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Tarpon season is in full swing along the Florida coast, and outdoor expert James Buice joins the Carolina Outdoors to discuss. Our go-to for outdoor sports like fishing, dove hunting, and more, James talks about the migratory tarpon fish, how weather and tides play a part in fishing, and how to handle the fish.
What to Know:
- Tarpon are in the Florida Keys year-round, but more migratory fish can be found in the spring and summer.
- Tarpon fishing is popular in part because of the “eat” and strength of the fish. They are known for jumping and fighting when they take a hook, and are very strong. James says “the only thing that would make them cooler is if they roared when they jumped”!
- One of the most popular tarpon flies is the Cockroach Fly. James also likes splayed-tail flies and big black flies for tarpon.
- Tides are important to pay attention to because tarpon swim certain areas on certain tides.
- Pay attention to moon phases as well – during a full moon, tarpon will go offshore to spawn. After the full moon cycle finishes, fish will come back into shore and will be hungry.
- Etiquette Tips from James: Get the fish landed quickly. Keep any fish over 40 inches in the water when taking photos with it. Keep the fish wet. If you see a shark on the tarpon, break off immediately.
Going tarpon fishing this summer? Jesse Brown’s is Charlotte’s one-stop shop for all things fly fishing. Find saltwater rods, reels, tarpon fly line, Cockroach flies, and more online or in-store.
