Tarpon

      Commonly known as Tarpon, the scientific name Megalops atlanticus is a perfect description of this fish. The root Mega means great, in terms of size. The average tarpon weighs about 40 or 50 pounds. The biggest Tarpon ever caught came in weighing 243 pounds. The Tarpon is a dark blue or green fish on the top with silver scales on both sides. The Tarpon are one of few fish to have a mouth that points upward. Tarpon have a dorsal fin, like sharks, but unlike sharks when Tarpon swim their fin does not stick out above the water. 

     Tarpon are a very fun fish to catch if you are looking for a fight. You will need a rod with strong line. If you do not have strong enough line the Tarpon will most likely break the line. Live bait works best when fishing for Tarpon. Pinfish, menhaden, and crab are usually a good choice. When fishing on a boat it is important to locate the Tarpon before you fish for them. Once you spot a school, do not get within 100 yards of them. Cut off your boat and drift over to the fish. Once you near the fish cast out your line and wait for the big bite. 

     There are two main areas that are good for catching Tarpon. Fishing under bridges, and fishing along the beach. When fishing along the beach it is best to go about one or one and a half miles out. It is very vital that you arrive at your fishing spot before sunrise in order to catch the most fish. Another spot to catch Tarpon is under bridges on your boat. The only difference between fishing the beaches and fishing the bridges is when your fishing the bridges you can anchor your boat and sit still. 

     Tarpon is a very big fish but the meat is also very bony. Due to the all the bones in the meat Tarpon is rarely eaten. If you had the urge to eat Tarpon you can substitute in Tarpon for another fish in a fish recipe, but this is not recommended. 

Works Cited

"How To Catch Tarpon." Tampa Bay Fishing - Tampa Bay Fishing Reports - Tampa Bay Charter Guides- Tampa Bay Fish. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. <http://www.tampabayangler.com/tarpon.htm>.

"Tarpon, Fish Identification." Indian River County, Florida - Home Page. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. <http://indian-river.fl.us/fishing/fish/tarpon.html>.