When most people think of tarpon fishing, they think of the Florida Keys. While this is certainly a fantastic location to catch tarpon, we have our fair share in Central Florida. Tarpon can be caught in this region from April through November. The fish can range from 5 pounds to 200 pounds and can be taken on a variety of artificial lures and live baits.
Along the Space Coast beaches and inlets, large adult tarpon can be found crashing the bait schools during the annual mullet run each spring and fall. Resident fish can also be found cruising the beach from the surf out to 60 feet of water throughout the summer and will commonly be shadowing bait pods of menhaden, glass minnows and sardines. Although many of these fish will be in the 50-70 pond class, there are many topping 100 pounds. Stout rods and quality reels are a must in order to land these fish quickly enough to allow them sufficient energy to escape the many sharks upon their release.
Throughout the Indian and Banana River Lagoons, as well as the Mosquito Lagoon, tarpon can be found cruising the flats, in channels, and the many residential and mosquito control canals. These fish are generally juveniles in the 5-40 pound class although larger fish are possible. These fish can be caught on small jigs, swimming plugs, topwater plugs, flies, and a variety of baitfish such as mullet, sardines, menhaden and pinfish. These fish do not require the use of heavy tackle and can be taken with medium spinning outfits with 40 pound leader. At the southern end of the region one will find the St. Sebastian River which is home to hundreds of these juvenile tarpon throughout the year.
Tarpon are one of my favorite fish to pursue. They provide tailwalking acrobatic displays and drag screaming runs. Another bonus to tarpon fishing is the lack of crowds commonly encountered on the redfish and trout flats. Click here for some of my tarpon fishing tips.
Fishing Near Orlando Florida with Capt. Chris Myers 321-229-2848