Tamba Bay. Swimbaits and paddle tail lure work well when fishing for tarpon.

How To Catch Tarpon In The Keys

When fishing for Tarpon In Florida, look for a bend or deep holes. Then anchor the up-current and let your bait drift back to the bend or deep hole. Additionally, channels with outgoing water flow will be good areas to fish for Tarpon.

Crabs, mullet, pinfish, pilchards, and shrimp work well as bait when fishing for tarpon in the keys. Trolling, fly fishing, and, sight casting, are fishing methods used when fishing for tarpon.

Tarpon Tackle

For a large tarpon weighing 60 pounds or more on the beach, a 6500 series reel and a 7-foot medium/heavy fast action rod with a 50-pound braided line and a 60 to 100-pound leader will work for catching large tarpons off the beach.

Best Baits For Tarpon

1. Shrimp

Shrimp can be a highly effective bait for targeting tarpon, especially in areas where these fish are known to feed on smaller crustaceans. When using shrimp as bait, anglers typically rig them on a large, sturdy hook with enough weight to keep them near the desired depth.

The presentation of the shrimp can vary depending on the fishing method employed, whether it’s live bait fishing, drift fishing, or even fly fishing. Live shrimp can be particularly enticing to tarpon due to their natural scent and movement in the water.

Anglers may fish shrimp near structures such as bridges, docks, or mangroves, where tarpon are likely to feed. Tarpons have keen senses and are skilled hunters, so presenting a live or fresh shrimp in a natural manner can often lead to success in enticing these powerful fish to strike.

2. Pinfish

Pinfish are a popular bait choice among anglers targeting tarpon, especially in coastal and estuarine environments where these baitfish are abundant. Pinfish are known for their durability and lively swimming action, making them an enticing meal for hungry tarpon.

Anglers typically rig pinfish on large hooks, either live-lined or suspended beneath floats, depending on the fishing conditions and preferences. Live pinfish can be particularly effective when presented near structures or along current edges where tarpon is likely to feed.

The natural scent and movement of pinfish can attract tarpon from a distance, drawing strikes from these powerful game fish. Anglers often use pinfish as part of a live bait presentation strategy, complementing other bait options to increase their chances of hooking into a trophy-sized tarpon.

3. Mullets

Mullets are widely regarded as one of the top bait choices for targeting tarpon, prized for their availability and attractiveness to these voracious predators. These baitfish are often found in coastal waters, marshes, and estuaries, making them readily accessible to anglers pursuing tarpon in various environments.

Mullet are known for their strong swimming abilities and robust size, making them a substantial meal for tarpons of all sizes. Anglers typically rig mullet on stout hooks, either live-lined or suspended beneath floats, depending on the fishing conditions and preferences.

Live mullets are particularly effective when presented near structures, along current edges, or in areas where tarpon is known to congregate. The natural scent, movement, and size of mullet make them highly enticing to tarpon, often resulting in explosive strikes that thrill anglers. Whether targeting juvenile or trophy-sized tarpon, mullets are a go-to bait option for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of these acrobatic game fish.

4. Crabs

Crab is another effective bait choice for targeting tarpon, particularly in areas where these fish feed on crustaceans. Crabs, such as blue crabs or fiddler crabs, are naturally occurring prey for tarpon and can be highly attractive when presented properly.

Anglers often rig crabs on stout hooks and allow them to drift naturally with the current or suspend them beneath floats near areas where tarpon is known to feed. Crabs offer a different profile and scent compared to other bait options, providing anglers with a versatile choice depending on the fishing conditions and preferences.

Live or fresh-crab baits can elicit aggressive strikes from tarpon, especially when presented in areas with structure, channels, or flats where tarpon is likely to forage. While not as commonly used as other bait options, crabs can be highly effective in enticing tarpon to strike and provide anglers with an exciting challenge when targeting these powerful game fish.

5. Ladyfish

Ladyfish, also known as tenpounders, can be an excellent bait choice for targeting tarpon. These baitfish are often abundant in coastal waters and are readily available for anglers seeking to hook into tarpon. Ladyfish have a sleek, slender profile that closely resembles other baitfish commonly preyed upon by tarpon, making them a natural and enticing option.

Anglers typically rig ladyfish on sturdy hooks and present them either live or as cut bait, depending on the fishing conditions and preferences. When rigged properly, ladyfish can be highly effective in enticing tarpon to strike, particularly in areas where tarpon are actively feeding on smaller baitfish.

Their lively swimming action and strong scent can attract tarpon from a distance, increasing the chances of hooking into these powerful game fish. Additionally, ladyfish are relatively hardy and can withstand the rigors of fishing in various environments, making them a popular choice among anglers targeting tarpon in coastal waters.

6. Pilchards

Pilchards, also known as scaled sardines or whitebait, are a favored bait among anglers targeting tarpon. These small, silvery fish are abundant in many coastal areas and are highly sought after for their effectiveness in enticing tarpon strikes.

Pilchards have a natural shimmer that closely resembles the appearance of many baitfish tarpon preys upon, making them an enticing option for anglers. When rigged on a hook, either live or as cut bait, pilchards emit a strong scent that can attract tarpon from a distance.

Their lively swimming action and natural appearance make them irresistible to tarpon, especially when presented in areas where these game fish are known to congregate. Pilchards are often fished using various methods such as free-lining, under floats, or with a light sinker, depending on the fishing conditions and angler preferences. Overall, pilchards are prized for their ability to entice tarpon strikes and are a go-to bait for many anglers pursuing these acrobatic game fish.

7. Shad

Shad, a type of herring fish found in freshwater and coastal waters, can be an effective bait for targeting tarpon. These baitfish are prized by anglers for their oily flesh and strong scent, which can attract tarpon from a distance. Shad are typically rigged either live or as cut bait, with the latter often being preferred due to its ease of use and ability to release more scent into the water.

When rigged properly, shad can mimic the natural prey of tarpon, making them irresistible to these large game fish. Anglers often fish with shad using various techniques such as drifting, slow trolling, or bottom fishing, depending on the location and conditions. While not as commonly used as other baitfish like mullet or pilchards, shad can still be a valuable addition to an angler’s arsenal when targeting tarpon in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

8. Greenbacks

Greenbacks, also known as threadfin herring, are a popular bait choice for targeting tarpon, especially in coastal waters of Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States. These baitfish are prized for their silvery coloration and lively swimming action, making them highly attractive to predatory fish like tarpon.

Greenbacks are typically rigged either live or as cut bait, with live bait being preferred for their natural movements and scent trail. Anglers often use specialized rigs such as a sliding cork or free-line setup to present greenbacks effectively to tarpon. These baitfish are commonly found in shallow flats, estuaries, and along coastal beaches, where tarpon is frequent in search of prey.

When targeting tarpon with greenbacks, anglers may employ a variety of techniques such as drift fishing, slow trolling, or casting near structures and feeding areas. Overall, greenbacks are a versatile and effective bait option for anglers pursuing tarpon in both saltwater and brackish environments.

9. Threadfins

Threadfin herring, commonly referred to as threadfins, are highly sought-after baitfish for targeting tarpon in coastal waters. These slender, silver-colored fish are prized for their natural swimming action and are often used both live and as cut bait.

Threadfins are particularly effective in enticing tarpon due to their lively movements and shimmering appearance, which mimics the natural prey of these powerful game fish. Anglers typically rig threadfins on specialized setups such as live bait rigs or Carolina rigs to present them effectively to tarpon.

These baitfish can be found in various habitats frequented by tarpon, including shallow flats, estuaries, channels, and nearshore waters. When using threadfins as bait for tarpon, anglers may employ tactics such as drift fishing, slow trolling, or anchored presentations near known tarpon hotspots. Overall, threadfins are a favored bait choice among tarpon anglers for their reliability and ability to attract trophy-sized fish.

Best Lures For Tarpon

1. Spoons

Spoons are versatile and effective lures for targeting tarpon in a variety of fishing scenarios. These metal lures typically feature a concave, spoon-shaped design that produces erratic movements and flashy vibrations when retrieved through the water. When targeting tarpon, anglers often opt for large, heavy spoons that can be cast long distances and sink quickly to reach deeper waters where tarpon may be holding.

The fluttering action and reflective surfaces of spoons mimic the appearance of baitfish, making them irresistible to hungry tarpon. Anglers commonly use a steady retrieve or a jigging motion to impart lifelike movement to the spoon, enticing the tarpon to strike. Spoons are particularly effective in open water, around structures such as bridges or piers, and in tidal currents where tarpon often feed.

Additionally, spoons can be rigged with single or treble hooks depending on angler preference and local regulations. Overall, spoons are a popular and reliable choice for tarpon fishing, offering anglers a chance to hook into these powerful and acrobatic game fish.

2. Jigs

Jigs are a versatile and effective lure choice when targeting tarpon in a variety of fishing conditions. These weighted lures typically consist of a lead head adorned with a soft plastic or feather skirt, often resembling a baitfish or shrimp. When targeting tarpon, anglers commonly use large, heavy jigs that can be cast long distances and sink quickly to reach deeper waters where tarpon may be holding.

The jig’s lifelike action and realistic appearance mimic the movements of natural prey, making it enticing to tarpon. Anglers can employ various retrieval techniques with jigs, including steady retrieves, jigging motions, and erratic twitches, to imitate wounded baitfish and trigger strikes from tarpon.

Jigs are particularly effective when fishing around structures such as bridges, piers, and submerged ledges, where tarpon often congregate to feed. Additionally, anglers can customize jigs with different colors, sizes, and trailer options to match local baitfish or shrimp species and adapt to changing fishing conditions. Overall, jigs are a popular and versatile lure choice for tarpon fishing, offering anglers the opportunity to entice these powerful game fish with lifelike presentations.

3. Swimbaits

Swimbaits are a popular lure choice among anglers targeting tarpon due to their lifelike swimming action and realistic appearance. These soft plastic lures typically mimic the shape and movement of baitfish, making them highly effective in enticing strikes from tarpon. Swimbaits come in various sizes, colors, and styles, allowing anglers to match the local baitfish species and adapt to different fishing conditions.

When targeting tarpon with swimbaits, anglers often rig them on jig heads or weighted swimbait hooks to achieve the desired depth and swimming action. The slow, steady retrieve mimics the natural movement of injured or fleeing baitfish, enticing tarpon to strike.

Swimbaits can be effectively fished in a variety of locations where tarpon is known to frequent, including flats, channels, mangrove edges, and nearshore reefs. Additionally, swimbaits can be cast or trolled, making them versatile lures for tarpon fishing in both shallow and deeper waters. Overall, swimbaits are a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box when targeting tarpon, offering a realistic presentation and enticing action that can entice these powerful game fish to bite.

4. Twitch Bait

Twitch baits are a popular lure choice for targeting tarpon, known for their erratic darting action and ability to mimic injured baitfish. These lures typically feature a slender profile and a diving lip, allowing them to dive to different depths depending on the retrieve speed and angle. Anglers often employ a twitching or jerking retrieve technique, causing the lure to dart and pause, imitating the movements of a wounded or struggling baitfish.

This erratic action can trigger aggressive strikes from tarpon, especially when the fish are actively feeding. Twitch baits come in various sizes, colors, and diving depths, allowing anglers to match the local baitfish species and fishing conditions. They can be effectively fished in a variety of locations where tarpon is found, including shallow flats, channels, bridges, and nearshore structures.

Twitch baits are versatile lures that can be cast or trolled, making them suitable for both shallow and deeper waters. Overall, twitch baits are a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box when targeting tarpon, offering enticing action and the potential to entice these prized game fish to strike.

5. Plastic Eel

Plastic eels are a popular lure choice for targeting tarpon, offering a lifelike appearance and enticing swimming action that mimics that of real eels, a favored prey of these powerful game fish. These lures typically come in various sizes and colors, ranging from naturalistic shades to vibrant hues, allowing anglers to match the local baitfish species and fishing conditions.

Plastic eels are often rigged on a weighted hook or jig head, providing the necessary weight for casting and allowing for a realistic swimming motion when retrieved. Anglers can employ a steady retrieve or a stop-and-go technique to impart enticing movements to the lure, imitating the natural behavior of fleeing or injured prey.

Plastic eels are effective in a variety of fishing environments where tarpon is found, including shallow flats, channels, bridges, and nearshore structures. They can be cast or trolled at different depths, making them versatile lures suitable for a range of fishing scenarios. With their lifelike appearance and enticing swimming action, plastic eels are a valuable addition to any angler’s arsenal when targeting tarpon, offering the potential to attract these prized game fish and elicit aggressive strikes.

6. Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits are an effective lure choice for targeting tarpon, offering versatility and the ability to imitate injured baitfish, a favored prey of these powerful game fish. These lures typically feature a slender, minnow-like profile and are designed to be twitched or jerked erratically through the water, mimicking the erratic movements of wounded prey.

Jerkbaits come in various sizes, colors, and diving depths, allowing anglers to match the local baitfish species and fishing conditions. Anglers can employ a variety of retrieval techniques, including a steady retrieve interspersed with sudden twitches or pauses, to impart lifelike movements to the lure. This erratic action can trigger aggressive strikes from tarpon, especially when they are actively feeding or in a predatory mood.

Jerkbaits are particularly effective when fishing in shallow water or around structures, where tarpon are known to congregate. With their realistic appearance and enticing action, jerkbaits are a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box when targeting tarpon, offering the potential to attract these prized game fish and elicit explosive strikes.

7. Poppers

Poppers are highly effective lures for enticing tarpon, offering anglers an exciting topwater presentation that can trigger explosive strikes. These lures typically feature a concave or cupped face, which creates a popping or splashing action when retrieved across the water’s surface.

The distinctive sound and commotion generated by poppers mimic the distress signals of wounded baitfish, attracting the attention of nearby tarpon. Anglers can impart action to the lure by twitching or jerking the rod tip during the retrieve, causing the popper to splash and dart erratically.

This erratic movement often proves irresistible to tarpon, especially in low-light conditions or when the fish are actively feeding near the surface. Poppers are particularly effective when targeting tarpon in shallow water, around mangroves, flats, or along the edges of channels.

Their loud surface commotion and visual appeal make them a favorite among anglers seeking thrilling topwater action. By mastering the art of working a popper, anglers can increase their chances of enticing tarpon to strike and experiencing heart-pounding battles with these powerful game fish.

8. Soft Plastics

Soft plastics are versatile and effective lures for targeting tarpon in a variety of conditions and environments. These lures typically mimic the appearance and movement of baitfish, shrimp, or crabs, making them irresistible to hungry tarpon.

Soft plastic lures come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing anglers to match the prevailing forage species or experiment with different presentations. Rigged on a weighted jig head or weedless hook, soft plastics can be worked at various depths and retrieved with a variety of techniques, including steady retrieves, hops, twitches, and pauses.

This flexibility allows anglers to adapt their approach to the specific behavior and preferences of the tarpon, whether they are cruising along the surface, holding in deeper water, or lurking around the structure. Soft plastics are particularly effective when targeting tarpon in areas with heavy vegetation or structure, where other lures may get snagged or fouled.

By imparting lifelike action and scent, soft plastics can entice even finicky tarpon to strike, making them a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box when pursuing these prized game fish.

Tarpon Fishing Tips

1. One of the best ways to catch tarpon is with dead bait on the bottom.

2. Tarpons can be found on beaches, inlets, basins, creek mouths, deep holes, troughs, freshwater rivers, canals, spillways, and grass flats.

3. Have a lot of braided lines on the spool because tarpon can strip off 100 yards easily.

4. Be on the lookout for pelicans and terns circling the beach or diving in near the shore. That is a sign that there are tarpons around and the birds are targeting them.

5. Always downsize your lures to match the hatch. If the birds that are diving into the waters are small white birds, then the baits are glass minnows or small pilchards. If the birds diving into the waters are larger birds like pelicans, then the bait could be mullets and you want to match the hatch also.

6. Tarpon likes to hunt in the inlets at night.

7. When all other baits are not delivering tarpons, use dead baits.

8. Tarpon has very good vision, yet anglers are more successful fishing for them in low light conditions like at night, dawn and dusk, and overcast days.

9. Tarpon is not a big fan of wind. They will quickly disappear when the wind starts making waves.

10. Trolling can be used to fish for tarpon when fishing from a boat.

11. You can put your fly fishing skills to good use fishing for tarpon if you are up for the challenge. Fly fishing for tarpon requires skill, strength, and patience.

12. Drifting can be used to fish for tarpon especially when they are not in the inlets and passes and they go into deeper waters.

13. During the tide, position yourself up-current and let your bait move to the fish.

14. Use sharp hooks. Tarpon has a bony mouth and you need very sharp hooks to go through the mouth and hook in.

15. Chumming can be used to fish for tarpon when you are on a boat.

16. Cast often and in front of a single tarpon.
 

17. When using shrimp, cast towards the fish and let the bait slowly sink in front of the tarpon.

18. Slowly retrieve spinning lures and plugs allowing them to sink. Then pull the rod tip and reel in the slack.

19. Artificial lures are most effective on flats.

20. If you are fishing with lures or jigs, make sure they are not weighted for them to hang below the hook when the line or leader is held vertically.

21. When you feel the bite on the line, take in the slack line and wait until you feel the weight, and strike hard two times. Additionally, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. This will ensure the bait is completely in the fish’s mouth.

22. If using hard lures, strike as soon as you feel the weight at the end of your line.

23. Tarpon will roll on its side when it gets tired of high jumps, somersaults, and gill-rattling.

24. Spring and Summer are the best times to fish for tarpon.

25. When fishing for tarpon, use live bait with a circle hook for the best chance of catching them.

26. When you get a tarpon hooked, it will start jumping and somersaulting in the air. You have to immediately drop the rod tip to make the line slack. This maneuver is called “bowing to the king”.

27. Once it re-enters the water, raise the rod and reel the line tight.

28. Once the jumping has ceased, put as much pressure as possible and change the angles often. This disorients the fish and helps you get it in quickly.

29. If you let the tarpon rest during the fight, it will recharge and be up for a second fight. You want to avoid that and reel it in when it is exhausted.

30. Sight-casting at rolling fish with a vertical jigging presentation works very well when fishing tarpon in canals.

The Bottom Line

Tarpon is an inshore fish that can often be found very close to the shore looking for shrimps, crabs, mullets, and other baitfish. They grow to be very large, over 7 feet and 300 pounds, and live in fresh and saltwater. It is a favorite game fish for anglers because of its size and antics when hooked.

If you are also interested in catching other fish like halibut, California corbina, and Jack crevalle, then read how to catch halibut, how to catch California corbina, and how to catch Jack crevalle. We hope you will pick up a few tips from those articles that will improve your fishing skills.